Fat Doesn't Make You Fat. Too Many Calories Does. Fat Is Good. Just Not Too Much.

Sharing a meal with family and friends at home
Or at school is a great way to enjoy food.
It is fun to see other peoples choice of food:
What do your friends eat? Do you try different foods every day?
Check out your lunch box or dinner plate.

You need over 40 different nutrients every day for good health.
Since there is no single food that contains them all, it is important to balance your daily choices.
In fact there are no good or bad foods, so you do not need to miss out on the foods you enjoy.
The best way to make sure you get the right balance is to eat a wide variety of foods each day.

Got a late night sugar craving that just won't quit? To satisfy your sweet tooth without pushing yourself over the calorie edge, even in the late night hours, think fruit first. 

After a grueling workout, there's a good chance you're going to be feeling it. Relieve post-fitness aches by submerging your lower body in a cold bath (50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit; you may have to throw some ice cubes in to get it cold enough) for 10 to 15 minutes.

To determine your water requirement, divide your weight (in pounds) by two.
This gives the daily ounce-recommendation.
Cut down on caffeine and caffeinated and aerated beverages.

If you make instant coffee with hot water, all you're getting is a wake-up call. Use milk, and you've got cafe au lait--along with insurance against osteoporosis from the calcium and vitamin D in the milk.

Time And health are two precious assets that we don’t recognize and appreciate until they have been depleted.”

• बच्चे को यदि सर्दी-जुकाम, खाँसी है तो उसे स्कूल न भेजें।
• किसी से हाथ नहीं मिलाएँ। गले नहीं मिलें।
• छींकने, खाँसने और कहीं बाहर से आने के बाद हाथ साबुन से धोएँ।
• अपनी आँख, नाक, मुँह को हाथ न लगाएँ। इससे वायरस फैलते हैं।
• जिन लोगों को श्वसन तंत्र की बीमारी हो उनके पास न जाएँ।
• सर्दी के मरीज साफ-सुथरा रुमाल रखें और रोज बदलें।
• घर में व आसपास स्वच्छता रखें।
• खान-पान का ख्याल रखें, तला-गला कम खाएँ।
• प्रदूषित, भीड़ भरे और गंदे क्षेत्रों में न जाएँ
• स्मोकिंग करने वालों से दूर रहें।
• मरीज को भी मास्क लगाएँ और खुद भी उपयोग करें।

The commonest causes of tiredness are: anxiety, boredom and depression

Take big deep breaths to give yourself an immediate energy boost.

Regular exercise can prevent age-related decreases in muscle mass & strength

For continuous work at computer, a work break of 5 to 10 min/hr is recommended

Ppl takin brks in early afternoon perform btr 4 rest of day compared 2 others

A healthier balanced diet - a poor diet can be the main cause of fatigue

I know being sick is awful.
So here I am to cheer you up and
put some smile on your face.
Please take care and get well soon.

Watch Your Posture

Good posture is not just great for your back and neck, but also allows you to breathe properly and increases concentration and thinking ability. To improve your posture:Get a good quality office chair, one with firm and dense cushioning and back support.Instead of resting your weight on a particular foot, plant both feet flat on the floor.Set a reminder to check your posture. This can be in the form of a post-it note, an alarm on your phone or an email reminder.

These health hacks will ensure that you stay afloat even with your long to-do list. If you too have some amazing health tips for busy people, then do share them with us in the comments below!

Mushrooms help keep a healthy body and ward of diseases. Mushrooms have high medicinal value and can help lose weight also. Mushrooms are gaining importance as health food and source of valuable medicines. It is estimated that there are 100,000 different kinds of mushrooms, of which 700 can be used as food. They are nutritious and rich in minerals.

They are rich in minerals, vitamin D (ergosterol), thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), dietary fibre as well as all the essential amino acids and are low in fat and calories.

Approximately 200 species appear to have medicinal value, each with its own unique chemistry.

Extensive research on medicinal mushrooms has been going on since the past 20 years in many countries. There are many plants that act as adaptogens (also known as biological response modifiers) to assist the body in adapting to environmental and psychological stress. All the important systems of the body including the nervrous, endocrine, adrenal, and immune systems benefit from adaptogens by increasing or decreasing their function as needed.

Studies suggest that mushrooms are pro-biotic. They keep our body healthy and ward off diseases by maintaining physiological homeostasis. The compounds they contain have been classified as Host Defence Potentiators (HDP), which enhances the immune system. Researches also show that there are thousands of semi essential, non-vitamin factors in mushrooms that protect the body against many diseases including cancer.

