"Drinking Lemon Water In The Morning Is Good For You But Here Is What They Didn’t Tell"

We hear every day that consuming lemon water on an empty stomach in the morning is very health-beneficial, but not many of us are familiar with the actual effects this drink has on the body.

Lemon juice contain high content of flavonoids, potassium, antioxidants, proteins, as well as vitamins B and C. Plus, it’s a powerful antiseptic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent.

Because of large quantity of bioflavonoids, including citric acid, magnesium, calcium, and pectin, it contains, lemon water improves your immune system by preventing infections. On an empty stomach, it detoxifies your body, stimulates weight loss and maintains your body’s pH balance. Moreover, it treats digestive issues as well.

14 Ways in Which Lemon Water Helps Your Health

1. Immune System

Lemon water stimulates the function of the lymphatic system, which works together with our immune system.

2. Inflammation

Acidity is the primary cause of inflammation in tissues. The anti-inflammatory properties of lemons counterbalance acidity.

3. Flu and Cold

Lemon boosts your immune system and has many antiviral and antibacterial properties due to its high content of vitamin C, which makes it the ultimate remedy for flu and colds.

4. Weight loss

Lemon water is especially beneficial for maintaining healthy weight as well as balancing your blood sugar. The pectin in lemon water wards off cravings, thus reducing your appetite throughout the day.

5. Acne

Drinking lemon water in the morning will regulate the acidic temperature of your body, thus preventing these irritating breakouts.

6. Kidney Stones

Lemons contain potassium which increases citrates in your urine, thus preventing the formation of oxalate.

7. Gall Bladder

Pain inflicted from gall bladder stones can considerably be reduced by drinking lemon water while eating.

8. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

TUMS can be replaced with lemon water.

9. Colitis

Colitis is an imbalance of the acid/alkaline levels in the body and lemon water balances your pH levels.

10. Fibromyalgia

Pain inflicted from fibromyalgia can also be soothed with lemon water. You can spice it up with yoga stretches for better results.

11. Joint Pain and Swelling

As lemon water stimulates the decrease of uric acid in joints, it also reduces inflammation. People with arthritis can particularly benefit from it.

12. Constipation

You can easily treat constipation with lemon water as it stimulates regular bowel movements. Surely, lemon water is amazing for your digestive health.

13. Finger Nail Health

Lemon water strengthens your nails as well as removes the white spots that appear on nails from time to time.

14. Muscle Soreness

After a vigorous workout, drinking lemon water can significantly reduce muscle pain.

Source: healthierwayoflife

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Foods that keep you Energized in Summer

Foods that keep you Energized in Summer


Mercury levels are rising and it is important to change our diet for summer.

From having watery fruits and veggies to keeping our bellies light — one should focus on what we consume during hot days. In order to stay healthy and to keep ourselves hydrated at all times, find below some of the healthy foods one must include in their diet every day...

Watermelon
Keep it cool this summer by having juicy watermelon. A bowl of watermelon works like magic on a hot day. Considering its' summer and one has to hydrate themselves on a regular basis, watery fruits like watermelon can be a substitute for water. With the fruit boasting several health benefits, you can take it in the form of juice as well.

Yoghurt
High-on protein, Yogurt is made for summer consumption. Carry one to work every day and you are sorted. It has a cooling effect on your stomach and keeps a check on your calories since it is low on fat.

Cucumber
They didn't say 'Keep it cool as a cucumber' without a reason. It is high on water content and one can have cucumber in several ways. Carry a box of cucumber sprinkled with salt and pepper, or take it in the form of juice/soup as well.

Tomato
Many people don't know that tomatoes act as a natural sunscreen protecting our skin from harsh sun rays. Include tomatoes in your everyday meal — as a salad or add it to your regular meal.

Oranges
Citrus foods work well during summer and oranges are a must during summer. They are high in fibre, vitamin C and also provides necessary sugar to your body.

Coconut Water
It keeps you cool during summer. It quenches your thirst and boasts several health benefits too.

