Wonders of the Neem Tree

FACTS
The Neem tree is a fast growing evergreen that is native to Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. This amazing tree is claimed to treat forty different diseases.

The use of neem as a medicinal herb dates back over 5,000 years. Today it’s benefits have been proven by scientific research and clinical trials.

To give you an idea of the healing powers of the neem tree, here are a few names that the people of India have given it, Divine Tree, Village Pharmacy, Heal All and Nature's Drugstore.

DIABETES
In treating diabetes, neem has been found to actually reduce the insulin requirements by as much as 50% without altering the blood glucose levels. Take 3 to 5 drops internally each day.

BLOOD DISEASES
Neem cleanses the blood, stimulates antibody protection and strengthens the immune system which improves the bodies resistance to many diseases.

MOUTH INFECTIONS
Used as a mouth wash it treats infections, mouth ulcers, bleeding sore gums and will even help prevent tooth decay!

PINK EYES
For pink eye the juice of neem leaves can be used as eye drops, warm 5-10 ml and apply several drops.

JAUNDICE
To treat jaundice, mix 30 ml of neem juice with 15 ml of honey, take on an empty stomach for seven days.

BURNING SENSATIONS
If you suffer from burning sensations and excessive sweating, add 5 to 10 drops of neem oil in a glass of milk before going to bed.

ACNE
For acne problems take 2 capsules twice daily, you will start to see results within a few days.

SINUSITIS
For sinusitis, plain pure neem oil can be used as nasal drops. Use tow drops twice daily, morning and evening.

ATHLETES FOOT
For athletes foot, soak feet in warm water with 15 ml of neem oil.

EAR-ACHES
Neem oil will quickly stop earaches, just warm some oil and apply a few drops into the ear.

LICES
To kill head lice, neem oil should be massaged into the scalp and left on over night. Shampoo your hair as usual the next morning.

INFLUENZA
Drinking neem tea during an outbreak of influenza will help alleviate some of the symptoms and speed up the recovery time.

HEAD-ACHES
For headaches neem powder should be applied to the forehead, neem oil should also work in combating headaches when used the same way.

KINDEY PROBLEMS
Blood disorders such as blood poisoning, kidney problems and poor circulation have been benefited by the use of neem.

OTHER BENEFITS
Neem is highly effective in treating gastritis, indigestion and heartburn. With all of the countless medicinal benefits that are already provided with the use of neem, it is also being studied very closely for a treatment for AIDS, cancer, allergies, diabetes and both male and female forms of birth control!

Neem oil should be stored in a cool dark place, if the oil solidifies it can be placed in warm water to bring back to liquid form. 

10 Things You Probably Won't Hear From Your Doctor

How to prolong your Sexual Youth ?

Overweight and poor nutrition has a bad effect on sexual function.

Follow the simple advice of doctors to conduct a full sex life.

CATERING

Seafood is called "food of love." They contain zinc, phosphorus, calcium and protein. For example, zinc activates cell metabolism and ovarian activity of sperm.

Bananas are rich in potassium, which is absolutely necessary for normal functioning of the cardiovascular system, regulating blood pressure, prevention of stroke and thrombosis. Bananas contain high amounts of vitamin B6, which boosts immunity, improves the functioning of the nervous system and promotes active metabolism of protein in the body. Sources of potassium are also tomatoes, apricots, beans, broccoli, oranges, almonds.
Oil-rich fish contain valuable omega-3. These substances reduce the risk of blood clots, bringing the body of "bad" cholesterol. By fatty include herring, salmon, tuna, trout, mackerel, sardines, mackerel and mackerel.

Corn bread, unpolished cereals, meal rich in fiber and "slow" carbohydrates. These carbohydrates are not deposited in the fat depot and go to building muscle, nutrition of the heart muscle and does not contribute to the formation of excess weight.

Vegetables and fruits red and orange colors contain a huge amount of vitamin C, beta carotene and antioxidants that protect cells from oxidation and activates metabolic processes. Include a menu red Bulgarian pepper, tomatoes, carrots, oranges, etc.

LIFESTYLE

1. Once a year should receive preventive care.

2. Control your weight. Being overweight negatively affects sexual function for women and men.

3. During sexual intercourse with new partners must take care of security. Sexually transmitted infections, lead to violations of reproductive and sexual functions.

4. Physical activity is very important! Daily 30-minute training significantly increases sexual desire.

Coconut Water Benefits

Here is some information about Coconut Water:

'It's a natural isotonic beverage, with the same level of electrolytic balance as we have in our blood. It's the fluid of life, so to speak.'

