Top 10 uses of lemon other than as a food

• Lemons are also excellent stain removers. Just rub half a lemon on the stain and allow the garment to sit overnight. Wash it as usual and you will see the stain has vanished.

• A tablespoon of lemon juice acts as a natural disinfectant to rid your favourite fruits and vegetables from pesticides.

• Once in a while to sanitize your kitchen cutting board, just rub the cut side of half a lemon before washing it as usual.

• If you have soggy lettuce in the fridge, just add it to a bowl of cold water containing juice of half a lemon and refrigerate it for an hour before removing them and drying the leaves completely before use.

• Lemon rinds help remove odours from the refrigerator. Leave them overnight and much better is to keep sliced lemons all the time in the fridge.

• If you have a pest problem at home, just keep slices of lemon slices near cracks, window sills, doorways and holes to drive away ants, roaches and fleas. The scent just drives those insects away.

• Having two tbsp of lemon juice before each meal and before retiring can reduce asthma symptoms.

• A mix of lemon juice and salt acts as a polish for brass or copper utensils. Rub it on the utensils and then wash with warm water and see them shining.

• You can make sure white vegetables stay white while cooking by squeezing a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice on them before heating.

• To remove mineral deposits that build up in your pressure cooker or tea kettle, just fill it up with water, add a handful of thin lemon-peel slices and bring to a boil. Once cool, just drain and rinse in tap water and your vessels will be shining and as good as new.

Five health benefits of kiwi fruit

Kiwifruit is renowned to be a nutritional powerhouse owing to generous amounts of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and dietary fibre which are more than any other fruit in the world.

Here are the health benefits of kiwifruits:

Powerhouse of Vitamins and Minerals
Zespri Green and SunGold Kiwifruits are extremely high in Vitamin C that help enhance vitality, increase immunity and alleviate sluggishness. Not only do they taste great but are also loaded with minerals such as potassium which help to maintain blood pressure and boost energy.


Packed with Antioxidants
Antioxidants slow down the activity of free radicals that are by-products of a normal metabolism and promote overall wellness. Since Zespri kiwifruits are packed with antioxidant galore, they serve as the healthiest fruit option for people of all ages.


Excellent source of Folate
For women who are trying to conceive or are pregnant, Zespri Kiwifruit is a great addition to your prescribed folic acid supplements. It is also good for growing children.


High Fiber
Zespri kiwifruits are rich in fibre which is a natural aid to digestion. In addition, kiwifruit contains a soluble enzyme called actinidin which helps in the digestion of proteins and relieves the bloated feeling. Kiwifruits are the only fruit containing the actinidin enzyme, making them unique and an absolute must have in your daily fruit basket.


Low Glycemic Index (GI)
Zespri Kiwifruits are characterizes by a low glycemic index (GI) that helps in better management of blood sugar levels. The Zespri SunGold Kiwifruits low GI index has a healthy effect of carbohydrates on sugar levels, making it a healthy option for people even with conditions such as Type I and II Diabetes.

Diet tips as you lose weight

To loose weight successfully one should focus on exercise and right diet. Sometimes we just stop eating some foods thinking they are not right. But we should eat everything but it should be in moderation.

Always have proper sit-down meals
When you sit down at a table and eat slowly , as you exchange conversation with your family eating automatically becomes mindful and healthy. Random grabbing of food while busy with other work makes you feel you didn't eat enough, thereby leading to over eating during meals.


Avoid nibbling snacks all day
Eating junk food/snacks in between meals leads to eating far more calories than you actually require. Instead of junk food start taking fruits and vegetable salads.


Grab that bottle of water
It has been found that sugary drinks are the reason for your flabby tummy . Have water when you are thirsty. For a change you could also sip on antioxidant-rich green teas.


Learn to read labels
Do not let food labels mislead you foods that are labelled `low-fat' or `lite', many a times, have added sugar to compensate the taste of fat. Foods labelled `diet' make us eat drink more of the same which in the long run leads to weight gain.


Don't say no to home made butter always
Studies have found that that the cream in whole milk has many vitamins that good for your body. So completing avoiding it is not good.


Opt for home-cooked meals
Ready-to-eat or prepackaged, over processed foods contain chemicals that could have harmful implications in the long run. 

Calories Burned in Various Sport Activities

Here is table that shows calories burned by various sporting activities in 30 Minutes. Amount of calories burned are different for people with different weights. I have taken below three weights as an example.

Activities	Weights in Pounds (lbs)
	125	155	185
Archery: non-hunting	105	130	155
Badminton: general	135	167	200
Basketball: playing a game	240	298	355
Bicycling: 12-14 mph	240	298	355
Bicycling: 14-16 mph	300	372	444
Bicycling: 16-19 mph	360	446	533
Bicycling: > 20 mph	495	614	733
Billiards	75	93	111
Bowling	90	112	133
Football: touch, flag, general	240	298	355
Frisbee	90	112	133
Golf: carrying clubs	165	205	244
Gymnastics: general	120	149	178
Handball: general	360	446	533
Hiking: cross-country	180	223	266
Hockey: field & ice	240	298	355
Horseback Riding: general	120	149	178
Ice Skating: general	210	260	311
Martial Arts: judo, karate, kickbox	300	372	444
Racquetball: casual, general	210	260	311
Rollerblade Skating	210	260	311
Rope Jumping	300	372	444
Running: 5 mph (12 min/mile)	240	298	355
Running: 6 mph (10 min/mile)	300	372	444
Running: 7.5 mph (8 min/mile)	375	465	555
Running: 10 mph (6 min/mile)	495	614	733
Running: cross-country	270	335	400
Scuba or skin diving	210	260	311
Skateboarding	150	186	222
Skiing: cross-country	240	298	355
Soccer: general	210	260	311
Swimming: general	180	223	266
Tai Chi	120	149	178
Tennis: general	210	260	311
Volleyball: non-competitive, general play	90	112	133
Walking: 3.5 mph (17 min/mile)	120	149	178
Walking: 4 mph (15 min/mile)	135	167	200
Walking: 4.5 mph (13 min/mile)	150	186	222

1 Kg = 2.2 Lbs
or
1 Lbs = 0.453 Kg

10 Health Benefits of Honey

1. Prevent cancer and heart disease:
Honey contains flavonoids, antioxidants which help reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease.

