Do you know why we drink alcohol? Here's The Answer

Most people like occasional drinking or what's called as social drinking, while some like binge-drinking on a daily basis. Some people are able to enjoy alcohol in moderation; others can't seem to get enough of it. If you are in that stage when you need a drink or two to end your day with, it may mean that you crave alcohol. However, if you struggle to stop after one or two drinks, chances are you may be dealing with intense alcohol cravings. Why do we crave alcohol? What are the factors that trigger this craving? One of the most common factors that are said to trigger alcohol craving is stress and emotional upheavals. Let's find out more!

Do you know why we drink alcohol? Here's The Answer

What Happens When You Drink Alcohol?

When you drink alcohol, it triggers the release of endorphins, which are the brain chemicals that bind to some receptors in the brain, causing feelings of pleasure. The more you drink, the more endorphins have released that bind to the part of the brain with reward processing, further making the drinker feel more intoxicated.



According to a study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, some people's brains are more likely to respond to alcohol by producing feelings of reward and pleasure, Which can cause them to find that sensation more regularly and thus drinks alcohol than those whose brains do not work in this way.



What Triggers Alcohol Cravings?


 Cravings can be triggered by physical sensations, thoughts, and emotional desires; which means you would barely have the will-power to stop yourself from reaching out to that glass. Learning to manage alcohol cravings can be challenging, especially when external situations trigger these cravings. Some of these triggers may include a difficult day at the office, a fancy dinner out with friends, a fight with the spouse, or even stress.



Another factor that induces alcohol craving could be low blood sugar. This can occur after you have had sugar or processed foods. It can also occur when you don't eat for a long time. Eating these foods cause a quick increase in blood sugar levels, and then decrease again just as sharply. Your body tends to associate drinking alcohol with quickly available carbohydrates, so if you need to cut down on your binge-drinking, you must keep your blood sugar levels balanced. In this case, it is best to avoid eating sugary or processed foods; instead, eat more fiber-rich foods. Basically, the next time you crave for alcohol, eat something rather than picking up that glass.

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Do not Make It Five Mistakes While Eating Healthy Food

Remember when we were kids, eating was as simple as, open, chew and enjoy, right? But, now eating healthy doesn't seem that smooth. Between organic, low-carb and high protein diets, it has become a bit confusing. With confusions come the myriad of myths too. Healthy eating is not always about strict diet limitations or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Moreover, it is also not hard to believe that not all eating healthy myths are actually true. By believing these myths we end up making enormous mistakes in order to eat healthy food. So, here are few mistakes that we should absolutely avoid while eating healthy.

Do not Make It Five Mistakes While Eating Healthy Food

1. Cutting Out Carbs And Just Eating Protein.

As per USDA, about 45 to 65 percent of an adult's daily calorie intake comes from carbs. Health experts around the world explain that intake of right carbs don't make you gain weight. They recommend consuming carbs that have more nutritional value like brown rice, beans, quinoa and sweet potatoes.


2. Consuming The Same Food Again And Again.

Eating the same food to lose weight sounds like a sure-fire plan, but in reality, it's a mistake! According to human psychology, the act of eating the same food, again and again, leads to boredom and eventually results in weight gain. Moreover, there are various studies that show boredom can bring on overeating or a quest for diet-derailing treats.


3. Choosing Brown Bread For Weight Loss.

If you think that eating brown bread for weight loss will fetch you better results, then this might be another big mistake you are making as not all brown bread are whole wheat. Between brown and wheat bread, always choose the latter and also, avoid the bread with sugar and all-purpose flour. The smart way is to check the ingredient list and quantity used.




4.Thinking If All Calories Are The Same.

It's not just the calories that determine how nutritious the food is, but the source of this calorie. High-calorie foods with fiber are better options. Mango and blueberries are perfect for your calorie intake.


