Education & Career Success Guide: health benefits
Showing posts with label health benefits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health benefits. Show all posts

Top 6 Smartwatches Reviews and Benefits for : 2024

02:26
Top 6 Smartwatches Reviews and Benefits for : 2024

 In 2024, smartwatches have become indispensable gadgets, offering a blend of style, functionality, and advanced technology. Here, we highlight the benefits of the top 6 smartwatches on the market.

1. Apple Watch Series 9


Review: The Apple Watch Series 9 continues to set the standard in the smartwatch industry. Its sleek design, bright Always-On Retina display, and robust health monitoring features make it a top choice for many.

Benefits:

  • Health and Fitness Tracking: Features ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and advanced sleep tracking.
  • Seamless Integration: Works flawlessly with other Apple devices, enhancing the overall user experience.
  • Durability: Water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it perfect for swimming and outdoor activities.
  • Battery Life: Improved battery life, lasting up to 18 hours with regular use.

2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6


Review: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 offers a perfect blend of elegance and functionality, making it a strong competitor in the smartwatch market. It features a bright AMOLED display and comprehensive health tracking.

Benefits:

  • Health Monitoring: Includes heart rate monitoring, ECG, and blood pressure tracking.
  • Customization: Offers a wide range of customizable watch faces and interchangeable bands.
  • Performance: Powered by a new chipset, ensuring smooth performance and quick app launches.
  • Battery Life: Long-lasting battery life, capable of enduring up to 2 days on a single charge.

3. Garmin Fenix 7

Review: The Garmin Fenix 7 is a rugged, high-performance smartwatch designed for outdoor enthusiasts. It excels in providing detailed tracking and mapping capabilities for various activities.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive Tracking: Tracks activities like hiking, running, cycling, and swimming with precise accuracy.
  • Navigation: Features topographic maps, multi-GNSS support, and a built-in altimeter, barometer, and compass.
  • Durability: Built to withstand harsh conditions with military-grade materials.
  • Battery Life: Exceptional battery life, lasting up to 21 days in smartwatch mode.

4. Fitbit Sense 2

Review: The Fitbit Sense 2 focuses heavily on health and wellness, offering a suite of advanced sensors and tracking features. It is designed for those who prioritize health monitoring.

Benefits:

  • Advanced Health Sensors: Includes ECG, EDA for stress management, and skin temperature monitoring.
  • Fitness Tracking: Tracks various workouts and provides detailed insights into fitness levels.
  • Smart Features: Supports notifications, voice assistants, and contactless payments.
  • Battery Life: Long-lasting battery life, up to 6 days on a single charge.

5. Huawei Watch GT 4

Review: The Huawei Watch GT 4 is a stylish and functional smartwatch with a focus on battery life and fitness tracking. It stands out with its impressive design and robust features.

Benefits:

  • Health and Fitness Tracking: Offers heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and over 100 workout modes.
  • Display: Features a high-resolution AMOLED display, providing clear and vibrant visuals.
  • Battery Life: Outstanding battery life, lasting up to 2 weeks with typical usage.
  • Smart Features: Includes GPS, notifications, and music control.

6. Noise ColorFit Pro 5



Review: The Noise ColorFit Pro 5 is a budget-friendly yet feature-packed smartwatch, making it an excellent choice for those looking for value without compromising on essential functionalities. It boasts a vibrant display, comprehensive fitness tracking, and a stylish design.

Benefits:

  • Fitness and Health Tracking: Includes heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and sleep analysis. It also offers multiple sports modes for diverse fitness activities.
  • Display: Features a bright and clear 1.69-inch TFT display, ensuring easy readability even in bright sunlight.
  • Battery Life: Impressive battery life, lasting up to 10 days on a single charge, making it highly convenient for daily use.
  • Affordability: Provides a range of advanced features at a very competitive price point, offering great value for money.
  • Customization: Offers a variety of watch faces and interchangeable straps to match your style.
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Change your life with morning exercise.

22:36
Change your life with morning exercise.