2. Reduce ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders.
Recent research shows that honey treatment may help disorders such as ulcers and bacterial gastroenteritis. This may be related to the 3rd benefit…

3. Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-fungal:
“All honey is antibacterial, because the bees add an enzyme that makes hydrogen peroxide,” said Peter Molan, director of the Honey Research Unit at the University of Waikato in New Zealand.

4. Increase athletic performance.
Ancient Olympic athletes would eat honey and dried figs to enhance their performance. This has now been verified with modern studies, showing that it is superior in maintaining glycogen levels and improving recovery time than other sweeteners.

5. Reduce cough and throat irritation:
Honey helps with coughs, particularly buckwheat honey. In a study of 110 children, a single dose of buckwheat honey was just as effective as a single dose of dextromethorphan in relieving nocturnal cough and allowing proper sleep.

6. Balance the 5 elements:
Honey has been used in ayurvedic medicine in India for at least 4000 years and is considered to affect all three of the body’s primitive material imbalances positively. It is also said to be useful useful in improving eyesight, weight loss, curing impotence and premature ejaculation, urinary tract disorders, bronchial asthma, diarrhea, and nausea.

7. Blood sugar regulation:
Even though honey contains simple sugars, it is NOT the same as white sugar or artificial sweeteners. Its exact combination of fructose and glucose actually helps the body regulate blood sugar levels. Some honeys have a low hypoglycemic index, so they don’t jolt your blood sugar.

8. Heal wounds and burns:
External application of honey has been shown to be as effective as conventional treatment with silver sulfadiazine. It is speculated that the drying effect of the simple sugars and honey’s antibacterial nature combine to create this effect.

9. Probiotic:
Some varieties of honey possess large amounts of friendly bacteria. This includes up to 6 species of lactobacilli and 4 species of bifidobacteria. This may explain many of the “mysterious therapeutic properties of honey.”

10. Beautiful skin:
Its anti-bacterial qualities are particularly useful for the skin, and, when used with the other ingredients, can also be moisturizing and nourishing!

Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea is the on of the healthiest beverage on earth.

It is filled with antioxidants and nutrients that have powerful effects on our body.

This includes improved brain function, fat loss, a lower risk of cancer and many other incredible benefits.

Here are some of the health benefits of green tea that have been confirmed in human research studies.

Improves Health
Many of the bioactive compounds in the tea leaves do make it into the final drink, which contains large amounts of important nutrients.
It is loaded with polyphenols like flavonoids and catechins, which function as powerful antioxidants. These substances can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules from damage.


Improves Brain Function
Green tea does more than just keep you awake, it can also make you smarter. The key active ingredient is caffeine, which is a known stimulant.


Increases Fat Burning and Improves Physical Performance
If you look at the ingredients list for any fat burning supplement, chances are that green tea will be on there.
This is because green tea has been shown to increase fat burning and boost the metabolic rate, in human controlled trials


Lowers Your Risk of Various Types of Cancer
Cancer is caused by uncontrolled growth of cells. It is one of the world’s leading causes of death.
It is well known that oxidative damage contributes to the development of cancer and that antioxidants can have a protective effect.


Protects Your Brain in Old Age
Multiple studies show that the catechin compounds in green tea can have various protective effects on neurons in test tubes and animal models, potentally lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.


Kills Bacteria, Improves Dental Health and Lowers Your Risk of Infection
The catechins in green tea have other biological effects as well. Some studies show that they can kill bacteria and inhibit viruses like the influenza virus, potentially lowering your risk of infections.


Green Tea May Lower Your Risk of Type II Diabetes
Type II diabetes involves having elevated blood sugar levels in the context of insulin resistance or an inability to produce insulin. Studies show that green tea can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels


Reduced Depression 
Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in tea leaves. It is this substance that is thought to provide a relaxing and tranquilizing effect and be a great benefit to tea drinkers.

Appreciate your feedback or comments!!!

High Blood Pressure: Causes, symptoms, treatment

What is blood pressure?

Each time the heart beats, it pumps blood into the vessels. Blood pressure is created by the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels (arteries) as it is pumped by the heart.


What is hypertension?

Hypertension, also known as high or raised blood pressure, is a condition in which the blood vessels have persistently raised pressure. The higher the pressure in blood vessels the harder the heart has to work in order to pump blood.


How is blood pressure defined

Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) and is recorded as two numbers usually written one above the other. The upper number is the systolic blood pressure -the highest pressure in blood vessels and happens when the heart contracts, or beats. The lower number is the diastolic blood pressure -the lowest pressure in blood vessels in between heartbeats when the heart muscle relaxes. Normal adult blood pressure is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 120 mm Hg and a diastolic blood pressure of 80 mm Hg.


