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Steam or Sauna- which is better for health

steamsauna

After a long tiring day or a hectic week, we all deserve to relax and rejuvenate ourselves and get pampered. There is no better way to do this than by visiting a health spa/gym with a steam room and sauna? Isn’t it?

Did you know that there are health benefits to using a sauna or steam room?

But, in the Sauna vs Steam room debate—which treatment wins?

Steam bath also called as Turkish style bath provides moist heat. The temperature in a steam room may range from 100 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, but it may feel warmer because of the high humidity.

The gentle warming of the muscles through steam treatment is increasingly found to improve your health and feeling of well-being. The steam room helps to open up airways which improve your breathing and alleviates congestion. The wet heat from the steam room thins and opens the mucous membranes in the body, which helps to relieve pressure. This helps in releasing congestion and sinus relief

For people with bronchitis and asthma, sitting in the steam room might not suit you. This could vary from person to person. If you are stressed and anxious about sitting in a steam room, you can opt for taking steam inhalation (using a bowl). The moist heat will loosen the sputum and clear the airways.

The steam room also increases metabolism and can help in weight loss. The steam room causes you to sweat, which means that your body is losing excess resulting in shedding some pounds. The sweat also helps to remove toxins and cleanses the body.

Being in the steam room can also decrease your body’s production of cortisol— the stress hormone. In fact, the simple act of sitting quietly for ten minutes provides that benefit. When the cortisol level drops, you can feel more in control, relaxed, and rejuvenated.

The pain you feel after working out is called delayed onset muscles soreness (DOMS). Moist heat works best for muscle recovery. So it’s best to take a steam bath after a good intense workout at the gym. A steam room can also be used before a workout, as it helps to loosen up the joints and increase flexibility.

Steam bath helps to boost immune system. Exposing your body to warm water stimulates leukocytes, which are cells that fight infection. Steam bath also helps to clear out any impurities from the skin which is especially good for those who have acne.

Now let’s understand what is Sauna?

The sauna uses dry heat method. In a sauna, the temperature range is about 170° to 190°F. The dry heat from a sauna soothes your nerve endings and warms and relaxes muscles, in turn relieving the tension from your body and minimizing joint pain. This is especially beneficial for those who suffer from illnesses such as arthritis, painful migraines and headaches, saunas can be used as a means of calming the body and relieving it of stress.

The heat from the sauna helps the body release endorphins, a feel-good chemical that reduces the effects of stress on the body which can relax you enough to sleep better. Sauna is better for muscle relaxation and lowering blood pressure. Sauna opens up your pores and increases blood and lymphatic circulation, which will effectively aid in softening your skin.

Sauna improves blood flow to our skin, which helps in the growth of new skin and also removes all the dead cells that were building up previously. Thus, Sauna helps you look younger. A sauna will help to eradicate blackheads to give you clearer skin.

Sauna helps in improving endurance during sports. Our body has a certain level for heat tolerance. Regular use of saunas increases the heat tolerance threshold. This leads to significant improvements in endurance, feel less fatigued and maintain energy levels during sports.

A sauna can make your hair look great. We have a special gland called the sebaceous gland on our scalp, which releases compounds that help condition and moisturize our hair. Spending some time in the sauna activates this gland, which will then release these useful compounds, thereby helping to make hair look great

So, the debate continues. Each has its own benefits.

To decide which one is better for you, you might want to ask yourself, which steam room or sauna is closest to me? Do I prefer dry heat or moist heat? Which facility am I likely to use on a regular basis?

Before you hit steam or sauna room…do consider the below precautions.

Precautions: Do make sure that you don’t stay in there too long—spending too much time in a sauna can lead to excessive thirst and too much time in a steam room can cause dizziness or even a rapid heartbeat.

It is advisable not to spend longer than 15-20 minutes inside. It is important to drink plenty of water prior, as well.

It is advisable to wear a towel and flip-flops or shower shoes when inside a steam room.

So, Get yourself relaxed, rejuvenated on this weekend in a different style.

NOTE: If you are pregnant, immune-compromised, or recovering from surgery, avoid the steam room and sauna until you get the green signal from your doctor.

 

 

 

 

 

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Amazing benefits of drinking water from a copper vessel

copper_vessel

Ancient Ayurveda scriptures state that storing and drinking water from a copper vessel is beneficial for one’s health. For thousands of years Indians and Asians in general are aware and have been following this technique.  

