Quit smoking - Slip, don’t slide

Quit smoking - Slip, don’t slide

 

Quit smoking, and your risk of a heart attack drops almost immediately, returning to that of a never-smoker within five to 15 years. Breaking the addiction isn't easy—some 40 percent of smokers try each year, and most of them fail. But a failed attempt is not a final defeat. What distinguishes successful quitters is their willingness to keep trying.

Slip, don’t slide

There’s an important distinction between a slip (a mistake) and a slide (a relapse). You slip when you smoke once or twice after your quit date. You relapse when you go back to your former smoking pattern. Slipping is common and doesn’t make you a smoker again. If you slip, try to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it the next time. Above all, don’t let one slip lead to another cigarette, then another...

You may have to quit two, three, or even more times before you stop smoking for good. Not succeeding may just mean you need more help.

World No Tobacco Day 31st may 2013

World No Tobacco Day 31^st may 2013

"Ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship" is the theme of this year’s World No Tobacco Day.

What's the greatest threat to a smoker's health? 

Lung cancer is a good guess, and a wrong answer. Cigarettes cause 124,000 lung-cancer deaths  each year, but do you know they kill even more people (138,000) via heart disease. Smokers suffer heart attacks at twice the rate of nonsmokers—and they're less likely to survive them.

Fortunately, these effects are reversible. Quit smoking, and your risk of a heart attack drops almost immediately, returning to that of a never-smoker within five to 15 years. 

Cigarettes contain over 4,000 toxic chemicals, 50 of which are known to cause cancer and nicotine is one of them. WHO estimates passive smoking causes 600,000 deaths every year. 

One-third of those killed are children who are often exposed to smoke at home, according to the WHO. 

STOP SMOKING DON’T KILL YOURSELF AND US TOO

Are you a smoker and suffering from sleep disorders?

Are you a smoker and suffering from sleep disorders? 

Yes! Smoking is the reason. Nicotine is a stimulant, so smokers take longer to sleep and are more likely to suffer from sleep problems.

Sleeping disorders have become a common phenomenon in 21st century . The current lifestyle greatly affects the sleeping pattern of human beings. Among many causes, smoking is one main cause for sleeping disturbances.

Cigarettes contain nicotine that affects sleep. It is a stimulant that keeps you awake. But smokers are not aware of this fact. Rather they claim that a puff of cigarette smoke makes them feel calmer and helps them relax. On the contrary, nicotine stimulates the mind and the body. It interferes with the body’s ability to fall and stay asleep.

Give up smoking and improve your sleep pattern

Tadgola a great summer fruit

 Tadgola a great summer fruit

Tadgola a great fruit especially to have in summer, it actually cools you down although peeling the fruit is a little messy job.

Also known as Palm fruit,Tadgola or Nungu, the fruit of the Palmyra tree, is a delicious fruit, famous in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, in summer. In Bengal, it is known as Taal. In Bihar, it is known as Taari.

It grows in clusters, and has a coconutty, brown exterior. On cutting open, each fruit had three to four jelly seeds that have a soft yellowish skin that darkens to a light brown when exposed to air.

They are a great source of potassium and low in sodium which helps to control blood pressure.They cool your body during summers and also help in maintaining electrolyte balance.

Eat this anytime of the day and enjoy it to the fullest in summers.

Hydrating veges for summer

Hydrating veges for summer

In such a hot climate include more of these vegetables, as they are mostly water, keeps you hydrated, you feel full, do not gain weight. Above all are SUPER HEALTHY

Keratin protein in your hair, nail and skin

 Keratin protein in your hair, nail and skin

 

The human body is chock-full of proteins. Proteins are present in the outer and inner membranes of every living cell. Your hair, your nails, and the outer layers of your skin are made of the protein keratin. Keratin is a scleroprotein, or a protein resistant to digestive enzymes. So if you bite your nails, you can’t digest them.

Gulkand (Rose petal jam) the summer cooler

Gulkand (Rose petal jam)

 the summer cooler

"Gul" means rose and "kand" means sweet.

Thus, Gulkand is a sweet preserve made of rose petals also known as rose petal jam. As we all know, flowers are the loveliest objects on earth and amongst them Rose is the Queen.

Rose petal jam(Gulkand) made primarily of rose petal,which is collected at their peak condition.Can be preserved for years,this preserve tastes better and is more effective after it has matured for a month or two.

Gulkand is native to India and Pakistan. It is an Ayurvedic tonic and a delicious and healthy food that can easily be prepared at home.

Gulkand is one of the ingredients used in Paan - the traditional Indian mouth freshener and digestive.

Health Benefits Of Gulkand
1.Gulkand is cooling so is beneficial in alleviating all heat related problems like tiredness, lethargy, itching, aches and pains, reduces burning sensations in the soles and palms.

2.Gulkand is a powerful antioxidant and a good rejuvenator

3.Gulkand reduces acidity and reduces heat in the stomach, treats ulcers and swelling in the intestine.

