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All about Wheat Grass and its benefits

wheatgrass

In the ancient days in India plants were used as a medicine to cure health issues. Later allopathy was invented and it made life simpler. During my days of college, I came across this magical grass called ‘Wheatgrass’ and it’s amazing benefits to our health.

Wheat grass itself cannot be eaten as it is hard to digest. Interestingly, it can be grown indoors and outdoors by putting wheat seeds in water and then harvesting the leaves; which also occupies less space. It is available in various forms such as juice outside parks, powders and in capsule form. But, the ideal way to have it is in the fresh juice form to get enough nutrients. Wheatgrass is used as a concentrated source of nutrients in powder and capsules.

Wheatgrass is a good source of potassium, dietary fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Pantothenic Acid, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese and Selenium, and has negligible amount of proteins.

Wheatgrass is generally considered safe. A word of caution as it may cause nausea, headaches, swelling to your throat due to the bacteria present in it (due to contamination) as it is grown in soil or water.

 Benefits :

  1. It is rich in chlorophyll (similar to haemoglobin) and iron which increases blood cell count.
  2. Lowers blood pressure by dilating the blood pathways.
  3. Wheat grass juice has alkaline minerals which reduces acidity also gastrointestinal tract problems.
  4. It detoxifies liver and the bloodstream.
  5. It has powerful ability to fight against tumors.
  6. If applied externally on the skin which eliminate itching immediately.
  7. It prevents hair from greying.
  8. It helps in stabilising blood sugar levels.
  9. Drinking wheat grass juice will help in clearing sinuses by breaking up the mucus.
  10. It helps in increasing immunity.

We trust this exploration into the wonders of wheatgrass has sparked your curiosity about incorporating this nutritional gem into your daily routine. Are you already a wheatgrass enthusiast, or are you inspired to give it a try? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. For further insights into holistic health and nutrition, check out Healthy Reads. If you’re seeking personalised guidance, connect with our certified experts through GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here. Embrace the goodness of wheatgrass and embark on a journey to enhanced well-being!

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Beyond Counting: Unraveling the Real Story Behind Calories

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CALORIE- a term that haunts many of us …And Counting Calories was one such thing that drove me crazy in the last 2 years. Somehow I always felt and many of you will agree, that, all the tasty and delicious food of the world has tons of calories, whereas the ones which we don’t find tasty, has fewer..

Two years back when I started my weight loss journey, my greatest difficulty was keeping a count of calories all the time. But then, it seemed to be the only option to lose weight. I was told that my calorie intake should be between 1200 cal- 1500 cal. Left with no choice, I did that for quite some time. Opting for low calorie food, staying hungry, doing cardio but sadly, the result was minor weight loss with pain in my knees, low energy levels and pale skin.

I was unable to understand the reason for so many health problems.  I was eating a healthy low cal diet (which seemed to be healthy then), was doing 45 min of cardio followed by strength training. Hence, I started reading about calories and weight loss. But, all my reading led to more confusion and I finally decided to do a course in nutrition. And that is when my understanding about being fit and healthy started to evolve. My studies made me identify  the areas where I was lacking. I was so conscious of calories but was not paying any attention to food and its quality.

Calorie is just a unit of measurement for energy content. It tells us how much energy we get by burning the food. And I realized that I should keep the definition of it as it is in my mind, and not make it  the focal point of my fitness journey. Carbohydrates contain between 3 and 4 kcal per gram; proteins are about the same; fats contain approximately 9 kcal per gram. I was of the mindset that for weight loss to happen, I have to decrease the intake of calories and increase the output by staying physically active. But, things are not as simple as they appear.  There is much more needed for correct weight loss to happen and to have a lean and fit body. And that much more is NUTRITION. From where these calories are coming is something that matters the most. For example – if a person consumes 1200 calories from processed food and the other consumes 1200 calories from  balanced diet which has carbs, proteins , fats and fiber … which one do you think will experience weight gain ? The answer is known to all of us- obviously the one consuming  calories from  processed food. So yes, 1200 calories matters but, what matters the most is- what these calories do in and to our bodies and from where these calories are coming i.e. the quality of the food. Eating fewer and fewer calories does not result in better weight loss. When our body senses an energy deficit, it slows its metabolism by reducing the output of important hormones.

