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Benefits of Fennel Seed Water

Benefits of Fennel Seeds WaterThe age-old secrets of health can be found in the simplest of ingredients in our kitchens. We just need to unveil them. Fennel Seeds are used in traditional rituals and celebrations as a symbol of Nature. In Ayurveda, Fennel Seeds are considered very beneficial. It is used to increase stamina and promote longevity, also used by nursing mothers in order to increase breast milk. Fennel Seeds are extensively used in Indian recipes.  It is an effective aid to digestion, treating bloating, gas, or cramps and also acts as a diuretic.  In foods and beverages, Fennel Oil and Fennel Seeds are used as flavoring agents.

Health benefits of Fennel Seeds:

1) Fennel Seeds for Constipation, Indigestion, Acidity, Bloating and IBS: Fennel Seeds are very useful in treating these disorders because it contains Estragole, Fenchone and Anethole. For those with IBS, the volatile oils found in Fennel Seeds can help kick-start digestion by promoting the production of gastric enzymes.

2) Managing Blood Pressure: Fennel Seeds are also a very rich source of Potassium, which is an essential component of cells and body fluids. Hence, it helps regulate heart rate and blood pressure.

3) Improves Eyesight: A handful of these seeds can do wonders for your eyesight as well.  Fennel Seeds contain Vitamin A, which is essential for good eyesight. The extracts of these seeds were used in ancient times to improve the symptoms of Glaucoma.

4)  Purify Blood: The essential oils and fiber in these seeds are very useful to flush out toxins and sludge from our bodies, thus helping to cleanse the blood and clear the skin.

5) Relieves Menstrual Pain: Fennel Seeds help in reducing menstrual pains, alleviates symptoms of menopause, shorten the length of the menstruation cycle, reduced period-related nausea due to the presence of estrogen.

6) Promotes Breast Milk Production: It has estrogen which increases Prolactin levels and increases breast milk production.

7) Reduces Hair fall: The antioxidants and nutrients present in Fennel Seeds strengthen the roots of your hair and give your follicles extra strength.

8) Reduces Cholesterol: It contains high amounts of fiber, which decreases re-absorption of cholesterol, and thus, lowers the risk of heart related diseases.

9) Improves Brain Functioning: Fennel Seeds are rich in potassium, which stimulates electrical conduction throughout the body.  Which in turn improves brain functioning and cognitive skills. It acts as a great brain booster and improves brain-based skills.

10) Improves Vision: It helps improve eyesight, alleviate high eye pressure, pink eyes, dry eyes, tired, watery eyes and almost all eye related problems.

Some Other Benefits:

  • Gargling Fennel Tea can relieve inflamed gums and treat bad breath
  • It eases muscular pain
  • Fennel Water is used to relieve colic pain in newborn babies
  • Fennel Water eases morning sickness in expecting moms
  • Used as a spice in many different cuisines all over the world
  • Sugarcoated Fennel Seeds (Saunf) have been used as a condiment after food to improve digestion

How to use Fennel Seeds:

a)  Fennel Tea: Extract of Fennel Seeds is not the same thing as fennel tea. Fennel tea is less processed and more likely to be pure and the measurable, beneficial impacts of fennel tea suggest multiple reasons for drinking it.

Here is a recipe for Fennel Tea:

  • Take 1 teaspoon of dried Fennel Seeds per cup of tea and pour hot water over it
  • Make sure you do not boil the Fennel Seeds as this will kill most of its nutrients
  • Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes. You will get a light yellow infusion
  • Drink it 2-3 times a day
  • The best time to drink this tea is after meals to help treat digestion problems and its sweet taste, much similar to that of licorice, can serve as a wonderful after dinner treat

b) Fennel Water: Take one glass of water and add one tsp of Fennel Seeds and soak it overnight. Drink it early in the morning. This water helps in reducing acidity and constipation.

Do you want to know more about Fennel Seeds? Stay tuned for the second part on the Benefits of Fennel Seeds.

We hope this article helps you. If you have your own special style of using Fennel Seeds, let us know in the comments below! For further information or guidance, reach out to our certified experts by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

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Why should we eat more turmeric?

Curcumin

Turmeric is traditionally named as “Indian Saffron” because of its deep yellow-orange colour and has been used throughout the ancient Vedic culture of India as a condiment, healing remedy and textile dye. It is one of the most researched condiment and is used in almost all Indian curries, this spice has almost no calories and zeroes cholesterol. It is rich in dietary fibre, iron, potassium, magnesium and vitamin B6. The wide range of turmeric health benefits come mainly from its main ingredient, curcumin. Turmeric is used for arthritis, heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhoea, intestinal gas, stomach bloating, loss of appetite, jaundice, liver problems and gallbladder disorders. It is also used for headaches, bronchitis, colds, lung infections, fever, menstrual problems, and cancer. Some people apply turmeric to the skin for pain relief, ringworm, bruises, leech bites, inflammatory skin conditions and infected wounds. In short, Turmeric provides a wide variety of benefits, but there are seven standouts. Once you know about these seven benefits you’ll be eager to add the spice to your diet.

