Nutrition Supplements to Lower Your Cholesterol

Nutrition Supplements to Lower Your Cholesterol

Today 'Cholesterol' seems to be the buzzword for dieticians all across the globe. High cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke. Given, today's unhealthy diet patterns, its no wonder that majority of the population is suffering from high cholesterol levels. The best way to get rid of extra cholesterol from your body is to exercise. However, people are so busy tackling their jobs and social life that they do not have the time to exercise. But there are a few natural supplements that will help you reduce your cholesterol levels.

Maintaining a proper and healthy cholesterol level is very important. By having a healthy cholesterol level, you can avoid so many health problems. Here are a few cholesterol lowering supplements that will help you get rid of excess cholesterol.

Fish Oil: Fish is well known to contain the essential fatty acids - Omega 3 which is a natural triglyceride-reducer and an effective aide in heart maintenance. Research has proven that including omega-3 fish oil supplements in your diet helps lower "bad" LDL cholesterol.

Green Tea Extract: Green tea extracts is also helpful in controlling cholesterol levels. The antioxidants present in green tea prevent further oxidization of LDL thus helping you fight the cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

Barley: The soluble fiber, beta glucan, present in barley plays a role in binding cholesterol to bile acid (necessary for fat digestion) and then facilitating its excretion through the fecal route. When the bile acids are excreted, the liver uses up more cholesterol to form new bile acid, thereby further reducing the total cholesterol level in the circulation.

Soybeans: Substituting meat sources of protein by soy protein has been shown to prevent coronary heart disease by lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. In addition, soybeans also contain very good amounts of fiber. When eaten, the fiber in soybeans binds to fats and cholesterol in food, so less is absorbed.

Oatmeal: Oatmeal also contains a soluble fiber, beta-glucan, that helps reduce LDL. Just 5 to 10 grams of soluble fiber every day will decrease your LDL cholesterol by 5 percent. A study confirms that having a bowl of oatmeal everyday reduces the CVD risk by 10 percent.

Garlic Extract: Garlic is a natural remedy for all cholesterol related problems. It has sulfur-based compounds known as allyl sulfides and other phytochemicals that help lower cholesterol naturally. Two to three cloves of garlic should be consumed in the morning on empty stomach.

Fenugreek: Fenugreek (methi) contains a significant amount of dietary fiber that has cholesterol-lowering effect.

Red Yeast Rice: Red yeast rice is a fungus that grows on rice which contains small amounts of a naturally occurring lovastatin - form of statin. Various red yeast rice preparations have been shown to lower LDL by around 20 to 30 percent.

Flaxseed Oil: Another source of omega 3 fatty acid, adding flaxseed oil to your diet helps lower triglycerides and buildup of fats in the liver.

Guggul: Guggul contains a mixture of lipid steroids called guggulipid, which have a cholesterol-lowering effect and helps in maintaining normal ranges of cholesterol levels.

Pumpkin Seed Oil: It contains essential fatty acids which help to reduce the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver.

As you can see, if you are searching for a way to supplement your lifestyle with a cholesterol reducing supplement, there are a number of options available. Pick the one that gives you maximum result and combine it with daily exercise for a holistic benefit.

---Issued in Public Interest by NGO ASHA

[Source: LMT, dtd Nov11]

Foods to Lower Cholesterol

The cholesterol in blood comes from two main sources: the foods we eat and what we manufacture (liver makes the cholesterol that our body needs). Cholesterol is a type of fat called a lipid. The body uses it for many things, such as making new cells.

Cholesterol travels through the blood attached to a protein. This package of cholesterol (a lipid) and protein is called a lipoprotein. Lipoproteins are either high-density (HDL) or low-density (LDL), based on how much protein and fat they have. LDL or "bad" cholesterol is mostly fat with only a small amount of protein and can clog your arteries around the heart which can put you at a risk for heart disease. HDL or "good" cholesterol is more protein than fat and helps clear the bad cholesterol from your blood so it does not clog your arteries. A high level of HDL can protect you from a heart attack.

One of the best ways to lower cholesterol naturally is to make certain dietary changes. Here is a list of the top natural foods to help maintain a healthy cholesterol level in the body:

• Oatmeal and oat bran: Oatmeal and oat bran are rich in soluble fiber, a type of fiber which lowers the bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. Soluble fiber appears to reduce the absorption of cholesterol in your intestines. 10 grams or more of soluble fiber a day decreases your total and LDL cholesterol. Eating 1 cup of cooked oatmeal provides around 4 grams of fiber. Other foods rich in soluble fiber that you can include in your diet are apples, kidney beans, pears, prunes and barley.

