लिंग का टेढ़ापन क्या होता है? : Peyronie's disease in Hindi

लिंग का टेढ़ापन क्या होता है?

लिंग का टेढ़ापन क्या होता है?

लिंग में टेढ़ापन आने की स्थिति को पेरोनी रोग (Peyronie's disease) के नाम से भी जाना जाता है। यह एक ऐसी स्थिति होती है, जिससे किसी व्यक्ति पर कई भावनात्मक और रिलेशनशिप से जुड़े कई प्रभाव पड़ते हैं। लिंग में टेढ़ापन, लिंग के ऊतकों में क्षति होने के कारण होता है, इन ऊतकों में स्कार (Scar/ ऊतकों में किसी प्रकार की क्षति जैसे चोट या जलने आदि के बाद वहां पर एक स्थायी चिह्न बन जाना) बनने लग जाते हैं। ऊतकों में बनने वाले स्कार को प्लेक (Plaque) के नाम से भी जाना जाता है। लिंग ऊपर की तरफ मुड़ा है या नीचे की तरफ इसके अनुसार ही प्लेक का स्थान व आकार निर्धारित होता है। लिंग में टेढ़ापन धीरे-धीरे हो सकता है जो गांठ बनने और दर्द के साथ शुरू हो सकता है, जो बाद में एक कठोर स्कार के रूप में विकसित हो सकता है। लिंग में टेढ़ापन अचानक से भी हो सकता है, जो लगभग रातभर का समय लेता है। लिंग का टेढ़ापन सबसे स्पष्ट रूप से लिंग स्तंभन (Erection) के दौरान दिखाई देता है।

यह लिंग के अंदर टेढ़े तंतुओं (रेशों) का निर्माण होने की वजह से होता है, जो स्तंभन के साथ होने वाली लिंग वृद्धि को रोकते हैं। लिंग का टेढ़ापन या पेरोनी रोग कभी-कभी अपने आप ठीक हो जाता है। लेकिन ज्यादातर मामलो में यह स्थिर बना रहता है या और बद्तर हो जाता है। अगर लिंग में टेढ़ेपन की स्थिति गंभीर है या यह शारीरिक संभोग में कठिनाई पैदा कर रही है तो इसके उपचार की आवश्यकता है। उपचार में दवाइयां, सर्जरी व बिना सर्जरी वाले उपचार शामिल हैं।

लिंग का टेढ़ापन के चरण - Stages of Peyronie's disease in Hindi

लिंग के टेढ़ापन के लक्षण - Peyronie's disease Symptoms in Hindi

लिंग के टेढ़ापन के कारण और जोखिम कारक - Peyronie's disease Causes & Risks in Hindi

लिंग के टेढ़ापन से बचाव के उपाय - Prevention of Peyronie's disease in Hindi

लिंग के टेढ़ापन का निदान - Diagnosis of Peyronie's disease in Hindi

लिंग का टेढ़ापन का उपचार - Peyronie's disease Treatment in Hindi

लिंग का टेढ़ापन की जटिलताएं - Peyronie's disease Complications in Hindi

लिंग का टेढ़ापन के चरण - Stages of Peyronie's disease in Hindi

लिंग में टेढ़ापन किन चरणों में होता है?

यह रोग मध्यम या गंभीर स्थिति का हो सकता है, जिसके दो चरण होते हैं। पहला चरण एक्युट होता है, जो एक से दो साल तक लगातार बना रह सकता है।

यह दर्द कम होने के बाद होता है, लेकिन तब तक प्लेक और सख्त हो जाता है, जिसका इलाज करना कठिन हो जाता है। जैसे-जैसे रोग बढ़ता है यह लिंग में स्थिर टेढ़ापन, स्तंभन दोष और योनि प्रवेश करने में पूरी तरह से विफलता जैसी समस्याएं पैदा कर देता है और अक्सर डिप्रेशन का भी कारण बनता है।

लिंग के टेढ़ापन के लक्षण - Peyronie's disease Symptoms in Hindi

लिंग में टेढ़ापन आने के क्या लक्षण होते हैं?

जब लिंग सामान्य स्थिति में होता है, अक्सर तब किसी प्रकार का लक्षण दिखाई नहीं देता। लिंग में टेढ़ेपन के लक्षण धीरे-धीरे विकसित हो सकते हैं या फिर एकदम से रात-भर बाद ही इसके लक्षण दिखाई दे सकते हैं। गंभीर मामलों में, लिंग में स्कार वाले सख्त ऊतक (प्लेक) बनने के कारण लिंग में लचीलापन कम हो जाता है। इस स्थिति के कारण दर्द होने लगता है और यह स्तंभन के दौरान लिंग को एक तरफ झुकने या मुड़ने के लिए मजबूर कर सकती है।

पेरोनी रोग का दर्द आमतौर पर मध्यम होता है और आमतौर पर इसका इलाज भी नहीं किया जा सकता है। यह दर्द अक्सर लिंग स्तंभन के दौरान ही होता है। ज्यादातर मामलों में, समय के साथ-साथ दर्द कम होने लगता है, लेकिन टेढ़ापन की समस्या ऐसे ही रहती है। कभी-कभार यह समस्या स्थिर टेढ़ापन किये बिना स्वतः ठीक होने लगता है।

लिंग में टेढ़ापन का निम्न स्थितियों के द्वारा वर्णन किया जाता है:

• लिंग स्तंभन के दौरान दर्द होना।
• संभोग के दौरान दर्द और कठिनाई महसूस होना, यह अक्सर प्रारंभिक लक्षण होता है।
• संभोग करने के बाद लिंग में दर्द व सूजन आना। (और पढ़ें - पेनिस में सूजन का इलाज)
• लिंग छोटा पड़ जाना या संकुचित हो जाना (कुछ मामलों में)।
• लिंग में टेढ़ेपन के बिंदु के नीचे कोई कठोर जगह या गांठ महसूस होना।
• स्कार ऊतकों की उपस्थिति लिंग में टेढ़ेपन की सतह से स्पष्ट दिखाई देना।
• लिंग में गंभीर टेढ़ापन होने के कारण शारीरिक संबंध बनाने में अक्षमता।
• दर्दरहित लेकिन टेढ़ापन काफी स्पष्ट रूप से दिखाई देना और छूने पर सख्त ऊतक महसूस होना।
• सामान्य जीवन में हस्तक्षेप होने के कारण डिप्रेशन और अन्य मानसिक लक्षण।

कुछ मामले में पेरोनी रोग के साथ होने वाला लिंग में टेढ़ापन बिना किसी उपचार के अपने आप ही ठीक हो जाता है।

डॉक्टर को कब दिखाना चाहिए?

अगर लिंग का टेढ़ापन या दर्द, आपको सेक्स करने से रोक रहा है या अगर यह समस्या आपमें किसी प्रकार की चिंता का कारण बन रही है, तो अपने डॉक्टर से इस बारे बात करनी चाहिए।

लिंग के टेढ़ापन के कारण और जोखिम कारक - Peyronie's disease Causes & Risks in Hindi

लिंग में टेढ़ापन किस कारण से होता है?