Sugarcane Juice
In order to retain water in your body, have a glass of sugarcane juice. It also helps in cooling off body heat, which is beneficial during summer. Since it already has sugar, don't add extra sugar to the juice. This way, you can keep a check on your weight.

Ref. TOI

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10 Foods to Eat Every Day for Perfect Skin

10 Foods to Eat Every Day for Perfect Skin

Are you tired of using different expensive and ineffective beauty products? It’s time to throw away all those ineffective products and start eating foods for perfect skin. While some foods can aggravate your skin, others can enhance it. Check out a list of 10 foods to eat every day for perfect skin

1. Spinach
Spinach is a healthy and nutrient-rich food you should certainly include in your everyday diet. You may hate spinach, but it is a wonderful source of iron, folate, chlorophyll, Vitamin E, magnesium, Vitamin A, fiber, plant protein, and Vitamin C. Due to their antioxidant abilities, Vitamins C, E, and A are especially great for your skin.
Spinach contains antioxidants that fight against all types of skin problems. Add it to your everyday diet and see what happens. By eating spinach, you’re just cleaning your skin from the inside out!

2. Carrots

Carrots are good not only for your eyes, but also for your skin. They are especially good for clearing up breakouts. Carrots are rich in vitamin A and they help prevent the overproduction of cells in the outer layer of the skin. That’s where excess sebum combines with dead cells and clogs pores.
Another great reason to snack on some carrots is because Vitamin A reduces the development of skin-cancer cells. So make sure you nibble on a half-cup of baby carrots every day for perfect skin. Also carrort make a great snack.
3. Papaya
Papaya is a wonderful fruit which has a rich history and numerous nutritional benefits. It is very low in calories (only 39 calories per 100 g!) and also contains no cholesterol. So if you are trying to lose weight, consider eating papaya every day to maximize its health benefits.
A great beauty food, papaya is low in fructose and is excellent for digestion! The antioxidant nutrients found in it, including Vitamins C and E and beta-carotene, are great at reducing inflammation and acne. Moreover, Vitamin C may also protect your skin against sun damage.
4. Red bell peppers
Red bell peppers are a tasty vegetable that can be enjoyed either cooked or raw. One red bell pepper contains more than 100% of your daily vitamin C needs. It also contains significant amounts of dietary fiber and vitamin B6. Moreover, it is rich in carotenoids that can help prevent wrinkles and increase blood circulation to your skin, helping it look more youthful. Due to their carotenoids, red bell peppers are also great to fight acne.
A red bell pepper is a perfect, low calorie snack that contains about 30 calories and has a really satisfying crunchy bite. Keep slices of red bell peppers in the fridge, so you will always have something healthy and tasty to reach for when you are having a snack attack. The fiber that a bell pepper contains will help you to feel full longer with very little calories. Plus, you will have a flawless skin!
5. Salmon (Fish)
Salmon is an excellent food to fight stress, anxiety, and depression. Salmon also provides most of your daily vitamin D needs. And as you may already know, Vitamin D is responsible for keeping your heart, bones, colon and brain healthy. It also helps prevent colon cancer, anxiety, depression, heart disease and bone disease.
Salmon is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are excellent for fighting inflammation, wrinkles and acne. Its high omega-3 content also helps hydrate your skin from the inside out. Moreover, eating salmon keeps your scalp hydrated and promotes strong, healthy hair.
6. Green Tea
Drink green tea every day because it is a great source of antioxidants and a unique amino acid, L-theanine that helps relax your body and lower stress.
When the tea is hot, the bionic brew releases catechins, a kind of antioxidant with proven anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea may also reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure. Drink 3 or more cups of tea every day for better results.
7. Dark Chocolate
This will be one of the favorite foods to eat every day for perfect skin! Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids and flavanols that promote glowing skin. The antioxidants in dark chocolate will help reduce roughness in your skin and protect it against sun damage. Moreover, cocoa relaxes arteries, increasing blood circulation that leads to healthier skin.
Usually buy cocoa powder or raw cacao for less fat. And if you like dark chocolate, eat your ounce of dark chocolate every day and make sure you choose at least 80% cacao content in order to avoid milk and added sugars found in a traditional chocolate bar.
8. Seeds
Chia seeds, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and flax seeds are all great for your skin. Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are both rich in selenium, Vitamin E, magnesium and protein. Selenium and protein keep all wrinkles away, Vitamin E enhances moisture in your skin and magnesium lowers your stress levels. The healthy Omega 3 fatty acids in flax, chia and hemp seeds are perfect for fighting wrinkles and acne. Plus, these seeds are rich in protein.
Just sprinkle seeds right on top of your salad or oatmeal and enjoy the great taste as well as perfect skin. You can add seeds to a fruit yogurt. And what are your favorite seeds? How do you eat them?
9. Pumpkins
Their orange color comes from carotenoids, a wrinkle-fighting plant pigment, which helps neutralize free radicals in your skin and thus keeps them from damaging the cells that quickly lead to aging. Pumpkin is filled with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as powerful enzymes that help to cleanse the skin as explain dermatologists. Plus, pumpkin has hydrating properties, they add. Although its seeds make a great snack filled with fiber, you will get the skin beneficial antioxidants from the pulp. In a blender or food processor, combine two cups canned pumpkin, four tbsp low-fat vanilla yogurt, four tbsp honey, and a tsp pumpkin pie spice. Apply on your face; leave on for ten minutes and then rinse. It is good for softening and hydrating skin.