• Fish: Omega-3 fatty acids in fish greatly reduces the bad cholesterol and increase the good one. Omega-3 fatty acids also help the heart in other ways such as reducing blood pressure and the risk of blood clots. However, to maintain the heart-healthy benefits of fish, grill or bake it. Among the omega-3 rich fishes that you must include in your diet (at least two servings per week) are sardines, salmons, herring and mackerel. If you don't like fish, you can also get omega-3 fatty acids from foods like ground flaxseed or canola oil.

• Nuts: Nuts are rich in fiber, phytonutrients and antioxidants such as Vitamin E and selenium. They are also high in plant sterols and fat (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats), which have all been shown to lower the bad (LDL) cholesterol. Plant sterols or stanols are powerful substances naturally found in plant to have the ability to block cholesterol absorption. As nuts are high in calories, limit your intake to about 1.5 ounce or 42.5 grams a day. Eat nuts as a replacement of foods that are high in saturated fats such as meat products or cheese. For example, instead of using cheese or meat in your salad, add a handful of walnuts or almonds.

• Yogurt with live active cultures (probiotics): Several studies have shown that the probiotics Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Lactobacillus Reuteri actually help lower cholesterol. They work by preventing the reabsorption of cholesterol back in to the blood stream.

• Olive oil: Olive oil contains a mix of antioxidants that can lower your bad (LDL) cholesterol without affecting your good (HDL) cholesterol level. The Food and Drug Administration recommends using about 2 tablespoons (about 23 grams) of olive oil a day to get its heart-healthy benefits. Some research suggests that the cholesterol-lowering effects of olive oil are even greater if you choose extra-virgin olive oil, meaning the oil is less processed and contains more heart-healthy antioxidants. To add olive oil to your diet, you can saute vegetables in it or mix it with vinegar as a salad dressing.

• Soya: Also known as replacement for meat, soy are rich in fiber, polyunsaturated fat, protein and various vitamins and minerals. It has been proven that soy products can trim down and lower bad cholesterol level and boost up good cholesterol. Among the soy products that you can try are soy milk, soy nuts, tofu, tempeh, miso and soy cheese.

• Beans: Beans are high in soluble fiber which help lower the bad cholesterol. Other foods high in soluble fiber include lentils, peas, and ground flaxseeds.

• Alcohol: Research has shown that moderate consumption (no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men) of alcohol can raise good (HDL) cholesterol. But consumption of as few as 3 to 5 alcoholic drinks per day is associated with adverse health effects, and heavy alcohol consumption may raise blood pressure, increase blood triglycerides, damage the liver and increase the risk of developing certain forms of cancer. A much safer bet for lowering cholesterol is increasing the fiber in your diet.

• Avocados: The monounsaturated fats in avocados have been found to lower bad (LDL) and raise good (HDL), especially in people with mildly elevated cholesterol. Slice avocadoes into sandwiches and salads or mash with garlic, lemon juice.

• Blueberries: Blueberries contain a powerful antioxidant called pterostilbene that may help lower bad (LDL) cholesterol.

• Flaxseed oil: Flaxseed oil can lower blood pressure in men with high cholesterol. In a three-month study of 59 middle-aged men, those who took daily flaxseed oil supplements (with eight grams of the omega-3 fats, alpha-linoleic acid) experienced significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Although several earlier studies have shown that garlic can be effective in reducing "bad" cholesterol (LDL), the overall body of evidence is inconclusive. A recent 2007 study appears to cast doubt on its effect in lowering cholesterol. The researchers tested raw garlic and two different garlic supplements on nearly 200 adults with moderately high levels of LDL cholesterol. After six months, the patients showed no improvements in their average cholesterol or other blood fats (lipids), no matter what kind of garlic they had consumed. However, the study's results do not demonstrate that garlic has no usefulness in the prevention of heart diseases.

The bottom line then is to increase intake of vegetables and fruits and thus increase the amount of fiber consumed, go easy on saturated fats, avoid junk food, use fresh herbs, eat fresh salads and drink fresh juices. Cholesterol levels will automatically reduce.