लिंग में टेढ़ापन या पेरोनी रोग का कारण अस्पष्ट है। ऐसा माना जाता है कि लिंग में टेढ़ापन किसी प्रकार के आघात (चोट लगना या सेक्स करते समय लिंग अचानक से मुड़ जाना) के कारण होता है, क्योंकि इससे लिंग के अंदर रक्तस्त्राव होने लगता है। इसमें यह भी हो सकता है कि आघात या चोट लगने के दौरान पता भी ना चला हो। कुछ अन्य मामलों में यह धीरे-धीरे समय के साथ विकसित होता है, जो आनुवंशिक या वंशानुगत स्थिति से जुड़ा हो सकता है। माता-पिता से जीन के माध्यम से संतान में भेजे जाने वाले गुण, दोष या बीमारियां आदि को आनुवंशिक या वंशानुगत कहा जाता है।

इसके अलावा ऐसी कई प्रकार की दवाएं हैं जो साइड इफेक्ट के रूप में लिंग में टेढ़ापन विकसित कर सकती हैं। साइड इफेक्ट के रूप में पेरोनी रोग विकसित करने वाली दवाओं में निम्न शामिल हो सकती हैं:

बीटा ब्लॉकर्स (Beta blockers) – ये दवाएं अक्सर हृदय संबंधी रोगों औ हाई ब्लड प्रेशर आदि के लिए दी जाती हैं।

डिलान्टिन (Dilantin) – मिर्गी व दौरे आदि को रोकने के लिए इन दवाओं का इस्तेमाल किया जाता है।

जोखिम कारक –

ऐसा माना जाता है कि लिंग में टेढ़ापन की समस्या 1 प्रतिशत से भी कम लोगों को होती है।

लिंग में छोटी-मोटी या मामूली चोट लगना हमेशा पेरोनी रोग का कारण नहीं बनती। हालांकि ऐसे कई कारक हैं जो घाव ठीक होने की गति को कम करते हैं और स्कार ऊतक बनने का कारण बनते हैं। ये कारक लिंग में टेढ़ापन विकसित करने में एक महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाते हैं, इन कारकों में निम्न शामिल हैं:

आनुवंशिकता (Heredity) – कुछ मामलों में जो लोग लिंग में टेढ़ापन होने की संभावना से जुड़े हैं, उनमें इस समस्या की संभावना वंशानुगत रूप से हो सकती है। यदि आपके पिता या भाई आदि को पेरोनी रोग है, तो आपमें भी यह समस्या होने के जोखिम अधिक बढ़ जाते हैं।

संयोजी ऊतक विकार (Connective tissue disorders) – जिन लोगों को कनेक्टिव टिश्यू डिसऑर्डर है, उनमें लिंग में टेढ़ापन विकसित होने की समस्या का जोखिम बढ़ जाता है। उदाहरण के लिए काफी सारे लोग जिनको पेरोनी रोग है

उम्र – पेरोनी रोग होने की संभावना उम्र के साथ ही बढ़ती है, 55 साल की उम्र के बाद यह समस्या अधिक होती है। यद्यपि यह रोग बच्चों से वद्धों तक किसी भी उम्र के व्यक्ति को हो सकती है। (और पढ़ें - बढ़ती उम्र की समस्या)

अन्य कारक – कुछ निश्चित प्रकार की स्वास्थ्य स्थितियां, धूम्रपान और कुछ प्रकार की प्रोस्टेट सर्जरी आदि लिंग में टेढ़ापन विकसित होने की समस्या से जुड़ी हो सकती हैं। (और पढ़ें - प्रोस्टेट कैंसर सर्जरी)

प्रोस्टेट कैंसर का इलाज करने के लिए की जाने वाली कुछ प्रकार की सर्जिकल और रेडिएशन थेरेपी जैसे इलाज के बाद भी लिंग में टेढ़ापन आ सकता है।

जिन लोगों को हाइपरटेंशन या डायबिटीज आदि की समस्या है, उनके लिए पेरोनी रोग की समस्या आम मानी जाती है।

लिंग के टेढ़ापन से बचाव के उपाय - Prevention of Peyronie's disease in Hindi

लिंग में टेढ़ापन आने से बचाव कैसे करें?

पुरूषों को इस बात का एहसास नहीं होता है कि वे शारीरिक संभोग के दौरान अपने लिंग को भी क्षति पहुंचा सकते हैं। जिससे सेक्स करना मुश्किल और यहां तक की असंभव भी हो सकता है। इस प्रकार की चोटों से बचने के लिए ऐसी कई चीजें हैं जो पुरूष व उसकी पार्टनर कर सकते हैं।

पुरुष की उम्र के साथ-साथ उसके लिंग स्तंभन की कठोरता में कमी आने लगती है और कठोरता को बनाए रखने में भी काफी मुश्किल हो सकती है। स्तंभन में कठोरपन की कमी होने से लिंग क्षतिग्रस्त हो सकता है, क्योंकि तीव्र सेक्स क्रिया में लिंग में मोड़ आ सकता है। नीचे कुछ सुझाव दिए गए हैं, जो मदद कर सकते हैं। (और पढ़ें - सेक्स के फायदे)

जब किसी व्यक्ति को स्तंभन दोष होता है और शारीरिक संभोग बनाना उसके लिए मुश्किल या असंभव हो जाता है, तो डॉक्टर उसके लिए कुछ दवाएं लिख सकते हैं। लिंग में क्षति होने से बचाव रखने के लिए सबसे पहला कदम, लिंग स्तंभन की कठोरता में कमी महसूस होते ही इन दवाओं (डॉक्टर द्वारा बताए गए) का इस्तेमाल करना चाहिए। (और पढ़ें - लंबे समय तक सेक्स करने के उपाय)

महिला साथी को सेक्स करने से पहले यह सुनिश्चित कर लेना चाहिए कि उसकी योनी लूबरीकेटेड (चिकनाईयुक्त या नम) है। अगर योनि में पर्याप्त चिकनाई नहीं है तो उन्हें कुछ प्रकार के ओवर-द-काउंटर (बिना डॉक्टर की पर्ची के मिलने वाले उत्पाद अथवा दवाएं) लूबरीकेंट्स का इस्तेमाल करना चाहिए। (और पढ़ें - सेक्स के बाद रक्तस्राव)

सेक्स करने के दौरान ध्यान रखना चाहिए और हाथ की मदद से लिंग को ठीक पोजिसन में रखना चाहिए।

संभोग के दौरान उन आसनों का इस्तेमाल नहीं करना चाहिए जिसमें महिला साथी ऊपर हों, क्योंकि इन पॉजिशन से लिंग में मोड़ आने का जोखिम बढ़ जाता है।

सेक्स पॉजिशन कैसी भी हो, संभोग के दौरान पुरुष का लिंग सीधी अवस्था में ही होना चाहिए। ऐसी पॉजिशन या गति का इस्तेमाल नहीं करना चाहिए जिससे लिंग में मोड़ या मरोड़ आ जाए।

जब पुरुष थका हुआ होता है या उसने अत्याधिक शराब पी रखी होती है, तो ऐसे में संभोग से बचना चाहिए। क्योंकि ऐसी स्थिति में लिंग स्तंभन पर भरोसा नही किया जा सकता है।

लिंग के टेढ़ापन का निदान - Diagnosis of Peyronie's disease in Hindi

लिंग में टेढ़ापन होने की स्थिति का परीक्षण कैसे किया जाना चाहिए?