Causes of blood pressure

Here are very common causes -

• Consuming food with high salt level, 
• Consuming fatty foods,
• Excessive consumption alcohol,  
• Lack of exercise and physical activities,
• Poor stress management.

Symptoms of blood pressure

Most hypertensive people have no symptoms at all. Sometimes hypertension causes symptoms such as headache, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, palpitations of the heart and nose bleeds. Hypertension is a serious warning sign that significant lifestyle changes are required.


Detection and treatment

Early detection of hypertension can minimize the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke and kidney failure. Various digital machines are available in market to measure BP at home. For some people, lifestyle changes are not sufficient for controlling blood pressure and prescription medication is needed.

How to get up active every morning

1. Avoid hitting the snooze button

Each time when we hit the snooze button we are sending our body mixed messages; wake up when alarm is ringing and continue sleeping when we hit snooze button. It confuses our body and we feel lethargic.


2. Let morning light flow in to bedroom

When it’s dark our body produces hormones that makes us feel sleepy. If sunlight is flowing into bedroom those hormones level will drop and body will not feel sleepy.


3. Complete the shower with cold water

Cold water can activate parts of our brain responsible for regulating wakefulness and increase our metabolic rate, reducing feelings of fatigue.


4. Exercise daily

Exercise enhances cognition and increases blood flow, feeding our brain with more oxygen.


5. Stay hydrated

Mild dehydration reduces alertness, increases fatigue and can affect our concentration. Start the day with a large glass of water to replace any fluids lost during the night through sweat and breathing


6. Eat your way to alertness

A healthy breakfast will help sustain alertness throughout the morning. Avoid foods high in sugar, the effects are short-lived and alertness wares off quickly.

Uses of Coconut Oil

Here is list of daily life situations where coconut can be used other than its traditional use in cooking food -

Hair mask and conditioner
Use coconut oil as a natural conditioner by applying it to your hair after shampooing. Rinse oil 5 minutes after applying the oil. Your hair will look more shiny and moisturized after it.
Take care in not applying too much of the oil.

Use as makeup remover
Use coconut oil to remove your eye makeup. Biggest benefit of using it is that being a natural product it is not harmful to eyes.

Use as makeup highlighter
Coconut oil can also be used as makeup highlighter for your cheekbone and eyelid regions. It gives you a natural, youthful look without any added chemicals.

Heal wounds
Coconut oil contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. So it can be used as wound healer. You can use it to speed up healing of open wounds or rashes. It also helps in reducing itching .

Cure cracked heels
If you have dry, cracked heels, cure it by applying coconut oil on them on a regular basis.

Add to smoothies and coffees

Adding 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil to smoothies not only improves its texture but also makes it healthier. Coconut oil can also act as an energizer and creamer when added to coffee.

You can make mayonnaise at home by blending 4 eggs, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon dried mustard, and then very slowly adding 1 cup coconut oil and ½ cup olive oil to it. The trick here is to add the oils slowly otherwise the mayo will break.

Removes Chewing Gum
Apply coconut oil to the affected area of hair or furniture where gum is stuck. It will easily get the gum out.

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How To Cool Down Your Mouth After Eating Spicy

After eating something spicy Very first step we do is to drink glass of water. But to surprise it does not cool down the heat. Here is why -

Spicy peppers contain a compound called capsaicin, which binds to a protein in your taste buds that’s responsible for sensing heat. When this binding occurs, your sensory neurons send pain messages to your brain to let you know that something hot has entered the body. But capsaicin has greasy qualities that don’t dissolve in water.

Here is what you can do -

• Try something cold. It will numb some of the taste buds and reduce the heat sensing.
• 
  
• Eat Bread. It absorbs liquid in your mouth, which can help pull the capsaicin molecules out of the receptors in your taste buds. 
• 
  
• Last but not least, take dairy product. Protein in dairy called casein binds to capsaicin and takes the heat-generating compounds out of your mouth and helps cool down quicker. 

Uses Of Vinegar

1.       As a Preservative

       Vinegar can be used as preservative for keeping meat and poultry products for a long time. It is also used in pickles to keep them for longer duration as well as to provide a pinch of sour taste. The acetic acid in vinegar kills microbes and stalls food spoilage.

2.       As a Disinfectant

Vinegar can be used to disinfect water and also various appliances in kitchen where there are chances of bacterial growth and are not frequently washed with water. It can also be used for removing stains from clothes with certain proportion of water.

3.       As a Cleanser

      Vinegar is used to keep microwave clean from inside. When we warm certain food items with slurry in microwave, some droplets of slurry get deposited in the walls of microwave. These stains need to be removed from microwave else it will smell and is not hygienic. Microwave manufacturer’s recommend cleaning with vinegar and also provide guidelines on how to use it.It is also used for cleaning floors, windows, kitchen, refrigerators and bathroom

4.       As a Deodorizer

Vinegar is very useful for deodorizing house, towels and carpets.

5.       As a De-scaler

Vinegar can be used to remove scales formed by carbonates present is water. It is used to remove scales from tiles, coffee maker, kettle, washing machines, dishwashers and taps.

6.       As a face cleanser

Apple cider vinegar with water is very helpful to keep your face clean, soft and toned. It also acts as a very good aftershave lotion for men. It can be added in nail polish to last longer.

7.       As a hair conditioner

Vinegar is a great hair conditioner and can improve cleanliness and shine. It also keeps hair dandruff free.