5. Avoiding Hard Beverages.

Drinking alcoholic drinks/hard drinks may have some repercussions, however, drinking some alcoholic drinks, in moderation, may not harm you. Research has proved that drinking a glass of wine daily can give your immune system a boost. A glass of white wine has 120 calories and is usually preferred over red wine with 140-160 calories. Medium alcohol consumption can inhibit infection and keep its immune system under check. However, do not take too far. Excessive consumption can create negative effects that defecate the whole purpose or drink alcohol to promote immunity.
Hope we cleared out all the myths for you! So, the next time when you go out, make some smart choices for your food and drink. Remember, focus on what you eat rather than what you eat.

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Tomatoes For Weight Loss: Include Tomatoes to Reduce Your Weight

Tomatoes For Weight Loss: Include Tomatoes to Reduce Your Weight



Red, juicy and plump with nutrients, tomatoes are an integral part of a quintessential Indian spread. The classic tangy punch of tomatoes is clearly irreplaceable, which is why each time there is a surge in prices of tomatoes, all hell breaks loose in India. Tomatoes are that basic and that essential to us. Not just home, if you look across, Spanish, Italian, Mexican cuisines are all dominated by the red and juicy wonder. Apart from its distinct flavor, tomatoes are also such a rage, especially amongst nutritionist and dieticians, courtesy its dense nutrient value. It is one of the richest sources of vitamin C and beta-carotene, all of them support heart health. They are also abundantly loaded with lycopene, which has been found to reduce the risk of high cholesterol, protect eyes and skin, and boost immunity and heart health. Vitamin K, B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6 and minerals such as potassium, manganese, and iron further make tomatoes a popular superfood. In fact, the rich content of potassium (267 mg in 100 grams) in tomatoes makes it an ideal pick for high blood pressure patients. One of the most significant benefits of adding tomatoes to your diet is its ability to burn fat.



Tomatoes are relatively low in calories and carbohydrates and have high water content, which makes it an ideal pick for those looking for something filling, which would not topple their calorie requirement for the day. Here's why tomatoes make for an ideal addition to your weight loss diet:



1. Low Calories: You would be surprised to know that 100 grams of tomatoes contain just about 18 calories, which makes it a perfect bet for those on a calorie-restricted weight loss diet.


2. Revs Up Metabolism: Tomatoes are plump with antioxidants, one of the most significant being - lycopene. According to experts, lycopene may rev up metabolism naturally.


3. Curbs cravings: Tomatoes are high in fiber. Fiber takes the longest to digest and induce the feeling of fullness. If you are satiated for long, naturally you would crave less and binge less.


4. Good For Digestion: Fibre is extremely important for good digestion. It adds bulk to your stool, which facilitates your bowel movement, further preventing constipation and boosting digestion. Bad digestion is closely tied to weight gain. If you do not have a good digestive system, your ability to absorb and assimilate nutrients is hindered, moreover, you would face difficulty in eliminating waste and toxins from your body. This can impact your metabolism and slow it down.


5. Fat Burning Properties: Tomatoes encourage the production of the amino acid called Carnitine, which is an organic molecule that plays an important role in the regulation of fatty acid and energy metabolism. This amino acid is reported to enhance the body's fat burning ability




How To Eat Tomatoes For Weight Loss: Recipes And Thoughts


You can have them in salads. Toss them up with other veggies like olives and basil leaves. Here's a delicious recipe of tomato olive salad by chef Ajay Chopra that you may enjoy.
Tomato juice makes for an excellent belly fat burning juice too. You can add other fruits or veggies and herbs to make it more palatable and filling. Blend 2 cups water, tomato paste, lemon juice, and salt together in a blender or food processor until you get the smooth consistency. Stir 2-3 cups water into the mixture, if you find the juice to be too thick.


You can have them in soothing broths and soups. For those scouting for a perfect recipe. Look no further. Here's a heart carrot and tomato soup for days you wish to go light.
Sneak them in your sides. Have grilled fish or chicken with grilled tomato, beans with a drizzle of olive oil.