Copper is found to possess a plethora of health benefits, including weight loss. It has the potential to kill the microorganisms (molds, fungi, algae, and bacteria) present in the water that are harmful to the body. When you store water in a copper vessel overnight or for over 8 hours, a very small amount of copper ions gently leaches into the water and lends all its positive properties, thereby creating a natural purification process. This also has the ability to destroy a wide range of harmful microbes, fungi etc. To yield the optimum health benefits, store water in the copper vessel overnight and drink it soon as you wake up in the morning.

Here are some of the benefits.

Good for digestion

Copper contains intrinsic properties that promote better digestion. The properties in copper help stimulate the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the stomach that helps food get digested and move along the digestive tract. Since copper can kill harmful bacteria and reduce inflammation in the stomach, drinking water stored in a copper pot can be a great remedy for gas, ulcers, indigestion and infections. Drinking copper water may also help regulate the functioning of liver and kidney by cleansing and detoxifying the stomach.

Aids in weight loss

If you’re trying to shed a few pounds, then, this one is definitely for you – drink water stored in copper pots every day. Copper can help your body break down fat and eliminate it effectively so that you do not put on the piles. To lose weight quickly, try swapping copper-infused water for those calorie-laden beverages that contribute to weight gain. In addition to this, follow a healthy lifestyle, including sticking to a fitness routine and eating a healthy diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc.

Prevents heart disease and cancer

Copper has been found to regulate heart rate, blood pressure and lower blood cholesterol level, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. According to the American Cancer Society, some studies showed that copper has anti-cancer effects although the exact mechanism for such activity is still unclear.

Heals wounds

The antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties in copper can quickly treat and heal wounds quickly. Perhaps, copper peptides are considered as one of the best healing agents. According to the Mayo Clinic, peptides are protein fragments that, along with copper, stimulate collagen production and can improve the effectiveness of antioxidants. The copper compound increases the amount of protein synthesis in collagen and elastin, which helps in wound healing.

Regulates thyroid function

A deficiency or low levels of copper in the body can cause thyroid problems. Copper is one of the most important trace minerals the thyroid needs to function normally. Although there are many things that can contribute to thyroid disorders, drinking water from a copper vessel may keep your thyroid healthy and functioning correctly.

A word of caution: Too much of copper can be detrimental to health, remember, the metal is not instinctively utilised by the body. So, avoid overdoing it – drinking water twice or thrice a day from a copper vessel may be enough to reap its numerous benefits

 

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Belly Fat and Coconut Oil

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Millions of people across America (not to mention worldwide) struggle with stubborn abdominal fat, which can be difficult to shed even when a healthy lifestyle is adopted. Not only is abdominal fat also called visceral fat or ‘belly fat,’ unsightly, it can lead to an increased risk of a number of health conditions.

Some of the risks associated with carrying excess fat around your middle are a greater susceptibility to type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, as this fat tends to coat vital organs, it can cause system-wide inflammation that can trigger an array of other chronic illnesses.

But according to the ground-breaking studies below, the effects of coconut oil on abdominal fat will surprise you!

Cold pressed coconut oil is probably the most ‘prescribed’medicine food that I have been using in my practice over the last one and a half year with clients and patients worldwide.

Be it thyroid, cancer, alzheimers, dementia, parkinsons, epilepsy, diabetes to even burning belly fat, this wonder super food is a miracle drug

Study 1
A 2009 study published in the Journal of Lipids consisted of testing the effects of either 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or 2 tablespoons of soybean on a group of 40 women over a span of 28 days.
Results showed that the group that ate the coconut oil had a decrease in abdominal fat, while the soybean oil group actually showed a slight increase in belly fat. Additionally, the group that ate the coconut oil showed increased HDL ‘good’ cholesterol levels, while the soybean oil group had decreased HDL cholesterol and increased LDL ‘ bad’ cholesterol.

Study 2
The Journal of Nutrition published a study where researchers investigated all studies relative to medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) that are abundant in coconut fat and weight management. The studies showed that diets rich in fats such as those found in coconut oil prompted a boost in metabolism, increase in energy, decrease in food consumption, reduced body weight and lower body fat mass. The authors of the study highly recommends using oils that contain MCFAs, such as coconut oil, as a tool to drop extra abdominal fat, manage a healthy weight, and even as a way to treat obesity.

Study 3
Yet another study that assessed body weight and fat storage relative to three different types of diets including a low-fat diet, high-fat diet with long chain fatty acids (LCFAs) and a high fat diet with MCFAs. In order to bring about weight gain, caloric intakes were adjusted for the diets.

At the end of the research period (which lasted 44 days), the low-fat diet group stored an average of 0.47 grams of fat per day, the LCFA group stored 0.48 grams of fat per day, and the MCFA group only stored a mere 0.19 grams per day (despite purposely increasing calories). Those in the MCFA group (coconut fat) had a 60 percent reduction in body fat stored compared to the other diets.