During the Pacific War of 1941-45, both sides in the conflict regularly used coconut water - siphoned directly from the nut - to give emergency plasma transfusions to wounded soldiers..

Most coconut water is still consumed fresh in tropical coastal areas - once exposed to air, the liquid rapidly loses most of its organoleptic and nutritional characteristics, and begins to ferment.

Coconut Water is More Nutritious than whole milk - Less fat and NO cholesterol!

Coconut Water is More Healthy than Orange Juice - Much lower calories

Coconut Water is Better than processed baby milk- It contains lauric acid, which is present in human mother's milk

Coconut water is naturally sterile -- Water permeates though the filtering husk!

Coconut water is a universal donor-- Its identical to human blood plasma

Coconut Water is a Natural Isotonic Beverage - The same level we have in our blood.

Coconut water has saved lives in 3rd world countries thru Coconut Water.

Coconut water is the very stuff of Nature, biologically Pure, full of Natural Sugars, Salts, and Vitamins to ward off fatigue... and is the next wave of energy drinks BUT natural!', according to Mortin Satin, Chief of the United Nation's Food Agriculture Organization.

Coconut water contains more potassium (at about 294 mg) than most sports drinks (117 mg) and most energy drinks..

Coconut water has less sodium (25mg) where sports drinks have around 41mg and energy drinks have about 200mg!

Coconut water has 5mg of Natural Sugars where sports and energy drinks range from 10-25mg of Altered Sugars.

Coconut water is very high in Chloride at 118mg; compared to sports drinks at about 39mg.

Data is based on a 100ml drink

15 Facts You Didn't Know About Your Body

1. Our body is capable of producing aspirin

Eating fruits and vegetables may help the human body make its own aspirin. Findings from the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry indicate that study participants who received benzoic acid, a natural substance in fruits and vegetables, could make their own salicylic acid, the key component that gives aspirin its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

2. Taking a nap at work is good for your boss

A 20-minute nap can improve your overall alertness, boost your mood, and increase productivity. William Anthony, co-author of The Art of Napping at Work (Larson Publications, 1999), says the post-nap boost can last for several hours. In addition, your heart may reap benefits from napping. In a six-year study of Greek adults, researchers found that that men who took naps at least three times a week had a 37 percent lower risk of heart-related death. 

3. Ejaculation may cause men to sneeze

Some men experience pain, headaches, or sneezing as a result of ejaculation. The increased activity in the nervous system during orgasm may be the culprit in triggering headaches. A possible explanation for the sneezing is that in the brain, the center for orgasms is close to the centers for yawning and sneezing. 

4. Every person has a unique tongue print

Just like fingerprints. The tongue is a unique organ in that it can be stuck out of mouth for inspection, and yet it is otherwise well protected in the mouth and is difficult to forge. The tongue also presents both geometric shape information and physiological texture information which are potentially useful in identity verification applications. 

5. White skin has evolved over time

It seems we were all black ones (consistent with evolutionary fact of first humans in Africa). White skin was a result of humans moving away from the equator. Also all skin, without coloring, would appear creamy white. Near-surface blood vessels add a blush of red. A yellow pigment also tints the canvas. Lastly, sepia-toned melanin, created in response to ultraviolet rays, appears black in large amounts. These four hues mix in different proportions to create the skin colors of all the peoples of Earth. 


6. The foot is home to the body's thickest area of skin


The skin on the palms and the soles of the feet is 4 mm thick and the thickest skin in the body, the heel portions of the feet being the thickest portions. It's also got the most sweat glands than in any other area.

7. The appendix isn't as useless as you think

Long denigrated as vestigial or useless, the appendix actually has a reason to be – as a “safe house” for the beneficial bacteria living in the human gut. The beneficial bacteria in the appendix that aid digestion can ride out a bout of diarrhea that completely evacuates the intestines and emerge afterwards to repopulate the gut.

8. The body is taller in the morning than in the evening

The body is taller in the morning than in the evening. You might want to schedule that basketball game for first thing in the morning. That's because our bodies are on average about half an inch taller in the morning, thanks to excess fluid between our discs, which is replenished while we sleep. As the day goes on, and our bodies undergo the strain of standing, the discs get compressed and the fluid seeps out, so the body loses that small bit of extra height. 

