Health Benefits of Cucumber

Cucumber is one of the oldest cultivated vegetables and is believed to be originated in northern India. Today, cucumbers are the fourth most-widely grown vegetable crop in the world behind tomatoes, onions and cabbage. They’re grown worldwide in temperate regions.

There are two types of cucumbers: slicing cucumbers and pickling cucumbers. The pickling varieties tend to be smaller, thicker, and have bumpy skin with black-dotted spines.

Cucumbers, scientifically known as Cucumis sativus, are grown to either be eaten fresh or to be pickled. Those that are to be eaten fresh are commonly called slicing cucumbers. They are cylindrical in shape and commonly range in length from about six to nine inches, although they can smaller or much larger. Their skin, which ranges in color from green to white, may either be smoothed or ridged depending upon the variety. Inside a cucumber is a very pale green flesh that is dense yet aqueous and crunchy at the same time, as well as numerous edible fleshy seeds. Some varieties, which are grown in greenhouses, are seedless, have thinner skins and are longer in length, usually between 12 and 20 inches. These varieties are often referred to as "burpless" cucumbers since people find them easier to digest than the other varieties of cucumbers.

Health Benefits
- The flesh of cucumbers is primarily composed of water but also contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and caffeic acid, both of which help soothe skin irritations and reduce swelling. Cucumbers'hard skin is rich in fiber and contains a variety of beneficial minerals including silica, potassium and magnesium.
A Radiant Complexion

- The silica in cucumber is an essential component of healthy connective tissue, which includes muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bone. Cucumber juice is often recommended as a source of silica to improve the complexion and health of the skin, plus cucumber's high water content makes it naturally hydrating—a must for glowing skin. Cucumbers are also used topically for various types of skin problems, including swelling under the eyes and sunburn. Two compounds in cucumbers, ascorbic acid and caffeic acid, prevent water retention, which may explain why cucumbers applied topically are often helpful for swollen eyes, burns and dermatitis.

- An Easy Way to Increase Your Consumption of Both Fiber and Water

- Trying to get adequate dietary fiber on a daily basis is a challenge for many Americans. Adding a crunchy cool cucumber to your salads is an especially good way to increase your fiber intake because cucumber comes naturally prepackaged with the extra fluid you need when consuming more fiber. Plus, you get the added bonus of vitamin C, silica, potassium and magnesium.

- High Blood Pressure? Cucumber Can Help You Cool Down

- The high water content, vitamins A, B & C and the presence of certain minerals like magnesium, potassium, and silica make cucumbers an essential part of skin care. Facial masks containing cucumber juice can be used for skin tightening. Ascorbic acid and caffeic acid present in cucumbers can bring down the water retention rate which in turn diminishes the puffiness and swelling under the eyes. Cucumber skin also can bring relief to the skin caused by sunburn or windburn.

- The high silica content of cucumber also helps to prevent splitting and spoiling of nails of the fingers and toes.

Useful Tip: When buying cucumbers, choose the ones that are firm to touch and dark green in color. Do not buy overly matured or yellow colored as they are prone to contain more insoluble fiber and mature seeds. Go for organically grown cucumbers to get a rich taste and nutritients content.

Treatment for Indigestion- How to relieve indigestion?

Indigestion is a common problem and many people have it from time to time. Usually every person get involved in indigestion some time or other. Indigestion problem is a chief disorder of digestive system.

Indigestion includes a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas (flatulence or belching), bloating, and upset stomach. Heartburn is that burning, painful feeling, due to stomach acid rising up into the esophagus when the muscle separating them is relaxed or weak. It also may arise from an inflamed stomach lining (gastritis) or an ulcer.

There are a number of proactive steps one can take to reduce problems associated with indigestion and heartburn.

Indigestion Causes:
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Eating spicy, fatty, or greasy foods
- Eating too much (overeating)
- Eating too fast
- Emotional stress or nervousness
- High fiber foods
- Tobacco smoking
- Too much caffeine

Indigestion Symptoms:
- Pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen
- Belching and loud intestinal sounds (borborygmi)
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Poor appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Flatulence

The symptoms of indigestion may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

Indigestion Remedies:
- Drink half a glass of pineapple juice after meals. This is the most beneficial remedy for treating indigestion.
- Eat an orange because helps the digestive system and stores nutrition.
- Consume grapes or grape juice. This is also a best remedy to solve indigestion.
- Drink carrot and beet juice.
- Apply ice bag on the stomach for about 30 minutes after meals.
- Rub a spoon of cumin seeds in a glass of water and after drink.
- Mix equal amounts of water and baking soda in a glass. Drink this to get immediate relief.
- One or two coriander juice spoons in combination with buttermilk, is very effective in curing digestive affections.
- Eat ½ tablespoon of aniseed to enhance digestion.
- Peppermint is also very efficient for the indigestion.
- Mix a spoon of fresh coriander of leaf juice and a little salt and drink this combination two times a day.

Indigestion Prevention:
- Eat your food in time and do not do it fast.
- Make physical exercises.
- Try to eat the foods that are rich in fibers.
- Try to find ways that will help you relax and take deep breaths.
- Drink large quantities of water every day.

Lifestyle changes that may be helpful, especially for gastroesophageal reflux
- Weight loss: Being overweight increases the risk of gastroesophageal reflux.
- Posture: sit upright while and following eating.
- Sleep: sleep on your left side, and if you frequently have GERD, even raise the head of your bed a bit and chew non-mint gum
- Timing: don't eat within 3 hours of bedtime
- Journal: keep a journal of what you eat and what causes problems. If you do so, you'll begin to see a pattern.

Apple cider vinegar health benefits

Over the decades, vinegar has been used for many purposes: making pickles, killing weeds, cleaning coffee makers, polishing armor, and dressing salads. It's also an ancient folk remedy, touted to relieve just about any ailment you can think of.

In recent years, apple cider vinegar has been singled out as an especially helpful health tonic. So it's now sold in both the condiment and the health supplement aisles of your grocery store.


Apple Cider Vinegar is an effective natural bacteria-fighting agent that contains many vital minerals and trace elements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, chlorine, sodium, sulfur, copper, iron, silicon and fluorine that are vital for a healthy body.

