Archives for May 2019

May 31, 2019 By Tabassum Parveen 2 Comments

11 Real Reasons Why Tobacco is Bad!

LUNG CANCER! MOUTH CANCER! THROAT CANCER!

When we talk about smoking or chewing tobacco, the only thing that pops up is cancer. Apart from that, we have also heard about tobacco use causing COPD, heart disease, strokes and what not! Yet, smokers and tobacco chewers seem almost immune, if not indestructible as they continue to use tobacco day after day.

Maybe these conditions are extremes that arise after addictive, prolonged use of the substance. After all, we have all heard of that one grandpa who lived his entire life disease-free despite burning through a packet a day or that one aunt who is healthy despite smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Just because the effects aren’t immediate, doesn’t mean they are nonexistent.

While no amount of reasoning will help a tobacco user quit unless they choose to, here are some very real reasons why quitting tobacco today will be the best health move you can make!

1. It Cripples Your Sense of Smell and Taste

Tobacco consumption damages the sense of smell and the taste buds. Smell and Taste are connected to each other by a channel present at the roof of the throat to the nose. Without the sense of Smell, your food may turn tasteless. Blood vessels of Taste buds are also affected making your food less palatable. Quitting may help you enjoy your meals more!

2. Baldness

Toxins present in tobacco harm hair follicles, causing hair loss. It may also damage melanin, resulting in premature greying. Quitting tobacco reduces hair damage or hair loss to a very large extent.

3. Eye Problems and Blindness

Did you know that tobacco consumption can cause blindness? The nicotine present in tobacco causes AMD (Age Related Macular Degeneration) where a person loses central vision making it difficult to see and read things. Cataract is also common in people who consume tobacco. The retina is also affected which results in blindness.

4. Fertility Issues

This is a big one! Both men and women who consume tobacco may face fertility issues. Men’s sperm and Women’s egg get damaged due to the harmful chemicals present in tobacco. The DNA present in the sperm and the egg also get affected, resulting in an unhealthy baby or a baby with cleft lips or cleft palate. If you are trying to conceive, quitting 3 months prior will help a lot!

5. Buerger’s Disease

This disease is common in people using tobacco products. In the beginning, the arms and legs tend to become cold followed by pain in the legs, ankles and feet due to the thickening of blood vessels. In severe cases, ulcers are also noticed on the hands and feet. If infection due to the ulcers spread inside the arms and feet, doctors may advise amputation. There is no cure for this disease, and the only way to prevent this is by quitting tobacco products. Ouch!

6. Problems with Immunity

Consuming tobacco makes you more prone to infections by reducing immunity and depressing antibodies that fight infections. This results in body aches, pains and in severe cases, may result in rheumatoid arthritis.

7. Effect on Skin, Nails and Teeth

The harmful chemicals present in tobacco stain fingernails and the teeth of a user making them look yellowish. It is also an enemy of the skin as it makes you look older than your age. Quitting may help you look younger and retain the brighter side of your teeth and nails.

8. Loss of Hearing

Tobacco consumers are more likely to face hearing problems like tinnitus (ringing in ears) as nicotine results in narrowing of blood vessels present in the body. It also affects nerves present in the inner ear and also the neurotransmitter responsible for identifying noises. This makes you more sensitive to loud noises and more prone to noise related hearing loss.

9. Digestive Disorders

The digestive system converts food into nutrients which are supplied to various parts of your body. This ability is hindered upon tobacco consumption. A person may experience digestive issues such as heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome, crohn’s disease (inflammation of the intestines) and may even form gallstones. Quitting will improve digestive health drastically!

10. Disturbed Sleep

Consuming tobacco products affects one’s sleep cycle causing sleeping disorders such as sleep apnea or wakefulness. Quitting will improve your sleep quality and reduce sleeping disorders.

11. Wound Healing

Nicotine causes constriction of blood vessels. As a result, blood supply to body parts decrease and makes it difficult for a wound to heal.

