SANA SHAIKH, Author at GOQii

Sana Shaikh is a qualified dietitian. But, being result oriented was never a motivation factor for her. She focuses on changing and motivating people to start leading a healthy lifestyle and avoid the risk of acquiring several lifestyle related disorders. After becoming a Biotechnologist, she gained interest in the field of nutrition and completed her PG Diploma in the same. She also worked at Asian Heart Institute as a Dietitian for some time, wherein she helped people asses their nutritional status and guide them towards a healthy lifestyle modification; post-surgery. She is a passionate mehendi artist and indulges in the same for stress – busting. Apart from this she loves reading and listening to music. With the thought of “Prevention is better than cure”, her aim is to guide and motivate GOQii players to Eat Healthy and Stay healthy.

January 27, 2015 By SANA SHAIKH 5 Comments

Camomile Tea and its Benefits

Although tea drinking has been associated with health benefits for centuries, only in recent years have its medicinal properties been investigated scientifically. One must recognizes the healthy power of tea while getting the most out of their cups.

Tea’s health benefits are largely due to its high content of flavonoids — plant-derived compounds that are antioxidants.

Green tea benefits are known to many, but Camomile is yet to receive those kudos for its varied benefits that just a cup of it’s brew or the herb provides. Camomile is an ancient herb and has been in use since ages for its healing and soothing properties to fight problems ranging from alleviating stress to relieving an upset stomach.

Camomile, is a herb alike daisy. This flower is used in different forms to avail its benefits, ranging from a powdered preparation to brewing a cup of tea to using the used tea bags or tea leaves!

Let us see what are the multiple benefits of this little herb, that’s making it’s sipping a popular trend all over the world??

1.Sleep tea:

Camoile tea, off late has become extremely popular among the new generation, as they lead a fast paced and stressed life due to work pressures with increasing sleep deprivation.This tea is a good solution for all those insomniac’s or sleep deprived people!

Stress = Sleep disorders. Camomile = soothing, relaxing, sleep inducing effect!

A cup of steaming camomile tea is all you need 30 minutes prior to hitting the bed!

(Those who like cold tea, brew it hot and then cool it down. Savour and relax!)

2.Cold fighter :

I know it sounds strange but studies have shown that camomile has immune boosting elements, that boost up the immunity and help in keeping infections like common cold at BAY!

3.Upset Stomach:

Camomile tea can be used to relive the same. Brew yourself a steaming cup to get rid of that nauseous feeling, gassiness or to speed of your digestive track! It helps to relieve the discomfort, diarrhoea and is also a known remedy to cure colic in infants.

4.How about a pill free relief from those dreaded Menstrual cramps?

Yes, regular intake of camomile raises your amino acid glycine or ( IS IT GLYCOGEN) levels within the body and higher levels of glycine reduces muscle spasms and helps the uterus relax, thus relieving the cramps.

The tea is also considered to be an emmenagogue, and increases the flow of blood to the uterus and the pelvic region, thus helpful in cases of irregular menstrual cycle.

**HOWEVER, Pregnant women should those who are aiming to get pregnant should not have this tea as it can increase uterine contraction and lead to abortion.

5.Skin soother!

Apart from various health benefits, Camomile tea certain other benefits such as soothing an insect bite to a diaper rash or even sunburn.

It’s a well known remedy to soothe eczema and other skin infections.

6. That’s not all. It can effectively be used to give a lighten look to the brown hair by using it as a hair wash. Add it to your bath and unleash the spa experience.

It’s antioxidant rich. Not only these antioxidants boost the immune system but, also keep the body away from chronic diseases. It also exhibits anti-ageing properties.

It’s has anti inflammatory elements too.

Cold Camomile tea can be used as a gargle or mouth wash to relieve tooth ache, painful gums etc.

** Person can be allergic to it, so be cautious about its intake.

**It contains coumarine, so those on blood thinners or bleeding disorders, avoid taking it as it may increase the bleeding.

So still thinking?

Grab a cup ad brew yourself the hot steaming benefits of the Camomile!!

December 16, 2014 By SANA SHAIKH Leave a Comment

Alternate healthy options to COLA/SODA

What is that most crave when thirsty? An aerated cola drink. People think that aerated drink quenches thirst but that is so wrong. Instead, it gets people addicted to it and one largely craves for it due to the presence of varied components such as excess sugar, caffeine etc. One is so addicted to it that it becomes difficult to refrain from it and often end up drinking more than one in a single day. Over consumption of aerated drinks leads to various health disorders, the most common among them all is Obesity.

For all those craving for a cola here are some healthy options.

