Neha Kapoor, Author at GOQii

December 6, 2017 By Neha Kapoor 5 Comments

6 Magical herbs that can help you sleep

Do you have problems getting sleep at night? Sleep disorder is a common issue these days thanks to the work stress and bad lifestyles.

There are many people who face severe issues of sleep disorder and we find it difficult to help them fall asleep. Sleep is a key component of good health. They say humans need at least 8 hours of sleep a night to rejuvenate and restore their bodies. Unfortunately, in the days of stress, chaos, constant electronic bombardment, adrenal fatigue, and hormonal craziness we are seeing people generally getting less sleep, and the sleep they do get tends to be interrupted in some way. This means the sleep quality and quantity have a lot to be desired. Thankfully we have natural herbal allies to help us relax, rejuvenate, and come to a quiet place of rest and relaxation.

What herbs do you love for a restful night sleep?

Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry): It is an adaptogen with strong affinities towards the nervous system. It helps the body deal with stress and hormone fluctuations caused by stress, especially helping regulate cortisol levels at night time. Cortisol is what wakes you up at 2 am thinking about a million things at once and not being able to fall back asleep. Taking 500mg of Ashwagandha daily can help your body even out stress hormone levels which can help you get a good night sleep. It has also been shown to ease anxiety and depression.

Chamomile: It is a wonderful calming herb. It relaxes both the body (muscles) and the mind. It is also a wonderful gentle sedative. It is safe and effective for children. Chamomile tea sipped by a breastfeeding mother can soothe the baby after breastfeeding. Toddlers can sip chamomile tea with a little bit of honey before bedtime to calm them before bed. Adults can drink 2-4 cups of chamomile tea at the end of the day to help calm down before bedtime. Steep chamomile in hot water for 10 minutes in a tightly capped jar, strain and enjoy.

Chamomile oil can also be put in bath water (5-6 drops) to soothe overwrought nerves, diluted to 2% to make an excellent massage oil, or used as an inhalant.

Dose: Tea, 1 cup 2-3 x daily; Tincture, 30 drops 3 x daily.

Lavender is the herb everyone knows that is great for relaxing and calming the mind and body. The essential oil can be diffused in the evenings alone or combined with other relaxing essential oils to bring on a state of peace and relaxation. The leaves can be drunk as a tea, or added to food. It is great for insomnia, agitation and restlessness.

Lavender is a gentle strengthening tonic for the nervous system. A few drops of lavender oil added to a bath before bedtime are recommended for persons with sleep disorders. Additionally, the oil may be used as a compressor massage oil or simply inhaled to alleviate insomnia.

Dose: Tea, 1 cup 2-3 x daily; Essential oil–oil may be inhaled, massaged into the skin (use 10 drops essential oil per ounce of vegetable oil), or added to baths (3-10 drops).

Passionflower It’s a great herb for people who wake frequently throughout the night. It is a safe herb for most (excluding excessive use in pregnancy, especially in the first trimester), including children and can be taken in large doses frequently. It is used to promote a deep restful sleep and ease anxiety. Take 30-60 drops of passionflower tincture an hour before hitting the bed, and again at bedtime if you are not yet tired. The herb can be combined with others to make a wonderful night time tea as well.

Passionflower is used for minor sleep problems in both children and adults (Bruneton, 1995). It is an excellent sedative with no side effects even when used in large doses (Spaick, 1978).

Dose: Tea, 1 cup 3 x daily; Tincture, 30-60 drops 3-4 x daily.

These herbs can be combined to make a lovely relaxing night time tea that works for your specific needs. That is the great thing about herbs, some speak to you more than others. Those are typically the herbs that you should do some more work with to see if they fit with you.