Natural Apple Cider Vinegar is made by crushing fresh, organically grown apples and allowing them to mature in wooden barrels. This boosts the natural fermentation qualities of the crushed apples, which differs from the refined and distilled vinegars found in supermarkets. When the vinegar is mature, it contains a dark, cloudy, web-like bacterial foam called mother, which becomes visible when the rich brownish liquid is held to the light.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar Useful For?

Apple cider vinegar is useful for a whole range of things including:
•helping the metabolism to function correctly
•reducing the levels of bad cholesterol in the body
•regulating the water content in the cells and body
•reducing water retention in the body
•helps with regulating blood pressure
•helps to prevent circulatory problems
•helps with reducing premature calcification of the arteries
•increases concentration and memory
•helps with blood circulation
•helps to regulate the body temperature
•increases general vitality and energy

Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a powerful detoxifying and purifying agent. It breaks down fatty, mucous, and phlegm deposits in the body and, by doing so, improves the health and function of the vital organs of the body, such as the liver, kidney, and bladder by preventing excessively alkaline urine. It oxidises and thins the blood, and promotes digestion, assimilation and elimination, as well as neutralising toxic substances that enter the body. Apple cider vinegar has also been found to neutralise harmful bacteria found in certain foods.

Apple cider vinegar is rich in potassium, and this is believed to ease the effects of common colds and allergies. It is also helpful for tooth decay and splitting fingernails, both of which are signs of potassium deficiency. Potassium is also important for the replacement of worn out tissues within the body and also for soft tissue repair. Apple cider vinegar is also thought to help arthritis, either as a beverage, or with compresses soaked in hot vinegar and applied to the affected joints.

It is also helpful in the treatment of asthma, nose bleeds, osteoporosis, candida, high cholesterol, colds, constipation, muscle cramps, colitis, diabetes, diarrhea, depression, dizziness, ear discharge, eczema, fatigue, gallstones, kidney stones, hay fever, headaches, heartburn, hiccups, indigestion, insomnia, kidney and bladder problems, metabolism, nasal congestion, sore throats, stiff joints, ulcers, and weight loss.

Apple cider vinegar is a powerhouse of vitamins, mineral, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. It has little fat and sodium. It is high in potassium helping to re-establish a healthy digestive tract. It is a wonderful super food promoting growth of healthy micro flora in the body which is essential to heart health and proper immune function.

Apple cider vinegar is high in pectin which lowers blood pressure. It lowers the bad cholesterol and increases the good cholesterol helping the body to function correctly.

The use of apple cider vinegar is effective in repelling fleas on your pets. One part vinegar and one part water can be sprayed on your pets fur and rubbed in generously to the skin. Saturate the entire coat, and continue every day for a few days to a week. Any flea infestation will surely be gone.

Apple cider vinegar will clean your toilets and have your bathroom smelling like apples! Just pour apple cider vinegar into the toilet, and allow it to sit overnight. It can also be used in dishwashers as a substitute for dish detergent. Mix 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup water, and you can use this solution to clean microwaves, kitchen surfaces, windows, glasses and mirrors, too.

As you can see, apple cider vinegar is a miracle product that cab be used in a multitude of ways. I highly recommend its use!

Benefits Of Stretching

As you age, your muscles tighten and range of motion in the joints can be minimized. This can put a damper on active lifestyles and even hinder day-to-day, normal motions. Being flexible is very important part of overall fitness. There is a long held belief that by increasing flexibility by stretching reduces injuries. Not all research has supported this, but it is hard not to believe it and there are many other benefits of stretching that make it very worthwhile.

Stretching, in its most basic form, is a natural and instinctive activity. People often stretch instinctively after waking from sleep or after long periods of inactivity.

As a form of exercise, stretching involves elongating a specific muscle or muscle group to its fullest length.

The listed benefits of stretching include:
- enhanced physical fitness
- enhanced ability to learn and perform skilled movements
- enhanced dynamic range of motion during activities
- increased mental and physical relaxation
- enhanced development of body awareness
- reduced risk of injury to joints, muscles, and tendons
- reduced muscular soreness
- reduced muscular tension

Stretching should feel good, so if you feel any pain you should stop. Hold each of the stretching techniques below for 10 seconds or longer and do each stretch at least once. These stretches should be performed before and after a workout.

Quad Stretch: Your quadriceps includes the four muscles in the front of your thigh. To stretch this muscle, grab your right foot and bend your knee. You should pull your foot towards your butt and feel the front of your thigh stretch. Repeat this stretch on your left side.

Biceps Stretch: Your biceps is the muscle on the front of your arm, above your elbow. To stretch it, lift your arms out so that your body forms a T. Slowly rotate your palms from facing the ceiling to facing the floor.

Shoulders and Triceps Stretch: Your triceps muscle is in the back of your arm, above your elbow. Bend your right elbow behind your head so that your hand touches the back of your neck. With your left hand, press down on your right elbow. To stretch your shoulders, take your right arm and, with your left hand at your elbow, press it across your chest. Do the same with your left side.

Groin and Back Stretch: Your groin is the region between your legs and needs to be stretched, too! Sitting on the floor, place the soles of your feet so they touch each other. Pull your feet in towards your groin. Keeping your hand on your feet and bending with your lower back, try to touch your forehead to your toes. Hold this for 10 seconds or longer. (You might never get there...but the stretch is great!)

Hamstring Stretch: Your hamstring is the muscle behind your thigh. To stretch your hamstring, lie on your back on the floor with both knees bent. Keep your left foot flat on the floor and bend your right knee up to your chest. Grab your thigh with both hands and slowly straighten your right leg. Repeat on your left side.

With these stretching exercises, you will give yourself a healthier and safer workout!

Exercise Tips: Sticking To The Plan

How many times have you started a new exercise program and been determined that this time would be different? You’d actually keep it up. You wouldn't quit. But, a few weeks or months later, you’re back to your old ways. You’re busy, and you have lots of “legitimate” excuses for skipping a fitness routine.

I think most people who have tried to make regular exercise a part of their lives have been through this cycle.