Apart from these reasons, your social life can get affected too as many people find the smell of chewing tobacco and cigarette smoke very repulsive!

Clear the smoke and wipe the stains of an unhealthy lifestyle to breathe the freshness of a healthy one!

Was this article helpful? Did we miss out on anything? Do you have trouble quitting? Let us know in the comments below!

#BeTheForce

May 30, 2019 By Deepanshu Sharma Leave a Comment

The Healthy Supergrain That No One Knows

In India, this supergrain is called Rajgira (royal grain) or Ramdana (grain given by Lord Ram), for its amazing utility and health benefits. In English, it is known as Kingseed or Amaranth (derived from a word which means ‘never ending’ in Sanskrit). All these names are quite accurate.

Read on to know more about this wonderful grain!

What is Amaranth?

Amaranth is a weed which seems like a cereal. Hence, it is known as a pseudo-cereal. It is a small, round, light colored grain having a crunchy texture which can be eaten raw or in any other form just like wheat or rice.

It was first grown in Peru 8,000 years ago by the Aztec civilization. Today, it is grown all over the world, including India. It gained most of it popularity in the last 50 years when it was studied in the US for its health benefits.

What are the Benefits Derived from Amaranth?

Amaranth is truly a class apart from other grains and cereals. It has the highest energy per 100gm among all grains. When compared to wheat, it has twice the amount or more of minerals such as Iron, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium and Potassium in the cooked form while also having more of Proteins, Healthy Unsaturated Fats and B Vitamins.

Amaranth is also gluten free, which makes it suitable for the gluten intolerant. It is a more nutritious option than other substitutes like Sorghum (Jowar) and Finger Millet (Ragi).

Amaranth is one of the best plant sources of protein (14gm protein per 100gm). The protein content is almost similar to animal sources like cheese which makes it a must in vegan and vegetarian diets. It is rich in Lysine – an essential amino acid which is very rare in other vegetarian protein sources.

Amaranth also has the distinction of being the only grain having Vitamin C in it. The grain also has fairly high amounts of Albumin which is hard to find in plant foods. Moreover, one serving of uncooked Rajgira can give 105% of the total RDA of Manganese which is needed for normal brain and nerve functioning among other things in the body.

Apart from all these nutritional benefits, it has therapeutic benefits too. Rutin, a compound found in Amaranth gives relief from high blood pressure. Other constituents of this wonderful grain can also protect one from several forms of cancers. Being rich in fiber and free of gluten, it also aids people suffering from stomach issues.

How Do You Eat It?

It can be eaten either raw or in other forms like roasting, boiling, etc. Just like wheat, it can be made into a flour which can be used to make flatbread (rotis) too.

One must note that it has some compounds which inhibit the absorption of a few nutrients only when eaten in the raw form. When cooked in any form, these compounds are eliminated and it can be eaten without any worries.

Another big advantage of Amaranth is that it can also be eaten during fasting as it is not a cereal unlike wheat or rice. Being low in calories, high in proteins, vitamins and other vital minerals, it is substantially better than other options.

So go ahead and eat some Amaranth. You can even make flatbreads and use this superfood in your daily life!

#BeTheForce

May 29, 2019 By Tabassum Parveen Leave a Comment

How to Burn Body Fat & Keep it Off!

How many times have we pushed ourselves to our physical limits in order to get rid of excess body fat only to end up gaining it all over again? Keeping body fat off is a difficult task but it is not impossible. All you need is the right knowledge and this article has it!

Need to Burn Body Fat

There are many articles out there that will explain the need to burn body fat. What they do not take into account is the fact that muscle behaviour changes when body fat is burned. When you’re on a journey to lose weight, it is important to burn body fat as well as restoring body muscles in order to gain control over important body functions.

How to Burn Body Fat

1. Increase Protein Intake: The theory behind increasing protein intake is more the muscles, the more fat you will burn. Best is to start your day with good carbs and proteins as adding protein to breakfast will work on hunger hormones making you feel fuller for a longer time.