How many of you love to do exercise? As per our schedule and daily life routines, most people are allotting time for exercise at their convenient time.  So that we can live a health life. Here our experts say morning is the best time for exercise. Let me know more about the morning exercise.  
Your morning routine can hold the secret to better health. Find out the habits that will super-start your day
Would you love to have more energy and a better memory? Fewer colds and fewer aches and pains? The answer could lie in your morning. The start of the day holds the key to taking control of your well-being before time gets away with you and other people’s priorities invade.
You don’t need to get up at the crack of dawn to reap the benefits. Simply going to bed 15 minutes earlier and waking up 15 minutes earlier the next day, before everyone else is up, you will have the time to make positive changes to your morning that will make a real difference to your health and happiness. So, before you tuck into your toast, try these tricks.
Cold Comfort
Health Benefit: Improve your memory
Switching your shower to cool for the last few minutes can help “shock” your body awake, helping to relieve fatigue and increasing mental alertness, so you will get more done throughout the day. In one study, a daily “cooler” shower (around 20⁰ C) was also found to help ease depression. But make sure to check with your doctor before trying this, especially if you have a heart problem.
Laying Twist Move
Work Out The Kinks
Health Benefit: Ease aches and Pains and boost energy
Doing yoga when you wake is great for loosening muscles and joints, boosting energy and starting your day in a positive mindset.
Try Laying Twist Move; it helps keep the spine flexible, and kidneys healthy and improves blood pressure.
  1. Lie on your back with legs straight and arms out a little higher than hip height.
  2. Place one foot on top of the opposite leg and gently twist over from the waist, using your top leg as a weight to take you into a Lying Twist. Hold for 10 deep, slow breaths. Repeat on the other side. Keep shoulders, arms and core muscles relaxed.
Scrap the Snooze
Health Benefit: Higher-quality rest
More than half of us set our alarm to snooze, but in fact, those extra few minutes won’t do your health or well-being any good. Set your alarm for the time when you really need to wake up. The reason? If you wake and doze, your brain will already be braced for the second alarm and it won’t let you dip back into the deep, restful stage of sleep. To feel well-rested, it’s much better to get an uninterrupted high-quality stint of sleep and then get straight up.
Good Morning
Health Benefit: Beat Fatigue
Instead of coffee, wake up with a cup of peppermint tea, its smell lowers fatigue and frustration. Worried you can’t function without a caffeine hit? People who start the day with a coffee are no more alert than those who don’t.
Mix Your Muesli
Health Benefit: Lose weight and feel great
Mix 8 handfuls of rolled oats, 2 large handfuls of ground bran, 1 handful of chopped dried apricots, 1 handful of chopped dried dates, 1 handful of crumbled walnuts, 1 handful of chopped almonds, hazelnuts or Brazil nuts, with plenty of skimmed milk and store in a large, sealable container in the fridge – it will last a good few days and you won’t be tempted to eat buttered toast instead. To serve, add more milk or yoghurt, plus some grated apple, chopped banana or berries.
Fresh-Air Fix
Health Benefit: Lowers blood pressure
That wonderful feeling of crisp air on your skin, the sounds of the birds in the trees…. Stepping outside makes us all feel better, particularly in the morning when it’s more quiet and tranquil. And it also brings with it a whole host of health benefits.
People who get a daily burst of vitamin G (what experts are now calling time spent in green spaces) have lower blood pressure and recover from illness quicker, thanks to stress-relieving benefits, which can last all day. A bit chilly to step outside? You can still reap the benefits by enjoying your morning brew of peppermint tea while looking out of the window.
Morning exercise is more beneficial than at other times
Try Your Trainer
Health Benefit: Get fit
Morning exercise is more beneficial than at other times. Those who reached for their trainers in the morning dozed off faster at night and had less disrupted sleep than those who exercised at other times.
One explanation is that the body releases stress hormones when you wake up, and working out in the morning counteracts them. People who exercise in the mornings are more likely to stick to it before that day gives you a raft of excuses.
The ideal morning workout is one you look forward to doing, whether that’s yoga, a gym class or swimming.

Wishing everyone a healthy life ahead with love
PriyA

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15 Interesting Facts About Honey

03:16
15 Interesting Facts About Honey


One of the most common kitchen ingredients, honey is used for beauty and health treatments as well. Here’s a look at some facts you should know about honey.

Honey never gets spoiled; however, it can ferment if moisture seeps in. To avoid it, store the honey in tight-lid jars. If you see granules, place the jar without lid in a bowl of hot water for some time.

Honey is essentially a mix of sugars and carbohydrates and doesn’t contain any fiber, fat or protein virtually.

Honey has antioxidants that protect against cellular damage. When consumed in moderation, it can also help in reducing body weight and cholesterol level in diabetic patients.

Because it is antiseptic in nature, honey can be applied on cuts and burns to avoid infection. 