If you've set a healthy goal for the year, you've probably spent some time thinking about just how you're going to make sure you stick with your resolutions. Here are some tips on how to plan ahead so you can stick with your fitness goals.

- Set realistic and specific goals: Saying to yourself that you want to get in shape and have the body of a supermodel means sure disaster for two reasons. Only 2% of all women can have a supermodel's body. It's not a realistic goal. You need to set a more realistic goal! Say to yourself: "I want to be able to run for 30 minutes without stopping," or "I want to lose 5 pounds." These are goals, which make sense and can be achieved.
- Set short-term goals within the bigger plan: For example, make it your short-term goal to lose 1–2 pounds by the end of Week 1 of your program, or to run 10 minutes every other day of Week 1.
- Work out in the morning: Studies show that people who exercise first thing in the morning are more likely to stick to their routine. Why? Because nothing else comes up. There's no sudden invitation to go see a movie or go to a yearbook meeting at 7:30 a.m.! If you have a hard time getting up in the morning, lay out your exercise clothes the night before so you see them as soon as you wake up.
- Find a Buddy: Even if this person doesn’t exercise with you, let someone know of your plans and goals to help support your efforts. Making yourself accountable to another is a great way to keep you honest about your success and challenges with starting a new exercise program.
- Chart your progress: Once you’ve set your goal, start measuring your performance. Record your minutes walked each day in a daily planner, or make a simple chart that you can post on the refrigerator. Either way, keep a written record of what you have accomplished. You can create similar charts for your strength training, stretching, and balance programs.
- Spice up your exercise routine: Variety is the spice of life—and of a successful exercise plan. Following the same routine every day can get boring. So try other forms of exercise every other day things like biking with a friend or even dancing count too!
- Ask your family and friends to support you: Tell your family and friends how important your new exercise plan and goals are so that they can be supportive. Everyone needs cheerleaders.
- Keep a photo of someone who inspires you: Maybe it's a famous athlete like Venus Williams or Picabo Street, or maybe it's just someone with a healthy-looking, fit body who inspires you. Whoever it is that you admire, looking at his or her photo might help keep you motivated—and exercising!

How to Calculate Fat Burning Zone

The concept of a fat-burning zone is a myth. Your body takes energy from fat and carbohydrates in different percentages. When at rest, your body takes all of its energy from fat, so your fat-burning zone would be when you're vegged out in your reclining chair. The true fat-burning zone, however, is really your target heart rate zone, which is a range of beats per minute that burns an optimal number of calories for fat loss without overtaxing your body. Exercise in this zone three to five days a week for 20 to 60 minutes to see a reduction in body fat.

According to experts, low intensity workouts can promote fat loss; you just need to do it frequently and for a long period of time. Also, you need to allow your body to recover, achieve optimal health, and promote weight loss by alternating low intensity and high intensity workouts for the body’s health. When you are a sprinter, you use your muscles up to their limits and to such a powerful extent. Your body will respond by growing bigger and stronger, while an average thread mill walker has skinny arms and gut. For most people who are trying to achieve stronger and bigger muscles, a combination of fat burning zone is the key. Let us then learn how to calculate the fat burning zone.

1. Subtract your age from 220, if you are a man. Guidelines put out in 2010 encourage women to do a slightly different calculation; first multiply your age by 0.88, and then subtract that number from 206. This is your maximum heart rate.

2. Multiply your maximum heart rate by 0.5. Considered as a "low intensity" heart rate, this figure will represent the low end of your fat-burning zone. In other words, you don't want your heart to beat any slower than this number in order to reap fat-burning benefits. Since both the time spent and the intensity of the exercise contribute to fat burning.

3. Multiply your maximum heart rate by 0.7. This is your "moderate intensity" zone, which is ideal for fat burning. As you get in better shape, you can aim for this heart rate and still get the benefits of burning fat.

4. Multiply your maximum heart rate by 0.85. you should not go above this rate when exercising, though staying within the safe bounds of the high-intensity zone will help you burn the most calories, and thus burn the most fat. Working out at your maximum heart rate is difficult to do for a long period of time, as that level of exertion can quickly lead to exhaustion.

5. Take your pulse, now that you know what heart rate you are aiming for. In the middle of your workout, stop and place your index and middle fingers under your chin, just to the left or right of your windpipe. Count the number of beats for 15 seconds, and then multiply that number by 4 to get your current heart rate. Compare that to the low, medium and high-intensity zones you calculated to determine whether you're staying in the fat-burning zone. If you are not, speed up or slow down your workout, and then take your pulse again.

Combine your workout with low intensity exercise with high intensity workouts to get the most benefit from exercise. This can improve cardiovascular health, burning fat, improving flexibility, toning, and conditioning the body. Always look for the guidance and advice of a qualified doctor before embarking on a new diet or weight loss plan. You just need to determine the right fat burning zone or target heart rates.

Pain Fighting Foods

Chronic pain can really deter you from doing even your routine activities. Anyone who suffers from any kind of chronic pain can surely tell you how difficult it is sometimes to get up from the bed in the morning because back or knee or neck has 'pins' in it.

Medication containing codeine can cause addiction after just three days of use.

So, to avoid reaching for a painkiller next time you experience mild to moderate pain, why not eat a pain-fighting food instead?

When pain strikes, certain foods are equipped with pain-soothing properties, like anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidants and natural pain relievers, which help you battle the pain the natural way.

Take a look at our round-up of the best foods for pain relief lurking in your fridge...

Salmon, Mackerel and Herring: You probably already know that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish are good for your heart because they have anti-inflammatory properties. But you might not have realized that they can also fight inflammation in other parts of your body and therefore help reduce pain.

Whole grains: Whole grains are rich in fiber, therefore filling. Once you have a stomach full, you are not inclined to eat wrong stuff and you manage your weight. Also, whole grains are a good source of magnesium, a mineral that has been shown in animal studies to short-circuit muscle pain. Include ragi, bajra, jowar puffs in your snacks. Have mixed atta for your rotis. You can even soak the grains, even wheat, overnight and have a chatpata snack adding onion, tomato and masala to steamed grains.