परीक्षण के दौरान डॉक्टर आपसे आपके लक्षणों के बारे में पूछेंगे। इस दौरान डॉक्टर लिंग की जांच करेंगे और उसमें स्कार ऊतकों के कठोर हिस्सों और हाथ लगाने पर दर्द होना जैसी स्थितियों का पता लगाएंगे। आम तौर पर, इस समस्या का परीक्षण करने के लिए इसी की आवश्यक होती है। लिंग के अंदर रेशेदार प्लेक को हाथ से टटोल कर आपके डॉक्टर हालत का पता लगाने में सक्षम हो सकते हैं।

कभी-कभी लिंग का अल्ट्रासाउंड किया जाता है, जिस दौरान संदिग्ध हिस्से में इन्जेक्शन द्वारा एक डाई लगाई जाती है। डाई लिंग के तंतुमय हिस्से का पता लगाने में मदद करती है, खासकर जब उपचार के लिए योजना तैयार की जा रही हो। (और पढ़ें - शुक्राणु की जांच कैसे करें)

अगर लिंग में कैल्शियम जमा है तो एक्स-रे की मदद से उसको देखा जा सकता है।

फाईब्रोसिस की डिग्री को निर्धारित करने के लिए कभी-कभी तने हुऐ लिंग की तस्वीरों की आवश्यकता पड़ सकती है। यदि सर्जरी द्वारा मरम्मत करने की योजना बनाई जा रही है, तो लिंग में क्षति की मरम्मत के सबसे बेहतर तरीके का पता करने के लिए लिंग की और विस्तार से जांच करने की आवश्यकता पड़ती है।

लिंग का टेढ़ापन का उपचार - Peyronie's disease Treatment in Hindi

लिंग में टेढ़ापन की स्थिति का इलाज कैसे किया जा सकता है?

पेरोनी रोग के कारण थोड़ा-बहुत टेढ़ापन होने पर उसका इलाज करने की जरूरत नहीं होती। चूंकि कुछ लोगों में यह स्थिति अक्सर अपने आप ठीक हो जाती है, इसलिए डॉक्टर अक्सर सर्जरी करने से पहले मरीज को एक साल तक ठीक होने का इंतजार करने के लिए कह सकते हैं।

अगर स्थितियां निम्न हों तो आमतौर पर डॉक्टर अक्सर वेट-एंड-सी (सावधान रहना और इंतजार करना) प्रक्रिया का सुझाव देते हैं।

अगर आपके लिंग में टेढ़ापन गंभीर नहीं है और अधिक बद्तर नहीं है।

आप अभी भी ठीक से बिना दर्द के स्तंभन प्राप्त कर रहे हैं और संभोग करने में सक्षम हैं।

अगर आपकी लिंग स्तंभन प्रक्रिया ठीक से काम कर रही है।

यदि आपके लक्षण गंभीर हैं या समय के साथ-साथ और बद्तर होते जा रहे हैं, तो आपके डॉक्टर दवाओं या सर्जरी के द्वारा इसका इलाज शुरू कर सकते हैं।

दवाएं –

पेरोनी रोग का इलाज करने के लिए कई प्रकार की दवाओं को प्रयोग करके देखा गया है। लेकिन इन दवाओं ने कोई स्थिर प्रभाव नहीं दिखाया है और वे सर्जरी प्रक्रिया की तरह प्रभावी साबित नहीं हो पाई हैं।

पेंटोक्सिफाइलिन (Pentoxifylline) एक ओरल (मुंह द्वारा ली जाने वाली) दवा है, जिसका इस्तेमाल लिंग में टेढ़ापन संबंधी समस्याओं के लिए किया जाता है। यह दवा कुछ महीने लगातार लेने से यह लिंग में स्कार ऊतकों की मात्रा को कम कर सकती है।

कुछ मामलों में, दवाओं को इन्जेक्शन द्वारा सीधे लिंग में इन्जेक्ट किया जाता है, जो पेरोनी रोग से जुड़े दर्द एवं टेढ़ेपन को कम करने में मदद करता है। इन्जेक्शन के दौरान होने वाले दर्द को कम करने के लिए आपको लोकल अनेस्थेटिक (कुछ भाग को सुन्न करने वाली दवा) दिया जा सकता है।

अगर निम्न में से ही आपको कोई उपचार दिया जा रहा है तो आपको कई इन्जेक्शन लगवाने पड़ सकते हैं। इन दवाओं को ओरल दवाओं के साथ संयोजन के रूप में भी दिया जा सकता है।

इन दवाओं में निम्न शामिल हैं -

कोलेजिनेज़ (Collagenase) – इस थेरेपी में पेरोनी रोग से जुड़ा टेढ़ापन और अन्य परेशानियों में सुधार होते देखा गया है। यह थेरेपी लिंग में टेढ़ेपन का कारण बनने वाले कोलेजन के निर्माण को तोड़ने के रूप में काम करती है।

वेरापैमिल (Verapamil) – इस दवा का इस्तेमाल आमतौर पर हाई ब्लड प्रेशर का इलाज करने के लिए किया जाता है। ऐसा लगता है कि यह कोलोजन के निर्माण को भी बधित करता है। कोलेजन एक प्रकार का प्रोटीन होता है, जो पेरोनी रोग के स्कार ऊतकों का निर्माण करने वाला मुख्य कारक है।

इंटरफेरोन (Interferon) – यह एक प्रकार का प्रोटीन होता है, जो रेशेदार ऊतकों का उत्पादन होने में बाधा उत्पन्न करता है और उनको तोड़ता है।

सर्जरी –

लिंग में टेढ़ापन की गंभीर स्थितियां जिसमें लिंग अधिक मुड़ जाता है, जो किसी व्यक्ति को संभोग करने से भी वंचित रखती है। ऐसी स्थितियों में सर्जरी काफी मददगार प्रक्रिया है। पेरोनी रोगों के मरीजों के लिए सर्जरी की दो प्रक्रियाएं होती हैं, पैलिकेशन (Plication) और प्लेक रिमूवल (Plaque removal)।

जब स्तंभन होता है तो टेढ़ापन के कारण लिंग की एक साइड लंबी तथा एक साइड छोटी हो जाती है।

पैलिकेशन – इस प्रक्रिया में डॉक्टर लिंग की बड़ी साइड के विपरित दिशा में ऑपरेशन करके लिंग की बड़ी साइड को छोटा करते हैं, जहां पर स्कार या प्लेक स्थित होते हैं। इस प्रक्रिया में डॉक्टर लिंग को सीधा रखते हैं, जिससे मरीज का लिंग स्तंभन रख पाता है। लेकिन इसके कारण लिंग स्तंभन थोड़ा कम हो जाता है।

इस प्रक्रिया को आउटपेशेंट बेसिस (सर्जरी के बाद उसी दिन अपने घर जा सकते हैं) के अनुसार किया जाता है और इस प्रक्रिया में डॉक्टर शरीर से कोई त्वचा नहीं निकालते। पैलिकेशन सर्जरी के 90 प्रतिशत से भी अधिक मामले सफल रहते हैं।

प्लेक या स्कार टीश्यू रिमूवल – इस प्रक्रिया में डॉक्टर प्लेक या स्कार वाले ऊतकों को निकाल देते हैं, जिससे लिंग की छोटी साइड खुल जाती है और लिंग सीधा हो पाता है। यह प्रक्रिया आमतौर पर उन लोगों के लिए होती है जिनका स्तंभन गंभीर रूप से मुड़ा हुआ है।

प्लेक निकालने के बाद डॉक्टर स्तंभन कक्ष में हुए रिक्तस्थान में ग्राफ्ट भर देते हैं। यह ग्राफ्ट मरीज के शरीर के किसी अन्य हिस्से से निकाली जाती है।

इस प्रक्रिया के 75 प्रतिशत मामले सफल हो जाते हैं। इस प्रक्रिया से लिंग स्तंभन की लंबाई को संरक्षित करने में मदद करती है। लेकिन लिंग स्तंभन इतना लंबा नहीं होता जितना यह पेरोनी रोग से पहले था।

लिंग का टेढ़ापन की जटिलताएं - Peyronie's disease Complications in Hindi

लिंग में टेढ़ापन होने से क्या जटिलताएं हो सकती हैं?

