Search Results for: immunity

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!!

January 2, 2015 By Saaimah Parkar 2 Comments

Nutritional benefits of Indian Gooseberry-‘Amla’

amla

Do you know what is ‘Phyllanthus emblica’? Actually, we all know it by its Indian name ‘Amla’ also called the Indian gooseberry as most of us have eaten it in its various forms of chutney, pickles, jams and the likes. It is most eaten during the winters. Amla is tangy in taste, which is not very appealing; however it has endless benefits, and hence is often referred to as the “Wonder Fruit”.

Amla also known as Amlakka or Amlakkai in Hindi, which means the “sustainers” or the fruit where the “goddess of prosperity presides”

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy	184 kJ (44 kcal)
Carbohydrates	10.18 g
Dietary fiber	4.3 g
Fat	0.58 g
Protein	0.88 g
Vitamins
Vitamin A equiv.	(2%)15 μg
Thiamine (B1)	(3%)0.04 mg
Riboflavin (B2)	(3%)0.03 mg
Niacin (B3)	(2%)0.3 mg
Pantothenic acid (B5)	(6%)0.286 mg
Vitamin B6	(6%)0.08 mg
Folate (B9)	(2%)6 μg
Vitamin C	(33%)27.7 mg
Vitamin E	(2%)0.37 mg
Trace metals
Calcium	(3%)25 mg
Iron	(2%)0.31 mg
Magnesium	(3%)10 mg
Manganese	(7%)0.144 mg
Phosphorus	(4%)27 mg
Potassium	(4%)198 mg
Sodium	(0%)1 mg
Zinc	(1%)0.12 mg
Other constituents
Water	87.87 g

Some benefits of Amla are listed below:

It is a rich source of Vitamin C
Heals mouth ulcers
Cures sore throat and cold
Reduces constipation when eaten in its whole form
Reduces Arthritis pain
Reduces Sleeping disorders
Improves eyesight
Removes toxins and free radicals.
Regulates pH in the stomach.
Improves metabolism
Boosts Immunity
Improves haemoglobin production and purifies the blood
Reduces blood cholesterol levels
Lowers risk of gall stones
Improves insulin sensitivity
Reduces ill effects of smoking
Delays premature ageing
Reduces wrinkles
Reverses greying hair
Reduces skin pigmentation
Treats hair loss, dandruff and lice

Here are some ways to incorporate Amla in our daily diet

Sprinkle some salt on Amla before you bite into them and believe me it will really cut down the sourness of the Amla and make it easy to eat.

Amla Powder is available in many grocery shops make it really easy to add Amla in our daily diets. You can have Amla Powder in small amount (1 tsp) before each meal to improve digestion.

Amla juice is the most easy and quick way to add Amla in your daily diet.

December 31, 2014 By Parwage Alam 1 Comment

Geriatric Health Maintenance-A Systematic Approach

I recently participated in the 100 km OxfamTrail walk and the one thing that I was overwhelmed about is the number of senior citizens who were participating in this challenge. It’s nice to see senior people fitter than many youngsters. One fine example was that of Milind Soman’s mother who at 76 years old looked fit and completed the 100 km trail walk in 40 hours along with her daughters. That was commendable.

Growing old is great but along with that maintaining your health is equally important. At some point in our life many of us have faced and dealt with an old parent’s illness. And therefore I feel that staying healthy as a senior citizen is very important.

Your mental and physical health plays a crucial role in the latter years of your life. Staying healthy means eating nutritious foods, exercising, and getting regular medical check-ups. Prevention and early detection are the best defense against illness and disease.

As people get older, physiological changes occur in their body as a natural part of aging.Due to aging mostly all organs are affected and some diseases and co morbid conditions become more prominent in the elderly.

Psychological issues can also play a role in physical and mental health of older adults. At senior stage a balanced diet and regular exercise are strongly linked to better health outcomes. Regular medical checkup and important preventive measures at home help to improve the safety and health of seniors.

As health needs change with age, one thing remains the same: healthy living (healthy lifestyle), one of the best way to avoid disease (related to Skin, Bones, joints, and muscles, mobility and balance, body shape, face, teeth and gums, Hair and nail, memory, immunity, hearing, vision and sleep).

Living a longer, healthier life can be made easier with these simple steps.

Healthy Eating Habits: Always try to have natural foods, avoid the artificial source and opt for fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fiber-rich foods—bean, spinach, and romaine lettuce, for example—lean cuts of meat, fresh fish, and poultry instead. Processed food usually filled with unhealthy things like high-fructose corn syrup that leads to overconsumption. Secondly, contains lot of artificial Ingredients. Most processed foods are Low in Nutrients.