9. Humans glow in the dark

It was revealed by ultra-sensitive cameras that our bodies emit tiny amounts of light that are too weak for the human eye to detect. Amazing pictures of "glittering" human bodies were released by Japanese scientists who have captured the first ever images of human "bioluminescence". Although it has been known for many years that all living creatures produce a small amount of light as a result of chemical reactions within their cells, this is the first time light produced by humans has been captured on camera. Strangely, the areas that produced the brightest light did not correspond with the brightest areas on thermal images of the volunteers' bodies. 

10. The stomach produces a new lining every 3 days to avoid digesting itself with its own acids

There's one dangerous liquid no airport security can confiscate from you: It's in your gut. Your stomach cells secrete hydrochloric acid, a corrosive compound used to treat metals in the industrial world. It can pickle steel, but mucous lining the stomach wall keeps this poisonous liquid safely in the digestive system , breaking down your lunch but not your own stomach.

11. Body position affects your memory

Can't remember your anniversary, hubby? Try getting down on one knee. Memories are highly embodied in our senses. A scent or sound may evoke a distant episode from one's childhood. The connections can be obvious (a bicycle bell makes you remember your old paper route) or inscrutable. A recent study helps decipher some of this embodiment. An article in the January 2007 issue of Cognition reports that episodes from your past are remembered faster and better while in a body position similar to the pose struck during the event.

12. Big brains cause cramped mouths

Evolution isn't perfect. If it were, we might have wings instead of wisdom teeth. Sometimes useless features stick around in a species simply because they're not doing much harm. But wisdom teeth weren't always a cash crop for oral surgeons. Long ago, they served as a useful third set of meat-mashing molars. But as our brains grew our jawbone structure changed, leaving us with expensively overcrowded mouths.

13. Blondes have more hair

They're said to have more fun, and they definitely have more hair. Hair color determines how dense the hair on your head is. The average human has 100,000 hair follicles, each of which is capable of producing 20 individual hairs during a person's lifetime. Blondes average 146,000 follicles while people with black hair tend to have about 110,000 follicles. Those with brown hair fit the average with 100,000 follicles and redheads have the least dense hair, with about 86,000 follicles.

14. The average person expels flatulence 14 times each day

Even if you'd like to think you're too dignified to pass gas, the reality is that almost everyone will at least a few times a day.. Digestion causes the body to release gases which can be painful if trapped in the abdomen and not released.

15. Having orgasms prevent men from prostate cancer

Two large studies, reported in 2003 and 2004, found that middle-aged men who had (or at least remember having) at least four orgasms a week throughout their 20s, 30s and 40s had a reduced risk of prostate cancer by as much as one-third.. Some researchers speculate that ejaculations may clear the prostate of carcinogens.

5 Things You Must Know About Your Body Temperature

Body temperature is an important indicator of our health. What is normal body temperature? What part of the body gives the most accurate readings? Find out the answers to these and other questions regarding body temperature. 

1.Your body is great thermoregulator
Our body has an amazing ability to keep its temperature within safe range to keep you healthy, no matter what conditions you are exposed to outside the body. When you feel hot, you start sweating, which cools you body down. When you feel cold, you start shivering, which is involuntary muscle contractions that generate heat. Goosebumps that appear on skin when you are feeling cold are actually tiny muscles that raise body hairs, which increase their thickness.

2. Normal body temperature
It is commonly accepted that normal human body temperature is 98.6 degrees F or 37 degrees C. However, there is also a number of variations to normal body temperature that depend on many factors, such as the time of the day, outside temperature, age of the person and others. Temperature may vary by 1 degrees F (0.6 degrees C), from 97 degrees F (36.1 degrees C) to 99 degrees F (37.2 degrees C), which is considered within normal range.

3. The body temperature varies throughout the day
Body temperature undergoes minor changes throughout the day. It is the lowest in the morning, between 4 and 6 a.m. And highest in the evening, around 6 to 8 p.m. Temperature also changes during sleep. Usually it starts to drop when we fall asleep, ensuring sound sleep and needed rest.

4. Rectal temperature - most accurate
Body temperature is measured with the help of different types of thermometers in various parts of the body. Temperature taken in your mouth may be influenced by many factors and is usually lower, while rectal and ear measurements are slightly higher than oral temperature readings. Temperature taken in your armpit may me the least accurate since it may not directly indicate core temperature. The most accurate way to measure body temperature is to take temperature rectally.