4.It treats mouth ulcers, makes teeth and gums strong.

5.Helps reduce the pain during menstruation and can be used as an aid to treat dysmenorrhoea. It is also helpful as an aid in treating white discharge.

6.It is a good digestive tonic, improves appetite, betters digestion, corrects digestive issues.

7.Removes toxins from the body and purifies blood. So, it helps keep skin clean and clear and also prevents skin diseases like boils, blisters, acne, etc.

8.Helps to reduce excessive perspiration and foul body odor

9.It protects from sunstroke, controls nose bleed in summer. Eat 2 tsp gulkand before going out in the sun.

10.It helps in increasing urine output and hence may be given to the individuals who have problem of water retention.

11.It helps reduce stress as it has calming effect on the nervous system.

12.If consumed in small amount it helps reduce the frequency of motions but acts as a laxative if taken in large quantities. Hence it can be used to treat both loose motions as well as constipation.

Normal dose of gulkand is 1 tsp 2 times a day, morning and evening.

Note: Since it contains sugar, those with diabetes should consult their doctor before consuming it. Also obese people may consume this in reduced quantity.

Culinary uses

Gulkand can be taken on its own

It can be added to milk, lassi or juices.

Gulkand may be used to make rose flavored teas and drinks

Gulkand is commonly used as an ingredient of Paan, a popular dessert and mouth freshner.

Also gulkandsweets are available where it is a part of the preparation of the sweet and gives a distinctive taste to the sweets.

Gulkand ice cream too is very cooling and tasty.

Go ahead cool yourself with this 

excellent cooler

A shortcut for a hectic and tiring day.

A shortcut for a  hectic and tiring day.

A shortcut for a  hectic and tiring day, so that nutrition needs are taken care off.

Make foods that are versatile, that can be easily eaten with many different things. For example Chicken, panir, sprouts can be used on a sandwich for lunch, as a main meal for dinner and eaten with rice, pasta, bread etc.

Stock on this things to make your life easier.

AAM KA PANNA (Green mango juice)

 AAM KA PANNA  (Green mango juice)

Aam Panna is a rejuvenating and refreshing cooler prepared using raw green mangoes during the hot summer months. Kairi Panha works as a digestive and also serves as an excellent mocktail during parties, as it can be prepared beforehand in large quantities and refrigerated. 

Panna also means 'emerald' in Hindi - probably one of the reasons why this juice gets its name is its light green colour.

Easy recipe to make cooling AAM (kacchi kari) KA PANNA-- peel raw mango, chop into big pieces, add water, jaggery, black salt n boil in pressure cooker for one whistle. After cooling blend in a blender,dilute with water, add roasted jeera powder, garnish with mint leaves n serve chilled.

Also a variation which i tried was, added a tbsp of pudina corriander chutney to a glass of panna....it was awasome...do try. 

Reducing Salt in Your Diet

               Reducing Salt in Your Diet

Go easy on condiments that contain considerable amounts of salt, including ketcup, mustard, monosodium glutamate (MSG), salad dressings, sauces, olives, sauerkraut, and pickles and other items packed in brine are saturated in salt, as are many smoked and cured meats, like salami and bologna.

When dining in Chinese or Japanese restaurants ask for meals without MSG or added salt. Nowadays, you can also request low-sodium soy sauce for your table. If they don't have any, dilute the regular by adding a tablespoon of water

May 17 is World Hypertension Day

May 17 is World Hypertension Day

Cutting back on sodium is one action you can take to reduce your risk of hypertension (high BP) and its related complications.

Keep in mind that your taste buds are probably accustomed to a strong taste of salt, so limiting your consumption might take a little getting used to, but your health is worth it!

Here are some sodium-cutting tips you can try today:

Start changing early, so you can change gradually.

Introduce additional flavor to your foods with herbs and spices like garlic, oregano, basil, lemon juice, vinegar, pepper, thyme and sesame. These all add flavor without the extra sodium.

If a recipe calls for salt, cut the amount called for in half and taste it before adding more.

Encourage the rest of your household to join your program.

Beat the heat with raw mango

Beat the heat with raw mango

It is excellent for preventing sun stroke. 

Its high Vitamin C content helps by increasing immunity and preventing the common summer cold. 

It helps in preventing anaemia, TB and typhoid.

It is quite rich in fibre helps maintain your digestive sysytem. 

Rich  in potassium has the power to keep blood pressure down as well.  
 

A high potassium and magnesium content helps to prevent acidosis, muscle cramps, stress and heart problems.

Ever wondered how essential your aam ka achaar and kachi kairi (raw mango) ki chutney and panha is in the summer? No wonder the housewives are busy stocking these up! Add raw mango to your salad, poha, upma or chew on it raw with a little salt and red chilli powder.

For further uses of raw mango keep watching this space