 I have stopped counting calories now.  My eating pattern has totally changed. My focus is in making my every meal more nutritious and balanced with the right combination of carbohydrates , fats , proteins and fiber..  I have been focusing on what my body tells me. I eat if I feel hungry because my body needs food then. I still want to look a certain way. I want to be healthy, lean and fit. But, at the same time, I do not want to harm myself in any way by not taking care of the nutrition part of food. I am confident about myself now, I know the weight loss is going to be slow but that does not matter to me anymore.  Weight is just a number and no weighing scale can judge or tell me my fitness in terms of numbers.  It’s me who can feel it. I know that what I am eating now is certainly having more number of calories  than earlier but now, these calories are coming from the food that my body needs.

Thanks to my diet, I feel energetic throughout the day, my stamina for running has improved. I don’t feel any joint pain and I am sure I will soon be running a marathon, (something that I have always wanted to do)

The journey from calorie counting to nutrition-focused eating is a transformative one. Discovering the true significance of food quality over mere numbers has reshaped the approach to fitness for many. As we celebrate the realization that health is not just about counting calories but nourishing our bodies, let’s embrace a holistic understanding of nutrition for a sustainable and vibrant life. Share your own journey in the comments below and inspire others on their path to well-being. For further information or guidance, reach out to our certified experts by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

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Empowering a Brighter Future: The Indispensable Role of Women’s Inclusion

 

As we celebrate International Women’s Day today, it’s crucial to take a moment to consider the progress we’ve achieved in advancing gender equality and acknowledge the hurdles that remain. Ensuring women’s participation across all sectors isn’t merely about justice or equality; it’s fundamental to creating strong, thriving, and fair communities. This occasion reminds us of the importance of inclusivity and the profound impact it has on our society.

The importance of women’s inclusion cannot be overstated. It’s a catalyst for economic growth, social development, and sustainable progress. When women are included in the workforce, politics, education, and other fields, they bring unique perspectives, skills, and solutions. This diversity of thought leads to more innovative and effective problem-solving, driving progress in every area of society.

Inclusion benefits everyone. Companies with higher levels of gender diversity on their executive teams are more likely to outperform on profitability and value creation. Women’s participation in politics leads to more inclusive policies and often a greater focus on social welfare and health. In academia, women educators and researchers contribute to a richer, more diverse educational experience, preparing students to thrive in a globalized world.

However, achieving true inclusion requires more than just opening doors. It requires dismantling the barriers that have historically kept women on the sidelines. This means addressing gender biases in hiring and promotion practices, providing support for women juggling career and family responsibilities, and creating safe, respectful environments where women’s voices are heard and valued.

Education plays a pivotal role in this process. By encouraging girls from a young age to pursue their interests in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics)  leadership, and other traditionally male-dominated fields, we can start to shift the narrative. Mentorship and role models are also crucial; seeing women in positions of power and influence inspires the next generation to reach for the stars.

On a societal level, promoting women’s inclusion means challenging stereotypes and norms that limit women’s roles and opportunities. It’s about creating a culture that values diversity, respects differences, and recognizes the strength that comes from a multitude of perspectives. This cultural shift is essential for fostering an environment where women, and all members of society, can fully contribute to their communities.

International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women and renew our commitment to gender equality. It’s a call to action for individuals, businesses, governments, and NGOs to work together to promote women’s inclusion in every aspect of life. By doing so, we not only honour the spirit of this important day but also pave the way for a future where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive.

The journey towards gender equality is long and complex, but the benefits of women’s inclusion are clear. It leads to stronger economies, more vibrant communities, and a more equitable world. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s commit to making women’s inclusion not just a goal but a reality. In doing so, we empower not just women, but society as a whole, to reach its full potential.

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How to fight against the common illnesses with natural remedies!  

home remedies for common illnesses

Common illnesses like cold and cough, fever, headaches can be even more common than we can think!  We have no practical solution for these illnesses other than popping over the counter (OTC) pills to suppress the symptoms and waiting for them to reoccur.

If that one pill doesn’t work, they pop up the second one and after the second one doesn’t work they end up in doctor’s cabin asking for some more medicines. Taking these medicines over and over again is simply abusing our bodies. Side effects of the medicines are no less which gives us a chance to try and change our approach.

Remember how our grandmothers resorted to old traditional home remedies for better health? Those remedies are now being used as a part of naturopathy treatment. Before reaching out to these over the counter pills, let’s try and combine our herbs, spices and right diet to fight these illnesses.

Let’s understand each common illnesses one by one:-

  • Common cold

I am sure each one of us has suffered from common cold and can completely relate to its symptoms. It is perhaps the most common illness in the world. There was a research where data was collated to find out maximum sick leave reason and the data revealed that common cold topped the charts. There is no permanent cure for common cold.

Well, I have seen people taking antibiotics for getting rid of common cold. Antibiotics can do nothing for a common cold. If you are prescribed one then you might as well ask your doctor to give you something else because antibiotics only work against infections caused by bacteria but common cold is caused by a virus.