Medicinal mushrooms such as Reishi, Shiitake and Maitake enhances immune function by stimulating cell-mediated immunity. Such mushrooms seem to turn on cells in the immune system called T-cells that appear to have significant cancer-fighting properties. Three different anticancer drugs extracted from mushrooms have been approved by the Japanese Health and Welfare Ministry. They are Lentinan, derived from Shiitake, Schizophyllan, derived from Suehirotake and PSK, derived from Kawaratake. PSK sold in Europe and Japan, is the best-selling cancer drug in the world. In Japan, only 30 percent of cancer treatment includes radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.

Maitake

Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is a mushroom highly regarded in Japan for its medicinal and culinary properties. The studies show that the extracts from Maitake protect against hepatitis, tumours, and are effective in regulating blood presure, blood sugar, cholesterol and obesity. A polysaccharide known as beta-glucan, which activates immune cells, is believed to be largely responsible for Maitake's anti-tumour effects. Japanese physicians are using a Maitake extract for tumour inhibition, potentiating shark cartilage supplements, inhibition of cancer metastasis (cancer spreading), cancer prevention, and reversing HIV positive status to HIV negative. Cancer Treatment Centres of America, with hospitals in Chicago, Los Angeles and Tulsa, Okla, is now undertaking clinical double-blind placebo tests using Maitake D-fraction combined with chemotherapy in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Data collected from 250 cancer patients indicate that side effects from chemotherapy, such as nausea and hair loss, are significantly reduced by it Maitake is also showing promising results with the HIV virus.

Reishi

Reishi (ganoderma Lucidium) meets all the qualifications of being both a tonic and an adaptogen. A tonic strengthens and invigorates organs, and an adaptogen helps the body adapt to stress by readjusting to altered body conditions. In China, many pharmacological, chemical and biochemical studies have been conducted with Reishi. Reishi appears to strengthen the immune system and improve overall healthe. Specifically, it improves or prevents a variety of diseases and conditions including viral hepatitis, allergies, insomnia, neurasthenia (fatigue due to exhaustion of the nervous system) as well as some types of cancer. Reishi has also been clinically demonstrated to alleviate high blood pressure in humans. Reishi is rich in active organic compounds such as polysaccharides, amino acids, proteins, triterpenes, ascorbic acid, sterols, lipids, alkaloids, glucose, courmarine glycoside, volatile oil, riboflavin and more. These compounds are being studies for their positive effects on the immune system, including anti-tumor activity. Reishi is used as a daily tonic to maintain and improve good health increasing longevity, in the treatment of cancer and resistance to and recovery from diseases.

Shitake

The shitake mushroom (Lentinus Edodes) is closely related to Reishi. Shitake is Japan's largest agricultural export and is now the most popular and most cultivated exotic mushroom in teh world. In China, Shitake has a history that dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D). The mushroom was used not only as a food but was taken as a remedy for upper respiratory diseases, poor blood circulation, liver trouble, exhaustion and weakness and to boost chi, or life energy. It was also believed to prevent premature aging.

Bone building is a complex process that involves minerals and hormones that can be greatly influenced by dietary factors.

The bone thinning condition called osteoporosis can lead to small and not-so-small fractures. Although many people think of calcium in the diet as good protection for their bones, this is not at all the whole story. To protect your bones you do need calcium in your diet, but you also need to keep calcium in your bones.

How to get Calcium into your bones? Get calcium from greens, beans, or fortified foods. The most healthful calcium sources are green leafy vegetables and lefumes. Broccoli, Brussels, sproouts, collards, kale, mustard greens and other greens are loaded with highly absorbable calcium and a host of other healthfull nutrients. The exception is spinach, which contains a large amount of calcium but tends to hold into it very tecaciously, so that you will absorb less of it.

Dairy products do contain calcium, but it is accompanied by animal proteins, lactose sugar, animal growth factors, occasional drugs and contaminants, and a substantial amount of fat and cholesterol in all but the defatted versions.

Exercise: Exercise is important for many reasons, including keeping bones strong. Active people tend to keep calcium in their bones, while sedentary people lose calcium.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D controls your body's use of calcium. About 15 minutes of sunlight on your skin each day normally produces all the vitamin D you need. If you get lettle or no sun exposure, you can get vitamin D from any multiple vitamin. Vitamin D is often added to milk, but the amount added is not always well controlled.