5. Fever is good for you
Many of us are scared of fever and try to reduce fever with medications. However, fever is not an illness, but the body's defense mechanism that fights infections and is basically harmless. Fever slows the growth of pathogenic bacteria and activates white blood cells to fight infection. Fever may range between 100 degrees to 104 degrees F and higher (37.8 degrees - 40 degrees C), but not all of them need to be treated with medications. The general rule of thumb is that fever medicines are necessary when it causes you or your child discomfort or there are other dangerous signs such as trouble breathing or pain. 

The five best home remedies for colds, coughs and the flu

From the pantry to the bedside, home remedies you can make in a snap help prevent seasonal colds or cure a stubborn case of the flu.


Garlic tea immune enhancer


A well-known immune system strengthener, garlic shines as an antibacterial and antiviral herb for fighting colds, coughs and the flu. One of the best ways to take advantage of garlic's healing properties is by drinking fresh garlic tea. Sweetened with a little raw honey, it's delicious and helps to heal what ails you. Peel 2 to 3 cloves of fresh garlic and lightly crush them with the side of a wide knife blade. Add them to 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for another 15 minutes. Strain the garlic and allow the tea to cool to mouth temperature. Add raw honey, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice. Drink as much as desired.


Red onion and raw honey cough syrup


A wonderful home remedy for adults or kids suffering from a cough uses brown cane sugar, raw honey or stevia and red onions to make a soothing and tasty cough syrup. Wash, peel and slice the entire onion horizontally. Starting with the base of the onion, layer the slices in a bowl alternating with layers of raw honey or brown sugar. Stevia powder works well for this home remedy too; however, it is extremely sweet. Continue adding layers of onion and sweetener until the entire onion is reconstructed in the bowl. Cover and allow the sweetened onion to remain in the bowl on your counter for about 12-15 hours or overnight. The next day, there will be about a cup or more of sweet syrup in the bowl. The cough syrup contains a range of nutrients, vitamins and minerals from the onion and the honey to help fight infection and soothe sore throats and quiet a cough. Take a spoonful as needed. Has no onion-y taste.


Raw honey and lemon for sore throats


A mixture of fresh lemon juice and raw honey provides soothing relief for sore throats and helps stop the tickle that stimulates coughing. Raw honey -- with all its components including royal jelly, propolis and bee pollen -- is high in nutrients and enzymes which kill bacteria and viruses. The vitamin C and antioxidants found in fresh lemons boost the immune system, speeding healing. Together these two home remedies are a powerhouse for getting over a cold and sore throat. Mix the juice of 1/2 the lemon with 2 to 3 tablespoons of honey and sip throughout the day as needed.


Chicken soup antiviral


Chicken soup really does act to knock out a cold or the flu and hasten healing. As long ago as the 12th century, the Jewish physician Maimonides recommended consuming chicken soup to fight colds and flu. Take advantage of the high antioxidant properties and nutrients found in organic vegetables and chicken. Although non-organic chicken soup may relieve some cold symptoms, it also supplies the body with pesticides, growth hormones, herbicides and antibiotics that are not recommended for well being. Go organic all the way and get well quickly.


Mullein tea for coughs and congestion


Mullein tea is well-known for relieving chest congestion from coughs, colds and the flu. It acts as an expectorant, loosening trapped mucous and soothing sore throats. Make mullein tea by filling a tea ball or strainer with dried mullein herb and steeping in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Sweeten with raw honey and drink as needed to relieve symptoms.

25 Home Remedies for Dry Skin to treat Dry, Itchy, Rough, Cracked Skin

Dry Skin home remedies can relieve your skin problems to a great extent. Dry skin face appears dull, flaky and rough. A person having severe dry skin also suffers from dry skin patches, which looks very odd. Market is loaded with tons of dry skin products from mild to extremely cracked dry skin; but unfortunately they do not give expected result despite of having huge price tags. However, you can treat dry skin and get rid of it with the help of home remedies for dry skin. Continuous and consistence use of dry skin remedies can cure itchy dry skin on face.

Home Remedies for Dry skin


• Homemade Facial Masks for Dry skin helps to retain moisture and get rid of dry skin problems.


• Dry skin is the result of lack of water in the body. Start drinking lots of water when you observe your skin is beginning to get dry as this will keep the body hydrated. You can treat dry skin with this simple home remedy.


• Hot water reduces the natural skin oils. Avoid washing your dry skin face with hot and soapy water. Instead use lukewarm water to clean your dry skin followed by an emollient or moisturizer. This way your face skin will be less likely to become dry and cracked. This is the best remedy for dry skin.