10. Almond -Nuts 
Almonds, is enormous antioxidant activity. Vitamin E fights against skin aging free radicals, protecting skin especially from sun damage due to UV -generated free radicals. Vitamin E also seems to help skin hold in moisture; making skin look younger and relieving dryness. Consuming vitamin E with selenium can enhance its antioxidant abilities, so go ahead and add some almonds into the cottage cheese, which is a great source of selenium, for revitalizing your skin. Almonds, walnuts and pistachios also provide a good supply of omega-3 fatty acids, one more great skin nutrient.

You don’t have to eat all these foods every day, but even some of them would be great! Be sure to avoid junk foods, too much sugar, trans fats and refined carbs for the best skin possible. Which of these foods do you eat every day? Share your thoughts, please, and thanks for reading!

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Benefits of Green Tea

Benefits of Green Tea

Today, scientific research in both Asia and the west is providing hard evidence for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. It has been shown to positively affect many systems in the body and to inhibit the progression of some diseases. It contains among the highest concentrations of minerals and antioxidants, which have proven to benefit the body.Here are a few:

·         Helps in Preventing Cancer

One of the major health benefits is that it can prevent cancer. Green tea is a very powerful antioxidant that has anticancer effects. Polyphenols present in green tea, effectively protects the cells of your body and helps you get rids of malignant cells. It helps in preventing the cancers of gastrointestinal tract like stomach cancer, colon cancer and small intestine cancer. It also helps prevent lung and breast cancers.

·         Reduces the risk of Cardiovascular Diseases

The antioxidants in green tea decrease the risk of blood clots, blood pressure, blood sugar and bad cholesterol and so provide protection against cardiovascular diseases. The EGCG (epigallocatechin-gallate) in green tea is believed to slow the build-up of artery-clogging plaque. Green tea is also believed to improve the LDL-HDL cholesterol ratio, triglycerides and fibrinogen.

·         Reduces the risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Green tea is rich in polysaccharides and polyphenols antioxidants, which lowers your blood pressure and sugar level thereby preventing the onset of Type 2 Diabetes.

·         Increases Body Immunity

The flavonoids and polyphenols present in green tea are said to increase your body immunity to remarkable levels. These antioxidants have the capacity to suppress the receptors that cause allergies within your system. The antiviral and anti bacterial properties of green tea prevent you from getting into contagious flu, cold and common cough.

·         Stress buster

Catechin, present in green tea removes sleepiness and works as a stress buster. Green tea with the caffeine content is a good stimulant for short time energy. Green tea contains an amino acid, Theanine, which helps in the production and release of a chemical called Dopamine. Dopamine and Theanine itself, both stimulate a feeling of well being in the body.