Honey is made of natural fruit sugars – glucose and fructose – which are easy to digest and hence is a quick source of energy. 

It takes nectar from over two million flowers to produce a pound of honey. 

Honey helps reduce the risk of some cancers and heart-related diseases as it contains antioxidants and flavonoids.

In 11th century A.D. Germany, honey was used to sweeten beer and was a prized commodity. Farmers and peasant paid feudal lords honey and beeswax as tribute.

It is the only food that contains pinocembrin (an antioxidant that can help improve brain functioning). It is also rich in vitamins, minerals and enzymes.

Because it can moisturize and protect from infection, it can be used to treat dry, cracked lips.

Adding a little honey to one's diet can boost immunity levels. A study at School of Medicine, Cardiff University, U.K., found that intake of manuka, a type of honey, can boost the production of immune cells.

It can be easily purchased in a crystal form and later used as liquid when re-hydrated.

There are at least 40 types of honey available and each has unique properties and a distinctive taste. Some are high in antioxidants while some vary in glycemic index (a ranking showing how certain compounds affect blood sugar levels).

Honey can improve athletic performance. Due to its low glycemic index, it's a good substitute to post-workout carbohydrates which are needed to replenish blood sugar after a strenuous workout. It also maintains glycogen levels.

Did you know honey is the only food produced by insects and eaten by humans?

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Bananas For Gorgeous Skin And Say Goodbye To Pimples

11:47
Bananas For Gorgeous Skin And Say Goodbye To Pimples


Banana acts as a great skin exfoliator and a nourisher

Not happy with the way your skin looks and feels? You might not have been taking good care of yourself. But we don't blame you. With the hectic lives that we lead today, not often do we find the time for our beauty needs.

That's why it's all the more important to keep handy the right kind of ingredients or beauty products to keep your skin looking young and beautiful. And no, we are not talking about complicated stuff but just bananas. Did you know that banana can help you in getting rid of acnes and keep your skin moisturized?

The most commonly available fruit is actually a powerhouse of nutrients. Right from the peel to its flesh, banana contains antioxidants, vitamins (B6 and B12) and minerals like potassium and magnesium. While we already know that including bananas in our breakfast can give us the much needed health boost, it can also show wonderful results when used as a home remedy to treat skin issues. Here's how:
1. Banana peel + honey

Don't throw away banana peel. Instead mash the peel along with one teaspoon honey and apply it generously on your skin. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash with cool water. Do this for a week to treat pimples and acne.

2. Banana + sugar + yoghurt

Banana acts as a great skin exfoliator. Mash a ripe banana in a bowl and add quarter cup yoghurt and quarter cup sugar to it. Apply the mix on your face and neck and gently massage in circular motion for 10 minutes. Wash with cold water and see the difference.

3. Banana + orange juice

Take a ripe orange, peel and blend it. Add one mashed banana to it and half cup oatmeal. Mix well and apply it generously on your face. Wash after 15 minutes.

Pamper your skin with the goodness of bananas and stay gorgeous.
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What Happens When You Start Eating Oats Every Day

21:41
What Happens When You Start Eating Oats Every Day

Oats is a cereal commonly known to be loaded with dietary fiber and properties to control cholesterol and help in losing weight.
If you are a fitness enthusiast, you might have come across the advice to eat oats several times. The cereal (Avena sativa), commonly eaten in the form of oatmeal or rolled oats – is known to be loaded with dietary fiber and properties to control cholesterol.

However, not many of us know exactly what this miracle food does to our body when consumed every day.

Other than aiding your weight loss plans, it helps in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, childhood asthma and boost the immune system.

Once you start eating oatmeal for breakfast, you tend to feel fuller and avoid eating other foods. This is because Oatmeal is a complex carbohydrate, which takes a longer time to digest. Also the fact that oat keeps blood sugar levels in check, it is likely you won't experience blood sugar "crashes" and in turn, can avoid a drop in energy and intense craving.


Oats also help in bowel movement relieving you from cramping and abdominal pain, bloating and gas. The cereals have a significant amount of insoluble fiber, which cannot be broken down by the digestive system. This creates roughage, which, in turn, aids in an easy passing of feces.

Oats are also loaded with other vital vitamins, minerals and antioxidant plant compounds like manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, vitamin B1 and B2.

Not only this, several studies have shown, that oats contain beta-glucan fiber, which effectively reduces total and LDL cholesterol levels by increasing the excretion of cholesterol-rich bile and reducing circulating levels of cholesterol in the blood.