Turmeric: Another popular pakistani spice is turmeric. Also a ginger family member, it's powder is used in all vegetables and curries. It contains curcumin that helps nip pain

Ginger: While fresh ginger has been used for centuries to treat everything from colds to upset stomach, the University of Georgia recently found it can also reduce muscle pain after exercise by 25 percent. Ginger is the best pain killer having analgesic properties like the popular ibuprofen. It contains a quartet, gingerols, paradols, shogaols, and zingerone which are active ingredients to reduce pain. Drink ginger tea in monsoons and winter to get relief from that recurring pain.

Olive oil: One anti-inflammatory, pain-busting food to try is olive oil, which may help with long-term relief of pain and inflammation. It is rich in antioxidant polyphenols that help reduce common pain-causing mechanism in the body. Olive oil is also a good substitute for butter, which is high in saturated fat, that erodes bone strength and trigger pain. But use it carefully as it has 120 calories per tablespoon.

Nuts: Almonds, walnuts are great source of omega 3 fatty acids and anti oxidants that help in pain control. Add these nuts to your salad or just munch on a handful as an afternoon snack.

Strawberries, Blackberries, Raspberries and Blueberries: Are full of vitamin C, an antioxidant with powerful pain-reducing properties, according to research. Some studies suggest vitamin C may help people experience less pain after breaking a bone or having orthopedic surgery.

Greens Tea: An established superfood, has been shown to alleviate this sometimes debilitating disease. "There's a potent compound found in green tea, EGCG, that's been shown to block the production of molecules that can damage cartilage and bone, so it can help to alleviate arthritis pain.

Eating Habits: Can't eat but really hungry

It is possible that stomach upset might be the cause due to being overstressed, Indigestion, Irregular dietary habits, eating foods that cause excessive gas production and anxiety disorders.

In general, foods with little fiber produce very little gas. First and foremost, you need to avoid foods that make your symptoms increase. Adopting a healthy dietary practices and a good exercise regimen will also improve your intestinal motility.

Some tips to help your symptoms include:-
1. Reducing intake of hot spicy and Fat rich foods, fried foods, is very important.
2. It is better not to drink fluids with your food. Drinking fluids with meals can increase your air intake and increase gas.
3. Try eating a little more slowly. When you eat fast, you swallow extra air with your food. Try to not talk while eating. Extra air while eating can lead to belching and gas production.
4. Eating at the same time each day and eating smaller meals more frequently may be beneficial as well.
5. Try to eat a balanced diet. Foods with high fiber may initially increase gas production. However, the this will decrease over time.
6. Avoid major gas producing foods like -
- Vegetables: Onions, Celery, Carrots, Brussels Sprouts, Cucumber, Cabbage,Cauliflower, Radishes , potatoes and eggplant.
- Fruits like - Raisins, Bananas, Apricots, Prunes, dried fruit
- Carbohydrates rich foods like - Bagels, Wheat Germ, Pretzels
- Beans, peas, Green salads, brown rice and leeks

In addition to the above tips, taking probiotic supplements and activated charcoal tablets (Charcoal, Charcocaps), will help in relieving your symptoms to a certain extent.

In case, if your symptoms are not improved by the above measures, you might consult with your doctor for a examination and proper treatment.

How to Control Excessive Eating

Anyone suffering from excessive eating will find it extremely difficult to lose weight. Sticking to a diet can be very difficult, and it can be even more of an issue if you always feel hungry. There are a number of things that anyone can do to curb and control excessive hunger. Here are some of the best methods that you can use to control excessive hunger.

Take a Walk: Sometimes the reason that you're hungry is actually because you're bored and have nothing else to do. Try to find something to break the cycle of boredom. A very easy thing to do is go for a walk. Taking a brisk walk around the block will help to take your mind off food, and will also be good exercise. By taking a swift walk you will be able to speed up the process of losing weight. Going out for a walk will also help to tire you out. This should help you to sleep better and combat many of the problems with our modern sedentary lifestyle.

Restricting Your Meals: Skipping breakfast is a sin. Don't skip breakfast, or you'll be starving and cranky by mid-morning. A breakfast with complex carbs and low fat protein will help stave off snack attacks.

Not Buying Snacks: Quite often you will eat something simply because you have it in your cupboard. If you don't buy any chips or snacks, you won't be able to eat them. When going around the grocery store, be strong and resist buying anything that is unhealthy. If you really must have snacks, choose something healthy like popcorn without the sweet toppings.

Ask Whether You're Really Hungry: Ask yourself if you really are hungry. If you're playing on the computer or watching TV, it can be easy to snack even if you're not really hungry. If you're not really hungry, there's no need to eat.

Making It Difficult for Yourself: If the snacks are low down in your cupboard, this will make it easy to find them. Instead you should try to hide them out of the way. This will deter you from eating just because you're bored.

Chewing Gum: If you feel hungry, chew some gum instead of actually eating anything. By chewing gum you may be able to put an end to your hunger. This will normally be enough to trick your body into thinking that you're eating, and this should prevent hunger pains. Remember to chew sugar free gum, as this won't lead to tooth decay or cavities.

Eating Protein with Every Meal: Eat sufficient protein. Scientific studies show that protein leaves people feeling full longer than carbohydrates. Good sources of protein include turkey, chicken, tofu or yogurt.

Healthy Ways to Gain Weight

The high rate of obesity and overweight problems in our culture means there is much more emphasis on losing weight rather than gaining weight. It is easy to forget about people who are too thin. Some people are naturally thin and want to be bigger, but being underweight can result from eating disorders or appetite loss due to certain medical conditions. Aging also affects appetite, as we gradually lose some of our ability to smell and taste foods. If you've recently lost weight without trying, you should see your health care provider.

Feeling underweight? Here's how you can gain some extra kilos

Many think that increasing the intake of junk foods and greasy foods is the short cut to gain weight but it's surely not the right way as junk foods usually contain unhealthy trans fats or saturated fats. If you are are tired of the skinny built of your body, then read on to find out how to put on those extra kilos to get the perfect look.