Reduce Calcium losses by avoiding excess Salt: Calcium in bones tends to dissove into the blood-stream, then pass through the kidneys into the urine. Sodium (salt) in the foods you eat can greatly increase calcium loss through the kidneys. If you reduce your sodium intake to one to two grams per day, you will hold onto calcium better. To do that, avoid salty snack foods and canned goods with added sodium, and keep salt use low on the stove and at the table.

Get protein from plants: Animal protein---in fish, poultry, red meat, eggs, and dairy products--tends to leach calcium from the bones and encourages its passage into the urine. Plant protein--in beans, grains, and vegetables--does not appear to have this effect.

Don't Smoke: Smokers lose calcium, too. A study of identical twins showed that, if one twin had been a long-term smoker and the other had not, the smoker had more than a 40 percent higher risk of fracture.

Hormone supplements have serious risks: Some doctors recommend estrogen supplements for women after menopause as a way to slow osteoporosis, although the effect is not very great over the long run, and they are rarely able to stop or reverse bone loss.

Reversing Osteoporosis: If you already have osteoporosis, you will want to speak with your doctor about excercises and perhaps even medications that can reverse it.

Osteoporosis in men: Osteoporosis is less common in men than in women, and its causes are somewhat different. In about half the cases, a specific cause can be identified and addressed: Steroid medications, such as prednisone, are a common cause of bone loss and fractures. If you are receiving steroids, you will want to work with your doctor to minimise the dose and to explore other treatments.

Alcohol can weaken your bones, apparently by reducing the body's ability to make new bone to replace normal losses. The effect is probably only significant if you have more than two drinks per day of spirits, beer, or wine.

Consumption of Almond lowers cholesterol levels, reduces the risk of lifestyle diseases and gives overall wellness.

In Italy wedding hosts often gave sugar-coated almonds wrapped in shear fabric to their guests symbolising good health, fertility, romance, fortune and happiness.

Throughout history, almonds have maintained religious, ethnic and social significance. Almonds are appreciated as a staple in the Indian culture not only for their crunch, but also for their nutritional qualities and their health sustaining properties.

A seed from the stone fruit family, almonds are a rich source of nutrients, most notably Vitamin E and protein. A research conducted over the past decade has shown strong links of almond consumption with lowering cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of lifestyle diseases, and overall wellness. Research into nuts has been so extensive that a qualified health claims for certain nuts such as almonds; ability to reduce the risk of heart disease has been approved by the Food and Drug administration in the US.

- Almonds help in fighting diabetes and heart Diseases: The presence of powerful nutrients like proteins, dietary fibre, mono unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and Vitamin E make almond a rich diet source for combating degenerative diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases.

- Almonds are the best source of alpha-tocopherol form of Vitamin-E: Almonds are among the best whole food sources and the bet nut source of alphatocepherol form of Vitamin E. The U.S. National Academy of Science (NAS) recommends consuming 15 milligrams of alpha tocopherol Vitamin E per day. Alpha-tocopherol is one of the form of Vitamin E that is most effeciciently used by the human body.

- Almonds are a great cholestrol lowering food: Nearly 70 percent of the fat in almonds is mono saturated, a suggested substitute to saturated fats, to reduce the cholesterol levels. Research also shows that almond and almond oil have similar cholesterol-lowering effects. Infact eating almonds consistently lowers total and LDL cholesterol respectively by four and five percent. This cholesterol lowering effect is similar to heart healthy foods such as oats and soy.
Almonds can be consumed in various ways. Their delicious tasty flavour relieves the monotony of the regular diets for diabetic and heart patients. Whereas there are still some myths associated with almonds that part us with the wide range of health benefits that this tiny fruit offers. Some of the common myths and their explanations listed below will help you do away with them.

- Almonds should be soaked and peeled before eating:

There is no scientific basis linking the practice of soaking almonds. The almond skin contains fibre, which is good for digestion. This is a misconception that you need to peel almonds before consuming but the fact is that the skin of the almonds contributes to a significant part of the fibre content, a nutrient important for regular bowel movement. The kin also contains anti-oxidants.

- Consumption of almonds results in weight gain:
Latest research has shown that a moderate-fat almind-containing diet results in greater satiety and sustained weight loss as compared to a low fat diet containing the same amount of daily calories.

- Almonds can be consumed only in winters:Almonds can be consumed throughout the year. Infact, a nutritious diet consisting of almonds has been shown to be beneficial in combating lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular disease and obesity. The common belief that almonds cause body heat has not been verified scientifically. But in peak summers, you can also consume almonds in the form of "Badam Sharbat" or "Thandai".