Common Food to Freshen Breath

Green tea: Green tea is rich in flavonoids. These reduce and prevent the adhesion of stink causing germs to the teeth. Cinnamon tea is in particular helpful in keeping the mouth and breath fresh.


Water is a quick and an easily accessible remedy for rapidly making that breath fresh. Just swish and swirl some water in the mouth as if you are gargling ( but softly, not loudly) and rinse it out. The logic behind doing this is when we get dehydrated, the saliva generated in our mouth automatically decreases. This is because our body tries to conserve moisture. Saliva tends to clean our mouth by diluting the bacteria. Bacteria and their by-products are responsible for that offensive bad breath or that a person might have. Therefore rinsing the mouth with water clears out these odour generating bacteria.


Probiotics: Probiotics such as yogurt rid mouth of hydrogen sulphide. For instance Lactobacillus salivarius also helps in case of dental and gum related problems. It enables healing of the sores in mouth. Gum and teeth related conditions make the oral environment conducive to bacterial growth which in turn makes the breath smell lousy.


Spices and herbs: These are super amazing at keeping the breath free of any malodour for a good period of time. Examples are cardamom (elaichi), fennel (saunf), spear mint, parsley, rosemary, eucalyptus, coriander (dhania daal),cinnamon( dal chini), cloves(laung) etc.


Veggie land: Broccoli, carrots and cucumber are known to keep the mouth fresh by diminishing the bacterial content of the mouth. Chewing onto them floods the mouth with saliva.


Apples: When we crunch on to an apple, salivary secretion gets stimulated. This literally bathes the mouth and rinses out the odour generating bacteria in mouth thereby making the breath fresh.


Oranges, sweet lime, lemons, kiwis, and all citrus fruits rich in Vitamin C: These help in keeping the breath fresh. Vitamin C is known to fight the bacteria. It is also an antioxidant - thus it helps in reducing the toxins in the body, this includes those produced by the bacteria in the mouth. You may have these fruits as whole or even drink up or sip on their juices.


Chewing gum: This also increases the secretion of saliva. Chewing gum helps in dislodging the stuck up food particles in the mouth. This prevents stink formation. Sugar free xylitol containing chewing gum is better than the sugared one.


Whole wheat bread: Consuming this prevents formation of ketones which otherwise get generated on a low carb diet. Ketones are secreted in urine, sweat and mouth and give a typical foul smell to the breath. Eating whole wheat bread helps checking ketones and in keeping the breath fresh.

Common Weight Loss Mistakes

Improper diet and nutrition 
Skipping meals doesn't help, in fact eating smaller portions of food at regular intervals increases metabolism rather than eating till you are full during all meal times. Healthy food is necessary, starving will only make you feel tired and lead to making wrong choice in foods. At the same time, eating larger portions of health food and not keeping a track of what and how much you are eating, is not right.


Too many limitations 
Too many restrictions on eating and having a strict schedule for exercise will not make you achieve your goal faster. If you stick to your diet and exercise schedule on a regular basis it is okay to take a day off and indulge in your favourite food once a week.


Lifestyle habits 
Adequate sleep helps weight loss and vice versa. A sedentary lifestyle, irregular meal times, addiction to smoking or having alcoholic drinks, eating while watching TV and lack of exercise are all reasons for gaining weight and once you embark on a weight loss plan you need to change these habits.


Wrong Exercise plan for weight loss 
While fatigue and soreness at the initial stages of the workout are normal, over-training at this time can cause long-term impact injuries. Thus, getting a proper trainer to guide you to form a set routine of stretches, cardio and weights as per your body's tolerance levels is very important. You also have to refuel your body after the workout and eating the right things at these times, helps.


Giving in to temptation 
With the wide variety of food choices on offer these days, it is easy to fall prey to temptation. Also, learn to say 'no' at family gatherings or outings with friends when they try to force you into indulgence.


Continuing with the same diet plan
If you don't see results with your diet plan, change it after consulting with your dietician. If you have been following all the guidelines but still not losing weight it is possible that the diet plan may not be helpful and it is good that you change it to achieve desired results.


Lack of knowledge
Inadequate information is harmful, thus reading about weight loss, finding information from valid sources, consulting nutritionists and dieticians will help you understand the right from wrong.


Psychological reasons 
There are psychological reasons as to why you tend to overeat or indulge in wrong food choices. Depression or food disorders play a big role in this and if you feel that you are lagging behind due to these reasons, try to get proper help and guidance.


Unrealistic goals 
Setting goals which are impractical makes you disappointed with your attempts. Remember that there are no instant results of marketing gimmicks like weight loss pills or spot reduction promises. You have to work hard for it.


Lack of motivation and dedication 
You need to motivate yourself to start your diet and exercise schedule at the earliest. You should not get discouraged and just give up at the first hurdle. Your weight can fluctuate on a day-to-day basis but only being consistent about your plan with a positive attitude will help you achieve proper results.

Five Unusually Effective Ways to Burn More Calories

1. Take cold showers
Cold showers, especially early in the morning, help you to burn your calories. When you take a shower, your body temperature still maintains its internal temperature (37 degree Celsius). It is this temperature difference which shoots your metabolic rate, thereby burning calories at high rate.


2. Shopping
When you shop, the release of serotonin makes you feel happy and at ease. Besides this, the various body movements like walking, hand movements to pick up things or speaking while bargaining burn more calories.


3. Drink cold water
This happens because the body requires more energy to warm up the cold water. More the energy it takes, greater the calories are burnt.


4. Watching horror movies
When you watch a horror film, the adrenaline rush, stress hormones and neuroreceptors work at par to help you get rid of some of your excess calories.