• Dry fruits especially almonds help to retain moisture in the skin. Consume dry fruits regularly; continuous intake can help in treating extremely dry skin.


• Few drops of Almond oil added in warm milk at the time of sleeping is an effective home remedy for dry skin.


• Rubbing sesame oil on the affected area after your shower is one of the best home remedies for dry skin.


• Severe cases of dry skin can be treated with the help of avocado oil. You can also apply a paste of avocadoes on your dry skin face to nourish the skin.


• Glycerin also works very well on dry skin and dry lips. This dry skin home remedy can be combined with rose water to have better results. You can also read more home remedies for dry, cracked and chapped lips here.


• Avoid the intake of alcohol and drinks high in content of caffeine, if you are suffering from very dry skin because this can worse the condition.


• This may surprise you but milk bath once in a month can help you to get rid of dry skin.


• A gentle massage of lukewarm olive oil can do wonder to cure the dry skin. Leave it overnight and wash off the face with warm water. This is an excellent natural remedy for dry skin.


• What you put in is what comes out, so be conscious what you are eating. A diet rich in Vitamin A, B and E is also a dry skin remedy as deficiency of these vitamins lead to dry skin.


• Dry patch of skin on chin, mouth, nose, hands and dry skin around lips can be treated by peanut butter. Application of peanut butter will moist these areas for long time. Peanut butter really works on dry skin areas and patches.


• A tablespoon of yogurt applied on dry skin areas is one of the greatest home remedies for the dry skin.


• Poppy seeds is an natural remedy to treat itchy and rough skin. Soak khus khus (poppy seeds) for overnight. Grind it with milk to prepare a paste. Apply the paste on your face.


• Dry cracked, flaky skin can be treated well with the application of honey. Spread honey on the dry skin patches and wash off after half an hour. You can also add few drops of rose water in honey as a natural remedy for dry skin.


• Apple cider vinegar on dry skin areas can cure dry itchy skin.


• Cold weather causes dry skin and banana on face can treat dry skin. Mash banana and add few drops of honey in it. Mix well and spread on your dry skin face. Massage it for 10 minutes and leave it to dry. Rinse off and feel the result. This is a good home remedy for dry skin.


• Dry skin products with high content of aloe vera can help to get rid of dry skin. You can also apply aloevera pulp for 10 to 20 minutes on your dry skin face to treat dry skin.


• Coconut oil is an easily available home remedy for dry skin.


• Take one teaspoon of malai or milk cream, a pinch of turmeric and four to five drops of olive oil. Spread the paste on your dry skin and leave it to dry. Wash after 15 minutes.


• Beeswax can be used for curing dry scaly and cracked skin. This will reduce your dry skin symptoms, giving you soft and smoother skin.


• Dry and cracked heels is a skin problem which hurts a lot. A very effective home remedy is rubbing of the inside part of a banana peel on the heels.


• Papaya is a fruit, which is used in facial masks for dry skin. You can also massage mashed papaya on your face. It will exfoliate your dry skin, removing the dead cells making it glow and soft.


• The natural oil found in peanuts assists to moisturize the dry skin. Make a paste of peanuts and mix it with milk and honey. Apply on your dry skin face. Leave it to dry. Then rinse off the water and pat dry.


Place an air humidifier in your home to moist your surrounding. Avoid soaps with strong chemicals instead switch to natural soaps. You can also use a baby lotion as your moisturizing dry skin lotion as it contains lesser chemicals. You can try any natural remedy from the above list of home remedies for dry skin. Stick to the one, which you feel is the best to treat your dry skin problems.

Useful Diets

10 of the most useful products that are worth incorporating into the diet as often as possible — Created by the very nature of a miracle foods contain whole biologically active complexes of nutrients needed to maintain and restore our health. Of course, the list of such products can be extended to include many kinds of grains, vegetables, fruits and berries.


1. Fish


If the time - at least three times a week - on the menu include fish instead of meat, you can greatly reduce your risk of heart disease and acute (atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and others), as well as blood cholesterol levels. At the same time in their food and culinary qualities of the fish is not inferior to the meat (it contains many beneficial substances for the human body - from 13 to 23% protein, and fats, extractives and mineral matter), but for ease of digestion of proteins even surpasses it.