  • Potent Antioxidant

Curcumin has a huge therapeutic value as boosting immunity is one of its most important properties. Curcumin exerts powerful antioxidant effects by neutralizing free radicals, chemicals that can travel through the body and cause great amounts of damage to healthy cells and cell membranes. This is important in many diseases, such as arthritis, where free radicals are responsible for the painful joint inflammation and eventual damage to the joints.The high antioxidant power of turmeric also helps to put the brakes on aging process.

  • Maintains Healthy Heart

Oxidized cholesterol damages blood vessels and promotes plaques formation that can lead to heart attack or stroke. Curcumin not only prevents the oxidation of cholesterol in the body but is also beneficial in reducing bad cholesterol and improving good cholesterol. In addition, turmeric is a good source of vitamin B6, which keeps homocysteine levels under control and thereby protects direct damage to blood vessels caused by elevated levels of homocysteine.

  • Cancer Prevention

The most promising quality of turmeric is its ability to prevent cancer. Turmeric can be beneficial for preventing breast, prostate, skin and colon cancer. This super spice  helps the body to destroy mutated cancer cells and prevents its spreading into other organs. Moreover, It causes cancer cells to commit suicide. Turmeric prevents cancer progression by 2 ways: first, by enhancing liver function and second by preventing blood supply to cancer cells which may be necessary for their growth.

  • A Potent, Yet Safe Anti-Inflammatory

Curcumin is thought to be the primary pharmacological agent in turmeric. This makes it effective for fighting heart disease, osteoarthritis pain and other health problems related to inflammation. Curcumin is believed to reduce certain enzymes in the body known to trigger inflammation. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory effects are comparable to the potent drugs like hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone as well as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory agents such as Motrin. Unlike the drugs, which are associated with significant toxic effects (ulcer formation, decreased white blood cell count, intestinal bleeding), curcumin produces no toxicity.

  • Promotes Weight Loss

Curcumin promotes weight loss and reduce the incidence of obesity-related diseases. Turmeric stimulates the production of bile which helps to break down fatty foods, which in turn, may help you lose weight. Taking one teaspoon of Turmeric powder with every meal may help in losing weight. This of course doesn’t cancel the fact that you need to eat healthy and exercise.

  • Slows the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease

Curcumin in turmeric has a potential role in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration together with declining activities of daily living and behavioral changes. Various effects of curcumin, including anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant property, improves overall memory in Alzheimer’s patients.

  • Natural Painkiller

Turmeric can be considered as an instant painkiller option. Turmeric is capable of fighting a variety of pain that would otherwise be rated with over-the-counter pain medication which just suppresses the pain unlike turmeric which attempts to heal the pain as well.

A Few Quick Serving Ideas to include turmeric in meals:

  • Add turmeric to egg salad to give it an even bolder yellow colour.
  • Give salad dressings an orange-yellow hue by adding some turmeric powder to them.
  • Season rice, vegetables and curries with turmeric.
  • Turmeric is a great spice to complement recipes that feature lentils.
  • Include the spice as an ingredient in your regular meals.
  • You can make a tea out of turmeric. Boil about four cups of water with a spoonful of turmeric for about ten to fifteen minutes. Strain and drink. The best remedy for a sore throat.
  • Add turmeric into your daily smoothies
  • Add turmeric to a glass of organic warm milk which helps fight cold and flu and a remedy for better sleep

Thus, turmeric is safe and offers a variety of general health benefits, you have nothing to lose by adding it to your daily diet in moderate amounts. We hope this article helps you. For further information or guidance, reach out to our certified experts by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

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Healing power of herbs and spices – Part 2

spice_palette1 copy

I hope you found the first part of the blog interesting enough for you to come back and read Part 2. Herbs and spices have always been used by our ancestors and grandmothers as home remedies. They have found cure for any ailment purely through herbs and spices. Today, slowly and steadily we are getting back to our roots. This is one of the reasons why I got down to researching on herbs and spices. In this Part two we will talk of herbs and spices such as Mint, Himalayan Salts, Parsley, Paprika to name a few…