The main goal is to increase your overall intake of calories every day, but it doesn't really matter if you eat more meals or increase the size of the meals you eat right now. If you're not used to eating much at any one time, you may prefer to eat several small meals or snacks throughout the day. If you'd rather eat less often, increase your portion sizes or add more foods to each meal.

-Healthy fats include omega-3 essential fatty acids sources like tuna, salmon, flax, and walnuts. Good sources of protein include lean meats, fish, poultry, nuts, seeds and legumes. Healthy carbohydrate sources include fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

-A high-quality multivitamin and mineral supplement is a good idea to make sure you are getting all of the vitamins and minerals you need.

-It may be easier to eat five or six smaller balanced meal per day rather than eating three large meals, especially if you are not used to eating much at one time.

-Exercise is also important for healthy weight gain. Resistance training exercises such as lifting weights will help to increase your muscle size. Aerobic exercises such as running and stationary bicycling are better for fat loss and excessive aerobic training may cause you to lose more weight.

-Use a food diary to track your calorie intake to be sure you are getting all of the calories and foods that you need.

-Keep your meals balanced. One meal should have a healthy protein source such as fish, low fat meat, chicken or legumes plus two or three servings of vegetables. Green vegetables add lots of vitamins and phytonutrients while starchy potatoes and corn add extra calories.

-Drink healthy beverages such as milk and fruit juices to add calories. Don't choose sugary sodas, which only add calories and no nutrition. Remember that it can take a while to gain the weight you need, but be patient and continue to choose healthy foods until you reach your goal weight.

Benefits of cumin seeds

Cumin is native to India and East Mediterranean region and also known as Cuminum cyminum. Cumin seeds are the part of many culinary dishes and one of the most popular spices.

As is usually the case with spices that have been in use for thousands of years, cumin appears to provide a number of potential health benefits, from anti-glycation agent to antioxidant to anti-osteoporotic, and much more.

Nutrients in Cumin Seeds

Cumin seed is a low calorie spice with only about seven calories per teaspoon. Cumin seed is also a source of minerals according to the USDA nutrient database. A teaspoon of cumin seed contains about seven percent of the daily iron requirement and about three percent of the daily manganese requirement. Cumin seed is not likely to contribute in a strong way to our nutrition. Even so, cumin seed can add small amounts of iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium to your diet, chipping away at any iron deficiency you might have.

Cumin seed also provides a bit of B vitamins, particularly thiamin, niacin, vitamin B-6, and riboflavin. (See the graph below). B vitamins support a healthy brain and help maintain your energy. One of the best sources of B vitamins include beef which goes well with cumin seed seasoning, a great B-vitamin combination.

Cumin seed also has a small amount of vitamins A, C, E, and K.

Cumin Seed in Cooking

Cumin is most commonly used to flavor foods and is widely available in both seed and powder form. While cumin is a favorite on the spice rack, Curries are great and expected places to insert cumin, Cumin used to act as a replacement for expensive black pepper for people who couldn’t afford it,

For the maximum flavor from your cumin seed, toast it just before use or at the beginning of assembling a dish. In India cumin is often fried in the oil in the first stage of putting a dish together. The flavor of the cumin is matured and somewhat released into the oil for an experience to be gotten in no other way. A good Mexican cook would not dream of buying cumin powder. No way! You buy cumin seed, toast and grind with a mortar and pestle, known as a molcajete as you need it. Granted, this process requires a little more effort of you in the kitchen, but the results are way worth it.

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- How Cumin Seeds Can benefit in Natural Medicine

How Cumin Seeds Can benefit in Natural Medicine

Cumin seeds also known as jeera have been extensively used in culinary preparations in the Indian subcontinent since ages.Cumin seeds not only add taste to food but also are very beneficial for body.

1. It is a great aid in digestion and prevents indigestion, flatulence, diarrhoea, nausea and morning sickness. Boil 1 cup of water and remove from heat before adding 1 tsp. of cumin seeds, 1 tsp. of fresh coriander and a pinch of salt. Allow the tea to steep for 20 minutes before drinking. Take this natural medicine after meals.

2. Iron for Energy and Immune Function, a mineral that plays many vital roles in the body. Iron is an integral component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all body cells, and is also part of key enzyme systems for energy production and metabolism. Additionally, iron is instrumental in keeping your immune system healthy. Iron is particularly important for menstruating women, who lose iron each month during menses. Additionally, growing children and adolescents have increased needs for iron, as do women who are pregnant or lactating. Mix 1 tsp. of powdered cumin seeds in a cup of warm milk and add 1 tbsp. of raw honey.

3. For immediate relief from acidity, chew a pinch full of raw cumin seeds.

4. Relieve insomnia with cumin seeds and banana. Simply mix 1 tsp. of cumin seed powder and the pulp of a ripe banana and eat before bed.

5. Cumin seeds have antiseptic properties and aid in curing common colds. Boil 1 cup of water and remove from heat before adding 1 tsp. of cumin and a large slice of ginger. Allow the tea to steep for 20 minutes, drinking 2 or 3 times a day until symptoms subside.

6. Cumin seeds has rich source of Vitamin E, which is great for the hair and skin as well. it also has disinfectant and anti-fungal properties. This protects the hair and skin from fungal infections. Add a bit of onion juice to cumin powder to make a paste and apply to boils, bites, bee stings and even scorpion stings to help reduce inflammation and pain.

7 Recommended Steps to Follow Towards a Healthy Heart

"Heart disease" is an umbrella term for a number of heart conditions. One of these conditions is coronary artery disease, excessive plaque buildup in the arteries that deliver oxygenated blood to your heart tissues. When these arteries get too narrow or clogged up, your heart doesn't get the fuel it needs to do its job. This condition may lead to angina, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and eventually result in heart attack.

Important risk factors for heart disease that you can do something about are:

Try new moves
Physical activity, and the more the better. The new measure says at least 30 minutes a day or 5 times a week of moderate-intensity exercise is necessary for ideal health.

High Blood Pressure - Breathe deeper
You can lower your blood pressure by taking 10 breaths per minute (instead of the usual 16 to 19) for 15 minutes a day over two months, studies show. Researcher says, shallow breathing (more beats per minute) may delay your body's excretion of salt, a high-blood-pressure trigger.