पेरोनी रोग होने पर निम्न जटिलताएं हो सकती हैं:

शारीरिक संबंध बनाने में असमर्थता।

स्तंभन प्राप्त करने और उसे बनाए रखने में कठिनाई (स्तंभन दोष)। (और पढ़ें - हस्तमैथुन के नुकसान)

यौन क्षमता या लिंग के आकार आदि के कारण तनाव व चिंता। (और पढ़ें - तनाव दूर करने के उपाय)

अपने यौन साथी के साथ अपने रिलेशनशिप में तनाव। (और पढ़ें - सेक्स लाइफ को बेहतर बनाने के उपाय)

शारीरिक संभोग में मुश्किल या असंभव होने के कारण पिता बनने में कठिनाई।

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Chlorophyll Water: The Newest 'Health Drink' Said To Have Weight Loss And Other Benefits

Chlorophyll Water: The Newest 'Health Drink' Said To Have Weight Loss And Other Benefits

You may remember chlorophyll from your high school biology class. Yes, it's that same pigment that we all studied about and that makes plants appear green and helps them derive energy from sunlight. When we studied chlorophyll and its functions all those years ago, we didn't know that there would come a time when people would be consuming it, due to its many touted health benefits. Technically, we all eat chlorophyll every time we eat whole fruits and vegetables.

But nowadays, chlorophyll is also sold in the form of supplements that can be consumed in order to reap its purported benefits for the skin and body. Chlorophyll water is the fancy new drink that is being sold in juice bars around the world. The drink is prepared by infusing chlorophyll supplements in water and is said to be rich in micronutrients and antioxidants.


Drinking chlorophyll water is a health trend that looks like it's here to stay. Let's look at some of the claimed health benefits of chlorophyll water that have made this drink so favorable to health freaks around the world.

Chlorophyll Water Benefits

Here are some benefits that regular consumption of chlorophyll water is said to have:

1. Boosts Skin Health

Chlorophyll is said to be great for the skin. It may reduce inflammation and is said to have anti-bacterial properties. Chlorophyll may also help fight against acne, when applied topically on the affected areas.

2. Boosts Quality Of Red Blood Cells

It is believed that consumption of chlorophyll water may improve the quality of red blood cells in the body. A 2004 study showed that wheatgrass, which is made up of 70 percent of chlorophyll, reduced the number of blood transfusions required by patients of thalassemia.

3. Helps In Detoxification

Chlorophyll water, or liquid chlorophyll, is said to have the ability to bind and remove toxins and even heavy metals from the body. It is also believed to improve the alkalinity of the body due to the presence of magnesium in it.

4. Helps In Weight Loss

A 2014 study, published in the journal Appetite, says that consumption of chlorophyll resulted in greater weight loss, over a period of 12 weeks. It is also believed to decrease the craving for junk food and lower the levels of bad cholesterol, or Low-Density Lipoprotein, from the blood. Weight loss benefits of chlorophyll water are substantiated by a 2013 study, published in journal Appetite, that linked the drink to satiety.

5. Effect On Tumours

Consumption of chlorophyll water is even linked to reduced risks of tumours. One particular study on animals found that chlorophyll consumption was linked to low incidence of liver cancer. The book Chlorophylls and Bacteriochlorophylls: Biochemistry, Biophysics, Functions and Applications claims that liquid chlorophyll binds to carcinogenic molecules produced in the body and helps remove them in the form of faeces.

Chlorophyll water may have become popular as a health drink, but some health experts claim that you don't need to consume the drink in order to reap all the benefits of chlorophyll. You can include more dark and leafy green vegetables and fruits in your diet, in order to reap the benefits of chlorophyll.

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Chia Seeds For A Healthy Gut: Here's Why These Tiny Seeds Are Beneficial For Gut Health

Chia Seeds For A Healthy Gut: Here's Why These Tiny Seeds Are Beneficial For Gut Health

Good things come in small packages - it is also true for Chia's seeds. Chia seeds are a powerhouse of essential nutrients. From promoting healthy heart to keeping the gut healthy, these extremely tiny seeds could possibly do wonders for your overall health. One of the most interesting things about chia seeds is that they are hydrophilic in nature, which means they can be mixed with water and can soak up to twelve times their weight. This particular quality of these wondrous seeds makes them perfect for a healthy gut.


As indicated by the book, 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing House, "The mucilaginous (gum-like) fibre in the sprouted seeds promotes bowel regularity and helps stabilise blood sugar levels. Briefly soaking the seeds for one hour releases more of their beneficial fibre. Or, leave to soak for longer and sprout the same as you would for other seeds."

It is of utmost importance to build and maintain a healthy gut flora as it is connected to everything that happens in our body. Chia seeds help promote growth of healthy bacteria and come loaded with dietary fibre. A 100-gram serving of chia seeds will give you close to 40g of dietary fibre. Fibre can help you keep bowel-related ailments at bay as it is an excellent agent for digestion. Various health experts advise that it is best to start your day with small snacks to get your metabolism going.


Soak a teaspoon of these super chia seeds in water overnight and have them once you wake up. These can also be soaked in coconut milk or almond milk. Apart from having all nine essential amino acids, these tiny seeds are packed with healthy fats and protein, and have an amazing effect on your digestive system.


So, include these tiny seeds in your daily diet and say bye-bye to gut-related problems!

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World Diabetes Day: 8 Dietary Tips To Manage Diabetes In Kids

World Diabetes Day 2018: 8 Dietary Tips To Manage Diabetes In Kids

Diabetes has three types, of which type-1 diabetes is a common condition in teens and children. With type-1 diabetes, the pancreas is not able to produce insulin, which is a hormone that helps glucose, or sugar, get into your cells to give them energy. Without insulin, too much sugar tends to stay in the blood. Type-1 diabetes in children requires consistent care and attention; however, advances in blood sugar monitoring and insulin delivery have improved the daily management of this health condition. According to Dr. Ravishankar Marpalli, Pediatrician, BR Life SSNMC Hospital, "Childhood type-1 diabetes is caused by the autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic B-cells. While diabetes can be seen at any age, type-1 diabetes is seen among the children around the age of puberty. But the sedentary lifestyle and rise in obesity has increased the risk of type-2 diabetes among children of less than 5 years."

Causes of type-1 diabetes in kids

While causes of type-1 diabetes are unknown, most children with this condition may have a weaker immune system that tends to mistakenly destroy insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Some of the risk factors for type-1 diabetes may include family history, genetic susceptibility, viruses (in the environment), and diet.

Signs and symptoms of type-1 diabetes

A few signs and symptoms of type-1 diabetes may include:

• Weight loss
• Fruity-smelling breath
• Blurred vision
• Extreme hunger
• Increased thirst and frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Irritability or behaviour changes
• Yeast infections in girls 

As per Dr. Ravishankar Marpalli, "Kids with type-1 diabetes need to take insulin every day to control the glucose level in their body. This is for the lifetime. If they stop insulin, the life expectancy may become shorter. It is harder for the kids to accept diabetes as they have to use insulin regularly."