That’s the main reason why including protein helps in losing weight and keeping it off. If you don’t have a good protein source, add it. But remember that only protein intake excluding good carbs, fibre, vitamins and minerals may result in weight gain, as extra protein will get deposited, leading to weight gain.

Sources of protein that can be included in your daily lifestyle are quinoa, moringa, peanut butter, almond butter, nuts, seeds, legumes, beans, lean meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products like curd, yoghurt, cottage cheese, paneer, and soy products like tofu can be included.

2. Water Intake: The average water intake of a person is 2.17 liters. Water intake can be increased to 3 liters per day to prevent sunstroke and dehydration, especially in hot weather. Hydration is essentially important because your body will not burn fat when it is dehydrated.

Drinking a glass of water before meals act as an appetite suppressant, helping you keep extra fats from food at bay. Avoid sugary drinks like colas or other carbonated drinks. Instead, you can carry a chilled bottle of water containing chia seeds or basil seeds, mint leaves added with a little salt and a piece of jaggery to keep yourself hydrated and refreshed!

3. Foods with Fiber: Gut health is the key to maintain body weight and shrug off that extra fat from the body. Fiber not only helps in maintaining a healthy weight but also helps in reducing cholesterol and diabetic levels.

If you’re one of the folks who look for low-calorie foods, you can try broccoli, lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, mushrooms, green beans, zucchini, apples, popcorn, cucumber, spinach, oats and brown rice. They are good sources of fiber and they keep you full for longer.

Psyllium husk (Isapgol) is a great way to detox the system. It also helps in eliminating cholesterol and fat globules from the body. However, it needs to be consumed in moderation – half a teaspoon or 2 grams per day can be taken.

4. Cut down on Salt, Sugar and Refined Carbs: Everything in excess is harmful. Salt and sugar are basic needs of our lifestyle as it helps to maintain the pH level of blood. Excess salt results in water retention and may cause difficulty in losing weight. Similarly, excess sugar will affect your metabolism and causes joint pains and fatty liver problems.

This doesn’t mean we need to go tasteless! Moderation is the key to a healthier lifestyle. You need to avoid extra salts, sugars coming from processed food, junk food and refined carbs like white bread, white flour, sweetened beverages, bakery products, and uncovered street food. Instead, carry healthy snacks like fox nuts, goji berries, dry fruits, mix seeds, popcorn and also cut off any additional salt to your curds or salads.

Foods That Help in Burning Body Fat Faster

Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 or 2 tsp of apple cider vinegar mixed in lukewarm water works as a good healthy drink in the morning. It helps in burning extra fats from the body.
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil: Reducing your normal oil intake while consuming extra virgin cold pressed coconut oil benefits thyroid functioning and increases the body’s metabolic rate due to the presence of medium chain triglycerides. This helps burn body fat faster. Add it to your salads or once the curry is cooked. Do not heat it as this may result in losing its nutritive content.
Beverages: like green coffee, black coffee, oolong tea, green tea, chamomile tea, goji berries tea – all help in improving body metabolism and help in burning body fat faster. However, 2- 3 cup a day is advised as anything in excess is harmful.

Stress and Lack of Sleep Can Result in Weight Gain

Stress and sleep are often neglected when a person is burning body fat and tends to indulge in extra workouts. You only need to workout 3-4 times a week. Pushing yourself too hard will only result in stress and lead to weight gain. Jumping jacks, HIIT, planks, crunches, lunges with stretching and yoga helps in maintaining body shape with no stress and good quality sleep.

If mediation or deep breathing alone don’t help you relax, then opt for stress-busting foods like dark chocolate, nuts, seeds, bananas, and avocados. Do not negotiate with sleep. The lack of good quality sleep and stress slows down metabolism and causes weight gain.

