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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Almonds For Weight Loss: How Almonds Can Help You Lose Weight

Almonds For Weight Loss: How Almonds Can Help You Lose Weight

Nuts have recently gained the reputation of superfoods; health experts vouch for these tiny delights. One of these most trusted superfoods is almond, which comes packed with health benefits and nutrients like magnesium, vitamin E, and copper. While almonds are mostly made of fat, the majority of their fat content comes from the mono-unsaturated fats that contribute towards a healthy body. Consuming almonds is a great way to top-up your 'good' fats, considering they provide essential fatty acids needed to maintain a healthy heart and cholesterol levels. Moreover, thanks to their low-calorie count, almonds are considered to be great for weight loss. While these tiny delights are considered healthy, how effective are almonds for weight loss? Let's find out. Benefits Of Almonds


According to the book Healing Foods by DK Publishing, "Almonds are a good source of the minerals zinc, magnesium, and potassium, and are super rich in antioxidant and vitamin E that support the brain, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. They also help in keeping your skin healthy." Moreover, almonds are known to be rich in cholesterol-lowering mono-unsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid and palmitoleic acids. Their high fiber content helps keep blood sugar levels normal.



According to Nutritionist and Physiologist Ritesh Bawri, "Almonds are an excellent source of nutrition for human beings. They come loaded with potassium magnesium, iron, calcium, and fiber. Both of these are essential for the human body. The lack of these minerals may result in brittle bones, low blood counts and low energy."
While almonds pack innumerable nutrients and health benefits, they are known to promote weight loss. These nuts are calorie-dense; however, when eaten in the right quantity, it can do wonders on the extra flab on the body.

Almonds For Weight Loss

According to a study published in the International Journal of Obesity, almonds can help you to leave those unwanted pounds. Researchers found that people eating enriched almonds have lost more weight on high carb diet with the same number of calories. So, almonds are great for weight loss; do not shy away from sprinkling some of them on your salads or toss them in your breakfast cereals.


Here are some reasons why almonds should be trusted for weight loss:

1. High In Protein Content

If you want to use almonds for weight loss, then add them to your daily diet. Almonds are high in protein content that helps in the development of lean muscle mass. Moreover, the mono-unsaturated fats maintain and reduce our body mass index (BMI). It is said to target the fat stored in the abdominal region, thus reducing belly fat.

2. High In Fibre Content

The skin of the almonds contains the high amount of dietary fiber that helps in proper digestion of the food and results in healthy bowel movement. Undigested foods generally lead to acidity, bloating, et al. Moreover, fiber also keeps your tummy fuller for longer. Nutritionist Ritesh suggests soaking the almonds in water in order to remove anti-enzymes and make them healthier. The anti-enzymes prevent various minerals from being digested, which end up causing a deficiency.

3. One of The Best Snacks

Why not strive victimisation almonds for weight loss and keep atiny low packet of them handy for the days you are feeling hungry at odd hours. This way you will not feel like overeating and still feel fuller for longer.

4. It's a Low-Carb Snack

Carbohydrates are said to make up just 15 percent of each almond's total nutrients, which means it is maybe ideal for those following a low-carb diet. Most health experts suggest that opting for a low-carb diet that incorporates foods high in monounsaturated fats can reduce the belly fat, further cutting the risk of developing heart diseases.

According to Nutritionist Ritesh, "the ideal number of almonds is about four to six per day. This is because almonds are calorie-rich and you can quickly rack up the calories. One important factor to remember while eating almonds is to ensure that you soak them. The skin of the almond has casein, which is what is used to make cyanide. The human body does not digest casein well."

How To Choose Almonds For Weight Loss

Make sure you buy raw or roasted almonds and not salted or fried ones. You don't want to pack calories instead of losing them. Prefer not to buy fried ones as they only rack up saturated fats that are not good for health. Add them in your morning cereals, yogurt or salads to ensure a healthy loss of weight.

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Know Why Avoid Eating Raw Almonds in the Summer

Know Why Avoid Eating Raw Almonds in the Summer



Most nuts and seeds are deemed as powerful superfoods and why not?

These tiny delights can do wonders for your health and wellness. One of the best nuts to consume regularly is almond or Badaam as we call it in Hindi. Almonds are one of the most nutritious of all nuts and come power-packed with  omega-6 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium and protein, fibre, vitamin E, omega-3 and zinc. Most health experts suggest eating a few almonds daily for a healthy mind and body.

 Most of us like eating them raw (meaning un-soaked or roasted) considering most benefits lie in the almond peel. However, a common belief suggests that one shouldn't eat raw almonds, especially in summersLet's find out why it is believed that almonds create heat in the body and inhibit the digestive process. One should ensure eating almonds soaked in water, especially when the weather outside demands you stay cool on the inside.

According to the Health Practitioner and Macrobiotic Coach Shilpa Arora, "Almonds should be soaked and consumed as the nutrients are then more easily absorbed by the body. In summer, there is a good idea to soak because they produce heat in the body. This is even more important for people with pitta dosha, they should soak almonds before consumption as it may create imbalances in the body leading to boils, piles and other conditions.

" However, think twice before letting go of the peel. As per the book Healing Foods by DK Publishing, "Eat with their skins on, as the flavonoids in the skins work synergistically with the vitamin E to more than double their antioxidant power."

How To Soak Almonds The Right Way?

In order to soak almonds in water, follow these steps and ensure you extract all the goodness from the superfood that almond is.

Place a cup of almonds in about two cups of water. Make sure you use filtered water to ensure that the flavour of the almonds is not affected. Also, ensure that the almonds are completely soaked in water.

Leave on the counter overnight, for about eight to 12 hours.

Drain and rinse the almonds.