Besides all these, oats help you to get a clear and healthy skin. Several cosmetic brands use oats in their products. It is believed that oats help in treating itching and several other skin conditions like eczema.
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The Variety Of Eggs That You Can Eat Apart From Hen's Eggs

07:55
The Variety Of Eggs That You Can Eat Apart From Hen's Eggs


Take a look at The Variety Of Eggs That You Can Eat Apart From Hen's Eggs. 
There's more to eggs than just hen's eggs. A basketful of egg varieties for you to try from next time you want to fry, poach or scramble.
1. Quail

Quail eggs are a good source of nutrition and contain vitamins D and B12. Almost one-fourth of hen's eggs in size, the eggs have spotted shells and come in a variety of colors.
2. Duck

Duck eggs contain high levels of protein, calcium, iron and potassium as well as fat and cholesterol. They are slightly larger than their chicken counterparts and have a thicker shell. Similar to hen's eggs in taste, they are pale yellow to white in color and have a flat circumference.
3. Rhea

Eggs of the flightless bird are almost ten times larger than chicken's eggs and are yellowish in color. The airy eggs have a strong flavor and are only available from March to June. They are best eaten when soft-boiled or scrambled.
4. Bantam

The blue-shelled eggs of the bantam are rich in iron and resemble chicken's eggs, although smaller in size. The eggs laid by this smaller breed of hens are available all through the year. They are best eaten when soft-boiled.
5. Emu

Eggs of the flightless bird are larger than hen's eggs. They have a distinct green-colored shell on the outside and a blue layer underneath it. They are easily available from November to March or April. Fluffy in texture, the eggs are delicate in flavor.
6. Gull

Eggs of the web-footed seabird are rarely available and you can get them only in early spring. The eggs are usually brown or dark olive in color with dark patches, and have a dark texture.
7. Guinea Fowl

The small eggs laid by guinea fowls have a thick shell and are rich in flavor. The oatmeal-colored eggs have a delicious yolk and are usually consumed hard-boiled.
8. Turkey

Rarely available, eggs of the turkey are larger in size than hen's eggs. They are rich in calcium and sport speckled shells. Similar to chicken's eggs in taste, they are best consumed when fried.
9. Goose

Eggs of the waterfowl bird are rich and creamy in taste and are larger in size as compared to hen's eggs. One can easily get them from February to June. With a high protein content, the shells of the eggs are harder. They are white in color and sport faint speckles.
10. Pheasant

Eggs of the Asian bird are almost half the size of hen's eggs. With brown shells, they are available from April to June. They are rich in taste and are best eaten when boiled.
11. Ostrich

Eggs of the flightless bird are huge in size, equivalent to almost two dozen hen's eggs. Available from March through early September, they have a light, delicate flavor. It takes a long time to hard boil them.

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Seafood for weight loss

00:04
Seafood for weight loss
Seafood earns for itself an ideal place in weight loss programmes because of its wealth of Omega-3 fatty acids and special decrease the growth of fat cells, fish proteins contribute to the reduction of body fat mass (BFM).
Sea Food

Seafood for Health and Beauty

  • Reduces weight: Consuming Omegea-3 fish oil and combining it or following it with moderate aerobic exercises is found to speed up weight loss.
  • Stimulate fat transporting enzymes and improves blood flow to the muscles. Alternatively, it helps the body to transport stored fat to body areas where it can be used as energy during exercise.
  • Increase metabolic rate and tallies in the count of fat burned by the body. When your body is burning more fat (because the enzymes are stimulated) and you combine it with exercise, there is an increase in your intake of oxygen, and therefore an increase your metabolic rate too. In this cycle of body processes, increased metabolic rate also means more fat is burned by your body.
  • Regulate blood sugar and insulin levels. Insulin levels drop when you consume Omega 3 oil.
  • Keeps hunger at bay.
  • Reduces the risk or seriousness of ailments commonly associated with overweight or obesity.
  • Decreases blood pressure contributes to good cardiac health.
  • You will live linger and look younger as antioxidants will work to reduce free radicals.
    Good for the eyes. Improves your vision. DHA, one of the Omega 3 fatty acids, protects the retina from macular degeneration.
Between them, Omega – 3 fatty acids and special fish proteins have a mild but very long – term effect on weight loss. Omega – 3 fatty acids, by themselves are essential fatty acids and the human body cannot produce them. They are found in deep-sea fish such as salmon, mackerel, swordfish, and shark. Elsewhere, they can be found in certain oils (canola) and nuts (walnuts)

Fish Facts in Diet
fish food

Seafood has fewer calories and less fat than red meat. Fish is one of the best fat-burning foods for women. In men too, low-calorie diets that include fish are found to ensure more weight loss than those without fish. Leading the trend is Europe’s Mediterranean Diet, which is now popular in the US too. It is a heart-healthy way to lose weight, while eating healthy fats, fresh and unprocessed foods and plenty of seafood.

