Earth Day Pledge: Eat Green for A Healthy You & A Healthier Planet

There was a time when our elders at home and teachers back in school used to lecture us to eat more of green vegetables. At that time, what they meant by saying "eat green" was to eat more of leafy vegetables and fresh produces to get a healthy system and a sharper mind. But now, when someone says "green eating," he/she means being environmental conscious.

Today, on 22nd of April 2010, when the entire world is celebrating Earth Day, let's take a moment and think over this issue of green eating and its significance. - Why should we consider shifting to green eating, why shun meat from our daily diet, how a change in our eating habits is going to make a difference in the nature around us? Let's take time out from our individual busy schedules, and spare a thought for all these.

The so called Green Revolution in agriculture— the widespread adoption of pesticides, fertilizers, new crops, and a range of scientific farming techniques in the decades following 1945, transformed life throughout the world, mostly for the better. But there was one thing that went against the entire scheme of things. Industrial farming had visibly bad effects on nature, and excessive dependence on fossil fuels and other natural resources led to global warming.

Though the changes are large-scale, we can still try from our ends to undo some of these disastrous effects. And the best way to start doing this, is to include certain changes in our daily eating habits:

- Avoid eating animal and bird meat, and stop depleting livestock. Depend more on plant protein alternatives such as oatmeal, green peas, spinach, and almonds.
- Stay close to the soil, stay closer to Mother Earth.
- Turn vegetarian - it is the coolest way to showcase your environmentally conscious self.
- Enjoy home cooking and home-cooked food.
- Eat plenty of seasonal fruits and vegetables.

These are very simple things. Start following them for a disease-free healthy you and a healthier planet on this Earth Day.

Chocolates for Good Health

Chocolaterians, here's a good new for all of you! If the urge of constant calorie checks and guilt feeling have been stopping you lately from indulging in your favorite food, then here's a reason for you to rejoice and break free. In a recent publication of the European Heart Journal that includes the results of an eight-year study by German researchers, it has been showed that consumption of 6 grams of chocolate—the equivalent of one square—per day, lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke in humans by 39 percent.

Besides, an analysis of three prior studies of chocolate and stroke that was conducted by the researchers from McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada also indicated that eating about one bar of chocolate per week can help decrease the risk of stroke by 22 percent, as well as reduce the risk of death after a stroke. Even those who have already suffered a heart attack can benefit from the consumption of chocolate.

This is not the first time that the nutritional benefits of eating chocolate has come to light. Earlier too, there were evidences that indicated towards its beneficial aspects. Some interesting health facts about eating chocolates are:

- Flavonoid, found naturally in chocolate, works to protect cells from environmental toxins and provides an antioxidant therapeutic effect in the body.

- Flavonoids also work to reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health.

- Chocolate contains cocoa butter that helps in regaining the lost elasticity in the body.

- Chocolate is an anti-inflammatory agent.

So, go induge in the dark delicacy of chocolates and have a blast of a time.

Increase Fluid Intake – Prevent Dehydration

Summer is notorious for extracting moisture from our bodies in the form of vapor. There is an extreme shortage of water and minerals in the body during this time of the year, which sometimes leads to death, a condition called dehydration. Every year during summer, this dreadful health hazard claims several lives in tropical countries like India. This year it's not going to be any different. So, before you fall a prey to this blistering heat, check out the tips on how to prevent dehydration:

• - Water, water, and more water! Drink 10 to 12 glasses a day as the bare minimum. And don't use thirst as an indicator for staying hydrated. Just drink a glass whenever you feel like.
• - Avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages such as coffee, and soft drinks as much as possible, as they only increase the effects of dehydration.
• - Specially formulated sports drinks work great as mineral supplements for body on hot summer days.
• - Take more of whole fruits, specially melons and cucumbers as they are high on water content.
• - Water-based preparations of pulses and lentils, puffed rice soaked in water, and coconut water should be take in adequate quantities to protect body from the harmful effects of dehydration.
• - Parents, be more careful about your kids' health. Children are more susceptible to dehydration. So, make sure you are including enough fluids in their diet.

How to avoid stomach infections in summer?

There must have been times, when you gave the excuse of stomach upset for not attending office just because you were not in mood to work, but when summer is in full swing these things become a reality. Stomach infections are a common problem that most people face during summer, especially in the tropical countries like India. The excessive heat and humidity of these regions during the hotter months of the year lead to the burgeoning of germ populations to a significant extent almost anywhere and everywhere. Result– stomach ailments in humans in various forms. While fungal and bacterial infections are the most commonly heard names in this category, viral gastroenteritis or “stomach flu” also takes a huge toll on your health. So, how to stay alert? How to keep your stomach happy during the summer months? Here you go:

Have small meals, and avoid oily and fried foods. One or two burger(s) a week is fine. But don't over indulge.

Never eat cut fruit salads from road-side stalls.

Strictly stay away from eatables if you find them smelling.

Even if you are using refrigerator, try finishing your food on the same day itself.