BMI Index
A healthy body mass index (BMI), an estimate of body fat determined by a formula using weight and height.

High blood cholesterol
Total cholesterol of less than 200 milligrams/deciliter.

Diabetes
Fasting blood glucose less than 100 milligrams/deciliter, a fasting measure of blood sugar level.

Smoking
Smoking can lead to coronary heart disease and abdominal aortic aneurysms (widening and weakening of the body’s main artery), and may double the risk of stroke. Smoking also raises the risk of peripheral vascular disease, which is the narrowing of blood vessels that carry blood to the arms and legs, as well as to the stomach and kidneys.

Foods to Fuel Your Body
Eating the right combination of fresh produce, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy will give your body the energy it needs, protect you from chronic diseases, and may even whittle down your waist.

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Food for a Healthy Heart

Eating the right combination of fresh produce, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy will give your body the energy it needs, protect you from chronic diseases, and may even whittle down your waist.

All it takes is to ensure that every bite you take delivers a powerful dose of phytonutrients to prevent heart diseases. It’s an important ingredient to prevent cell damage and felicitate cell repair. Here’s a list of heart-healthy foods, which should be included in our diet on a regular basis.

Oatmeal
Most commonly had in porridge form, a bowl of oatmeal is armed with nutrients Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, potassium, folate, niacin, calcium, soluble fibre. If porridge is not your scene, you can still get your share of nutrients in cookie made of oatmeal-n-raisin.

Flaxseeds (ground)
Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids; fibre, phytoestrogens, flaxseed come in two forms - brown and yellow. Nutty in flavour, ground flaxseed can be sprinkled on your salad, morning cereal, muffins or had plain.

Olive oil
Reduces your risk of heart disease by lowering your LDL cholesterol levels. Choose olive oil for cooking, or make a nice dip for whole grain bread by pouring a bit of olive oil in a small bowl and add a bit of balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of oregano.

Nuts
Almonds and other nuts contain healthy oils, vitamin E and other substances that will help keep cholesterol levels in check. Almonds are also a good source of protein and fiber. Almonds make a great snack on their own, or sprinkle slivered almonds on green beans or asparagus with lemon juice as a deliciously healthy side dish.

Red wine
Believe it or not, but a glass of red wine is no reason to whine when it comes to keeping you and your heart upbeat. Catechins and reservatrol (flavonoids) in it improves the cholesterol.

Dark indulgences
Dark chocolate and tea are usually considered as indulgences that can be avoided. But the medical world surprisingly threw up these names as foods that keep the heart healthy as it's high on reservatrol and flavonoids (cocoa phenols). So next time someone chides you about your 'sinful' habits, show them this list for a happy heart!

T-factor
Don't write off canned goodies, some like tuna and tofu bring a novelty to your dining, but also provide nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, folate, niacin. Grilled, stir-fried or mixed with salad, tuna and tofu make sure you don't go low on Omega-3 fatty acids, folate, niacin, calcium, magnesium and potassium.

Green leafy vegetables contain folate, which helps to keep homocysteine levels down, and vitamin E. Green leafy vegetables have also been associated with better retention of memory as age. Try using fresh spinach leaves or other greens for your favorite salad instead of iceberg lettuce.

Sweet potato
Believe it or not, but sweet potato gets a thumbs-up by health experts for it richness in beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, E and fibre. It can be eaten as it is, or in boiled form.

Oranges
This citrusy fruit needs not introduction. It's on every health conscious person's list. A pack of orange juice is a rich source of Vitamin C, folic acid and B6.

Tomatoes
If nothing, you can never fail with tomatoes. It is a must in Indian kitchens, and rich in beta and alpha-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, folate, fibre.

Soy protein
May prevent heart attacks and it makes an excellent protein substitute for red meat, which will reduce your saturated fat intake. Add tofu to your favorite stir fry or pour soy milk on your morning cereal.

Papaya
Yet another fruit that's popular with health conscious people is papaya. A plate of papaya bites is enough to give you your beta-carotene, Vitamins C and E, folate, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Avocados may help keep you young

Avocados could help fight ageing and several diseases as they enhance cells’ energy companies against dangerous toxins, say scientist.

Avocado oil is analogous in composition to olive oil, and its consumption is associated with bizarrely low levels of chronic disease in some Mediterranean nations.

Avocado oil combats free radicals or dangerous molecules, which are believed to cause everything from ageing to heart disease and cancer. These are common particularly inside the cell’s mitochondria, which is a tiny powerhouse in the cell and turns the food into energy. Majority of antioxidants in fruit and vegetables such as carrot and tomato can mop up free radicals.

Here are some of the health beenfits of using Avocados:

Eye Health
Avocados have more of the carotenoid lutein than any other commonly consumed fruit. Lutein protects against macular degeneration and cataracts, two disabling age-related eye diseases.

Prostate Cancer Prevention
Avocados have been shown to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer.

Breast Cancer Protection
Avocado, like olive oil, is high in oleic acid, which has been shown to prevent breast cancer in numerous studies.

Oral Cancer Defense
Research has shown that certain compounds in avocados are able to seek out pre-cancerous and cancerous oral cancer cells and destroy them without harming healthy cells.

Lower Cholesterol
Avocados are high in beta-sitosterol, a compound that has been shown to lower cholesterol levels. In one study, 45 volunteers experienced an average drop in cholesterol of 17% after eating avocados for only one week.

Heart Health
One cup of avocado has 23% of the recommended daily value of folate. Studies show that people who eat diets rich in folate have a much lower incidence of heart disease than those who don't. The vitamin E, monounsaturated fats, and glutathione in avocado are also great for your heart.

Vitamin E
Avocados are the best fruit source of vitamin E, an essential vitamin that protects against many diseases and helps maintains overall health.

Glutathione Source
Avocados are an excellent source of glutathione, an important antioxidant that researchers say is important in preventing aging, cancer, and heart disease.

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Foods to Sharpen Your Memory

Vegetables, fruits and whole grains are all components of a healthful diet, and they have the added benefit of helping to prevent memory loss. However, there are several very specific foods that are especially helpful in this area.