Take your Pick

  1. Tuna contains more fatty acids and quality protein to help burn excess body fat and balance blood sugar levels. It is heart friendly.
  2. Salmon is rich in natural astaxanthin and unsaturated fatty acids, which increases HDL and decreases LDL. It helps improve cardiovascular functions, controls cholesterol, burns fat and ensures healthy weight loss.
  3. Sardines are the best as they contain very high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Caution!!!!
  1. Too much fish oil can be harmful, as fish contains high levels of methyl mercury, a metal. It is so in larger fish, mackerel in particular, as they feed on smaller fishes which contain the metal. Other metals found in fish include lead, nickel, arsenic and cadmium. All of them are poisonous, in varying degrees.
  2. Fish must be cooked thoroughly and correctly, whatever be its kind. If weight loss is your aim, seafood has to be grilled, baked, steamed, boiled or broiled. Eating fish prepared incorrectly can only add calories. For example, frying or serving fish in heavy sauces does nothing but add on calories.

Tuna Salad With Melon, Heirloom Tomatoes And Mesculin Green

Tuna Salad
Ingredients
  • Canned tuna 80 g
  • Assorted lettuce 60 g
  • Heirloom tomatoes 2
  • Muskmelon 80 g
  • Lemon juice 10 ml
  • Salt, to taste
  • Cracked pepper 5 g
  • Extra virgin olive oil 10 ml
Method:
  • Season canned tuna chunks with lemon juice, salt and pepper.
  • Make a dressing with salt, pepper lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil.
  • Cut the heirloom tomatoes and coat with the dressing.
  • Cut the melon into even pieces.
  • Arrange the melon, tomatoes with tuna and lettuce, neatly on a plate and drizzle it with the dressing.

Orange Braised Seafood Soup Delight

sea soup

Ingredients:
  • Shrimp 15 g
  • Calamari 10 g
  • River fish 10 g
  • Orange 1
  • Celery (chopped) 3 g
  • Garlic (chopped) 3 g
  • Leeks (chopped) 3 g
  • Salt, to taste
  • Dill leaves 2-3 sprigs
  • Extra virgin olive oil 5 ml
Method:
  • Sauté all the chopped ingredients in olive oil.
  • Peel the orange and take out segments of it, finely shred some orange peel.
  • Braise the seafood with seafood stock. Orange segments and orange peel.
  • Season with salt.
  • Serve the soup with dill leaves

Sesame Crusted Salmon With Broccoli Rabe And Stewed Beans
sesame

Ingredients:
  • Salmon 220 g
  • Sesame seeds 10 g
  • Olive oil 10 ml
  • Salt, to taste
  • Broccoli rabe 100 g
  • Celery (chopped) 3 g
  • Garlic (chopped) 3 g
  • Leeks (chopped) 3 g
  • Tomatoes (diced) 1
  • Beans 20 g
  • Chives 1
Method:
  • Pan sear salmon in olive oil and crust it with sesame seeds.
  • Blanch the broccoli and sauté it in olive oil.
  • Sauté all the chopped vegetables in olive oil and cook the beans with diced tomatoes.
  • Season the stewed beans and cook till beans are tender.
  • Garnish the salmon with chive.

Poached Mahi – Mahi With Shaved Asparagus And Apple Salsa
poached mahi - mahi 

Ingredients:
  • Mahi-Mahi 220 g
  • Asparagus 100 g
  • Leeks 20 g
  • Onions 10 g
  • Celery 10 g
  • Carrot 10 g
  • Salt, to taste
  • Apple (chopped) 1
  • Jalapeno (chopped) 10 g
  • Cilantro (chopped) 5 g
  • Pepper 5 g
  • Lemon juice 5 ml
  • Olive oil 5 ml
Method:
  • Prepare a poaching liquid by adding onion, celery, leeks and carrot.
  • Poach the mahi-mahi fish in it.
  • Peel the asparagus and saute in olive oil.
  • Make salsa by mixing chopped apple, jalapeno with salt, pepper, lemon juice and cilantro.