·         Helps in losing weight

A recent study by Swiss scientists concluded that drinking green tea can raise the body's metabolic rate by as much as 4%. While more research is needed in this area, nutritionists indicate that drinking tea can help people lose weight because it's calorie free and a good source of fluids.

·         Reduces Skin Problems

Green tea is one of the natural solutions that help you to get rid of your skin wrinkles and blemishes. It has proven to be a good solution for skin acne, psoriasis, rosacea and warts.

·         Helps in Dental Care

Green tea contains fluoride which is good for teeth. It suppresses the process of plaque formation and destroys the bacteria that form plaque. It also destroys bacteria that cause bad breath.

Green tea is natural, so you can expect very few side effects or maybe none at all when drinking it regularly. However, Drinking too much of green tea may reduce its health benefits. Also, the best way to preserve all the disease-fighting nutrition is to drink your tea freshly brewed. All the decaffeinated, ready-to-drink bottled or instant teas will give you very little of natural health compounds.

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Hunger is the No One Cause of Death in India

Hunger is the No 1(one) Cause of Death in India

• Hunger remains the No.1 cause of death in the world also. Aids, Cancer etc. follow
• There are 820 million chronically hungry people in the world. / 10 million people die every year of chronic hunger and hunger-related diseases. Only eight percent are the victims of hunger caused by high-profile earthquakes, floods, droughts and wars
• 1/3^rd of the world’s hungry live in India.
• 836 million Indians survive on less than Rs. 20 (less than half-a-dollar) a day.
• Over 20 crore Indians will sleep hungry tonight.
• India has 212 million undernourished people – only marginally below the 215 million estimated for 1990–92.
• Over 7000 Indians die of hunger every day.
• Over 25 lakh Indians die of hunger every year
• Despite substantial improvement in health since independence, under-nutrition remains a silent emergency in India, with almost 50 percent of Indian children underweight and more than 70 percent of the women and children with serious nutritional deficiencies as anemia.
• The 1998 – 99 Indian survey shows 57 percent of the children aged 0 – 3 years to be either severely or moderately stunted and/or underweight.
• During 2006 – 2007, malnutrition contributed to seven million Indian children dying, nearly two million before the age of one.
• 30% of newborn are of low birth weight, 56% of married women are anemic and 79% of children age 6-35 months are anemic.
• The number of hungry people in India is always more than the number of people below official poverty line (while around 37% of rural households were below the poverty line in 1993-94, 80% of households suffered under nutrition).

 

 

 

Sources / Ref: UN World Food Programme

UN World Health Organization: Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition, 2006

UN Food and Agriculture Organization: SOFI 2006 Report

National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganized Sector (India)

National Family Health Survey 2005 – 06 (NFHS-3) (India)

Centre for Environment and Food Security (India)

Rural 21 (India)

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Health Benefits of Watermelon

Health Benefits of Watermelon

This summer fruit has to get "featured" in your refrigerator for being a perfect summer treat. Watermelon is loaded with nutrients which bestow it the status of a "star" fruit!

Watermelon contains about 6% sugar and 92% water by weight. As with many other fruits, it is a source of vitamins A, B6 and C. Additionally, watermelon is a good source of thiamin, potassium and magnesium. Watermelons contain a significant amount of citrulline - an amino acid our bodies use to make another amino acid, arginine. They have no fats, have fewer amounts of calories and are one of the healthiest fruits. Watermelon is also mildly diuretic and contains large amounts of beta-carotene.

Although watermelon with red-pink flesh is more common, there are varieties of watermelon that feature yellow, orange or white flesh. Watermelon with red-pink flesh is a significant source of a potent antioxidant, lycopene - a plant pigments responsible for the red color of watermelon, tomatoes, and pink guavas).

The Health Benefits:

 

1.   Provides Antioxidants: Watermelon is a natural source of the most powerful antioxidants. It is a good source of the antioxidant vitamins C and A (through its concentration of beta-carotene). Watermelons with red-pink flesh are also a good source of carotenoid antioxidant, lycopene. All these antioxidants reduce the risks of asthma, heart disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and various cancers by neutralizing dangerous free radicals that could otherwise damage cells and cell membranes.