2. Bread made from rye flour, wheat flour, corn


This is the bread was staple of our ancestors. Bread made from rye flour, wheat flour, whole grain contains not only vitamins and minerals, but also high in fiber. On its wonderful properties known to many things: fiber lowers blood cholesterol and blood pressure, stimulates digestion and accelerates metabolism, displays the body of toxins, promotes cell renewal and even helps preserve youth. But do not forget that all is good in moderation: too much fiber can cause bloating and other unpleasant consequences.


3. Apples


Of the 15 vitamins necessary to man, the apples have been found 12 - a vitamin B complex, C, E, P, carotene, folic acid and others. Many of them, and minerals (potassium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, iodine, iron) and sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose) as well as pectin and fiber. If every day eat apples, you can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Because these fruits cleanse the body of toxins and reduce cholesterol. And besides, they are rich in antioxidants, which protect cells from aging.


4. Carrots


In carrots rich in vitamins A (carotene), also called vitamin beauty, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, E, K, P, PP, minerals (potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, iron, copper, iodine, , phosphorus, cobalt, etc.), it also contains enzymes, fructose, glucose, lecithin, amino acids, proteins and starch. It is recommended for diseases of the heart, liver, gallbladder, kidney, high stomach acidity, salt metabolism disorders, and various inflammatory processes. And carrot prevents the development of cancer, improves blood and is very useful for vision.


5. Pumpkin


Pumpkin without reservation is an ideal vegetable for diet food. No wonder it is recommended to include in the diet for many diseases: heart, blood vessels, stomach, intestine, liver, kidney, and colds. Pumpkin has no equal among the vegetables on the content of iron, so it is indicated for the treatment of anemia. Due to the large quantity of vitamins - C, group B, carotene, E, PP, K, T - it strengthens hair, nails, protects the skin from aging and prevents the appearance of extra pounds. And in a lot of pumpkin pectin and natural antioxidants that remove toxins from the body, lower cholesterol and strengthen the immune system.


6. Blackberry


This miracle berry has surpassed all others in the content of useful substances. It is full of vitamin C (to get his daily dose for an adult should only 30-60 g of berries) and vitamin P (100 g of berries - from 5 to 10 of his daily doses), minerals (iron, magnesium, manganese, and etc.), contains tannin, pectin and organic acids. Black currant strengthens the walls of blood vessels, improves the process of blood, lowers blood pressure and is an excellent tool for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. And it improves the metabolism, prevents the appearance of extra weight and is recommended for the treatment of obesity.


7. Briar


Rosehip knowingly consider means of forty diseases. He ranks first among the fruit and berry plants for the content of vitamin C. A lot of it and other B vitamins (P, K, B group, carotenoids) and minerals (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc, molybdenum, cobalt, chromium), contains sugar, malic and citric acid, tannin and pectin. Infusions, decoctions, teas rosehip prevent the development of cardiovascular disease, increase body resistance to infections and have a restorative and tonic effect.


8. Dried fruits


Dried apricots, dried apricots, dried apricots, prunes, raisins, figs, dates, dried apples and pears can serve as the perfect replacement of sugar and sweets with all sorts of artificial additives. Dried fruits that contain vitamins, minerals (high in potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron) and organic acids include suggestions on the menu at the diseases of the cardiovascular system, lungs, bronchial asthma, anemia, colds. In addition, fruits are an excellent means to strengthen the nervous system, stimulates the blood and cleanse the intestines well.


9. Green tea


Green tea, which contains many vitamins (A, K, PP, C, group B) and minerals (potassium, zinc, fluorine, iodine, etc.), much more useful than black. This drink improves heart, kidney, liver, pancreas and enhances immunity. And green tea normalizes blood pressure, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, improves digestion, neutralizes free radicals, cleanses the body of toxins, reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer and slows the aging process. Another property of this drink - antimicrobial effect, which increases after insisting it within 2-3 days.


10. Honey


Honey is extremely useful: it increases the body's resistance to many infections and has antibacterial properties. It is recommended to accept the treatment of diseases of the liver, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory, etc. This wonderful natural product contains many vitamins (C, K, E, F, group B), enzymes, organic acids and proteins, and in the number of trace elements - whole periodic table: potassium, calcium, manganese, chromium, sodium, nickel, silicon, magnesium, iron, copper, silver and others.

Are you breathing right?

It is so crucial to life that we should be paying more attention to it, but strangely, we don’t. We worry about erratic pulse rates and ECGs, but not about whether we breathe right. Most of us do not maximize on our breathing potential. But master the art of breathing and you will be rewarded with improved concentration, creativity, boundless energy, physical harmony, mental composure and serenity! 