Curd! Have bowls of curd, but only the home-made variety.

Eat loads of melons, mangoes, cucumbers and grapes. They have high water content and hence, help to keep your stomach cool.

Carry chlorine tablets for drinking water if you are not carrying your own bottle.

Drink at least 10 to 12 glasses of fluid including water - this includes your favorite smoothie as well. So ... happy?

And yes, do remember to wash your hands with soap before taking food!

Always remember, a healthy eating habit is the best way to enjoy an ailment-free happy summer.

Natural Ways to Cure High BP Levels

High blood pressure has often been called the “silent killer.” Unfortunately it is found that one in three adults have high blood pressure and don’t know it yet! Now, have you ever thought the reasons responsible for it, here are some of them, excessive mental stress and a stressful daily routine life are the main reasons for high blood pressure. Wrong eating habits and irregular life style develop negative thoughts, and lack of physical activity increases the risk of this disease. Get to know some of the natural ways to cure your blood pressure levels, here....

Have a Tangy Lime Juice for a Healthy You!!

Tangy lime juice is the perfect morning drink for you, as you can't even imagine the entire goodness hidden in lemon. The most effective use of having the lime juice is, it aids the digestive system and makes the process of eliminating the waste products from the body easier. But, you are required to take this juice empty stomach, early morning. Read further to explore information about hot lemon juice benefits….

Here's the Right Diet for Diabetic Patients

Proper diet plays a very important role in body metabolism and is essential for diabetic treatment. Proper diet helps magically in patients suffering from diabetes. Moreover, one of the easiest ways to control the blood glucose level of the diabetic patients is to lose weight and this is only by moderating your daily diet. Apart, from moderation in the diet plan, diabetic patient should strictly avoid having saturated fats, as consumption of saturated fats increase the risk of heart diseases......Read the entire article...

The Secret of Complete Wellness- YOGA

Regular practicing of yoga can offer innumerable health benefits. Many people are into habit of practicing yoga regularly as a way to get fit or to maintain the required physique. It can be used to build muscle tone, also helps in increasing flexibility, and also increases cardio-respiratory fitness. Yoga is one of the best ways to decrease blood pressure, as well as it also have an overall calming effect on the body. Read here the advantages of yoga for complete wellness...

Foods to Spice up Your Sexual Life!!

If we simply think of food and sex, both of them are synonyms of each other. A sumptuous food and an enjoyable sex, both give satisfaction and pleasure to a human being. If you want to boost your sex life, food can definitely help you. Here are some foods that will surely help you to add spice in your sexual life......

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Neem and its Excellent Properties!!

Neem and its magnificent properties are one of the most common remedies to cure various kinds of problems, from skin care to diabetes to heart and blood. And that is why this Indian herb has acquired worldwide fame. Neem can also be brought into use for its various medicinal values. Check out some of the beneficial uses of this Indian herb......

Natural Ways to Get Rid of Acne Scars

Even after the acne is gone, individuals can be plagued by it. Acne often leave scars that can be difficult to get rid of. Many companies are into making acne scar creams, that are supposed to fade the scars, but unfortunately it is found that they are not so effective in treating the scars. Here are some home remedies, which will surely help in curing scars......read here...

Try Home Remedies for Flawless Skin!!

Here are the natural ways to transform your skin into soft, supple and glowing complexion. You just need to follow these remedies regularly through out the year and you will experience a glowing, hydrated and rejuvenated skin. So, why wait, let mother nature pamper your skin with her gifted treasures. Read more.....

Healthcare Tips for Pregnant Women

I think being pregnant is one of the most memorable stages of life for every woman. After all, being a mother is a great feeling which moves beyond the expression of words. And with that charm and happiness, women need to take an added responsibility of taking care of their growing child and that care begins with nutrition itself. Here are some health care tips for you and your baby.......

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Amla Berry- Boon for Your Health!

People all over the world are listing benefits of amla berry and I think nothing is left untouched that cannot not be cured by amla.



But the point to ponder is that, when amla fruit is having such powerful medicinal values, why it is not consumed on regular basis like other fruits such as apple, mango or strawberries. Moreover, amla is the most potent natural source of Vitamin C.

Get to know the entire goodness hidden in this small berry.....click here

Natural Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol Level

High cholesterol is a major cause of heart disease and stroke, and many of us are aware of this fact, but are still not conscious. Here are some natural ways to fight with high cholesterol level. Moreover, this particular diet plan is not at all difficult to implement, it just requires strength of will and determination to retain yourself from eating the 'bad' foods. The tips given, must be followed for atleast a month and then the cholesterol level should be checked.......
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Healthy Tips to Make You Smart and Active

Eating healthy is not about strict nutrition philosophies, depriving yourself of the foods you love or staying unrealistically thin. Instead, it’s about feeling enthusiastic, great, having more energy, and keeping yourself as healthy as possible, throughout the day. Here are some tips, that will allow you to stay smart and active all day long.
Read here.....