2.   Shows Cancer Fighting Properties: Adding watermelon into your diet can help prevent and fight cancer. This can be attributed to its rich antioxidant profile. The antioxidants of watermelon are very concentrated and they have the ability to kill the cancer causing free radicals. Lycopene, a potent carotenoid in watermelon, has been extensively studied for its antioxidant and cancer-preventing properties. In research on humans, lycopene has been linked to the protection of DNA inside of white blood cells due to its antioxidant function to help protect cells from free radical damage. Lycopene has been found to be protective against many cancers, particularly prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, endometrial cancer and colon cancer.

3.   Improves Eye Health: Eating enough watermelon can prevent night blindness. This is because, watermelon is rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, which improves overall eye health. Eating watermelon can also prevent age related macular degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults. Macular degeneration is just a fancy word for loss of vision. Studies show that eating watermelon is actually healthy for your eyes than eating carrots. That holds true in preventing both short-term and long-term vision loss.

4.   Lowers Blood Pressure: Watermelon is a good source of potassium, which helps in controlling blood pressure and in maintaining the body's proper electrolyte and acid-base balance. Two cups of watermelon contains about 10 percent of the recommended daily value of potassium.

5.   Promotes Brain Power: Being a very good source of vitamin B6, watermelon serves as a great brain food. Vitamin B6 helps the body to create brain chemicals that regulate sleeping patterns, relieve stress and even give a feeling of elation.

6.   Promotes Heart Health: Scientists suggest that when watermelon is consumed, citrulline (an amino acid) is converted to arginine through certain enzymes. Arginine is an amino acid that works wonders on the heart, the circulatory system and the immune system. The citrulline-arginine relationship promotes heart health.

7.   Acts as the Natural Viagra: Scientists suggest that watermelon has ingredients that deliver Viagra-like effects to the body's blood vessels and may even increase libido. It has been found to show great effects in relaxing blood vessels without involving any side effect of a drug.

8.   Treats Erectile Dysfunction: Arginine, produced by the body using citrulline, is used by the cells lining your blood vessels to make nitric oxide. Nitric oxide relaxes the blood vessels and this is the same effect which Viagra produces while treating erectile function.

9.   Treats Impotence: Arginine seems to improve sexual function in men with impotence. Arginine boosts nitric oxide which relaxes blood vessels. A study of 50 men with impotence reported significant improved sexual function after they were given arginine supplementation.

10.    Promotes Muscles Health: Potassium-rich foods like watermelon help athletes to cope up with muscle strain and cramps. Eating a slice of watermelon immediately after rigorous exercises can even prevent the muscles from becoming sore.

11.    Aids in the Weight Loss Process: Watermelon is low in calories and high in water content. This makes it filling but not fattening. Eating watermelon in place of high-calorie treats can help to shed pounds without the feeling of missing out on something. The natural sweetness found in melons will help you not to be tempted to grab those high calorie sweets.

12.    Boosts the Immune System: Arginine is the physiologic precursor in the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), which plays a pivotal role in many biological processes such as platelet aggregation and immune system modulation. A study involving 40 children demonstrated an increase in lymphocytes, which play an important role in the immune system, after oral administration of arginine.

13.    Helps Remove Toxins: Arginine plays an important part in the healing of wounds and the removal of ammonia and other toxic compounds from the body. Excess ammonia in the blood can lead to fatigue, kidney and liver disease.

14.    Improves Insulin Sensitivity: Arginine has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in obese type 2 diabetic patients with insulin resistance.

15.    Add in Energy Production: Watermelon is concentrated with B-vitamins. B-vitamins are responsible for a lot of your body's energy production. This means, eating watermelon can give you substantial energy. It also has high amounts of the energizing nutrients, magnesium and potassium. Eating watermelon is a safe alternative to taking energy drinks prior to exercise. It also keeps you hydrated with its high water content as opposed to caffeine filled energy drinks that dehydrate you.

[Reference: LMT/ RC]

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