5. Speak and laugh more
When you speak and laugh, these activities increase your heartbeat, and your heart pumps blood faster. Most importantly, they increase your body heat, giving way to faster metabolism.

Top 10 Uses Of Salt

1. Cleans artificial flowers
Toss the flowers in a medium size air lock bag along with a cup of salt. Shake the bag well. The salt will automatically whisk away the dust. Your artificial flowers will be as good as new.


2. Removes wine stains from clothes
In case you spill wine on your shirt, just sprinkle some salt on the spot immediately, and let it absorb. It will remove maximum wine out of the fabric.


3. Cures a bee sting
After removing the stinger, wet the area and immediately apply a paste of salt and water on it. Let it dry; it will reduce the inflammation and relieve your pain. You can follow the same procedure in case of other bug bites as well.


4. Extends a broom’s life
A new broom with plastic bristles will last longer if you soak its bristles in a bucket of hot and salty water. Before its first use, just dip the broom in this water for about 20 minutes, and then allow it to dry.


5. Checks the freshness of an egg
If you want to test whether the eggs are fresh or not, put the eggs in a bowl of cold water with two tablespoon of salt in it. If they sink to the bottom, they are fresh enough to use. And if they float, discard them right away. Also, boiling eggs in salt water makes them easier to peel.


6. Rectifies the taste of coffee
Over-brewed coffee often tastes bitter. So, add a pinch of salt to your cup before pouring the coffee in it. Salt actually acts as a bitterness reducer, thereby blocking your brain and tongue from receiving any such bitter taste. This further adds to the taste of coffee. Also, salt rubbed on ice cubes can be used to clean the coffee stains from a coffee pot.


7. Deodorises your shoes
Your canvas shoes smell really bad when you wear them without socks, especially during the summers. So, occasionally put some salt ( say on bottle cap) inside shoes. It will automatically soak the moisture and will keep the odour at bay.


8. Removes lipstick marks
Before washing your glasses, just rub the edges with some salt to erase those lipstick stains.


9. Keeps the salad crisp
Do you often prepare salad for a party, but by the time the guests start coming in, it loses its freshness? But, do not worry! Just add some salt to your salad immediately after you prepare it. It will help the veggies to remain crisp for several hours.

Top Ten Indian Spices or Food To Reduce Body Fat

Turmeric
It is known to have anticancer, antiseptic and healthy weight loss properties. A compound called curcumin present in turmeric is known to help reduce insulin and leptin resistance levels, both of which are responsible for fat deposits. Turmeric also helps in maintaining desired blood pressure and helps in removing bad cholesterol from the body.


Garlic
It is known for its medicinal properties. Allicin, a sulphur compound present in garlic has antibacterial properties. Garlic also has anti-inflammatory properties that help in burning fat deposits.


Cardamom
This spice is full of digestive properties and helps in enhancing the metabolic activity.


Mustard oil
It has very low quantity of saturated fat. It also has a host of other beneficial elements like fatty acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, erucic acid, essential vitamins and antioxidants which help in reducing the cholesterol level and maintaining an optimum body weight.

Honey
Honey dissolved in warm water consumed in the morning helps in cutting down fat within the body.


Curry leaves
It not only provide flavour to our food, but they also help in removing harmful toxins and unwanted fat deposits from the body.


Chilies
Powered with a key element called capsaicin, chilies help in increasing the metabolism activity and the heat generating property of capsaicin helps in burning additional fat within the body.


Bean sprouts
They are quite beneficial because they have loads of essential vitamins, minerals and fiber. They reduce hunger pangs and aid in weight reduction.


Cabbage
It is grown locally in almost all parts of India. It slows the process of transformation of carbohydrates and sugar content into fat, which in turn helps in maintaining the fat content.

Home Remedies To Help In Sore Throat

Warm saline gargle- Gargling with a pinch of salt in a glass of luke warm water 3-4 times daily helps increase the blood flow to the pharyngeal region, thereby washing away the infection and also reducing the edema associated with the infection. It also loosens the mucus, which can be expelled easily.

Drink plenty of warm liquids - Tea, lemon tea, ginger-lemon tea, soups, cinnamon tea, warm orange juice with lemon drops, honey + lemon juice + crushed ginger in warm water etc. These are common home remedies that are very helpful in relieving a sore throat.

Soft diet - Steamed /microwaved apple, mashed with honey acts as a throat soothener and it is easy to swallow without hurting the throat.

Throat sootheners - Cough lozenges, menthol / eucalyptus oil lozenges, honey + lemon. These help by soothing the throat and menthol also causes temporary numbness to the ailing throat. They also increase saliva secretion, thereby preventing dryness of the throat.

Local heat - Apply a heating pad to the throat region or wrap your neck with hot air dried warm cloth / towel. This will provide relief to the ailing throat.


Avoid following things as they cause harm to the infected throat by drying, irritating, dehydrating the already inflamed mucosa -
Smoking
Cold drinks
Oily and fried food items
Spicy food
Exercising


Avoid going to public places lest you become the source of infection to other people.

Avoid flying as the infection can spread to the ears and cause a middle ear infection.

Seek medical attention if there is:
Throat pain lasting more than a couple of days
Very severe pain with chills, fever and body ache
Pain in the laryngeal region and voice change
Pain in the ears and blocking sensation in the ears
Neck swelling
Purulent cough
Swollen tonsils
Breathlessness with chest congestion and pain.