---Issued in Public Interest by NGO ASHA

[Source: LHSPL, dtd Sep09]

Health Benefits of Pumpkins

Health Benefits of Pumpkins

Have you ever realized how pumpkin can contribute to your health due to the presence of rich antioxidants like Beta-Carotene? Pumpkin addresses a number of health issues as well.

Pumpkins are normally orange or yellow in color. The richer the color of a pumpkin, the more is its Beta-Carotene content. Even the seeds of pumpkin show medicinal properties.

The Nutrients Present in Pumpkin:

·         Beta-Carotene

·         Potassium

·         Vitamin A

·         Vitamin C

·         Vitamin E

·         Folate

·         Magnesium

·         Manganese

·         Zinc

·         Niacin

·         Calcium

·         Dietary Fiber

·         Carbohydrate

·         Selenium

·         Iron

·         Protein

·         Calories

 

What are the Health Benefits of Pumpkin?

 

·   Pumpkins contain carotenoids which boost up the immune system and keep the body protected against infections and viruses.

·    Pumpkins are rich in Beta-Carotene, a powerful antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent. Beta Carotene also prevents the deposition of cholesterol on the arterial walls and this way it brings down the risks of strokes.

·     Pumpkins act as effective anti-agers due to the presence of alpha-carotene, Vitamins A and C, and Zinc. These components can slow down the ageing process.

·       Alpha-Carotene, present in pumpkins, can prevent the formation of cataracts.

·   Studies have shown the effectiveness of pumpkins in bringing down the possibilities of Macular degeneration, an eye problem which can lead to blindness. This can be attributed to the presence of antioxidants like Lutein and Zeaxanthin which can neutralize free radicals in the lens of the eye.

·      Pumpkins have high fiber content. This ensures removal of toxins from the digestive tract and prevention of constipation.

·      Potassium, present in pumpkins, reduces the risk of hypertension.

·   Pumpkins contain zinc which benefits the immune system and improves bone density. Therefore, it is essential for people who are at a risk of osteoporosis.

 

What are the Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds?

 

·    Pumpkin seeds are beneficial for the health of the prostate gland. The seeds can also alleviate the difficulty in urination which is often produced due to the enlargement of the prostate gland.

·     The seeds contain a compound called L-tryptophan, which act as a remedy for depression.

·    The seeds can effectively treat inflammation without causing any side effect as in the case with anti-inflammatory medications.

·     Research has shown that pumpkin seeds can prevent the formation of calcium oxalate or kidney stones.

·    The seeds contain plant-based fatty acids called phytosterols which helps in bringing down the levels of the "bad" LDL cholesterol.

Pumpkin is a delicious food option! It is not only pumpkin pie that would remind you of adding pumpkins to your grocery list! There are a lot of dishes which require pumpkin as the main ingredient. Change recipes every week to maintain your interest in the healthy food!

---Issued in Public Interest by NGO ASHA

[Source: LMT/NMJ, dtd Nov11]

Health Benefits of Eating Spicy Food

Health Benefits of Eating Spicy Food

Spicy Food is enjoyed all over the world because spices add an incredible amount of flavor to food. Cultures all over the world have dishes that excite and stimulate your palate with spices and add heat and flavor to everyday ingredients. But if you like spicy food like chilies, curry and hot sauces, there is so much more to look forward to.

Recent research shows that adding some spice to your meal can provide more health benefits than was ever thought. Yes! You heard it right; in addition to making your taste buds sizzle, spicy foods can also deliver many health benefits. These include:

1. Helps in Losing Weight: Hot peppers contain Capsaicin which can speed up metabolism and help the body burn calories faster. This is because Capsaicin increases your body temperature and contributes to an increase in your heart rate. Furthermore, studies have shown that people who eat spicy foods eat smaller portions which can reduce their calories intake.
2. Good for heart: Hot peppers may help to improve heart health by improving the body's ability to dissolve blood clots. Research has shown that low-density cholesterol (LDL or bad cholestrol) resisted oxidation for a longer period of time (which can clog your arteries) when chili was added to the diet, thus reducing the heart stroke risk. The capsaicin in peppers also fights inflammation, which has been identified as a risk factor for heart disease. Additionally statistics show that cultures that eat spicy foods frequently have a much lower rate of heart attack and stroke.
3. Improved circulation: Spicy foods also promote good circulation, and they appear to lower blood pressure. When you eat spicy food, your body's temperature is raised; therefore, it increases your blood flow and gets your heart pumping. Peppers help strengthen the blood vessel walls as they are high in vitamin A and C.
4. Anti cancer: Many studies have shown that regular consumption of chilies and curry decrease the risk of cancer. Capsaicin slows the growth of cancer cells and in some cases, even causes the cancer cells to die off without harming the surrounding cells. In countries where diets are traditionally high in capsaicin like India and Mexico, people tend to have lower rates of some cancers.
5. Improved digestion: Spices also improve your digestion because they increase the hydrochloric secretion of your stomach. This in turn will increase blood flow to the stomach and even increase the mucous lining. Capsaicin also helps to kill bacteria like H. pylori and help to prevent or cure stomach ulcers. However, if you get heartburn from spicy foods, try taking an antacid relief tablet which will neutralize acids in the stomach.
6. Arthritis: Turmeric (haldi) reduces joint inflammation and bone destruction in people. Circumin present in turmeric helps to alleviate the pain associated with arthritis.
7. Cold and Flu: Capasicin promotes sweating and eases the discomfort of cold and flu symptoms. It also helps to open up the nasal passages. It may also reduce sinusitis, and other flu symptoms.
8. Improved Sleep Pattern: Australian researchers have found that people who regularly consumed spicy meals fell asleep more easily. They also woke up easier and had more energy throughout the day.
9. Mood lifter: Chili peppers boost the level of endorphins and serotonin that dulls pain and give us a feeling of well being. It can act as a depression fighter and powerful stress reliever.
10. Improves breathing: Hot peppers act as an expectorant, and can help people with asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, sinusitis, and other respiratory conditions breathe easier. Hot peppers can help you to breathe better by opening up clogged nasal passages.

However, it is important to take spicy foods moderately especially if you have sensitive stomach or you simply have a low tolerance for them. Learn to have your food spicy and hot and enjoy the amazing heath benefits of spicy foods.

---Issued in Public Interest by NGO ASHA

[Source: LMT]

Health Benefits of Tori/Turai (Ridge Gourd)

Health Benefits of Tori/Turai (Ridge Gourd)

The Ridge Gourd is an extremely popular vegetable in the African, Asian and the Arabic countries. It is also known by other names such as loofah, luffa, turai, turiya, tori etc. It is a dark green, ridged vegetable having white pulp with white seeds embedded in spongy flesh. All species of ridge gourd/loofah are edible, but they must be consumed before they mature, or else they will be too woody and fibrous to eat.

It has assumed the reputation of the most tasteless vegetable to eat among children. But despite of the fact that it doesn't taste very good, it has many health benefits such as:

• A nutrition powerhouse: Ridge gourd is loaded with nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamin C, riboflavin, zinc, thiamin, iron and magnesium. It is also low in fat and calories.
• An ideal weight loss food: Being low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in dietary fiber, it becomes the ideal choice for anyone who wishes to lose some weight quickly. It also has a very high water content, making it a very low calorie vegetable (only 60 calories in 100 gm of cooked ridge gourd).
• Cure for jaundice: The juice prepared from ridge gourd is a natural remedy for jaundice. The juice can be prepared by pounding the bitter ridge gourd and squeezing it through a cloth. You can also eat powder made from bitter ridge gourd seeds and dry crusts when curing jaundice.
• Blood purifier: Because of its blood purifying properties, it helps to purify, restore and nourish liver protecting it from alcohol intoxication.
• Lowers blood sugar level: It contains insulin-like peptides, alkaloids and charantin, which help to lower blood and urine sugar levels without altering blood insulin levels.
• Good for stomach: Cellulose in ridge gourd helps to overcome constipation and also aids in curing piles.
• Skin care: When ridge gourd/loofah is allowed to mature and dry on the vine, it can be harvested as a sponge. Everything (skin and seeds) is removed from them except for the main network. Loofah sponge has been used traditionally as an exfoliating product when bathing. They are very good for removing dead skin cells leaving the skin smooth and conditioned. They can also help stimulate the skin thus making it healthier and more vibrant. The blood purifying properties make sure that you stay away from pimples and acne. Loofah sponge can also help control body and foot odor.
  Loofah sponge, being a natural fiber, will attract the growth of mold and microorganisms if not cared for properly. It is therefore important to keep loofah sponge clean by making sure you rinse out all soaps or salt residues and allow it to air dry after use.
• Strengthens immune system: A glass of Ridge gourd juice mixed with other healthy vegetables in the morning can help to strengthen your immune system against any infection.

Coming to the difficult part, how to make your children eat it?