    1. Dill: Dill has much more to offer than just serving the ornamental purpose in the gardens. Due to its anti-bacterial nature, helps in killing harmful intestinal bacteria, E.coli. The seeds also contain substantial amounts of calcium, and regular intake of dill seeds may help to boost bone strength. One outstanding use of dill is in treating hiccups. Hiccups occur for various reasons, but most likely, they occur due to trapped gas and repeated upward movement of gases through the food pipe. It can also be caused due to certain allergies, hypersensitivity, hyperactivity and nervous malfunctioning. Dill helps the expulsion of gases and also reduces gas formation at the same time it helps to calm down hiccups due to allergies, hyperactivity, or nervous disorders.
    2. Fennel Seeds : It’s most popularly used as a breath freshener but has many health benefits attached to it. They are highly beneficial in relieving digestive problems such as indigestion, bloating, flatulence, constipation, colic, intestinal gas, heartburn, and even irritable bowel. Also, Fennel is excellent for combating obesity as it suppresses the appetite and creates a feeling of fullness. Phytoestrogens present in fennel seeds helps to deal premenstrual syndrome, menstrual pain and menopausal disorders. Apart from these, fennel is traditionally used as a galactagogue to promote lactation in nursing mothers.
    3. Himalayan Salt : Gorgeous pink colored salt is much more beneficial over regular table salt. These light pink crystals are full of minerals. In fact, they come packed with over 80 minerals and elements that have shown to create an electrolyte balance within your body, strengthen bones, lower blood pressure, prevent muscle cramping, and improve circulation. On the other hand common table salts are stripped of any extra minerals. Adding to other crucial benefit, Himalayan salt is also lower in sodium than regular table salt which is one of the deadly nutrients when it comes to heart disease.
    4. Mint: Mint, the well known mouth and breath freshener, is an herb that has been used for hundreds of years for its remarkable medicinal properties. The menthol present in it activates digestive system, helps to calm stomach cramps, beat acidity and flatulence. Mint has a very strong smell that has ability to open up nasal passages and airways to allow relaxed breathing. It is also an expectorant and helps the expulsion of phlegm. Its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help relieve inflammation along the respiratory tract. Since mint leaves purify the blood and have an anti-spasmodic effect on the soothe muscles of our body, it is a great remedy to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps.
    5. Mustard Seeds: Mustard seeds have been valued for their therapeutic effects in curing cold and sinus It is a wonderful decongestant and expectorant which helps in clearing the mucus in the air passages. A decoction made with mustard seeds helps in cleansing the body especially in the poisoning caused by narcotics and excess intake of alcohol.
    6. Nutmeg: It has been considered to be a useful medicine in a number of Asian societies. It induces the secretion of various gastric and intestinal juices that ease the digestive process. The fiber content of nutmeg can bulk up the bowel movement; it reduces the frequency and discomfort of constipation and other intestinal issues. Since olden days, nutmeg has been recommended as a home remedy for sleeplessness and insomnia. A pinch of nutmeg in warm milk before sleeping always seemed to help in better sleep quality. Nutmeg has a high content of magnesium which stimulates the release of serotonin and hormone responsible for relaxation. This serotonin is changed to melatonin in the brain, which is a sleep inducer.
    7. Oregano: This warm aromatic herb boasts several medicinal qualities. This marvelous herb is an excellent source of minerals like potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and helps control heart rate and blood pressure caused by high sodium. Magnesium and calcium are important minerals for bone metabolism. Oregano also being a rich source of dietary fiber helps to control blood cholesterol levels. The major components of oregano, carvacrol and thymol, are wonderfully anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, and anti-fungal. Presence of powerful antioxidants in this herb makes it great for immune system. Also, Consuming 2 tsp of oregano daily during menses reduces cramps this is because carvacrol and thymol present in the herb relaxes uterine muscles and prevents painful contractions.
    8. Parsley: Most people are familiar with parsley as a food garnish and often discard the herb used for decoration without realizing the health benefits. Myricetin, a flavonol found in parsley and other plants, has been shown to have chemopreventive effects on skin cancer. A natural chemical found in parsley (apigenin ) has been found to decrease tumor size in an aggressive form of breast cancer and will play a promising role in treating cancer in future. Parsley also acts as a natural diuretic and helps in body cleansing.
    9. Paprika: Warm and spicy flavor of this herb has much more to offer apart fro imparting color to the meals. Capsanthin present in Paprika promoted increased activity of an enzyme involved in production of HDL (good) cholesterol. The presence of capsaicin has also attributed to lower blood pressure levels in the body. Vitamin B6 present in it stimulates the production of melanin, a pigment that lends hair its colour hence it’s a boon for spice lovers as it helps prevent premature greying of hair.
    10. Rosemary: This herb packs a powerful punch in the form of rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid and carnosol. It’s incredibly anti-carcinogenic, and has been found to significantly decrease levels of dangerous heterocyclic amines when cooked with meats at high temperatures. It’s also been shown to be effective in improving dermatitis, cognitive stimulant, enhancing memory and focus, protecting the liver (detoxification) and alleviating arthritis pain. The Eucalyptol present in this herb helps to loosen the chest congestion making phlegm easier to expel plus Rosemary is rich in anti-inflammatory tannin which helps to soothe a sore throat.
    11. Saffron : This is the world’s most expensive spice. Active components of Saffron i.e. crocin and safranal, helps preserve levels of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in the brain thereby helping in treating depression. Saffron may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, insomnia, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. Saffron can function as an effective energy booster and can increase body’s metabolism by increasing blood circulation. Consuming a pinch of saffron with a spoonful of honey can be an effective remedy for heavy periods. It’s also known for it’s ability to beautify your skin. Wearing a saffron face mask can help clear up acne and blemishes, brighten dull skin, and give you a glow.
    12. Sage: Sage is an herb native to the Mediterranean. Sage has a long history of medicinal use for ailments ranging from mental disorders to gastrointestinal discomfort. It boosts brain function, improves memory and concentration, helps in easing alzheimer’s symptoms. Also, Sage helps prevents arteries from hardening and thereby reducing risk of heart attack. Another promising role which is heart healthy, Sage helps in maintaining the healthy lipid profile.
    13. Turmeric: Turmeric was once called a poor man’s saffron, but now we know how incredibly healing and powerful this spice truly is. Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric that is powerfully anti-inflammatory as well as rich in antioxidants. I have written a blog focusing on health benefits of turmeric, it would be worthwhile to read that, it’s accessible on http://goqii.com/blog/why-should-we-all-eat-more-turmeric
    14. Thyme: Thyme is an herb more native to Mediterranean and French cuisine. It has a long history of use in natural medicine in connection with chest and respiratory problems including coughs, bronchitis, and chest congestion. The volatile oil present in thyme are believed to increase the content of omega 3 fatty acids in brain. Thyme has decent number of flavonoids and is proven to posses’ cancer preventing properties. Thyme is also believed to relieve pain of difficult menstruation better than ibruprofen. An ounce (28g) of the herb is steeped in two cups water is consumed after straining and sweetening (optional) for optimal benefits.