World Diabetes Day 2018: Dietary tips to manage type-1 diabetes in kids:

According to Dr. Marpalli, "Breastfeeding can provide protective effect against type-1 diabetes. It is proposed that the presence of antimicrobials and anti-inflammatory agents in the breast milk and substances that promote the maturation of the immune system in human milk create a protective effect against type-1 diabetes. Proper nutrition during the first few months of life can prevent the appearance of diabetes. Breast milk results in greater satiety than infant formulas, preventing the development of obesity. Children who receive breast milk in the initial few months have a lower risk of being overweight during childhood, adolescence which will avoid developing type-2 Diabetes."

Here are some dietary tips that can help manage blood sugar levels in kids, as suggested by Dr. Marpalli:

1. There is a huge change in the diet of children who happen to have type-1 diabetes. To avoid kids with diabetes to feel depressed about their diet, make them eat ice-cream or sweets once in a while and control on other dietary aspects.

2. Kids with diabetes should take proper meals during regular intervals.

3. Parents should be an example for the kids. They should avoid junk and instead choose to eat healthy food. Children tend to learn what they see, so you, as parents, have to take the initiative to toss away unhealthy food in your diet.

4. Keep your kids away from processed foods. These foods are high in carbohydrates and sugar, both of which are responsible for spiking blood sugar levels, further causing complications in the body.

5. Kids love aerated drinks, and sugary beverages. These zero-nutrition beverages can increase the chances of developing diabetes. Try and limit the consumption of these drinks that may only up the chances of developing this lifestyle condition.

6. Cut down the consumption of carbohydrates and include complex carbs like vegetables and grains.

7. Include kids-friendly choices like low-fat string cheese, a hard-boiled egg, or a small serving of nuts with a sugar-free drink for snacks.

8.  Do include more fibre- and protein- rich foods in their diet. Prepare interesting and delicious delicacies that they can enjoy.

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Lettuce For Weight Loss: Health Benefits And Low Carb Lettuce Recipe Ideas For Quicker Weight Loss!

Lettuce For Weight Loss: Health Benefits And Low Carb Lettuce Recipe Ideas For Quicker Weight Loss!

Lettuce is wildly popular as a salad vegetable around the world. Lettuce leaves are often the primary ingredients in salads of various kinds. The crispy leaves are also indispensable for burgers and sandwiches. Lettuce is a classic salad ingredient, but we can't imagine our juiciest burgers, paninis and subs without it. Crunchy and fresh lettuce leaves can be used for sprucing up any snack.


Health freaks around the world, love to dress lettuce leaves up or even eat them raw, along with some dips. There are numerous ways of eating lettuce leaves, but how healthy is the vegetable really? It indeed is. It comes with plenty of health benefits, one of which is weight loss and weight management. Although, it may not be one of the healthiest vegetables out there, lettuce can certainly help you in shedding some serious weight.


Lettuce is also quite an ancient vegetable. Did you know that this popular salad green made an appearance as early as 2680 BC? Lettuce was first cultivated by ancient Egyptians and was used as a weed, whose seeds were used to extract oil. Eventually, it became a food plant and made its way onto our vegetarian meals and platters.

Lettuce For Weight Loss

Lettuce is crunchy and delicious, but it can also help you in losing those unwanted kilos, which is why you can add it to your weight loss diet. There are several reasons why lettuce is great for consumption, when one is looking to lose weight:

1. Low in Calories: A 100 gm serving of lettuce contains a mere 15 calories (according to the United States Department of Agriculture data)! It's effectively a negative calorie food, which means that the process of digesting lettuce burns more calories than the amount of calories present in the vegetable.


2. Contains No Cholesterol Or Fat: As is true for most vegetables, lettuce leaves also contain zero cholesterol, and saturated and unsaturated fat.


3. High Water Content: The water content of iceberg lettuce almost matches that of cucumbers. Lettuce is 96 per cent water by weight! This makes it mildly more filling than other vegetables.


4. Regulates Blood Sugar: Lettuce contains Lactucaxanthin, which is an anti-diabetic carotenoid, which can successfully prevent spikes or falls in blood sugar levels. Hence, it may be a great addition to a diabetic diet. It also effectively controls cravings and hunger pangs by regulating blood sugar levels.


5. Improves Immunity: The presence of vitamins A and C in lettuce, make it a great immunity-boosting food as well. Romaine lettuce in particular is rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

How To Eat Lettuce To Lose Weight

Lettuce adds crunch, juiciness and a whole lot of nutrition to our salads, wraps and burgers and adding it to your diet should be a no-brainer. While choosing which variety of lettuce you want to add to your meals, you must choose the ones which are darker in shade, as that indicates a richer nutritional profile. But even besides the regular salad, wrap and burger, lettuce can be used quite creatively to churn out delicious diet foods. Here are some recipes for inspiration:

1. Lettuce Wrapped Cottage Cheese

This is a great low-carb lunch or snack idea. It is made by wrapping a mixture of cottage cheese and veggies in lettuce leaves. It can be served with steamed brown rice or can be eaten with a soy sauce dip.

2.Hazelnut Asian Lettuce Wrap

This dish is rich in proteins and can be a great low-carb snack offering to guests at parties as well. A chicken and coleslaw mixture is wrapped in romaine lettuce leaves to make easy and delicious finger food that is both fancy and healthy.

3. Minced Chicken Lettuce Cups

Another super-healthy recipe that replaces pieces of bread or grain carbs with low-calorie lettuce leaves is that of a minced chicken lettuce cup. Simply prepare a spiced and cooked minced chicken and veggie mix and spoon it on whole lettuce leaves. You can eat these as is.

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Indigestion Problems? Try Betel Leaf For Digestion, Constipation And Gastric Pain

Chewing a paan or betel leaf after the meal is an ancient food tradition in India. After lunch or dinner, people usually make their way to the tiny paan shops to savour paan, while some make them at home by wrapping gulkand (rose preserve), chopped areca nut, dry roasted fennel seeds, coconut powder, honey, cloves, and cardamom pods.

But, did you know that this heart-shaped leaf is not only used to make paan? It is also known to have many health benefits and has been extensively used in Ayurveda. Yes, you read that right! According to Ayurveda, chewing paan after meals eases digestion as it increases secretion of digestive juices, reduces bloating of the stomach, relieves constipation and destroys intestinal parasites.

Betel Leaf For Healthy Digestion

Betel leaf has properties that are carminative, gastro-protective and anti-flatulent, all of which are known to accelerate good digestion. It stimulates the release of saliva, which is the first step of digestion, as various enzymes in it break down food, making it easy to digest. But, if you don't like its strong mint-like flavour, the best way of reaping its benefits is by creating oil out of betel leaf and massaging it on your stomach, which will help the secretion of gastric juices and digestive acids. However, in the case of kids with digestive problems, the best way to make use of betel leaves is by boiling them with peppermint leaves in water. Strain the water and give it to the younger one daily for effective recovery.

Betel Leaf For Constipation

Betel leaf is packed with vitamin C that helps the body get rid of free radicals. Moreover, the antioxidants help manage the pH level of the stomach. All you have to do is to soak the betel leaf in water and store it overnight. Drink the water on an empty stomach next morning or you can just chew the soaked betel leaf.