Five Best Acne Removal Homemade Face Masks

1. Salt mask
Salt mask is not only effective for treating acne, but also can be developed very easily. All you need is a little sea salt/cooking salt and water. Mix salt in water and leave it on for 20 minutes. Apply this salt mask to the acne spots and then wash it off with clean water after 10 to 20 minutes. Salt is an effective natural cleanser, which reduces the oil in your skin to a considerable amount, thereby leaving your skin oil as well as acne free.


2. Yogurt mask
Yogurt mask is another effective mask which works wonder for acne ridden skin. All you need is one teaspoon of honey and one teaspoon of yogurt and mix them until they become a paste. However, it is better advised to pre-heat the honey before mixing it with yogurt. Apply this paste to your face for 10 or 20 minutes before washing it off with a washcloth and you will notice immediate changes in your skin tone.


3. Egg white mask
It is one of the most simple and frugal natural acne masks that you can make at home. Take an egg and nicely separate the egg white from the yolk, and then apply the egg whites all over your face, and leave it for 20 minutes. But, before applying this mask, make sure that your face is cleansed. And, always wash the egg whites off with lukewarm water. However, people allergic to eggs are not recommended to use this mask.


4. Oatmeal mask
Make a paste of oatmeal and water and apply it on your face and then leave for 20 or 30 minutes. After washing it off with lukewarm water, you will feel your skin smooth and soft.


5. Baking soda mask
To make this mask, all you need is baking soda and water. Clean your face with a gentle cleanser and apply this mixture of baking soda and water all over your face. Leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. This homemade mask makes your skin clear and regular application will help you get rid of acne easily and rapidly.

Seven Benefits of Oranges

1. Leaves skin rejuvenated
Orange juice works really well for shrinking open pores. All you need to do is dab on a few drops of orange juice onto the face, and let it be there for about two to three minutes before splashing some cold water and dabbing off your face. It will leave you with an excellent and refreshed feeling!


2. Fights against breakouts
Orange juice is full of citric acid, which is an amazing ingredient that helps to reduce pimples. Just rubbing some orange juice onto affected areas makes the pimples dry up, leaving you with clear and blemish free skin. You can also make a face mask by grinding orange peels and applying it on your face. This will not only keep pimples at bay, but will also help to deal with oily skin.


3. Keeps ageing at bay
Oranges help to improve your skin texture, and so it is well-known for having anti-ageing benefits. It contains powerful antioxidants that protect your skin against free radicals. It also helps in keeping the skin firm and supple, thus keeping signs of ageing at bay for a longer time. Grind some orange peels and dilute them using either water or milk and use it as a face pack.


4. Helps in skin lightening
Orange peel powder with curd or milk can be used to make an excellent natural bleach, which can be used regularly to give the skin a sun-kissed glow of freshness. It is a very useful fairness face pack, if you have little time and a special occasion on hand, to look your best. It also helps to lighten dark skin patches and spots.


5. Gets rid of dandruff
Adding orange juice concentrate to coconut oil makes for great hair turban therapy oil that helps to reduce your dandruff problem. Just a few drops of orange juice concentrate or half a cup of orange juice that is freshly extracted, added to a cup of coconut oil can work wonders for dandruff.


6. Scrubs away dead skin
If you dry an orange peel and grind it into a coarse powder, it makes for an excellent face scrub when coupled with fuller’s earth and honey. After using this combination to scrub the face, splash cold water to refresh and rejuvenate your skin. Since orange peels are high in vitamin C, this scrub will not only help you get rid of dead skin cells, but also reduce skin blemishes.


7. Makes a great conditioner
Adding one cup of orange juice to one cup of water and one spoon of honey makes a great conditioner. Just apply to freshly shampooed and rinsed hair, and leave it for about ten minutes before rinsing it off thoroughly. It will help you to get vibrant, bouncy and tangle-free hair.

Home Remedies for Sunburn

Oatmeal
Soak oatmeal in water for few minutes, discard the oatmeal and apply the liquid every 2 to 4 hours. Alternatively you can use Aveeno, an oatmeal powder.


Cornstarch
Add enough water to cornstarch to make a paste. Apply directly to the sunburn.


Lettuce
Boil lettuce leaves in water. Let the liquid cool. Dip cotton balls into the liquid and apply gently onto irritated skin.


Yogurt
Apply yogurt to all sunburned areas. Rinse off in a cool shower, then gently pat skin dry.


Tea bags
If your eyelids are burned, apply tea bags soaked in cool water to decrease swelling and help relieve pain.


Baking soda
Adding a few heaping tablespoons of baking soda to cool bath water soothes sunburn. Just keep your soaking time down to 15 to 20 minutes. Once done, avoid using towel, instead air-dry it.


Aloe Vera
The thick, gel-like juice of the aloe vera plant can take the sting and redness out of a sunburn. Aloe vera causes blood vessels to constrict. Simply slit open one of the broad leaves and apply the gel directly to the burn. Apply five to six times per day for several days.


Potatoes
The plain old potato makes for a wonderful pain reliever. Take two washed potatoes, cut them into small chunks, and blend them until they are in liquid form. Add water if they look dry. Pat the burned areas with the pulverized potatoes. Wait until the potatoes dry, then take a cool shower.


Drink Water
As the sun fried your skin, it also dehydrated it. Be sure to replenish liquids by drinking plenty of water while recovering from a sunburn. Being well hydrated will help burns heal better.


Moisturize
To prevent drying, apply moisturizer immediately after your bath. For cooling relief of pain and dryness, chill the moisturizer in the refrigerator before using.