Eat berries
Strawberries and blueberries are rich in a group of naturally occurring antioxidants called flavonoids, which scientists suggest may help to delay cognitive aging by protecting brain cells from chemical stress which can build up as we age. Population studies like this can provide useful clues about the effects of lifestyle and diet on cognition, but we must be sensible when interpreting the results. The study suggests a link between eating berries and slower cognitive decline, but there could be many factors at play. Previous evidence has shown that eating fruit as part of a healthy diet in midlife could help to reduce our risk of dementia.

Sardines. Full of polyunsaturated fats, sardines have been shown to improve memory quickly. One study found that people with the highest levels of omega-3 fats in their diets were much less likely to be diagnosed with dementia than others. Sardines are packed with omega-3 oils, which reduce inflammation of the cells that bring about memory decline. Other fatty fish such as salmon, halibut, herring and trout can have the same effect. Try to eat at least three servings of fish per week.

Spinach. Full of folic acid, which has been shown to protect against Alzheimer’s disease, spinach also contains many antioxidants and other compounds that serve to protect brain cells from damage. Studies have shown that eating folic-rich foods is linked with quicker information processing and memory recall. Eating as little as half a cup of cooked spinach per day gives you two-thirds of the suggested daily folic acid goal.

Drink green tea. Green tea contains polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that protect against free radicals that can damage brain cells. Among many other benefits, regular consumption of green tea may enhance memory and mental alertness and slow brain aging.

Coffee. Some of us need that caffeine jolt in the morning to jump-start the day, and it turns out that coffee also has long-term benefits for memory, especially for women. One study discovered that women ages 65 and older who drank three cups of coffee per day had 33 percent less decline in memory over a four-year period than women who drank one cup of coffee or less per day. Coffee also increases activity in parts of the brain responsible for memory, which leads to excellent short-term benefits.

Eat broccoli and rocket
Scientists are also investigating whether the body's antioxidant systems can be harnessed to help fight Alzheimer's disease. Researchers want to know how to fight cell damage caused by free radicals. They hope to harness the body's natural antioxidant defence mechanisms to halt the progression of Alzheimer's, using drugs designed to kick-start these mechanisms. One drug is based on a chemical called sulforaphane, which is found in vegetables such as broccoli and rocket. It is currently in clinical trials as an anti-cancer agent, but if the work in Dundee produces positive results, it's hoped the research could eventually lead to clinical trials for Alzheimer's - the most common cause of dementia.

Top 8 ways to boost your brain

Your brain needs exercise just like a muscle. If you use it often and in the right ways, you will become a more skilled thinker and increase your ability to focus. But if you never use your brain, or abuse it with harmful chemicals, your ability to think and learn will deteriorate.

A strong memory depends on the health and vitality of your brain. Whether you’re a student studying for final exams, a working professional interested in doing all you can to stay mentally sharp, or a senior looking to preserve and enhance your grey matter as you age, there are lots of things you can do to improve your memory and mental performance.

The exciting thing is that you don’t have to be a millionaire to increase your brain capacity. All you need to do is invest a little time to regularly train your brain.

Here are 7 simple ways you can increase your brain power and improve your intelligence!

Get A Move On: Forget the rocking chair. A sedentary lifestyle doesn't do anything to keep your mind agile. When you experience something ‘new’ you actually ‘stimulate’ your brain! Don’t get stuck in a rut doing the same old things – the only way to change the structure of your brain is to do something new. This creates new neural pathways, increasing your intelligence. You could take a new route to work, try a new recipe for dinner, or even a new form of exercise – mix it up!

Early to Bed, Early to Rise: Sleep is critical to learning and memory in an even more fundamental way. Research shows that sleep is necessary for memory consolidation, with the key memory-enhancing activity occurring during the deepest stages of sleep.

Don’t skimp on exercise: It’s been proven that regular exercise helps to increase brain function and enhances neurogenesis. This means that every time you exercise you are creating new brain cells! Get off the couch and get moving! Your brain will thank you for it :)

Eat Healthier brain-boosting foods: Our diets have a HUGE impact on brain function. Our brains consume over 20% of all nutrients & oxygen that we consume – so remember to feed your brain with the good stuff! (i.e. fresh fruit and veg & plenty of OMEGA 3 oils found in oily fish).

Make time for friends and fun: Humans are highly social animals. We’re not meant to survive, let alone thrive, in isolation. Relationships stimulate our brains—in fact, interacting with others may be the best kind of brain exercise.

There are many ways to start taking advantage of the brain and memory-boosting benefits of socializing. Volunteer, join a club, make it a point to see friends more often, or reach out over the phone. And if a human isn’t handy, don’t overlook the value of a pet—especially the highly-social dog.

Looking for ways to bring more laughter in your life: You’ve heard that laughter is the best medicine, and that holds true for the brain as well as the body. Unlike emotional responses, which are limited to specific areas of the brain, laughter engages multiple regions across the whole brain.

Give your brain a workout: Doing crossword puzzles is an old stand-by that may keep you sharp by forcing you to mine your memory. Also, some people swear by memorizing and reciting anything from their favorite books to inspirational quotes. You could also learn song lyrics by heart and warble in the shower. Another strategy is to play board games such as Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit. Bonus: You'll be interacting with other people so you'll be getting the added benefit of social contact. That in itself can keep your mind agile.

How to Sleep Better

We do know, however, that good sleep is one of the cornerstones of health. Six to eight hours per night seems to be the optimal amount of sleep for most adults, and too much or too little can have adverse effects on your health.

The cure to sleep difficulties and daytime fatigue can often be found in your daily routine. Your sleep schedule, bedtime habits, and day–to–day lifestyle choices make an enormous difference in the quality of your nightly rest. The following sleep tips will help you optimize your nightly rest, minimize insomnia, and lay the foundation for all–day energy and peak performance.

1: Get on schedule - If you keep a regular sleep schedule, going to bed and getting up at the same time each day, you will feel much more refreshed and energized than if you sleep the same number of hours at different times. This holds true even if you alter your sleep schedule by only an hour or two.