Lemon balm its used primarily to lift mood and promote calmness and relaxation. Since depression is often related to insomnia, probably because of a lack of serotonin, lemon balm can help you achieve sleep by promoting mental and physical health. Several studies have confirmed its sedative effects, however, it should be noted that too high of a dosage (1800 milligrams) actually increased anxiety. Here, it is made into a mild, uplifting, and relaxing tea.You will need…

-2 tablespoons of dried lemon balm, or 8-10 tablespoons of fresh lemon balm
-2 teaspoons dried chamomile
-Honey to taste (optional)
-8 ounces of fresh water

Directions-Place the loose herbs in a mug and cover with 8 ounces of boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes, strain, and drink 30-45 minutes before bed.

California Poppy, This is a great herb for insomnia due to restlessness and anxiety (and it’s safe and gentle enough for children). This herb not only helps you to fall asleep, it improves the quality of your sleep as well. A tincture is the most powerful way to take this. Try 30-40 drops twice daily (the second dose close to bedtime).

At GOQii our coaches’ help with tips to get quality sleep as this will go a long way to help protect mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety.

August 19, 2016 By Neha Kapoor 1 Comment

Guide to pick healthy dishes from different cuisines

Eating out is a fashion or trend?

Today, most of us enjoy eating out and going to the restaurant is very common trend.

If you are a regular restaurant visitor you need to discipline yourself as it takes toll on your weight and impacts your health.

The biggest problems we faced while eating out are increased fascination towards outside food and eating in large portions. You can make the outing healthier by selecting the right food for yourself from different cuisines. It will help you in making eating out a joyful experience. This joyful journey starts with our very own “GPRS tool’ which resolves and simplifies all your food related queries.

G-Grilled, P- Poached, R-Roasted, S- Steamed

Select healthier meals from

(I) North Indian Food

We all love to try different cuisines among which North Indian foods is quite famous.

When we you go out choose low fat gravies and food without the cheese. Prefer more starters which have been roasted or grilled chose tandoori food.

1- Avoid curries which contains the highest amounts of fat. If you need to opt for it take out the pieces from it and have it ignoring the gravy. Food like (Lentils made in Butter) dal makhnai and other preparation with cream are rich in fat. Whenever you tend to eat it avoid top portion and take from the bottom as fat floats on the top and can impact our weight leading to various diseases. Eat in moderation.

2- Avoid friend breads (parathas ,puris). And Pulao. Opt for chapatti and steamed rice or tandori roti which is preferable to bread made of refined flour.

3- Have more baked products.

(II) South Indian meals

1- Go for big Idlis or large plain dosa. If possible go for lentil (dal) based filling avoid potato based fillings as they are contain fat layer.

2- Lentil based puffs (Dal Vada) well squeezed and drained on tissue also makes a good choice. Complement it with good veggies and green salad.

3- Non -Veg chicken, fish, prawns along with measured portion of grains/cereals is a good choice.

4- Keep yourself away from deserts as they are rich in sugar.

Today’s trendy and kids favorite Chinese food.

1- Start meals always with large helping soups without thickening sweet corn, noodles etc.

2- Go easy on fluid appetizer.

3- Order steamed rice instead of fried rice.

4- Always follow half plate rule. Fill mostly half the plate with green veggies and salad.

5- Light stir fried vegetables, tofu, chicken, fish, are good choices and very must satisfactory.

6- Reduce high salt food as it contains too much of sodium.

(III) Italian Cuisine

Skip bread and breadsticks. Ask for olives or a salad. Choose grilled sea food, lean meats, and breasts of chicken with extra vegetables added to it.
Chose a thin crust Pizza over the regular one. Two slices are good to eat.
Opt for tomato gravy as white gravies are rich in fat and serves extra calories.
Add a dash of parmesan cheese or olives to add taste and make you feel satiated.

Greek and Lebanese

1- Go for chicken kebabs/fish with salad. Resist pitas and wraps as they have high carbs.

2- Avoid heavy deserts.

Mexican food

1- Order sour cream and guacamole on the side and top it with low fat salad.

2- Order soft food rather than crispy as the food is fried for the crispness.

3- Go easy on Nachos and cheese. Order low fat soups.

4- Good choices include rice and beans and tamales, tostadas and stuffed with vegetables and shrimp or chicken.