There’s nothing quite like a refreshing slice of icy-cold watermelon on a hot summer day. Watermelon's botanical name is Citrullus lanatus and belongs to the family Curcurbitacae and is related to cucumber family.
Watermelon is an ideal health food because it is 92% water, doesn't contain any fat or cholesterol, and is a great source of vitamins A, B 6 and beta-carotene. Vitamin A plays an important role in vision, bone growth, reproduction, cell division and cell differentiation, which is the process by which a cell decides what it is going to become. Vitamin A also helps maintain the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes that function as a barrier to bacteria and viruses and helps regulate the immune system

Vitamin A helps your eyes see normally in the dark. Lycopene is thought to have powerful antioxidant capabilities that may help reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases. Found only in a few red plant foods like tomatoes and watermelon, lycopene, like vitamin C, neutralizes cell-damaging free radicals. Provides potassium: Watermelon, like most fruits and vegetables, is a good source of potassium. Foods high in potassium seem to help protect against high blood pressure. Potassium also helps regulate fluids and mineral balance in and out of body cells, aids in muscle contraction and helps transmit nerve impulses. Its very low in cholestral and helps you watch your weight!!!. Water Melon is ofcourse the favourite fruit of all weight watchers. It helps control Blood pressure and also lowers the risk of stokes.

Choosing the perfect melon is easy, according to the National Watermelon Promotion Board. First, choose one that is symmetrical and firm, without bruises, cuts or dents. Next, pick it up. You’re looking for one that is heavy for its size. Finally, turn it over. If you see a yellow area, the watermelon rested on the ground while it ripened in the sun, which means you’ll get a sweeter, juicer melon. Contrary to popular belief, don’t thump your melon – slap it. If it sounds hollow, it’s ripe.

There are over 50 different types of watermelons, but two main varieties: Picnic and ice box. Picnic watermelons are generally oblong and weight from 12 to 50 pounds. Ice box varieties are smaller because they’re designed to fit into a refrigerator.

Papaya commonly known as 'PawPaw' is a delicious fruit with butter-like consistency. Once considered quite exotic, they can now be found in markets throughout the year. Although there is a slight seasonal peak in early summer and fall, papaya trees produce fruit year round, with the peak season running from April through October. Originally from southern Mexico and neighbouring countries, the papaya plant is now cultivated in most tropical countries. Papayas are grown in both tropical and subtropical regions, including Mexico, Brazil, India, and Southeast Asia. The trees, related to the North American pawpaw, grow quickly and do not live long, but nevertheless seed easily and yield fruit year-round. There are about 50 varieties of papayas, many of which are inedible and not sold commercially.

The papaya, is the fruit of the Carica papaya tree. Papayas are spherical or pear-shaped fruits that can be as long as 20 inches. The ones commonly found in the market usually average about 7 inches and weigh about one pound. Their flesh is a rich orange color with either yellow or pink hues. Inside the inner cavity of the fruit are black, round seeds encased in a gelatinous-like substance. Papaya's seeds are edible, although their peppery flavor is somewhat bitter.

Papayas are picked completely green and firm, they will usually not ripen, but can be used in cooking. Choose fruit that is free of black spots and damage to the skin. The spreading yellow color indicates the papaya is softening and shows how far along it is in ripening; fruit with a little yellow near the end takes five to seven days to ripen. Ripe yellow papayas may be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. Refrigeration will also slow the ripening process in fruit intended for cooking.

For the biggest nutritional benefits, the fruit, seeds and/or skin should be eaten. But tea made from the leaves or dried fruit has shown many of the same properties. Papaya is most often taken in the form of supplements (papaya enzymes) but if you enjoy tea, you might as well give it a try. The fruit, as well as the other parts of the papaya tree, contain papain, an enzyme that helps digest proteins. This enzyme is especially concentrated in the fruit when it is unripe. Papain is extracted to make digestive enzyme dietary supplements and is also used as an ingredient in some chewing gums. Papayas are rich sources of antioxidant nutrients, minerals and fibre. Papayas may be very helpful for the prevention of diabetic heart disease. Papayas are an excellent source of vitamin C as well as a very good source of vitamin E and beta-carotene, three very powerful antioxidants. These nutrients help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. They are rich in Fibre. The Ayurveda experts have regarded papain as a remedy for abdominal disorders. It is a good medicine for dysentery, hyper-acidity, dyspepsia and constipation. Pimples are removed by rubbing the white pulp of raw papaya on the face. It brings lustre to the face and removes wrinkles.