2: Naturally regulate your sleep-wake cycle - Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin production is controlled by light exposure. Your brain should secrete more in the evening, when it’s dark, to make you sleepy, and less during the day when it’s light and you want to stay awake and alert. However, many aspects of modern life can disrupt your body’s natural production of melatonin and with it your sleep-wake cycle.

3: Keep the room as dark as possible - A peaceful bedtime routine sends a powerful signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down and let go of the day’s stresses.

4: Be mindful of what you eat or drink before bed - Your daytime eating and exercise habits play a role in how well you sleep. It’s particularly important to watch what you put in your body in the hours leading up to your bedtime.

5: Get anxiety and stress in check - If you can’t stop yourself from worrying, especially about things outside your control, you need to learn how to manage your thoughts. For example, you can learn to evaluate your worries to see if they’re truly realistic and learn to replace irrational fears with more productive thoughts. Even counting sheep is more productive than worrying at bedtime.

6: Ways to get back to sleep - It’s normal to wake briefly during the night. In fact, a good sleeper won’t even remember it. But if you’re waking up during the night and having trouble falling back asleep, the following tips may help.
-Stay out of your head.
-Make relaxation your goal, not sleep.
-Do a quiet, non-stimulating activity.
-Postpone worrying and brainstorming.

7. Visit your doctor- If you are concerned that you may have a sleep disorder, tell your doctor. Some of the most common sleep disorders are insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), restless legs syndrome (RLS), narcolepsy, parasomnias, and heartburn (acid reflux). If you are indeed suffering from and are diagnosed with any of these conditions, your doctor will recommend treatment accordingly.

Foods That Help and Hurt

While no magic food will prevent every patient’s, a few dietary improvements can make a world of difference and may alleviate even the most daunting symptoms. One of the most important things is to improve your overall health and well-being to find out which foods can offer relief — and which should be banned from your table.

People who suffer from arthritis are familiar with the pains, cracks and pops define the condition. But small changes in your diet can yield big rewards in managing the disease.

1. Fatty fish (salmon, herring sardines) or any other food with omega-3 fatty acids, such as walnuts, soy beans, flax seeds, canola oil and pumpkin seeds. Fatty fish also contain vitamin D, which helps prevent swelling and soreness.

2. Extra-virgin olive oil - Olive oil contains oleocanthal, which blocks enzymes involved in inflammation. About 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil acts like one-tenth of a dose of ibuprofen,

3. Sweet peppers, citrus fruits and other vitamin C-rich foods - Vitamin C protects collagen, a major component of cartilage. Inadequate amounts may increase your risk for some kinds of arthritis.

4. Brazil nuts - Contain huge amounts of selenium – 272 micrograms in just three or four nuts, compared to 63 micrograms in 3 ounces of tuna.

5. Onions and leeks - Contain quercetin, an antioxidant that may inhibit inflammatory chemicals, much like aspirin and ibuprofen do.

6. Tart cherries - The magic ingredient is anthocyanins, the pigments that give cherries – and grapes, black raspberries and eggplant – their vibrancy. They’re also powerful antioxidants that cut inflammation.

7. Green tea - Studies show that certain antioxidant compounds in the brew lessen the incidence and severity of arthritis.

Foods to Avoid

1. Shellfish, red meat - Purine, a compound that’s abundant in shellfish, meats, high-fat dairy foods and beer, converts to uric acid. These foods are no-nos for people at risk for or suffering from gout: clams, oysters, mussels, anchovies, herring, mackerel, liver, brain, kidney and sweetbreads.

2. Sunflower, safflower, corn and soybean oils - They're high in omega-6 fatty acids, which increase inflammation. Watch out: These oils are prevalent in U.S.-made baked goods and snacks.

3. Sugar - Some studies suggest that sugar may increase inflammation. Although it offers a quick energy boost, the high doesn’t last, which can be a drag for arthritis sufferers who already suffer from fatigue. Sugar is also high in calories, which leads to weight gain and added pressure on your joints.

Weight Loss & Dieting Tips

Our body weight is determined by the amount of energy that we take in as food and the amount of energy we expend in the activities of our day. Energy is measured in calories. If your weight remains constant, you are probably taking in the same amount of calories that you burn each day. If you're slowly gaining weight over time, it is likely that your caloric intake is greater than the number of calories you burn through your daily activities.

All too often, we make weight loss much more difficult than it needs to be with extreme diets that leave us cranky and starving, unhealthy lifestyle choices that undermine our dieting efforts, and emotional eating habits that stop us before we get started. But there’s a better way! You can lose weight without feeling miserable. By making smart choices every day, you can develop new eating habits and preferences that will leave you feeling satisfied—as well as winning the battle of the bulge.

Yet no matter what approach most people use to diet, their weight loss is temporary. The weight they lose almost always returns in the long run.

Think lifestyle change, not short-term diet. Permanent weight loss is not something that a “quick-fix” diet can achieve. Instead, think about weight loss as a permanent lifestyle change—a commitment to your health for life. Various popular diets can help to jumpstart your weight loss, but permanent changes in your lifestyle and food choices are what will work in the long run.

Slow and steady wins the race. Aim to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week to ensure healthy weight loss. Losing weight too fast can take a toll on your mind and body, making you feel sluggish, drained, and sick. When you drop a lot of weight quickly, you’re actually losing mostly water and muscle, rather than fat.

Set goals to keep you motivated. Short-term goals, like wanting to fit into a bikini for the summer, usually don’t work as well as goals like wanting to feel more confident or become healthier for your children’s sakes. When frustration and temptation strike, concentrate on the many benefits you will reap from being healthier and leaner.

Use tools that help you track your progress. Keep a food journal and weigh yourself regularly, keeping track of each pound you lose and inch of your waist lost. By keeping track of your weight loss efforts, you’ll see the results in black and white, which will help you stay motivated.

Keep in mind it may take some experimenting to find the right diet for your individual body. It’s important that you feel satisfied so that you can stick with it on a long-term basis. If one diet plan doesn’t work, then try another one. There are many ways to lose weight. The key is to find what works for you.