Serve hot.
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Vitamin D - Give me some sunshine

01:56
Vitamin D - Give me some sunshine
Vitamin D is responsible for maintaining normal calcium levels in the body and mineralization of bones. The past decade has seen a renewed interest in this vitamin called the ‘sunshine Vitamin’.

The renewed interest is attributed to the medical fraternity’s increasing realization that the benefits of Vitamin D extend far beyond healthy bones.
Some of its numerous effects have been observed under various clinical conditions and there have been epidemiological suggestions stating that children and adults with adequate or sufficient levels of Vitamin D are at lower risk for metabolic syndrome, hypertension and high blood sugar.

Vitamin D level in a person is assessed in terms of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D concentration (It is abbreviated as 25(OH)D and the test too is referred to as such).

How much of Vitamin D we need Daily?

Dietary intake of Vitamin D to maximize bone health and muscle function for patients at risk for Vitamin D deficiency is as follows:
1. Infants and children aged 0-1 year: at least 400 IU/day
2. Children aged 1-18: 600 IU/day
3. Adults aged 19-50: 600 IU/day
4. Adults aged 50-70 and above: 600 and 800 IU/day
5. Pregnant and lactating women: 600 IU/day
(IU is read as the standard International Unit. )
Sources of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is produced in the skin natural in response to ultraviolet B radiation from sunlight. In food it can be obtained from animal sources such as deep-sea fatty fish, egg yolks or liver or from dietary supplements.

Prevalence of Vitamin D

About 50 to 90 per cent of the Indian population reportedly shows Vitamin D deficiency of varying degrees. Australia, Middle East, Africa and South America are the other regions or populations know to be affected by Vitamin D deficiency. Of late, countries like the US, UK and Canada too have been contending with significant levels of Vitamin D deficiency in their elderly.
What has come to be the cause for alarm is the increasing prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in adolescents – an age group that is supposedly healthy and must be healthy as the immediate future’s working population of any society.
  • In the US, for example, more than 50 per cent of Hispanic and African-American adolescents (in Boston area) and 48 per cent white pre-adolescent girls in (Maine area) were found with 25 hydroxy-vitamin D concentration – 25(OH) D that is much below the cut-off level.
  • In a study of Vitamin D levels in 3,000 teenagers (both boys and girls), the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, found that those with low levels of Vitamin D were 2.36 times more likely to suffer from hypertension, 2.5 times more likely to have blood sugar levels and four times more likely to have Metabolic Syndrome.
  • Another trial involving girls aged between 12 and 14 years showed that those with lower Vitamin D levels had lesser muscle strength and weaker physical performance.

Deficiency in Adults and Children

Lack of Vitamin D typically presents with bone deformity (rickets) or low calcium levels in infancy and childhood.
In adults, it causes reduced bone mineral density, musculoskeletal pain and weakness. The elderly in particular have increased sway and frequent falls, and are at increased risk for fractures.
Of late, other health issues like cardiovascular diseases, type-2 diabetes, various forms of cancer, and auto-immune conditions too, have been linked to Vitamin D deficiency.
Tests for Vitamin D Status
Laboratory tests to assess 25(OH)D are available. The result classifies the person’s status as Vitamin D sufficient or insufficient or deficient.

Are dietary Solutions Available against Vitamin D Deficiency?

Few foods have substantial Vitamin D content. Outdoor sun exposure and intake of vitamin D supplements leads to higher serum Vitamin d. If sunlight exposure is adequate, the body can produce Vitamin D without the need for supplementation through diet.
In the US, Canada and parts of Europe, milk, cheese and fruit juices are supplemented with Vitamin D supplementation are practically nonexistent. It may be cost-effective to introduce food supplementation in India
The best source of Vitamin D
Without doubt, sensible exposure to sunlight is the best source of Vitamin D.

Who are at Risk for lack of Vitamin D?