Momordica charantia or karela or Bitter Gourd is a tropical vegetable. The vegetable skin is warty in nature like that of a crocodile. It is bitter to taste. The plant is slender and is a climber. It bears yellow flowers. The bitter gourd is available in many sizes. The fresh juice of the vegetable is used to treat various ailments like diabetes, colic, sores, fungal infections, etc., Young immature biter gourds are best to cook. The skin in dark green in colour and the flesh is white and the seeds are tender. Its also known as Karela, Balsam pear or Bitter melon.

Bitter gourd is rich in vitamin A, B1, B2 and c and contains minerals like calcium, phosphorous, iron, copper and potassium. It aids purify blood tissue, enhances digestion, and stimulates the liver. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid eating bitter gourd. Since ancient times, the extracts of Bitter gourd have been used in natural medicine. Bitter gourd is a blood purifier, activates spleen and liver. It is a purgative, appetizer and digestive. All parts of the plant, the seeds, leaves and vines, are used for medicinal purposes. Like most bitter fruits and vegetables it promotes digestion. Primarily Asians used bitter gourd to treat malaria. Its is said to have a positive effect in controlling the blood sugar level and is termed as 'Plant Insulin'. Three active constituents in bitter melon know as steroidal saponins (charntin, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids) are believed to be responsible for the blood-sugar lowering. Rich in iron, bitter melon has twice the beta carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, twice the potassium of bananas. Its is used to treat blood disorders like blood boils, scabies, ring worm etc., 

The juice of the leaf is used to treat alcoholism and piles. The juice of the Bitter Gourd leaves are used to treat cholera. It is useful as an emtic, purgative. Excessive ingestion of bitter melon juice, much more than the amount recommended may lead to diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Bitter melon is seldom mixed with other vegetables due to its strong bitter flavour. The Chinese used the bitter melon in stir fry dishes and soups. Bitter melon capsules are also available in the market.

Tomatoes are the best source of Vitamin C. They also contain vitamin A and Potassium

Tomatoes belong to the  family of Solanaceae as potatoes, peppers and eggplants. It is a perennial plant in the tropical regions. Flowers are generally borne in clusters.

The tomato is a native of the area of the Andes Mountains. It is widely known as 'Wolf Peach'. Tomatoes enhance the taste of foods like sauces, chutneys, meat preparations

Tomatoes are the best source of vitamin C. They also contain vitamin A and Potassium.  The red pigmentation of tomatoes is called 'Lycopene'. Lycopene is present in foods like watermelon.  But tomatoes are said to contain the highest amount of lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant. Though raw tomatoes are rich in betacarotene and lycopene cooking them a bit releases the health benefits in entirity.  Tomatoes do not lose any of their nutritional values when cooked or purred.

Lycopene prevents prostrate cancer and retard the growth of tumors. It helps reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.  Cooking actually enhances  the lycopene concentration in the food.  Eating tomatoes cooked in olive aids in absorption of lycopene.

Tomatoes are also used in beauty treatments.  Body masks made of tomatoes are well known.  While buying tomatoes always choose bright red ones as the Lycopene content is always better in red tomatoes.

Mark Twain once said "Cauliflower is nothing but a cabbage with college education". The cabbage is a known vegetable for many centuries many people view cauliflower as an elegant vegetable. Cauliflower is a member of the 'white' family in terms of fruits and vegetables. Brassica oleracea ( Cauliflower), like so many other vegetables, originated in the Mediterranean. It got its name from the Latin words caulis (stalk) and floris (flower).

It is proud member of the cruciferous family, a family which is known for containing nutrients that fight against several diseases. There are two main ingredients in cauliflower indole-3-carbinol, or 13C, and the photo nutrient sulforaphane. Cauliflower also contains vitamin C and folate. The cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale, contain compounds that may help prevent cancer.

Cauliflower contains allicin, which is good for the heart and reduces the risk of strokes, and selenium, a chemical that works well with Vitamin C. It improves the immunity of our system. Cauliflower can also help to maintain the cholesterol level. Cauliflower is an excellent source of fibre. Cauliflower helps to keep the bones healthy. Cauliflower is also rich in Folate which is good for pregnant women.


Cauliflower's unique colour and appearance makes it to stand out among the vegetables in the vegetable tray. When you shop for cauliflowers always buy the dense flowers which are white and without brown spots. Always store the cauliflower in the fridge. Raw cauliflower has more health benefits than cooked ones.