Avoid soap

Soap can dry and irritate burned skin.

Healthy Food To Improve Eye Sight

When we talk about staying healthy, we mostly focus on heart, bones, and brain. But for healthy aging, we also require our eyes to be fit and healthy. Here is a look at some foods that keep our eyes fit.

Beans

Beans ranging from kidney beans to chick peas and lentils are a great source of zinc. Zinc releases Vitamin A to your diet. Deficiency in Zinc leads deterioration of macula, in retina. Zinc is also present in beef and poultry.

Broccoli 

Broccoli is important in keeping heart and cancer disease away from you but it is equally important for eyes. It has nutrients which reduce the problems related to muscular degeneration and loss of vision.

Eggs 

Eggs are an important source of zinc, lutein, B12, Vitamin D, Vitamin A and cysteine which helps in protecting your eyes from various diseases.

Carrots

Rich in beta-carotene, that protects the eye and reduces the risk of cataracts, carrots can easily be included in your diet in the form of salads or stir-fried veggies.

Spinach

Packed with beta carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, vitamin C and a number of antioxidants; spinach works by absorbing more than 40% of blue light intensity that may harm your eyes and increase the pigment density of the macula, thus significantly lowering the risk of macular degeneration.

Cherries

Cherries contain antioxidants that can prevent eye problems that lead to blindness. They are also rich in bioflavonoids that strengthen the blood vessels that carry oxygen to the eyes and brain. Cherries also contain calcium, potassium, fiber and iron, and Vitamins A, B and C.E

Sweet potatoes

They are packed with beta-carotene when makes them a total must-have for eye health.

Almonds 

Almonds are rich in Vitamin E that help prevent cataract and improves vision

Avocadoes 

Avocadoes are packed with antioxidants that improve eyesight and prevent problems like astigmatism, glaucoma and cataracts.

Flaxseeds 

Flaxseeds are one of the richest sources of natural omega-3 fatty acids, that helps build immunity and prevent age-related macular degeneration in the eyes.

Corn 

Corn is a great source of lutein and zeaxanthin, and a fair source of beta-carotene and Vitamin C.

Strawberries 

Strawberries are rich source of Vitamin E. Studies reveal that person whose diet is rich in Vitamin E is three times less likely to develop macular degeneration that is the main cause of poor eyesight in the elderly.

Simple Tips To Keep Your Home Healthy

Dust your house daily

Dust is one of the primary reasons for allergies and respiratory diseases. Keep your home dust-free by dusting regularly using a damp cloth as it picks up dust far better than a feather duster.

Clean your shower curtain regularly

Due to mix of moisture and soap in the bathroom shower curtains can be a hot bed for all kinds of bacteria and mould. Wash them regularly to keep them clean. Most of them can be thrown into the washing machine, along with your towels, so much effort needn’t be put in. 

Watch plastics

Plastics bottles and containers are a staple in most kitchens. However, it’s important to remember that all plastics are not the same on the health scale. Certain grades of plastics are known to leach dangerous chemicals into the foods that are stored in them, so choose your plastic containers wisely by checking out the number at the bottom of the container.

Wipe your refrigerator handles once a week

Think about it – all day the refrigerator is opened and closed by hands that have usually been near food. All that touching makes the refrigerator handle ripe for germs and bacteria. Most of us keep the inside of our refrigerators clean anyway – remember to wipe them clean on the outside as well and you’re improving overall hygiene.

Clean your remote controls

The remote control is another popular destination for germs. Because it’s constantly touched and handled, often by grubby hands, germs really have a field day multiplying on the remote controls. Use alcohol soaked cloth to wipe them clean from time to time.

Change your kitchen sponge often

The kitchen sponge has been rated the number one source of germs in the house. Ironic, considering it’s used to clean your dishes! Never keep your sponge on the dishwashing soap, always squeeze it and keep it dry and discard it when it starts to fall apart.

How To Exercise Your Eyes

To keep our body fit we go to gym, do lots of exercise, jogging, swimming, yoga. But what do we do for our eyes? Nothing !!! Here we have exercise for eyes too. It keeps eyes healthy and help minimize eyestrain. 

Here are some easy to follow tips to exercise your eyes - 

1. Palming Exercise

Rub your hands together until they feel warm. Close your eyes and cover them lightly with your cupped palms such that Eyes remain behind the slight hollow of the palms. Avoid applying pressure on your eyeballs. Make sure that no light rays enter the eyes, and leave no gaps between fingers or between the edge of the palms and the nose. Visualize a distant scene or happy incident. 

2. Close your eyes tightly. Count till 5. Open them. Count till 5 again. 

3. Close your eyes and massage them very lightly with circular movements of your fingers tips for one minute.

4. Press three fingers of each hand against your upper eyelids very lightly, and hold them there for 1-2 seconds, then release.

5. Sit on comfortable chair. Roll your eyes clockwise, Blink couple of times, now rotate counter-clockwise. 

6. Focusing Exercises - Sit about 6 inches (150 mm) from the window. Make a mark on the glass at your eye level (a small sticker). Look through this mark and focus on something far away for 10 seconds; then focus on the mark again.

7. Hold a pencil in front of you at arm’s length. Move your arm slowly to your nose, and follow the pencil with your eyes until you can keep it in focus.

8. Look at wall in front of you and pretend that you are writing with your eyes, without turning your head. 

Repeat each of the exercise 5 times.