There are various delicious preparations of ridge gourd that are available on the internet. The best one is to make pakodas out of it and let's face it kids love pakodas. You can make it as an evening snack.

There are various other preparations as well that you can try your cooking skills on.

---Issued in Public Interest by NGO ASHA

[Source: LMHSPL, dtd Oct10]

Health Benefits of Lauki (Bottle Gourd)

Health Benefits of Lauki (Bottle Gourd)

Undoubtedly we all hate when our mom force us to have bottle gourd (lauki/ghiya) in our platter. But did you know that they are one of the favorite vegetables in Indian cuisine and has numerous health benefits. Though, this vegetable is disliked by the children and young people, old people consume it for its benefits in maintaining the good body and good health.

Bottle gourd (a.k.a Lageneria vulgaris) is one of the earliest vegetables cultivated by man, believed to be originated in Africa. It is yellowish-green in color and has white pulp with white seeds embedded in the spongy flesh. It is also known by other names such as bottle squash, white gourd, calabash gourd, lauki, doodhi and ghiya. It belongs to Cucurbitaceae family and is now widely cultivated throughout the tropics, especially India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, China, tropical Africa and South America.

Bottle Gourd has many properties that are valued in traditional healing. Here are a few of them:

• Low in Calories and Fat: The bottle gourd is low in fat (just 0.1 gm in 100 gm edible portion) and calories (15 calories in 100 gm) yet high in dietary fiber. It is comprised of 96% water and provides multiple vitamins (vitamin C and some B vitamins) and minerals (iron, sodium, potassium, and trace elements). If you are on a low calorie diet eating bottle gourd is an excellent addition to your diet.
• Cooling effect: As bottle gourd is mostly made of water, cooked bottle gourd is not only easy to digest but also contains cooling, calming and diuretic properties. A glass of bottle gourd juice taken in the morning can help prevent heat stroke during summers and cool the body.
• Aids against constipation: Bottle gourd, being a good source of fiber content and easy to digest, tremendously helps in curing digestion related disorders like constipation, flatulence and piles.
• Urinary disorders: Include a glass of fresh bottle gourd juice mixed with a teaspoon of lime juice in your daily diet. It serves as an alkaline mixture that cures the burning sensation in the urinary passage because of high acid content in urine.
• Aids weight loss: Being low in calories and fat, and high in fiber and water makes bottle gourd an excellent food (both in cooked and juice form) to include in your diet when you are trying to maintain or lose weight. Consumption of bottle gourd juice on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning, helps to curb your hunger pangs.
• Premature graying hair: According to Ayurveda, drinking a glass of bottle gourd juice in the morning daily can be very useful for treating graying hair.
• Beneficial for skin: Bottle gourd is also good for the condition of your skin. You can include it in natural form for internal cleansing of your skin. It helps to protect against various types of skin infections. It also helps to prevent from condition of acne and other breakouts on your skin.
• Insomnia: Mixture of bottle gourd juice a sesame oil acts as an effective medicine for insomnia. The cooked leaves of bottle gourd are also beneficial in the treatment of insomnia. The cooked leaves of bottle gourd taken as a vegetable are also beneficial in the treatment of insomnia.
• Revitalizes the body: A glass of bottle gourd juice is a valuable medicine for excessive thirst due to severe diarrhea, diabetes and excessive use of fatty or fried foods. It also prevents excessive loss of sodium, quenches thirst and helps in preventing fatigue.
• Other ailments: Bottle gourd also has the capacity to cure disorders like toothaches, jaundice and inflammation of kidneys.

Bottle gourd is an excellent way to supplement your diet as well as fend off and treat disease.

---Issued in Public Interest by NGO ASHA

[Source: LMT, dtd July10]

Health Benefits of Karela (Bitter Gourd)

Health Benefits of Karela (Bitter Gourd)

Bitter melon (Karela) is a valuable herb gifted to us by Mother Nature. It is one of the healthiest vegetables known to man. Apart from being eaten mainly as vegetable, it is particularly reputed as a folk medicine due to its therapeutic properties. Although the bitter taste can turn you away, but it can really improve your health.

Bitter gourd looks like a hideous, light green cucumber and it tastes very bitter. There are two varieties of this vegetable. It is mostly found in tropical parts of the world, including Africa, Asia and South America.