There is no permanent cure for common cold. There are more than 200 strains of viruses and it is difficult for the body to build up immunity against every strain which is why you see common cold hitting you always!

Symptoms of a common cold:

  • A severe headache
  • A sore throat
  • Fever
  • Congestion
  • Watery eyes
  • A cough
  • Nasal congestion
  • Sneezing

How to prevent the common cold?

(i) Include antioxidant-rich foods in your diet

  • It is important to boost your immunity and Vitamin C can act as an excellent immune-boosting nutrient.
  • Include raw fruits and vegetables which has PRANIC energy in your diet.

(ii) Include Bioflavonoids rich foods in your diet

  • Bioflavonoids were once known as Vitamin P.
  • These compounds help in fighting against the common cold.
  • Lemon, sweet lime, chillies, green pepper, grapes are good sources of bioflavonoids.

Natural remedies to cure a common cold:

(i) Ingredients:

  • Lime juice
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Manuka or organic honey
  • Water

Method:

  • Dilute 2 tbsp of lime juice + Pinch of cayenne pepper + 1 tsp of manuka honey in a ½ cup of warm water.

Dosage:

  • Have it early morning on empty stomach to prevent cold.
  • Take this concoction 3 times a day before breakfast, lunch and dinner if you are suffering from cold.

(ii)  Ingredients:

  • Fresh ginger juice
  • Fresh garlic juice
  • Turmeric powder
  • Elaichi or Cardamom

    Method:

  • Brew 2 tbsp of fresh ginger juice + 1 tbsp of fresh garlic juice + pinch of turmeric powder + 2 elaichi (cardamom) pods in 200 ml of water
  • Boil this decoction and then simmer it for 2 minutes.
  • Strain the water and add 1 tsp of a mishri or khadi shaker, drink this decoction warm

  Dosage :

  • 3 times a day till cold and cough subsides

(2) Fever

In my opinion, fever is the most misunderstood common issue. Everybody has a different definition of fever. Whenever your body temperature crosses 98.6 F, chances of getting fever becomes high. Medically, temperature above 100.4 F is termed as fever.

What causes fever?

It is important for everyone to know what causes fever. Fever is actually a response to your body against foreign invaders.

What are these foreign invaders?

Virus

Bacteria

Fungi

Toxins

Drugs

These foreign invaders are considered to be pyrogens or fever-producing substances. These pyrogens trigger the brain to raise the body temperature so that the body can fight these foreign invaders.

I have seen people popping up pills with a slight rise in body temperature. I have given this explanation above so that people understand that what is this fever and why does it happen? Your immune system is very smart, it will manage things on its own for a while. Taking fever-reducing medicines means that you are interfering with your immune system’s work.

Usually, fever reduces in a day or two. If it doesn’t then please visit your healthcare practitioner before popping any pills. Fever can be a symptom of any disease.

Staying with fever is not a good idea, I understand. But, taking medicine for the same is a very bad idea. Try these natural remedies to reduce your fever, it will not interfere with your immune system and will give you some relief as well.

Ingredients:

  • Dill seeds (Suva seeds)
  • Peppercorns (Kali Mirch )
  • Kalonji
  • Cinnamon powder
  • Water

 Method:

  • Boil 1 tbsp of roasted dill seeds + 1 tsp of peppercorns powder + 1 tsp of Kalonji in 150 ml of water for about 6 mins. Let it stay warm for about 15 mins.
  • Strain this mixture and add a pinch of cinnamon powder
  • Drink this mixture warm
  • Repeat it till the body temperature reduces.

(3) A headache

This topic can be an article in itself. Discussing headache is a huge thing but to cut it short headaches have numerous causes and headaches are divided into 3 categories:

  • Primary
  • Secondary
  • Other

Primary headaches include a migraine, stress, cold and cough induced headaches. Secondary headaches include headaches caused by structural problems in the body especially head and neck.

Here are some natural remedies to manage a headache:

  • Eat 5 black raisins + 1 tsp of sesame seeds twice a day. Keep chewing it and then drink lukewarm water
  • 1 glass of fresh tomato juice once a day
  • Soak your feet in Epsom salt and relax for a while. A headache will be drastically reduced.

Hope these tips help you in dealing with common illnesses!

Note: If your symptoms do not get better then please see your healthcare practitioner.

Opt for natural remedies to combat common illnesses, embracing the wisdom of traditional healing. From immune-boosting foods to age-old home remedies, prioritize your well-being the holistic way. Empower your health with these simple yet effective solutions. For further information or guidance, reach out to our certified experts by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

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