Phew !! Now that was pretty exhaustive list. Isn’t it amazing that these sparingly required ingredients can have such a huge impact on our health?? Now that you know about some of these amazing key benefits, go ahead, spread the word and try out a new recipe using one of the spices above.

Be sure to comment below and letting me know what you’re going to cook up !

We hope this article helps you. For further information or guidance, reach out to our certified experts by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

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Healthy Eating: The Ultimate Healthy Chivda

healthy chivda

It is common for tea/coffee lovers to indulge in some snacks along with their favorite beverage but most of those snacks are often not healthy. So, here is an amazing alternative which is namkeen and crisp! Your very own Healthy Chivda! This bowl can be a part of your regular evening snacks as it provides satiety and nutrition all in one! 

What You Will Need 

  • Rolled oats – 1 cup
  • Poha – ½ cup 
  • Puffed rice – 1 cup 
  • Makhana – 1 cup 
  • Peanuts – ½ cup 
  • Thin cut coconut – ¼ cup 
  • Ghee – 1 tbsp 
  • Mustard seeds – 1 tsp 
  • Cumin seeds – 1 tsp 
  • Curry leaves – 8-10 
  • Crush garlic cloves – 4-5 
  • Dried red chilli – 1
  • Split green chilli – 2 
  • Turmeric – 1 tbsp 
  • Chilli powder – 1 tsp 
  • Salt 

How To Prepare 

  1. Dry roast the rolled oats for 5-7 mins until it is crisp & a little golden. In the same pan, roast the poha until crisp.
  2. In another pan, heat the ghee, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds and broken red chilli. Allow it to crackle, then fry the peanuts.
  3. Once the peanuts turn golden, add the crushed garlic, split green chilli, curry leaves and coconut. Fry this until the curry leaves turn crisp & the garlic is roasted.
  4. Time to add the spices, add salt, turmeric & red chilli powder. Give this a quick mix.
  5. Now add the roasted oats, roasted poha along with puffed rice and makhana. Mix this well and allow to roast for a few minutes.
  6. Store it in an airtight container once it cools down.

Note: You can also make chivda bhel by adding chopped onion, tomato, coriander, along with some salt & lemon to the chivda. Enjoy it immediately before it turns soggy. If you’re allergic to peanuts, avoid them. 

Highlights Of The Healthy Chivda Recipe

  • This Healthy Chivda helps in avoiding unhealthy refined flour biscuit, rusk, and cookies to eat along with tea or coffee.
  • It gives you a punch of protein, fiber and micro minerals all in one.
  • Suits the taste of everyone – be it kids, adults or grandparents.

We hope you try out this Healthy Chivda recipe! Do leave your thoughts and feedback in the comments below. For more healthy recipes, check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

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From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

As we observe World Cancer Day under the powerful theme ‘United by Unique’ (2025-2027)**, we are reminded that every individual’s journey with cancer is distinct, yet united by shared resilience, hope, and the collective fight against this disease. This theme places people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the […]