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Tips for dealing with ear ache while flying

During airplane flights the ears are subjected to changes in air pressure. The middle ear is connected with the upper part of the throat by the Eustachian tube. Its job is to equalize air pressure in the middle ear.

People often have more problems during landing. If the Eustachian tube is blocked from cold or allergies the eardrum will be stretched inward, impairing hearing and causing pain during descent. If you can't clear your ears on the ground, you should not fly. But if you have to fly, or find yourself with ear pain once airborne, there are some things you can do.

Tips for dealing with Ear Ache:

     • Try yawning or swallowing to open the Eustachian tube.

     • Try chewing gum.

     • With a doctor's approval, adults can take a decongestant and/or nasal spray.

     • You might try earplug-like devices called Ear planes which help regulate air pressure naturally.

     • Try the Valsalva maneuver: Hold your nose and blow out gently to equalize the pressure.

Young children's Eustachian tubes don't function as good as in adults. Use a pacifier or bottle for babies during takeoffs and landings. Older children won't suffer quite as much as long as they don't have a cold.

Benefits of Getting up Early

There is an age-old saying "Early to bed and early to rise makes you healthy, wealthy as well as wise".

Read on to see how it works. When you wake up early, you -

1. Get time to exercise

Waking up early gives you the time to exercise. You can easily go for a jog, swimming, practice yoga with plenty of time at hand.

2. Get time to meditate

It will help calm your mind and sharpen your reflexes to keep you going through your busy schedule of work.

3. Experience the Charm of Early Morning

The silence, the birds chirping, the absence of cars honking, and the sunrise are all advantages only early rising can offer.

4. Increase Productivity and Efficiency

A study conducted at the Texas University in 2008 revealed that early risers are more prone to be productive and efficient at work. In fact, students who wake up early are known to get higher grades than those who wake up late.

5. Get Time For Healthy Breakfast

Often, you may land up skipping it if you are running late for work. An early start to the day ensures that this significant meal is never given the slip.

6. Set Routine

Once you set a routine of getting up early, it leads to better productivity not only at work, but also at the home.

7. Brighter Mood

Early risers are known to be happier and more optimistic than night owls. The bright start with exercise and optimism is bound to keep you feeling energized and optimistic all day.

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8. Better Finances

Improved health, enhanced productivity will result in higher rate of success.

Homemade Astringents for Your Skin

Astringent stimulates blood circulation as well as the entire skin system, reduces oiliness and assists in refining pores of rough, unevenly textured skin. It has many uses in the cosmetic and medicinal field because of its antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help in getting rid of bacteria and excess dirt from the pores and underlying skin.

Orange/Lemon/Cucumber/Peach/Tomato: Some of the best and readily available fruits and vegetables make the best astringents. Lemons, oranges, cucumbers, all help in tightening skin pores and giving your skin a refreshing feeling. Grated cucumber juice, orange juice, tomato juice, and lemon juice will work wonders for your skin. These work well for all skin types. Apply the juice to your face, leave on for a few minutes, and rinse it off well with water. In case of peaches and cucumbers, you can also cut thin circular slices and leave them on your face for a few minutes. You can even add a few drops of rose water to the cucumber juice for best results. You will start to feel the freshening effect immediately.

Aloe Vera Astringent: The juice of this plant, found abundantly all over, works very well as an astringent. Buy it from your local store or extract the juice from the leaves if you have an aloe vera plant at home. Apply it over the face and leave it on for a few minutes. Rinse it off well with water.

Rose Water Astringent: Boil a bowl of water. Add a few fresh rose petals to it. Let the petals soak in the water for half an hour. Drain the petals and use the water as an astringent.

Camphor and Alum Astringent: Mix a pinch of alum to spirit of camphor. Store it in a container and use it as an astringent as per your skin type and requirement.

Wonder Foods With Healing Power

Broccoli

Including broccoli in your diet can help you boost your immune system and improve bone health too. The vegetable fights cancer and tumor development in your body. It is a storehouse of vitamin A, E, K, C and B6.

Kiwi

This tiny little fruit contains ounces of Vitamin C, fiber and potassium. Eating kiwis can avert the risk of suffering from grave illness like cancer, stroke, heart attacks and respiratory disorders. It has the power of healing wounds; sores and also repairing damaged cells.

Carrots 

An excellent source of antioxidants that help lessening the risk of a number of types of cancers and heart related disorders. The Vitamin A that the vegetable contains promotes the health of the eye. Apart from this, carrots contain calcium, potassium, fiber and Vitamin C.

Guavas 

Guavas are known to contain the most amount of lycopene that fights with cancer. This antioxidant also protects the body from free radicals that are known to affect the arteries, and nervous system. Eating this fruit can be advantageous for the skin and also while you are suffering from diarrhea, diabetes and fever.

Cabbage

Cabbage contains vitamin K, B6 and C, fiber, folate and manganese. The consumption of the vegetable will not only strengthen your bones but also do wonders to treat allergic reactions, inflammation, varicose veins and also fight a number of cancers. Consuming a healthy diet with super foods can promise a healthy and fit life.

Cherries

This teeny red fruit is a small pack of abundant nutrients. It contains fiber, Vitamin C and is free of sodium and fat. Studies have also shown that the fruit has anti-aging properties. Cherries are also packed with antioxidants that reduce heart diseases and arthritis.

Spinach

This green leafy vegetable is a wonder food for not only your vision but also your brain. The vegetable contains Vitamin A, C, K, iron, magnesium, folate and calcium. The range of nutrients protects your body from a number of diseases like cancer, heart attacks amongst others.