Another added bonus of consuming organic coconut oil (and coconut cream or milk) is that it tends to make us feel fuller for longer. Studies indicate that MCFAs help increase feelings of fullness and lead to a reduction in calorie intake when compared to the same amount of calories from other fats. When MCFAs are metabolized, ketone bodies are created in the liver – these have been shown to have a strong appetite reducing effect helping you to lose fat faster.

I have personally switched to using this oil for all of my cooking and juices and since its cold pressed, it doesn’t really have a strong coconut flavor and doesn’t alter the change in taste of the food that much.

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      SSHHH!!! Stop peeling the Fruit!

fruit peels

Fruits are an all-time favourite, decoded healthy food ever.

No matter what your routine includes- fruits are always part of fasting, illness, detox plan or regular healthy eating. Fruits are a great source of nutrition that our body uses to stay healthy. Nutrition aside, fruits are delicious and different fruits are contained within a peel.

Next time when you peel a fruit stop and think twice before you throw the peels into the bin. Did you know that peels of fruit have the most effective and active nutrients that your body needs? A huge amount of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals are packed into the protective covering of many fruits.

The peel of a fruit may not look appealing as most of them get bruised in transit. But if you are eating only fruit you are restricting yourself to many benefits

Let me explain how fruits and veggies peels are beneficial for health.

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Banana peel benefits: Wondering how you can use a banana peel?

Rub a banana peel over your teeth and it acts as a great teeth whitener. Even pimples on the face vanish after rubbing banana peel over it for few days. Banana peel has fibre which helps in better digestion. Banana peels are a rich source of potassium and contain much more soluble and insoluble fibre than the fruit inside.

mandarin-peel

The citrus fruit peels have large amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Potassium. They make up for almost 30% of the fruits nutritional value and more so in its antioxidant properties. A lot of the peels such as that of orange and lemon are often used as zest in many foods. The protective covering of these juicy fruits often is bitter or sour tasting. This acts as a repellent to pests and insects. Its Nature’s way to ensure that the fruits are not destroyed before ripening.

Orange peels are often used to add glow and radiance to the face. Lemon peels are recommended for skin lightening and fairness.

Apple peel 1

Apple peels are known for their anti-cholesterol properties as well as reduction of diabetes, as they have pectin. It also has quercetin which is anti-inflammatory and fights brain damage and enhances memory.

watermelon peeels

Watermelon Fruit Peels and the rind has citrulline which can be converted into arginine, an essential amino acid that is beneficial for the heart and immune system.. Eating a rind might sound unappetizing, but it can be pickled (like a cucumber), or simply sautéed and seasoned. Or throw it in a blender with the watermelon flesh, and add some lime

mango peels

Mangoes and their peel contain high amounts of antioxidants. Antioxidants work to reduce damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can affect all parts of the body including skin, eyes and even heart.

An Australian study revealed that eating mangos with their skin could promote weight loss. Eating mango peel can promote digestion and reduce constipation.

Passion-Fruit[1]

The passion fruit peel helps in improving breathing processes, controls wheezing and improves lung function. The peels also have a good amount of fibre that assists in the digestive process of our bodies, preventing constipation and helping the gut flora.

potato peels

Potato skin is packed with nutrients like iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. Potassium plays a role in the electrical impulses transmitted by your nervous system and helps your muscles contract to facilitate movement.

Sweet potato skin is loaded with the significant amount of beta-carotene which converts to vitamin A during digestion. Vitamin A is essential for cell health and immune system

The dark green skin contains the majority of a cucumber’s antioxidants, insoluble fibre and potassium. The cucumber peel also holds most of its vitamin K. The next time you have a salad ask not to peel the cucumber.

Since the skin of a carrot is the same colour as what’s directly beneath it (like a tomato or a red pepper), the peel and its flesh have similar nutritional properties. However, the highest concentration of phytonutrients is found in a carrot’s skin or immediately underneath. Just rinse the carrot thoroughly rather than peeling it.

Pomegranate peel cannot be consumed just like that but when you boil it in water and gargle it …it helps to relieve a cough and sore throat

But major concern now is these fruit peels are soaked in harmful chemicals and pesticides.B ut organic fruits can be ingested to enhance the benefits of all the minerals, vitamins, flavonoids and antioxidants that are present in abundance in the peels of many fruits and veggies

As you start eating a fruit/veg available in the market… do think before you peel a fruit/veg and throw away what can be a rich source of vitamin intake for you and key to your glowing skin.

 

 

 

 

 

From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

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