Betel Leaf Reduce Gastric Pain

Betel leaf normalizes the unbalanced pH level of the stomach that gives fast relief from gastric pain, acidity and pain aroused due to the bloating problem. Moreover, it also keeps the duodenum clear of dangerous free radicals as well as toxins. This makes it very efficient in improving GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).

Back in the days, paan was consumed due to its digestive properties. Those who felt heavy and bloated post any meal and had severe constipation issues, paan used to be a saviour for them. However, it is advised to maintain a gap of at least 30 minutes between consumption of paan and your meal.

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Amla For Diabetes: How To Use The Tangy Goodness To Manage Blood Sugar Levels

Amla For Diabetes: How To Use The Tangy Goodness To Manage Blood Sugar Levels 

Indian gooseberry, or amla, is one of the most potent natural medicines used in Ayurveda since time immemorial; moreover, it is recommended by many health practitioners as a general tonic for various lifestyle ailments like as a topical treatment for skin and hair, amla powder for weight loss, et al. The sour-tasting fruit is generally consumed fresh or as a sweetened and preserved product known as amle ka murabba. An excellent source of vitamin C and minerals like calcium, iron, phosphorus and chromium, Indian gooseberry is known to promote our overall health. But, did you know that amla can be great for managing diabetes too? Surprised? Don't be. Read on to know how Indian gooseberry, or amla, can help manage your sugar levels.

How does amla help manage diabetes naturally?

According to Macrobiotic Nutritionist and Health Coach, Shilpa Arora, "Amla is loaded with vitamin C and skin healing nutrients that build your immune system by strengthening gut microbiome. Amla helps insulin resistance and balances high blood sugar levels. It eliminates toxins from the body and heals cellular metabolism, which makes it great for diabetics. Stay clear of amla candies as the sugar will defeat the properties."


As per Ayurveda expert, Dr. Ashutosh Gautam, "Amla has many actions; it is useful in managing diabetes; all thanks to the antioxidants like ascorbic acid, tannins, and polyphenols present in it, which help to reduce lipids, triglycerides in liver and improve metabolism. The difference in blood sugar levels would be less initially, but the complication associated with diabetes gets managed."

As per a study published in the Journal of Medical Food, amla extract dropped sugar levels in diabetic rats. The findings showed that the strong free radical scavenging activity of amla and its ability to reduce oxidative stress helped improve glucose metabolism in diabetic rats.

• Amla is said to have chromium that has positive effects on the pancreas, where insulin is produced, further helping regulate blood sugar levels. Chromium tends to regulate carbohydrate metabolism and may make the body more responsive to insulin, helping to keep the blood glucose levels in check.
• Amla is low in calories, which makes it great for managing your weight. Excessive calorie intake will cause weight gain, which could lead to insulin resistance, and eventually difficulty in controlling diabetes. An ideal body weight helps control blood sugar levels better.
• Amla contains polyphenols that have properties, which are known to protect our body from oxidative stress caused by high blood sugar.
• Amla is said to be effective in assisting proper absorption of insulin and further result in a drop in blood sugar levels.

How To Use Amla To Manage Diabetes Naturally?

Amla is easily available in fresh, dried and powdered form. One of the best ways to consume amla is to drink fresh amla juice every morning. You could sprinkle some amla powder on your food to enhance not just the flavour, but also the nutritious value. Make amle ka murabba and eat one daily to procure all the goodness from the fruit.

Consult your doctor before adding amla to your diet, as having both amla and medications simultaneously may cause the blood sugar levels to drop significantly.

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National Nutrition Week: Hypertension? Try These 7 Best Ayurvedic Home Remedies

National Nutrition Week: Hypertension? Try These 7 Best Ayurvedic Home Remedies

As we celebrate National Nutrition Week, let's go back to grandma's kitchen cabinet to pick out timeless wisdom for wellness, health and healing. When we have bad headaches or our stomach rumbles and aches, grandma's home remedies come to our mind. Out would come the pots and pans, strange looking leaves and roots, and whatnot! Before you know, your headache, tummy woes or cold and cough caused by your overindulgent lifestyle is gone. Do you remember the time when your grandma would never let you leave home with an empty stomach, no matter how late you got? And, any protests on that matter would be sternly overruled with the remark that your pitta will increase. They had nuggets of health wisdom for every moment of the day.


Hypertension, according to Ayurveda, is caused due to imbalance in pitta dosha. It is important to back up here a little and understand what really doshas are according to Ayurveda. According to Dr. Nisha Manikantan, founder director, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Research and Sciences and the author of the popular book, 'Ayurveda Simplified,' "Life in Ayurveda is conceived as the union of body, senses, mind and soul. The living man is an assembly of three doshas (vata, pitta and kapha), seven dhatus or life supporting tissues like rasa (plasma), rakta (blood), mamsa (muscle tissues), meda (fat tissues), asthi (bone tissue), majja (bone marrow), and sukra (reproductive tissue), and the waste products of the body such as feces, urine and sweat."


Dr. Manikantan further explains that the growth and decay of the body matrix and its constituents revolve around food, which gets processed into doshas, tissues and wastes as mentioned above. "Ingestion, digestion, absorption, assimilation and metabolism of food have an influence on health and diseases, which are significantly affected by psychological mechanisms as well as by biofire (Agni)," says Dr. Manikantan.

Doshas are bodily humours, or bio energies, which determine the characteristics, traits and features of an individual. Doshas are known to govern the body organs and their functions. And when doshas are vitiated, the physiological functions of the body are also disturbed, which initiates the process of disease, called tridosas. But, in a state of equilibrium, they perform and control all the activities and processes of both body and mind, maintaining the health. The aim of Ayurveda is to maintain this state of equilibrium, something that is ensured through maintaining a consciously healthy lifestyle.


Hypertension sets in the system when pitta (combination of fire and water elements in nature) is vitiated for significant period of time along with the dominance of rajas guna (the principle of restlessness and activity). In other words, a stressful, hectic work life and dietary indiscipline with no rest for the mind and body are significant causes of hypertension.


Nowadays, people are aware of the benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They are willing to walk an extra mile, both literally and figuratively, to seek healthy options. The recent years have seen a significant rise in minimalist living and organic choices. People are managing hypertension with the help of two pronged approach - incorporating healthier exercise routines for both the body and mind, and by making dietary changes and resorting to an Ayurveda-prescribed diet.

Breathe Out Stress

One of the root causes of hypertension is stress, which is signalled by vitiated pitta. If you are equipped with tools to manage stress, half the battle is won. Stress increases the secretion of glucagon hormones in the body, which are responsible for increasing blood glucose levels. Yogasanas (postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation, and sudarshan kriya along with a proper diet have been proven to reduce glucagon, which further improves insulin action.


The yogic science of breath is precisely 5000 years old, which is known to promote better health and wellness. It is one of the first sciences to recognise the impact of mind and emotions on creating and restoring optimal health. One of the most comprehensive breathing techniques derived from this science is sudarshan kriya. This breathing technique employs specific rhythms of breath that eliminate stress, support various organs and systems within the body, transform overpowering emotions, and restore peace of mind, thus, supporting the whole mind-body system.