Flavoured Water: A good and healthy replacement to the calorie rich sodas/cola’s is flavoured water. One can prepare it easily by using natural flavourings and normal water. For example: Cut slices of fruit like oranges/ lemon/watermelon and add it to water to flavour it naturally. This water can be chilled to enhance its taste. Freeze small cut fruits in water or their pulp to form ice cubes. This same can be used to flavour the water .
Sparkling water: If you really can’t give up on soda instantly and like something fizzy to drink then you can try some sparkling water. This water is infused with carbon dioxide but is not as acidic as colas/other aerated drinks. There are flavoured sparkling water as well however avoid choosing them as they may contain more sodium and artificial flavours which are unhealthy.
Vegetable juice: There is also the healthy option of a vegetable juice. A fruit can also be added to the same. Vegetable juices provide your body with plenty of nutrients. For instance a carrot juice provides ample Vitamin A in the form of its precursor beta- carotene. Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that prevents cells from degenerating, helps to slow aging, and maintains a youthful appearance.
Soy Milk: If you are worried about the calories you can try the low fat options. Soy milk has varied health benefits. One of the several is improving calcium absorption and improving bone mass thus preventing osteoporosis. To gain the maximum benefits choose alternatives that are fortified with calcium and Vitamin D.
Green Tea (Hot/Iced): Green tea has become more popular and is easily available. With varied flavour options and health benefits it can become a popular cola/soda replacing drink!

So next time think before you grab that cola drink..

November 14, 2014 By SANA SHAIKH Leave a Comment

The small beneficial pod – Green Peas

It’s often said that “Good things come in small packages.” I came across one such small package. And indeed a familiar vegetable which is a power house of nutrients given to us by Mother Nature – ‘Green Peas’.

Green peas are botanically considered to be a fruit, but are often sold as a veggie. These are considered to be a poor man’s meat or a way to put some greens on the plate, but this native food provides us with array of benefits. Some of them are…

Peas are low calorie foods rich in proteins, fibre and other micronutrients. Thus making them an apt food, effective in weight management ensuring longer satiety levels.

Peas contain phytonutrients that are healthy for the body. One such phtyonutrient that is recently researched on is a polyphenol known as the coumestrol. A Study in Mexico City determined that only 2 milligrams per day of this phytonutrient is needed to prevent stomach cancer. A cup of peas gives you at least 10 miligrams.

Peas not only contains anti–inflammatory compounds but also anti –oxidants that help’s one to boost their immunity levels and prevent ageing. The presence of Vitamin C in good amounts just adds up to the benefits!

Recent studies have shown that this small package also holds alpha linolenic acid (ALA) precursor of the heart healthy omega –3. The combined effect of anti – oxidants+ omega-3 + anti–inflammatory compounds maintains heart health by promoting healthy blood vessels and preventing their blockage. Also the presence of B- vitamins like B1, B2, B3, B6 and folate help to reduce the homocysteine levels that is a risk factor for heart diseases.

Green peas are rich in Vitamin K essential to hold calcium within the bones. Thus, promoting bone health.

Being a good source of fibre relieves constipation.

These are environmental friendly, nitrogen fixers, do not require artificial fertilizers. After the crop is harvested the tender plant is used as an organic fertilizer.

So let’s gauge the essential nutrients from the tiny package of Mother Nature. Just one cup at a time and all the benefits are thine!

October 29, 2014 By SANA SHAIKH 4 Comments

Five Foods that help to Lower Blood pressure

Blood Pressure (BP) has now become a common ailment. Be it young or old almost everyone has BP issues. Infact, BP issues among young adults is on the rise thanks to the lifestyle that most lead! Some have low blood pressure and some high blood pressure issues.

High blood pressure is often considered harmful as it tends to have a negative effect on the heart and may increase the risk of stroke. It’s difficult to manage those BP pills to ensure maintenance of the pressure once diagnosed with elevated pressure levels.

A healthy change in lifestyle may prove beneficial in lowering the pressure levels as well as in maintaining them. Eating right is important during lifestyle modification and when managing pressure levels. This further may help in maintaining or reducing or even curbing the dosage of medicines!

Here are five foods that will help you lower your pressure levels:

Bananas: These are a rich source of potassium, cheap and available throughout the year. Have them as a on- the- go- snack. The potassium helps to curb the imbalance of electrolytes during high pressure.

Low fat or Skim Milk: The combination of Vitamin D and Calcium not only helps in reducing the pressure levels but also maintain the bone health. A glass a day is all what you need!

Whole Grain: Kick start your day with whole grain cereals as they not only provide you with nutrients and fibre that help in maintaining consistent energy levels but also lower the pressure levels.

Beet Juice: A glass of beetroot juice is proven to reduce pressure levels within few hours according to research. The nitrate present in it is known to lower the levels.

Dark chocolate: It is high in compounds that cause dilation of blood vessels i.e. flavonoids thus lowering the pressure. One small square piece is what one needs!

**Tip: Along with this lower the intake of salt and processed/packaged foods, exercise regularly and achieve a healthy stress free lifestyle!!