Abdomen aesthetics 


We can learn the right way of breathing from babies! Surprised? “That’s because, unlike adults, they aren’t inhibited. Even adults breathe harmoniously when they sleep,” says Dr. N Chandrasekaran, director, therapy, Krishnamachari Yoga Mandiram (KYM). 


When you inhale the right way, the dome-shaped diaphragm (located just under our lungs) gets flattened and pushed down, which in turn pushes the upper abdomen out. “Many of us consider abdominal projection unsightly and, therefore, draw in our tummies (abdomen) when we breathe in. This curtails vertical expansion of the lungs and allows us to draw in only about half the air we would have inhaled, had we breathed normally. It also creates a tightness in the area, which can make you emotionally tense too,” says Dr. Chandrasekaran. “For a healthy life, abdominal breathing is critical and about 60 per cent of our bodily ailments can be healed when we correct the way we breathe. Deep breathing can cause a noticeable fullness in the upper abdomen, which is healthy, and indicative of a relaxed abdomen, body and mind. But the lower abdomen should never bulge out, he adds. 


Allopaths, such as Dr. Raj B. Singh, chief respiratory physician, Apollo Hospitals, however, feel most of us breathe normally and our body will automatically take in the volume of air it requires. “But breathing exercises calm the mind and allow the body to work better,” he agrees, adding, “Breathing exercises are important for obese persons and smokers, as it clears the collapsed airways in their lungs.” Aerobic exercises (without weight lifting), such as swimming and vigorous games, facilitate deep breathing and better blood circulation. 


Ideally, we should take in about 16 to 18 breaths per minute. Get into a comfortable, lying down position, which relaxes your abdominal muscles, and watch how you breathe. Now place your right hand on your chest and observe the movement. Let your exhalations and inhalations be as deep and as long as you are comfortable with. Allow your upper abdomen (above the umbilicus region) to bulge out during inhalation. “Practise this for about 15 minutes in the morning and evening, and the effect will soon spill over into your breathing pattern throughout the day,” says Dr. Chandrasekaran. 


Anger control and relaxation 


If you have a harmonious breathing pattern, it harmonizes your physiological systems. Emotionally, it makes you relaxed and composed. 


Deep breathing with slow release or exhalation followed by a gentle holding of breath leads the brain into the creative alpha state, brain power trainers believe. 


Focussed, long inhalation can energise you. So, the next time you feel sleepy in the office, take a deep breath. Likewise, if you feel tense and stressed, focus on exhalation and make it as long as you are comfortable with. 


Helps you calm down 


When your mind is anxious, agitated, or angry, you tend to hyperventilate and your systolic blood pressure and heart beat rate shoots up. “By consciously slowing your breathing, and breathing deeply, you can bring your breathing to normal. This brings the agitated mind too back to normal and quietens it,” says Dr. Shanthi Raj, Sundaram Medical Foundation. 


On the contrary, during panic/anxiety attacks, she suggests breathing into paper bags for about two minutes, wherein you take in more carbon dioxide into your blood. This vaso-dilates the brain and helps you calm down. 


Breathing is the rationale behind meditation, pranayama and other techniques which are supposed to empower the mind. “The normal nature of the mind is to move from object to object. Focussed breathing enhances the mind’s focus, makes it powerful and prepares it to fix its attention on a single thing,” says Dr. Chandrasekaran.


To breathe well is to live well, believed our ancient yogis, some of whom survived for days on just breath and without food or water. Whew! Take a breather! 


TAKE A BREATHER


Let your inhalation and exhalation be as long and as deep as you are comfortable with. 


Don’t draw in your tummy while inhaling. Allow your upper abdomen to jut out while inhaling. 


Inhale deeply to refresh/energise yourself.


Exhale deeply to relax and calm yourself.


Practise breathing exercises such as pranayama for a few minutes everyday. 


Aerobic exercises enhance breathing and blood circulation.

TOP 10 foods for a good nights sleep

What is the secret to getting a solid 7 to 8 hours of sleep? Head for the kitchen and enjoy one or two of these 10 foods. They relax tense muscles, quiet buzzing minds, and/or get calming, sleep-inducing hormones - serotonin and melatonin - flowing. Yawning yet?

Bananas. They're practically a sleeping pill in a peel. In addition to a bit of soothing melatonin and serotonin, bananas contain magnesium, a muscle relaxant.