You can immediately eat them or remove the skin and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Almonds are healthy superfoods and they should be a part of your daily diet. Therefore, to avoid any complications in your stomach make sure to add at least five to six almonds in the summer.

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Plum Benefits (Aloo Bukhara): By eating this fruit, you can also increase your immunity and blood circulation

Plum Benefits (Aloo Bukhara): By eating this fruit, you can also increase your immunity and blood circulation



We have been bestowed with amazingly nutritious and delicious fruits; one of these is plum, which is not just tasteful and healthy but also comes in a panorama of colors. This succulent fruit belongs to the Rosacea family and genus Prunus domestica, which also includes almonds and peaches. Plums come in a wide variety of colors and sizes; while most are much firmer and fleshed, some may have colors that may range from yellow to white, green and red. Also known as Aloo Bukhara, the taste of the plum ranges from sweet to tart and is super juicy when enjoyed fresh.

Plums can be consumed dried and used in jam-making and other delicacies.Plums are loaded with nutrients that promote health. According to the book 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing, plums have more than 2,000 varieties. These tarty fruits have good antioxidant and detoxifying properties and are a metabolic stimulant. They contain metal, potassium, Se and alternative minerals with ascorbic acid and beta carotene. Dried plum, additionally referred to as prun, may be a ancient treatment for constipation.

Plum Benefits: Nutritional Value Of Plums

Plums are loaded with an assortment of healthy components, vitamins, and minerals. They are a powerhouse of vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, vitamin K, vitamin B1 and, minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, calcium, zinc, fluoride and potassium. They also supply dietary fiber and offer low calories without any harmful fats. Here are some plum benefits that will convince you to add more plums in your daily diet.

Plum Benefits (Aloo Bukhara): By eating this fruit, you can also increase your immunity and blood circulation

1. May help boost digestion

Plum diet could be a sensible supply of fiber, yet as parts like sorbitol and istine facilitate regulate gastrointestinal tract. Both of these components have a laxative effect which promotes secretion of fluid in the intestine and promotes efficient flushing of waste. For people with constipation, dry plum or trees are considered the best treatment.

2. Rich in antioxidants

Plums contain high amounts of antioxidants that help prevent damages caused by free radicals in the body. The phenols present in them protect neurons and cell membranes against any injuries caused by oxidative stress.

3. May help improve eye health 

These succulent fruits contain vitamin C and beta-carotene that are known to be beneficial for maintaining eye health and preventing age-related macular degeneration and cataract. In fact, plums consist of carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin that provide protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.


4. Boosts immunity

High vitamin C content can help to strengthen the immune system. It is responsible for the formation of vitamins infections and the body's resistance to swelling.


5. Maintains electrolyte balance

The high amount of potassium present in plums act as the electrolyte, which is required for the efficient functioning of cells and tissues in the body. Moreover, consuming them regularly can help cure muscle contractions in the body.

6. Is heart-friendly

It is known that regular intake of dried plums may help promote fluidity of blood in the arteries. This effect helps in protecting your heart from various problems like cardiac arrest, stroke and other heart-related ailments.

7. Improves blood circulation

Plums contain vitamin K and potassium that have the ability to absorb iron in the body. These fruits contain sufficient iron and copper assists in the formation of red blood cells, further helping in the purification of blood and a healthy blood circulation.

8. Skin-friendly

The vitamin C present in plums along with other antioxidants help keep the skin radiant, youthful and glowing. There are many studies that have linked higher vitamin C content with lowered risk of developing fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.

You cannot miss out on eating plums, considering they are power-packed with so many health benefits. Go on and add these delights in your diet and stay healthy!

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Do you Know Eating Mangoes can Cause Acne ?

Do you Know Eating Mangoes can Cause Acne ?

Summer is here and so is the season of gorging on deliciously juicy mangoes. These delights are not just called king of fruits for their delightful sweet taste, but also for the numerous health benefits they have to offer. According to the book 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing, throughout Asia, mango has both spiritual and medicinal significance.

Mangoes are high in antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin C, and are great for boosting the immune system, further protecting eyesight and aiding digestion. While mango has been deemed as one of the healthiest fruits, there is a popular belief that it might be a cause of acne, especially when eaten during summers.

Does it really cause skin problems? Why do people believe so? Let's find out.It is believed that excessive consumption of mangoes tend to produce heat in the body; which means that they raise the body's temperature that may further cause ailments like acne, boils, rash and even acidity in the body.


According to Health Practitioner and Macrobiotic Health Coach, Shilpa Arora, "Mango is the best summer fruit that is rich in vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, fibre, vitamin B6 and beta-carotene that is an essential nutrient for skin health. In fact, all of these nutrients are skin healing nutrients; for example, fibre in mangoes cleanses your gut that is overloaded with toxic substances. Mangoes do not cause acne or any skin conditions; however, moderation and discipline in eating habits is mandatory for a balanced holistic approach for health."

Do you Know Eating Mangoes can Cause Acne ?

As per Dr. Zamurrud Patel, Consultant Dietician at Global Hospitals Mumbai, "Mangoes are loaded with essential nutrients that may not affect the body in a negative way; however, this applies when the fruit is eaten in a moderate quantity. Excessive consumption can lead to various health problems."

Mangoes are otherwise excellent for your skin; thanks to the various nutrients present in them. They are a rich source of vitamin A or beta-carotene, which is a strong antioxidant that helps rejuvenate the skin and prevent the growth of acne or pimples. In fact, apart from eating the fruit pulp, the skin of the fruit is rich in alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) that is used as an excellent skin exfoliator and rejuvenator.


So, go on and add mangoes to your daily diet during summer, but make sure you limit the consumption of the same. Experts generally recommend eating not more than two mangoes per day. Diabetics may consult their doctors before savouring the fruit. Happy summers!

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