You can chop them up and add them to your sprouts.
For healthy breakfast, you can whip up a quick vegetable omelet with tomatoes or a quick tomato and cucumber sandwich


So, what are you waiting for? Time to enjoy the juicy and healthy treats. But, make sure you do not overdo it. Check for allergies and portion sizes before you start loading up on them.

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Top 10 Health Tips For Summer

Top 10 Health Tips For Summer



1. Hydrate
The benefits of hydration are plentiful. Drinking eight to ten glasses of water recommended in the day can help stop the disease, keep your bones and muscles healthy, helps in maintaining your weight, improves the functioning of the brain and is the best, the whole Day fuel your activities! In this summer, make water an essential part of our day and without it the house never leaves.


2. Eat Fresh
Summer means fresh produce! Visit your local farmers’ market or grocery store and you’ll see healthy fruits and vegetables of every color. For fresh produce, reserve every single place on your plate and you want to cut the delicious fruit.



3. Transform Activities into Exercise
The warm weather of summer means that you can spend a lot of time getting active. Regular exercise has been shown to improve heart health, reduce pain and improve stress. Turn on ordinary activities such as going to the park, going to the zoo or going for long distances or even adding to some parts and strengthening exercise on the way!



4. Lifestyle Modification
The summer is a great time to think healthy. The nice weather means you can get outside and start exercising or take pleasure in a new sport, club or activity. New social settings and activities will keep you busy as you try to quit smoking. Also, visit your local farmers’ market to kick-start a new healthy eating plan.



5. See Your Doctor
If you have nagging pains from the winter and spring, seeing your pain doctor is important. You want to feel at your best during the summer months so you can enjoy all of the pleasure summertime offers, like parades, fairs and fun! Schedule an appointment for a check-up to make sure pain or injury doesn’t sideline you this summer.



6. Stay Shady
We all love summer warmth, but it is important to stay in shadow whenever possible. If UV exposure is at its peak, try to limit your time in the sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the sun. If you are going to be out, make sure to apply lots of sunscreen applications 30 minutes before sun exposure. It is also a good idea to wear hats and sunglasses whenever possible



7. Plan a Personal Vacation
A vacation to get away from work or obligations is a must this summer to re-energize and re-fuel. Whether you take a long weekend at the beach or stay around the house to enjoy a book and coffee on the porch, take some ‘you’ time this summer to relax and rejuvenate.



8. Disconnect
Disconnect the internet, insert those smartphones and see the world without selfish, hashtags and videos. Enjoy life without technology and engage in conversations and activities that encourage socialization with other people.



9. Sleep Well
Sleep plays a vital role in your health and well-being. Getting enough quality sleep at the right times can help protect your mental and physical health, safety and quality of life.



10. Stay Cool
When it’s hot, do what you can to stay cool! Give your oven a summer vacation to keep your kitchen cool and opt instead for a meal made outside on the barbeque. Go swimming at your neighborhood pool and visit local air-conditioned attractions.

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Turmeric And Black Pepper: Amazing Health Benefits of Black Pepper and Turmeric

Turmeric And Black Pepper: Amazing Health Benefits of Black Pepper and Turmeric



Some things are just great together, like chocolate chips and cookies. Turmeric and black pepper are two spices that complement each other well and make for a great combination, plus come with numerous health benefits. Turmeric, or haldi as it is widely known, is a common spice that's used to impart a vibrant yellow-orange hue to curries, rice and other everyday foods. Black pepper, on the other hand, is a celebrated spice that gives a nice texture to any dish along with a pungent-spicy flavour. Both the spices are said to help each other to get absorbed into the body in order to provide maximum benefits. Let's look at how turmeric and black pepper, when they come together, can do wonders for your health. Benefits Of Turmeric



We are all aware of the curcumin compound present in turmeric that's known to offer anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, thereby keeping your body safe from infections and other health problems. Without curcumin, turmeric is of no use.