To sleep peacefully keep your room dark, no heavy workout before sleep and stay off computer or phone screens at least an hour before you go to bed. Working on these minute lifestyle changes can greatly help you lose body fat and keep it off!

#BeTheForce

May 28, 2019 By Sanjana Shah Leave a Comment

This Wonder Fruit Can Keep You Cool!

We have all been experiencing the brunt of the unbearable heat this month. With temperatures soaring high, even a walk under the sun can be a strenuous experience. What if we told you that there was a way to cool your body naturally? Would you try it?

This fruit, grown only in the coastal regions of South India has powerful cooling abilities. You are all familiar with it. We are in fact talking about Kokum!

It’s scientific name is Garcinia Indica, and is mostly used in Gujarat, Maharashtra and other Southern regions. The Indian Spice Board has classified Kokum both as a spice as well as a fruit. Kokum as a fruit, is usually broken into half and dried. Colour ranges from purple to dark black. The darker the colour, the better it is. Dried Kokum usually stays for a year if placed in an airtight container.

Uses of Kokum

Culinary purpose: Kokum is known for its sour taste. It can be replaced for tamarind in dishes like Sambhar, coconut curries, fish curries, regular yellow Gujarati style dal. Two or three small dried kokums are enough to prepare a single dish.
As a coolant in summers: Kokum Sherbet and Solkadhi

Kokum Sherbet

A glass of Kokum Sherbet before you step out in the sun or once you come indoors will do wonders. Usually, you get ready-made Kokum pulp which needs to be diluted with water OR can prepare this kokum pulp at home. Here is the short method on how to prepare it at home:

Soak a cup of Kokum in water for 3-4 hours
Once soft, mash them and strain the liquid
In a pan, take the leftover Kokum pulp, add sugar (same amount as kokum), 1tsp of cumin seeds powder and salt as per taste
Stir and cook this mixture until sugar melts.
Add the strained Kokum water and cook for 5 more minutes
Let it cool and store the Kokum concentrate in a container

Solkadhi

This drink is made from coconut milk and Kokum. It is usually consumed with a rice preparation or it is drunk after meals. Here’s the method to prepare it at home:

Soak a cup of Kokum and keep it aside for 30 mins
Once soft, mash them and strain the liquid
Add half a glass of coconut milk to the liquid and stir well
Temper it with cumin seeds if you like

Kokum Butter

Used for cosmetic purposes only, Kokum Butter helps to unclog pores, kills bacteria, reduces acne and smoothens skin.

Kokum as a whole or its products like Kokum powder, oil, butter or Kokum rinds are all available. You can purchase Kokum Juice Concentrate by Savitur for a discount on the GOQii Health Store within the GOQii App.

Health Benefits of Kokum

Ayurvedic Uses: Eases the episodes of diarrhoea, dysentery and piles by fighting against bacteria like E. Coli. The cooling effect of Kokum helps in getting relief from burning sensations due to stomach ulcers. It fights against ulcer-causing bacteria Helicobacter Pylori.
Weight Management: Want to lose those extra kilos? Hydroxycitric Acid found in Kokum is an anti-obesity agent. It gives you a feeling of fullness and you end up eating less.
Anti-Cancer Effect: Garcinol, an antioxidant found in Kokum inhibits the growth of cancer cells.
Relieves Anxiety and Depression: Serotonin is a hormone. Hydroxycitric Acid in Kokum increases the level of this feel-good hormone, thereby reduces the anxiety.
Slows Down Skin Ageing: Kokum butter helps to smoothen the skin. It is found in various lip balms, creams and moisturizers. Ageing happens when an enzyme, Elastase breaks down the Elastin of skin (Elastin keeps your skin supple and intact). Kokum inhibits the action of Elastase and thereby stops the breaking of the pigment Elastin.

What are you waiting for? Go out there and stock up on this wonder Spice!

Was this article useful? Do you want to know more about Kokum? Write your queries down in the comments below!

#BeTheForce