I assure you this blog is going to help everyone reading it to make the right and healthy choices while they are out in restaurants. Keep enjoying life but, not at the cost of your health.

July 12, 2016 By Neha Kapoor 1 Comment

Can we replace white rice?

Are you a white rice eater and looking to cut your rice intake but, findings it hard to do so? The best way to cut down on rice is to replace it with millets. Millets are also called wonder or magical grains. However, these wonder grains are not much recognized and used in today’s world of junk food and where refined flour has captured the whole market. Millet is full of nutrients your body needs, such as: Magnesium, Calcium, Manganese, Tryptophan, Phosphorus, Fiber, B vitamins, Antioxidants.

Most people have not even heard of millet forget knowing the benefits of millet nutrition. And yet, millet is one of the best-kept secrets of our ancient ancestors. Traced back to its origin, millet has been used throughout the ages and across many countries.

For centuries millet has been a prized crop in China, India, Greece, Egypt and Africa, used in everything from bread to couscous, and as cereal grain.

Some of the key reasons millet is part of your healthy Body Ecology diet is because it is:

*Highly nutritious – ideal for children

*Acts as a prebiotic to feed important micro-flora in your inner ecosystem

*Provides serotonin to calm and soothe your moods.

*Helps hydrate your colon to keep you regular.

*Great energy source – ideal for athletes

*Complete protein source when combined with legumes – ideal for a vegetarian diet

*Is alkaline.

*High amounts of fiber

*Rich in photochemicals including phytic acid, which is believed to lower cholesterol, and phytate, which is associated with reducing cancer risks.

*All Millet varieties show high antioxidant activity.

*Millet helps to control Blood sugar and Cholesterol.

*Digests easily.

*Millet Consumption decreases Triglycerides and C-Reactive Protein.

VARAGU/KODU MILLET The fiber content of this whole grain is very high. Varagu rice has around 11% protein, and the nutritional value of the protein has been found to be slightly better than that of Thinai but, comparable to that of other small millets. As with other food grains, the nutritive value of Varagu rice protein could be improved by supplementation with legume protein. It has high source of Protein, Calcium, fiber and Minerals. It can reduce body weight. Varagu increases Liver functionality and good for lympatic disorder.

THINNAI RICE/ FOXTAIL MILLET: Thinai is fairly tolerant of drought; it can escape some droughts because of early maturity. Due to its quick growth, it can be grown as a short-term cash crop. It is adapted to a wide range of elevations, soils and temperatures. Its grain is used for human consumption. Rich in protein and minerals, increases kidney functionality. Best for muscle strength and hormonal imbalances.

FINGER MILLET/RAGI- Foxtail millets are ideal for reducing the cholesterol of the body, controlling blood sugar and aiding metabolism rate. It is highly rich in anti-oxidation, which removes all the acidic elements away from the body. Foxtail millets are also high in dietary fiber, which aids in proper breakdown of food and complete digestion. Ragi flour can be used in many different ways to make Roti, porridge and dosa or idli (steamed panckaes). It has thirty times as much calcium as rice, more than ten times as much fiber.

KUTHIRAIVALI RICE/PEARL MILLET: This particular variety is 6 times more nutritious than wheat. Rich in Protein, fiber, minerals and iron compared to all other grains. Good for Heart related problems, Anemic, Menstural Disorder and Diabetics.

SAAMAI RICE/LITTLE MILLET Samai is another reliable cash crop in view of its earliness and resistance to adverse agro-climatic conditions. Samai is suitable for all ages. Samai trend constipation. Stomach related diseases and improves Men’s sperm production. Diabetic patients and in women it could be a good idea for all periods and imaginary problems. Samai is rich in fiber, helps reducing fat, good for bones and muscles.

Millets can be used to make many simple and easy recipes to replace white rice and has many healthy nutrients that makes the dishes more yummy by adding new flavor to them.

November 24, 2015 By Neha Kapoor 1 Comment

Foods for Breast Cancer Prevention

Healthy eating is not something doctors of today promote among their patients to overcome their illness. Making couple of changes in the food and lifestyle can be more beneficial and helpful rather than undergo some life threatening treatments like Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy. One can lower their risk for breast cancer by reaching for the right foods. A woman can cut her chance of cancer by good nutrition and weight management.