Home Remedies For High Blood Pressure Are:

• Watermelon and apple can control blood pressure. One cup of watermelon juice early morning on an empty stomach is very beneficial.
• Those who go for morning walk should keep a small piece of ginger with 4-5 basil leaves and 4-5 small cubes of rock sugar in their mouth. This should be slowly sucked in order to control the blood pressure.
• A glass of warm lemon water can be consumed with a teaspoon of honey, two to three times a day.
• Potatoes, especially boiled, may help in lowering blood pressure. Boil them with their skin so that they absorb lesser amount of salt. A salt-free diet is recommended for patients with high blood pressure.
• Coriander powder mixed with honey can help manage blood pressure.
• Raw vegetable juices should be consumes, especially carrot and spinach. Spinach and carrot can be eaten in soups or salads too.
• Chew 20 neem leaves with water every morning.

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Want To Get Lean And Fit? Eat Negative Calorie Veggies Like Yami Gautam

Want To Get Lean And Fit? Eat Negative Calorie Veggies Like Yami Gautam

Bollywood actor Yami Gautam is gearing up for the release of her next film 'Batti Gul Meter Chalu', which also stars Shahid Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor in leading roles. She will also be seen in 'Uri', opposite Vicky Kaushal. Gautam,


who has been seen working out to sport the look of a fierce lawyer for 'Batti Gul Meter Chalu', is quite a food lover and her Instagram feed stands testimony to that. Yami Gautam often posts pictures of food from her vacations around the world and her sister, Surilie Gautam, is often seen as her eating partner.

Although, she does indulge in sinful goodies during her vacations, Yami Gautam seemingly believes in leading quite a healthy lifestyle otherwise. Her day-to-day meals are often seen to include nutritious veggies and fruits. Yesterday as well, Yami posted a snapshot of her Thursday night meal, which gave us major healthy food inspiration.

Yami Gautam posted the picture of a plateful of broccoli florets and mushrooms on Thursday night. Both the vegetables are great additions to the diet of those who wish to lose weight and build muscle. Yami's snapshot gives us a peak into what goes into maintain her super fit physique!

Both broccoli and mushrooms are negative-calorie vegetables, with a 100 gm portion of broccoli having just 34 calories and the same portion of mushrooms having just 22 calories (as per the USDA data).


This means that the process of digestion of these two vegetables takes up more calories than these vegetables actually contain, which leads to weight loss. Broccoli is rich in fibre and other essential nutrients and helps in promoting satiety. Mushrooms are also rich in protein, which is a crucial nutrient for muscle development and is also one of the most filling nutrients.

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Raw Garlic and Honey for Weight Loss: The Best Way for Weight Loss

Raw Garlic and Honey for Weight Loss: The Best Way for Weight Loss 

Losing weight isn't very easy, but even small healthy habits can go a long way in making your weight loss journey a little bit quick and easy. There are some dietary practices that can help you get results faster like drinking warm water in the morning as well as before meals, or snacking healthy, etc. If you're someone who wants to lose weight, then you would probably be familiar with these little tricks and home remedies for weight loss.

However, there's another lesser known home remedy for weight loss, which not many weight watchers are aware of - eating garlic seeped in honey on an empty stomach. A combination of honey and garlic might not seem very appetising, but it is very beneficial, when it comes to weight loss and improving your overall well-being. Consumption of raw garlic first thing in the morning is often recommended for improving digestion and detoxifying the body.


In fact, raw garlic with water is a common home remedy for a number of health problems like hypertension, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. This is because of the many beneficial minerals and bioactive compounds present in this pale and pungent flavour enhancing vegetable.

How to eat Garlic And Honey for weight loss?

Consuming garlic with honey also comes with its own set of health benefits, besides weight loss:

• Boosts immunity
• Fights cold and flu
• Gives a boost to the digestive system
• Detoxifies the body
• Honey And Garlic For Weight Loss 

If you are someone who is in 'detox mode,' then garlic and honey is going to be a godsend for you. This is because this unusual tonic can help detoxify your body completely. But, perhaps its biggest health benefit is in aiding weight loss by stimulating appetite and boosting digestion. As health experts often say, a good digestive system is key to a quicker weight loss, honey and garlic are the ideal companions for your weight loss journey.


Raw garlic has a better nutritive profile than cooked garlic, making the former a better weight loss agent. Similarly, consuming raw honey early in the morning may help metabolise fat better. Honey is fat-free and cholesterol-free and also helps in curbing hunger pangs. It is also a source of energy, helping you sail through all your morning tasks with ease.

How To Consume Raw Garlic And Honey For Weight Loss

You can prepare the combination of honey and raw garlic and store it in a jar for daily consumption. All you need is some clean and fresh garlic cloves that are peeled, some raw or organic honey and a glass jar. Toss the peeled garlic cloves in the jar and pour the honey over them, till they're fully covered in it. Shut the lid of the jar tightly and shake it to let the honey coat the garlics completely. Let the concoction sit for some time to allow the garlic nutrients seep out into the honey and vice versa. You can pick out one garlic clove daily, crush it with a spoon or a knife and eat it on an empty stomach to achieve quicker weight loss.

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Coconut Oil Controversy: Here's The Truth About Coconut Oil Consumption

Coconut Oil Controversy: Here's The Truth About Coconut Oil Consumption

The biggest tragedy of our times concerning health and diet is the mistaken belief that coconut oil is a poison that causes heart diseases. In fact, coconut oil - a highly saturated fat - is not vulnerable to oxidization and thus safest to use in cooking. Scientists have known about the medium chain fatty acids present in coconut oil since 1950 and it has often been used in hospitals to treat Alzheimer, Cystic Fibrosis, Epilepsy and to improve protein, fat and mineral absorption. It is well known that coconut oil is a saturated fat- all the criticism we hear recently assumes that this will cause an increase in the blood Cholesterol levels without any legitimate research.


However, the Framingham Heart Study is the most influential and respected investigation on the causes of heart diseases. The researchers could not prove any link between dietary cholesterol and its effect on blood cholesterol levels. A review of epidemiological studies shows that dietary coconut oil does not lead to high blood Cholesterol and heart diseases. In fact, when traditional societies replaced coconut oil with refined vegetable oils, that's when their risk of heart diseases shot up.


In Sri Lanka, coconut and its oil is the chief source of fat for thousands of years. Until 1980s, despite large amounts of coconut consumption, heart disease rate in that country was the lowest in the world i.e. only 1 out of every 10,000 was suffering from a heart condition. Over the past decade processed vegetable oils have replaced coconut oil, and as a result heart disease rates have also been going up.

Coconut Oil and India's Ancient History

Over 3000-year-old ancient texts of our country recommend saturated fats like desi ghee, mustard & coconut oil as being stable for consumption. Let's look at the figures in our very own Kerala, a state where large quantities of coconut fat and oil is traditionally consumed on a daily basis. In 1979, on an average 2.3 people out of a 1000 suffered from coronary heart diseases. As there was a rise in the campaigns against coconut oil, its consumption decreased across the state and was replaced by processed vegetable oils. As a result, in the year 1993, rate of heart diseases had tripled!


Indians had very low incidences of heart disease, diabetes and metabolic health issues while using ghee, coconut oil and mustard oil. The epidemic of diseases began only after there were replaced with peanut, sunflower, soybean and canola oils which are high on poly unsaturated oils.


Further, coconuts have been a staple diet of the pacific islanders for thousands of years. Common sense says that if it was harmful as we are led to believe, all the islanders should have been dead years ago. Heart diseases only appeared in the Island with the advent of modern processed foods and refined oils.