It has numerous vital vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin C, Iron, Calcium, Phosphorous, Copper and Potassium. There are many health reasons why you should take this bitter vegetable seriously. Here are a few:

• Diabetes: The bitter gourd is particularly used as a remedy for diabetes because of its hypoglycemic action. It contains insulin-like peptides, alkaloids and charantin, all of which act together to lower blood and urine sugar levels without increasing blood insulin levels. These compounds activate a protein called AMPK, which is well known for regulating fuel metabolism and enabling glucose uptake, processes which are impaired in diabetics. You can take the juice of 4-5 bitter gourds every morning on an empty stomach, add seeds in powdered form to food or prepare a decoction by boiling the pieces of this fruit in water. If you are taking  medications to lower your blood sugar, adding bitter gourd might make your blood sugar drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar carefully.
• Blood Purification: It has blood-purifying properties. As a result, the juice is used in the treatment of blood disorders like blood boils and itching due to blood poisoning. Have it little by little on an empty stomach daily, in 4-6 months you will see enhancement in your state.
• Piles: Fresh juice of bitter gourd is good for patients suffering from piles. Take a mixture of bitter melon juice and buttermilk every morning for about a month and you will see an improvement. A paste of the roots of bitter gourd plant can also be applied over piles to get a favorable result.
• Good for stomach: It contains cellulose which is a very good source of fiber thus preventing constipation. It also good digestive agent and helps in stimulating the secretion of gastric juices. This can be very helpful for people with dyspepsia. However, sometimes it may worsen heartburn and ulcers.
• Aids weight loss: It stimulates liver for secretion of bile juices that are very essential for metabolism of fats. Thus, if you want to have a perfect, slim figure, then bitter gourd can help you.
• Eye care: It has high amount of beta-carotene that helps alleviate eye problems and improving eyesight.
• Alcoholism: It is an antidote for alcohol intoxication, and helps purify, restore and nourish liver. Its juice is also beneficial in the treatment of a bad hangover.
• Cholera: Fresh juice of leaves of bitter gourd is also a useful medication in early stages of cholera.
• Immune booster: A glass of bitter gourd juice in the morning can help to strengthen your immune system and increase your body's fighting power against infection. Researchers hypothesize that bitter melon is as an immunomodulator. One clinical trial found limited evidence that bitter melon might improve immune cell function in people with cancer.
• Skin care: Bitter gourd is also effective in treating skin diseases or skin infections, eczema and psoriasis. It also helps in keeping the skin free from blemishes and keeps the skin glowing. The blood purifying properties make sure that you don't get acne.
• HIV: Laboratory tests suggest that compounds in bitter melon might be effective for treating HIV infection. In one preliminary clinical trial, an enema form of a bitter melon extract showed some benefits in people infected with HIV. However, more research is necessary before this could be recommended.

In fact, its extracts are already sold as pills as well and it is being marketed as a blood sugar level reducing medicine. But rather than going for an indirect method of intake why not try to eat some amount of Karela in the form of vegetable/soup/curry in your diets, to get all the benefits.

Although there are several health benefits of including bitter gourd in your diet, it is not recommended to take it in excess amounts as it can lead to abdominal pain and diarrhea. Also, pregnant women are also advised against having bitter gourd.

---Issued in Public Interest by NGO ASHA

 Amateur Society for Human Aid
(a Non-profit Philanthropic Organisation)



[Source: LMT, dtd Jun10]

Note down of Child Helpline No

Child Hepline in India - 1098


---Issued in Public Interest by NGO ASHA

Pl check Wastage of Food

Please CHECK WASTAGE OF FOOD

If you have a function/party at your home and food gets wasted, don't hesitate to call 1098 - Its not a Joke, This is the number of Child helpline.

They will come and collect the food. Please circulate this message which can help feed many children.
AND LETS TRY TO HELP our INDIA BE A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE IN.
Please Save Our Mother Nature for "OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS"


---Issued in Public Interest by NGO ASHA

Contact No of Eye Bank

Contact No of Sankara Nethralaya Eye Bank & Eye Donation


Special phone number for Eye bank and Eye donation: 04428281919 and 04428271616 (Sankara Nethralaya Eye Bank).

For More information about how to donate eyes plz visit these sites. http://ruraleye.org/

 
---Issued in Public Interest by NGO ASHA

Free Education/Hostel for Handicapped/Physically Challenged Children

     
Free Education and Free hostel for Handicapped/Physically Challenged children.
Contact:- 9842062501 & 9894067506.


---Issued in Public Interest by NGO ASHA