Let us look at some of the foods that can help

Broccoli

Sulforaphane—a compound in broccoli—reduces the number of breast cancer stem cells (which cause cancer spread and recurrence). Eating broccoli may not deliver enough sulforaphane to achieve the same effect, but to get the most you can eat your broccoli raw or briefly steam or stir-fry the green florets.

Salmon

Taking fish-oil supplements for at least 10 years can shrink your risk of ductal carcinoma, the most common type of breast cancer. Omega-3 fats in fish oil reduce inflammation, which may contribute to breast cancer. A person can eat about 8 ounces of oily fish (salmon, sardines, tuna) a week.

Walnuts

Walnuts may thwart the growth of breast cancer. Experts think walnuts’ anti-inflammatory properties—which could come from the omega-3 fat alpha-linolenic acid, phytosterols or antioxidants—may give them their tumor-fighting potential.

Olive Oil

It has been found that the olive oil’s antioxidants and oleic acid (a mono-unsaturated fat) quelled growth of malignant cells.

Plums & Peaches

Plums and peaches have antioxidant levels to rival “superfood” blueberries—and that they contain two types of polyphenols (antioxidants) that may help kill breast cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact.

Aloevera Juice

Aloe Vera contains at least 6 natural ingredients which act as ´anti-inflammatory agents, reducing inflammation, one of the precursors to cancer. Ingredients to make juice– 3Leaves of Aloe Vera + 50gm Honey + 50 gm Brandy.

Method- Peal the thorns of Aloe Vera after cleaning it nicely and grind it. Mix honey and Brandy. Shake well and store it in a Refrigerator in a glass bottle. Drink 1-2 teaspoon empty stomach.

Graviola Extract– Although graviola has some side effects but it is a boon for cancer patients. Consuming the fruit once a month is the best way to avoid the side effects.
Nutrition and Cancer confirms the cancer- inhibiting phytochemicals in graviola. Scientists at Virginia Tech demonstrated that graviola fruit extract (juice) could reduce the growth of cancer on the skin of breast cancer patients without damaging healthy breast tissue. It can lead to Parkinson’s disease but eating in moderation has no such side effects.

Flax seeds –Flax demonstrates antiproliferative effects in breast tissue of women at risk of breast cancer. Increased cell death (apoptosis) within their tumors.

Wheat Grass– Due to its potent detoxifying properties, wheatgrass works to keep the blood clean and oxygenated as well as increase the red blood cell count. Cancer thrives in a low-oxygen environment, so the wheatgrass contributes to cancer prevention. Also it improves circulation, digestion, reduce fatigue, and boost immunity.

Beans and lentils– Fiber-rich foods help flush excess amounts of estrogen out of your body during digestion. Your gut also breaks down fiber itself into cancer-fighting fragments.

Cur Cumin Tablets– Cur cumin has the ability to modulate genetic activity and expression—both by destroying cancer cells and by promoting healthy cell function. It also promotes anti-angiogenesis, meaning it helps prevent the development of additional blood supply necessary for cancer cell growth.

Vitamin C, A, E and Selenium (Se)

Vitamin C’s anti cancer properties are scavenging cancer causing free radicals such as hydrogen peroxide to prevent lipid peroxidation, neutralizing carcinogenic chemicals, enhancement of immunoglobulin IgA, IgM etc. Se antioxidant property protects the body against environmental and chemical sensitivities and their immune functions enhance the body’s antibacterial and antiviral defences.

Vitamin E is effective in decreasing the risk of colon cancer and inhibits breast cancer tumors, reducing the severity of liver cancer and also restoring the cellular immune system. Vitamin A and carotenoids antioxidants and immune stimulatory property have developed synergistic cancer treatment application.

6 Magical herbs that can help you sleep

Guide to pick healthy dishes from different cuisines

Can we replace white rice?

Foods for Breast Cancer Prevention

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