Various contribute to Vitamin D deficiency and the risk groups too are varied.
  • Exclusively breast-fed infants and children.
  • Those aged over 65 years.
  • Pregnant women.
  • Fully-clothed individuals (like a burqua where hardly any part of the body is exposed to sunlight).
  • Home – bound people.
  • Institutional people.
  • Obese individuals
  • Vegetarians.
  • Alcoholics.
  • Users of sunscreens with high SPF (which block out UVA and UVB rays completely).
  • People living at high altitudes.
  • Dark skinned people, where skin pigmentation decreases the production of Vitamin D.
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Diet to beat fatigue

10:20
Diet to beat fatigue
Fatigue is nothing but mental or physical exhaustion. Tiredness, lethargy, sleepiness and lack of energy are some typical terms to describe Fatigue. Fatigue may refer to either the body (Physical tiredness) or mind (Psychological tiredness).
Diet to beat fatigue

If you are responsible about your health, it won’t surprise you to know that when the body has/gets all the nutrition it needs, the likelihood of you experiencing fatigue or tiredness of mind and body is less. In other words, you stand a better chance when dealing with stress and illness when you have cared enough to act against things that cause fatigue. Don’t belong to this good category? Here is help to find your way.

Breakfast is Important
Morning Tiffin is important because it refills energy reserves and sets the tone for your day. A good breakfast refills our energy stores and keeps lethargy at bay. Choose a carbohydrate rich breakfast such as cereals or wholegrain bread as the brain relies on glucose for fuel.
A Combination of Proteins and Carbohydrates at Lunch
You eat carbohydrates and proteins in tandem at lunch time to fight the afternoon doldrums. Protein-rich foods also contain a precursor to neurotransmitters, which promote alertness and attention.

Drink Plenty of Water
A dehydrated body functions less efficiently. Dehydration can lessen blood flow to organs, thereby slowing down your brain. Drink about 8 glasses of water every day and don’t wait to drink water until you feel thirsty.
 
No Fasts No Feasts
Consume enough calories avoiding big meals. Nutrient needs vary depending on your age, gender, weight and activity. Do not skip meals, as it will dip your blood sugar levels. Crash diets too do not contain adequate carbohydrates to meet your energy needs. They also leave your body deprived of nutrients like vitamins, minerals and trace elements.
Iron rich foods to beat fatigue

Eat Iron Rich foods
Iron enables blood to carry oxygen to various organs of your body. Lack of iron also leads to fatigue. Even in the s absence of anemia, low iron levels can cause fatigue and depression.

Be Careful with Caffeine
One o r two rounds of caffeinated drinks (like coffee/tea/cola) each day will boost your energy levels and mental alertness. But if you are a heavy caffeine user (consuming more than six drinks per day), you will be prone to anxiety, irritability and reduces performance.
Vitamin C
The antioxidant reduces oxidative stress, which is the result of too many free radicals in the body. It is another contributor to chronic fatigue syndrome.
If you feel lethargic or fatigued after eating, then what you have consumed is the wrong food. The trick is to choose foods that release energy slowly and give you a gradual and long-lasting boost of energy.
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Fruits: Really a Nutritious Snack or Unhealthy Sugar Source?

10:04
Fruits: Really a Nutritious Snack or Unhealthy Sugar Source?
Fruits
Myth 1`: Fruits make you gain weight because of the sugar content.
Avocadoes, tomatoes and berries are not fruits. Fruits have a low nutrient content and are not worth consuming Diabetics shouldn’t eat fruits. It’s important to get the fruits you like, no matter where they come from.
Fruits can easily replace breakfast, and even one of the other meals. Because of the high content of both soluble and insoluble fibre, which can be filling, it’s actually easy to consume less calories and get loads of essential nutrients that give you energy and strength. Furthermore, the sugar found in fruits is very different from white sugar and, in fact, most fruits have a low glycemic index, which means they’re even safe for diabetics (in moderation).

To sum up: Fruits are low in calories, have no unhealthy fats and are rich in nutrients.

Myth 2: Fruits make you lose weight and skinny people become even skinnier.
Berries