Coconut Oil Controversy: Result of Repeated Bashing of Traditional Oils

We need a fresh approach to the repeated bashing of traditional oils that our ancestors used for thousands of years leading a healthy balanced life. Coconut oil is a natural and economical produce with no adverse side effects and is widely available too. Needless to say, money making health industries have no desire to fund studies to promote it. The refined oil industry is huge and bashing tropical oils and natural fats like ghee, is the only way to sustain themselves.

The Truth About Vegetable Oils

Majority of vegetable oils claiming to protect your heart are highly processed and refined. During the process, the oil is separated from the source by using petroleum solvents. It is then refined, bleached, deodorized and heated up to 200 degrees Celsius. Chemical preservatives are added to avoid oxidation. Just compare this process to the way ghee was traditionally made in Indian homes. Coconut oil is cold pressed and helps extract the best yield without the addition of any preservatives.


It is sad that consumers today are being misinformed due to vested interests. We do not need validation from the west, about our traditional food systems, that are robust enough to help us lead healthy and active lifestyles.

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Cabbage: 4 Amazing Health Benefits Of Cabbage That You Must Know

Cabbage: 4 Amazing Health Benefits Of Cabbage That You Must Know

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable, which is loaded with health-benefiting properties. This multi-layered veggie is a powerhouse of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, E, C, K, and minerals like calcium, iron, iodine, potassium, sulphur, phosphorus and folate. Cabbage is a superhero among the category of leafy vegetables. You can add them to your diet by various means; be it boiled, cooked, steamed, sauteed, or even juiced. It has numerous medicinal properties, which could be credited as god's gift to mankind.

Here are some incredible health benefits of cabbage that must know: 

Promotes Weight Loss
Just like all the other cruciferous vegetables, cabbage is also rich in antioxidants, fibre and vitamins. It is also quite low in calories. If you eat a whole cabbage, you will feel full and will get your essential nutrients, but will not get many calories. Cauliflower can be fermented to make Sorchrut, a delicious and sour food, which are looking at their weight.  Fermenting is done with the help of bacteria called the probiotics. When we consume food containing probiotics, it takes a short-term residence in our digestive system, which plays an important role in improving our overall body metabolism.



Helps Detoxify Body

Cabbage is rich in vitamin C and sulphur; both are known to remove toxins such as free radicals and uric acid from our body. Moreover, cabbage juice contains 'Indole-3 carbonile' antioxidant, which plays a pivotal role in detoxifying our liver. The liver plays an important role in the various metabolic functions of the body - protein synthesis, hormone production, glycogen storage regulation etc.According to Dr. Komal, Nutritionist at SCI International Hospital, "Cabbage juice helps in improving the bowel movement as well and as such keeps the liver in a good condition."


Manages Blood Sugar

Red cabbages are rich in phytonutrients called betalains, which give them their distinctive colour. Betalains are known to lower blood sugar levels and aid in insulin production.Cabbage is also packed with antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic properties, which makes it a medicine for diabetes. According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, eating croissant vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli and spinach could reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes. The diet rich in leafy green vegetables was linked to 14% lower risk of developing diabetes.

Promotes Healthy Skin

Both purple and green cabbages are rich in silicon and sulphur, which are known as 'beauty minerals'. Sulfur is especially present in each cell because it is responsible for nurturing and removing waste from cells; It is called osmosis. For clear skin, you should be good osmosis. According to the book, DK Publishing, 'Healing Foods' by Cabbage contains vitamins C and K, and antioxidants that protect the skin from free-radical damage. Its sulphur content may be useful in healing acne and eczema."


Cabbage Nutrition

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), per 100 grams of cabbage contain 0.10 gm fat, 18 mg sodium, 170 mg potassium, 5.80 gm carbohydrates and 1.28 gm protein.

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Lentils For High Blood Pressure: Why You Should Add Lentils To Your Diet

Lentils For High Blood Pressure: Why You Should Add Lentils To Your Diet 

Lentils like urad dal, moong dal, masoor dal, Toor dal and black-eyed peas are widely consumed in Indian households. A warm plateful of khichdi or rice dal is a staple in most regions across the country. These protein-rich legumes are known to offer many health benefits. Many studies have reported that lentils have the second-highest ratio of protein per calorie of any legume, after soybeans.

Along with other legumes, lentils are also great sources of B vitamins and antioxidants that keep your overall health in check. Turns out, they also help reduce high blood pressure too. In fact, the dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) studies revealed that the diet rich in lentils and whole grains was linked to reducing blood pressure.


According to the book, Healing Foods, lentils of all types are extremely high in molybdenum and iron, making them an excellent food for helping to oxygenate the blood and aid the release of cellular energy. The insoluble fibre on lentils helps to keep cholesterol and blood pressure at healthy levels.


As per Macrobiotic Nutritionist and Health Coach, Shilpa Arora, "If the body does not flush and retain sodium effectively, chances of suffering from high blood pressure increases. Lentils are full of fibre that helps with balancing insulin resistance. Low insulin levels and balanced blood sugar help the kidneys to flush toxins out of our cells, moreover, help manage blood pressure well."

According to study results presented by the University of Manitoba at the American Heart Association's annual conference, eating lentils could improve blood vessel health. According to the researchers, lentils provide a non-pharmacological way of treating diseases linked with blood vessel dysfunction.


Lentils like urad dal, moong dal, masoor dal, toor dal and black eyed peas are widely consumed in Indian households. A warm plateful of khichdi or rice dal is a staple in most regions across the country. These protein-rich legumes are known to offer many health benefits. Many studies have reported that lentils have the second-highest ratio of protein per calorie of any legume, after soybeans.

Along with other legumes, lentils are also great sources of B vitamins and antioxidants that keep your overall health in check. Turns out, they also help reduce high blood pressure too. In fact, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) study reported that a diet rich in lentils and whole grains was associated with lowering blood pressure.


According to the book, Healing Foods, lentils of all types are extremely high in molybdenum and iron, making them an excellent food for helping to oxygenate the blood and aid the release of cellular energy. The insoluble fibre on lentils helps to keep cholesterol and blood pressure at healthy levels.


As per Macrobiotic Nutritionist and Health Coach, Shilpa Arora, "If the body does not flush and retain sodium effectively, chances of suffering from high blood pressure increases. Lentils are full of fibre that helps with balancing insulin resistance. Low insulin levels and balanced blood sugar help the kidneys to flush toxins out of our cells, moreover, help manage blood pressure well."


According to study results presented by the University of Manitoba at the American Heart Association's annual conference, eating lentils could improve blood vessel health. According to the researchers, lentils provide a non-pharmacological way of treating diseases linked with blood vessel dysfunction.

How To Use Lentils In Your Diet For High Blood Pressure

According to the book, 'Healing Foods', "dried lentils are deficient in two essential amino acids, cysteine and methionine. However, sprouting their levels of all amino acids, and produces a food that is a complete protein in its own right." Nutritionist Shilpa Arora agrees, "Eat sprouted lentils for added nutrients and better absorption of nutrients."

Here Are Some More Ways To Add Lentils In Your Diet:

• Toss cooked lentils into a leafy green salad.
• Make dal and kidney bean tikkis and enjoy with coriander chutney.
• Add cooked dals in your atta and make protein-rich dal ke parathe for your breakfast.
• Toss some boiled chickpeas in salads or make a chickpea chaat with chopped tomatoes, onions along with a dash of lemon, salt and red chilli powder.
• Eat dals with rice and ghee to ensure absorbing nutrients well.

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