It requires less energy and time to digest processed foods. Processed foods contain MSG (Monosodium glutamate – to enhance flavor), it also contains lots of sodium and typically all the wrong heart-clogging oils. Therefore it is always good to go with natural food available, if possible go with homemade food.

Activities:Physical activity is vital for developing the strong bones and muscles. This would help in avoiding falls or accidental injuries. Exercise is add on as part of overall healthy lifestyle and to avoid obesity, which is the root cause of other diseases. So if you have not started your activity, please get and include some physical activities into your routine before it gets too late.

Stop Smoking, tobacco:Dump the cigarette/tobacco habit before this dumps you. And stay away from those who do smoke, as second-hand smoking is more dangerous than direct smoking.

Meditation: I personally believe in meditation, as it really help to avoid stress because like obesity – stress is also a main cause of 70% diseases. So Meditation really helps you in terms of Psychological&Physiological. To get more information about Meditation you can also check my blog at:

https://goqii.com/blog/myths-and-health-benefits-of-meditation/

So what are you waiting for get up and change your lifestyle from sedentary to Active and live healthy long life.

November 27, 2014 By TAARIKA ARYA 2 Comments

BERRY BERRY HEALTHY!

When was the last time you ate a handful of fresh berries…??? Can’t remember….Here’s the reason…. Berries are tiny, uncommon, ignored, and may be expensive. Moreover, they are more familiar in foods such as cakes, jams, candies, etc. But, these berries overflow with numerous health benefits. They truly deserve the title of being called “real treasure in a small package”.

Not sure if you are aware but there are a variety of berries available in the market. Another trivia on berries is there is also something called the National Berry Month celebrated in July.

I found it interesting to write a blog on ‘Berries’, the not so talked about but beneficial fruit.

So what makes them a super food? Here is my list of reasons

1. The bright red, maroon or purple colour of the berries is due to the presence of pigments or natural dyes called phytochemicals which act as an anti-oxidant. These antioxidants slow down your ageing process.

2. They prevent heart diseases and cancer due to the presence of Gallic acid.

3. They are very low on sugar as compared to other fruits and rich in fibre and thus they help in weight management and improving digestion. They also keep you fuller for a longer time.

4. They contain certain organic acids which help in our body detoxification.

5. They help in fighting various bacterial and fungal infections (e.g. Urinary Tract Infection)

6. Lastly they are loaded with vitamin C, known to strength our immune system.

Now coming to the different types of berries, one good thing is that although it may not be easy to get fresh berries….even the dried or frozen ones offers many health benefits. One can find various kinds of berries in supermarkets or high end grocery stores (Natures basket, Hypercity, Chheda stores, FoodHall, etc to name a few.)

Few berries that I have been eating are listed below. You can eat them as it is, soak them, add them in your breakfast cereal/ yoghurt or make homemade sauces. In short you can literally play with them!

1. Blueberries: No wonder they are called as the “blue dynamos” due to its deep blue colour. Rich in manganese, vitamin K they provide around 4 grams of fiber. They can be eaten fresh as well as dried. Try tossing them into salads, smoothies or baked items.

2. Cranberries: These red berries are not only pretty looking but are infection fighting super berries. Packed with flavonoids, they are a great remedy to fight Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s). It’s got a sweet as well as a tart flavor which makes them a perfect ingredient for smoothies, sprinkling them into oatmeal or salads.

3. Strawberries: These red health boosters are the most common types of berries consumed. They grow abundantly in India too. They are rich in antioxidants called phenols which help in boosting immunity. They are perfect for a mid-evening snack with just 50 calories per cup and more vitamin C than an orange. They can be relished in smoothies, frozen yoghurts, breakfast cereal and salads or just mixed with plain water.

4. Mulberries: Many of us including me have eaten a handful of these freshly plucked from the trees in our backyard. These delicate berries are packed with heart healthy phenols, Ca, iron and magnesium. A cup of these provide more potassium than half a banana! They can be enjoyed frozen, in smoothies or sorbets.

5. Acai berry: A dark coloured berry resembling grapes is a native of Brazil. They are amongst the top super foods having 19 amino acids and high levels of antioxidants. These berries have recently gained popularity since they claim to have weight loss properties. However, this is just another fad although it helps lowering bad cholesterol. These berries are very expensive since they have to be freeze dried within 24 hours of plucking to retain its nutrition.

Apart from these berries, there are a few more berries – Goji berries, Huckleberry, Maqui berry, Sea Buckthorn berry, etc to name a few which may not be that common in India but are of equal benefits to our health.

So what’s your favourite berry? Go ahead and start including these berries in your diet as they are the “nature’s multi-vitamin”.