This is related to the third myth.
Myth 3: Fruits have no nutrient content and are not worth consuming
  • Eating different coloured seasonal fruits is actually a great way to get the maximum amount of nutrients. Think of ‘a rainbow of colours’ which applies to both fruits and berries. Those colours are not just pretty, but are actually an indication of the many phytonutrients found in them, which give them those colours.
  • Fruits and berries are full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients that are not found in other foods. Therefore, fruits ensure the much needed nutrients and help in maintaining ideal body weight.
  • They also have high amount of water content and are loaded with both soluble and insoluble fibre, which is important in assisting the body in cleansing itself of the waste or toxins, on a daily basis. Fibre also helps to normalize cholesterol levels naturally.
  • Fruits and berries are excellent in preventing and even reversing heart disease, cancer, digestive tract problems, inflammation and other health challenges.
  • Fruits also taste great and are satisfying; hence, reason enough to eat them!
  • Fruits are alkali-forming foods, which is very good for health.
To sum up: Some reasons why fruits are great for our health - to increase longevity, to prevent diseases, to raise immunity, loaded with vital nutrients, Vitamins C and E, along with a large number of very important micro nutrients.
Myth 4: Avocadoes, tomatoes and berries are not fruits
There are many members of the fruit family that people never think of as fruits. Some examples are berries (which is a type of fruit), avocadoes, tomatoes and even cucumbers, which usually thought of as vegetables, are part of the fruit family. So are most nuts – they’re a type of fruit too, with the skin removed.

Myth 5: Fruits have no protein.
In actuality, fruits contain proteins; on an average about 6 per cent of their calories is protein.

 Myth 6: Diabetes shouldn’t eat fruits.
Avacado

Most fruits actually have a low glycemic index, and are therefore safe to be consumed by diabetics, but in moderation. Diabetics who are on a low-fat and high-fiber diet can have even more fruits.

Myth 7: It’s important to get the fruits you like, no matter where they come from.
Try to maximize the amount of locally available fresh seasonal fruits. The calories will be the same as imported ones, but the nutrient value will be very different, because a lot of nutrients are lost during the transportation process. Furthermore, processed or canned fruits and fruit juices, even though convenient in many cases, offer very little nutrition and often have lots of sugar added to them
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10 reasons why you should drink Green Tea

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10 reasons why you should drink Green Tea
It’s official that tea is good for your health. So go ahead and relish that hot cup of green tea to realize its power and enjoy its numerous health benefits.
Helps you lose weight

If you want to cut those extra inches around your tummy, switching to green tea could be a simpler way. A new study shows that green tea extract increases the rate of calorie burning by the body. It reduces blood fat, cholesterol, bloated ness, detoxifies the body and suppresses untimely food cravings. Enabled with diuretic properties, it also eliminates excess water and thereby reduces excess weight. So the best way to get rid of that paunch is to have green tea along with the right amount of bodily exercise.

Boosts exercise endurance

According to scientists, antioxidants present in green tea extracts increase body’s ability to burn fat as fuel which accounts for improved muscle endurance. It also enhances energy levels and boosts your metabolism.

Reduces the risk of heart attack

Drinking green tea rapidly improves the health of body cells lining the blood vessels and also helps in lowering one`s risk for heart disease.The flavonoids present in this tea protect the heart by relaxing the blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.So,protect your heart and have green tea on a regular basis.

Fights against various cancers

The antioxidants in tea helps protect against a shipload of cancers, including breast, colon, colorectal, skin, lung, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, liver, ovarian, prostate and oral cancers. Green tea extract is reported to induce cancer cell death and starve tumours by curbing the growth of new blood vessels that feed them.

Hydration benefits

If you love drinking green tea then there is good news for you.Contrary to common belief that tea dehydrates,green tea provides hydration benefits similar to water.Tea not only rehydrates as well as water does, it also has many other health benefits.

Protection from harmful ultraviolet rays

The sun’s UV rays in summer act as a constant threat. Green tea is rich in antioxidants that scavenge harmful free radicals in the body according to researches. Also using green tea extracts along with your sunscreen could afford you the greatest level of sun protection.

Keeps Diabetes in check

Green tea can do wonders to a person suffering from diabetes.Green tea apparently helps regulate glucose levels slowing the rise of blood sugar. It also triggers and stimulates insulin production and activates the functioning of pancreas to some extent.Blood sugar level in the body is also normalized and regularized by the use of green tea.

Prevention and treatment of neurological diseases

Polyphenols in green tea may help maintain the parts of brain that regulate learning and memory. So, regular consumption of green tea could help in prevention of degenerative and neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson`s.

Anti- Ageing benefits

Antioxidants found in green tea fight free radicals thereby keeping a check on ageing and promoting longevity.Because it contains high levels of oligomeric proanthocyanidins one of the most powerful antioxidants, Green Tea is thought to help slow down the premature ageing process.

Boosts your immunity

Polyphenols and Flavonoids present in green tea boost the immune system to make the human body stronger in fighting various infections. Also, Vitamin C present in green tea keeps cold and flu away.
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