Benefits Of Black Pepper

Black pepper is a rich source of minerals and vitamins that are important for our body. Moreover, it has a high content of dietary fibre and the moderate amount of protein and carbohydrates. In fact, black pepper gets both its health benefits and its pungent flavour from a natural alkaloid compound known as piperine.




What Makes Turmeric And Black Pepper A Great Combination?

Curcumin, the compound found in turmeric, is known to be super-healthy; however, it is completely used by our body, considering it has poor bioavailability. This is because it rapidly metabolises in the liver and intestinal walls and only a small portion of it tends to enter our bloodstream. Enter piperine, the essential compound found in black pepper that enhances digestion, regulate nerve signals, boost metabolism and control obesity. This compound is responsible for helping turmeric absorb properly in the body. Here's how.


For nutrients to be absorbed in the body, it passes through its membrane through its membrane through its blood stream. Large molecules, such as curcumin, have difficult times through hindrances. Piperine helps relax your intestinal membrane, allowing the larger particles to pass through easily. This helps the body absorb turmeric better and harness the full healing properties of the spice. Thanks to black pepper, it helps unlock the full potential of turmeric and ensures it works wonders in your body.



In order to increase your body's ability to reap maximum benefits found in turmeric, you should consider mixing about a half teaspoon black pepper powder in one fourth cup raw turmeric powder together. Add this mixture in any food that you prepare.

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International Yoga Day: Learn about the International Yoga Day and Yoga

International Yoga Day: Learn about the International Yoga Day and Yoga



We celebrate International Yoga Day, commonly known as Yoga Day, on 21 June every year, since its inception in the year 2015. A combination of physical, mental and spiritual practice, yoga has been attributed mostly to India. The asanas, or poses, that yoga includes aim at attaining overall body strength and keeping it healthy and sound. On the other hand, the mental techniques include breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation (dhyana) to discipline the mind. Yoga preaches 'a healthy mind in a healthy body' and we couldn't agree more. This Yoga Day, let us look at what's the best way to keep fit through yoga along with the diet in order to lose weight. If you practice yoga regularly, you'd know that you need more body strength than anything in order to get your asanas right. To ensure you build a good stamina teamed with body strength, then you must allow proteins into your diet.



Generally speaking, one should eat a meal that comprises good fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, plus should be dense in nutrients, both before and after the yoga session. Most people don't really like stuffing themselves with during yoga, as it can turn out to be rather uncomfortable trying to move through asanas after a meal, especially the ones that involve twists, backward bends, and inversions. One should ideally eat a meal at least two to three hours before yoga practice, or you can have a small snack an hour before to give your body some time to digest.


Let's look at what's the best you can eat before and after your yoga session to make it more effective and sustainable.
What To Eat Before Yoga Session



Those who are looking to practice yoga in the morning, it is better to eat bananas and other fruits like berries, at least 45 minutes prior to your session. Start your day with protein-rich foods like yogurt and dried fruits, oatmeal, fruit smoothies, eggs, homemade protein bars and protein shakes to kick-start your morning filled with energy.


For those looking at practicing yoga in the evening can have light snacks an hour before beginning to exercise. You can add a bowlful of steamed vegetables, salads, or even nuts and seeds in your diet to ensure you are energized well enough to exercise.


What To Eat After Yoga Session


You should drink water 30 minutes after you have exercised. The idea is to regain the electrolytes that you may have lost during yoga, which can cause cramps in the body. Eat a super nutritious meal after your yoga session. Indulge in a bowlful of fresh seasonal fruits or vegetable salads. You can also have hard-boiled eggs, a light sandwich, yogurt with nuts and seeds and cereals.


What Shouldn't You Eat Before And After Yoga?


Don't eat a large meal prior to yoga class or dishes that are rich in oil, spices and fried items. You shouldn't have foods that are rich in fat content that substantially slows down your digestion. Whether you are practising yoga in the morning or evening, ensure that you are well-hydrated, even if it means drinking water, coconut water or lemon water. 

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