Chamomile tea. The reason chamomile is such a staple of bedtime tea blends is its mild sedating effect - it's the perfect natural antidote for restless minds/bodies.

Warm milk. It's not a myth. Milk has some tryptophan - an amino acid that has a sedative - like effect - and calcium, which helps the brain use tryptophan. Plus there's the psychological throw-back to infancy, when a warm bottle meant "relax, everything's fine."

Honey. Drizzle a little in your warm milk or herb tea. Lots of sugar is stimulating, but a little glucose tells your brain to turn off orexin, a recently discovered neurotransmitter that's linked to alertness.

Potatoes. A small baked spud won't overwhelm your GI tract, and it clears away acids that can interfere with yawn-inducing tryptophan. To up the soothing effects, mash it with warm milk.

Oatmeal. Oats are a rich source of sleep - inviting melatonin, and a small bowl of warm cereal with a splash of maple syrup is cozy - plus if you've got the munchies, it's filling too.

Almonds. A handful of these heart-healthy nuts can be snooze-inducing, as they contain both tryptophan and a nice dose of muscle-relaxing magnesium.

Flaxseeds. When life goes awry and feeling down is keeping you up, try sprinkling 2 tablespoons of these healthy little seeds on your bedtime oatmeal. They're rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a natural mood lifter.

Whole-wheat bread. A slice of toast with your tea and honey will release insulin, which helps tryptophan get to your brain, where it's converted to serotonin and quietly murmurs "time to sleep."

Turkey. It's the most famous source of tryptophan, credited with all those Thanksgiving naps. But that's actually modern folklore. Tryptophan works when your stomach's basically empty, not overstuffed, and when there are some carbs around, not tons of protein. But put a lean slice or two on some whole-wheat bread mid-evening, and you've got one of the best sleep inducers in your kitchen.

A Deep and Dreamy Sleep

Sleep has always been a somewhat magical state with a mysterious purpose. In Hindu scripture, the world itself is considered the dream of a sleeping Vishnu.


Why do we need sleep? There is no good answer to this question, but it is an ancient biological process. Two stages of sleep, the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage, and the Delta-wave, or slow-wave sleep each have distinctive effects on different types of memory and decision making. Sleep is also a general healer. It promotes the rejuvenation of the immune, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems, and a healer of wounds.


Body Chemistry: There is a particularly strong effect of sleep on body chemistry. The important anabolic (body-building) hormones, growth hormone, and insulin are secreted preferentially during sleep and reduced by poor sleep. Reductions in sleep duration result in prediabetic chemistry-even a single disrupted night of sleep can alter insulin response in young, healthy people. Similarly, in one's youth, up to 70% of daily growth hormone is secreted during the deepest part of sleep. With ageing, this decreases with a fall in deep sleep. If we could increase deep sleep in the elderly, we might induce a younger hormonal pattern. Exercise and meditation both increase deep sleep.


How much is enough? The amount of sleep one gets seems to correlate with longevity; seven hours is the 'sweet spot'. A lack of sleep (5 hours or less) more than doubles the risk of cardiac death while too much (8 hours or more) seems to be associated with non-cardiac death. Too little sleep seems to be a particular risk factor for weight gain, hypertension and type 2 diabetes.


Naps: As India lurches towards a more Westernised life, the mid-afternoon nap may become rare. That would be a shame. A study from Greece confirms that regular napping (three times a week, 30 minutes) decreased the risk of coronary disease by 37%!


Factors that influence sleep: Caffeine In the West, caffeine is one of the major culprits in the sleep disruption of modern life- even more so in recent years. Tea has far less caffeine than coffee.


Exercise: Aerobic exercise that lasts for an hour will help you get to sleep and stay asleep. However, it may take up to three weeks for the full effect to be noticeable.


Alcohol: Alcohol at night reduces the healing benefits of sleep. While people fall asleep faster, alcohol increases lighter REM sleep and shortens slow-wave sleep and overall sleep time. As a result, it can cause more sleepiness the next day.


Melatonin: The body creates a chemical called melatonin, which may be a helpful sleeping aid in certain situations like jet lag, shift work, and general insomnia. I sometimes recommend it, particularly for post-surgical patients.


While some take melatonin nightly and tout it as an anti-ageing cure-all, I generally advise my patients to use it sparingly in specific settings until we know more about long-term effects. For jetlag, the optimal dose appears to be 5 mg, taken at bedtime in the new timezone; for insomnia, a dose less than one-tenth of that (0.3 mg).


The bottomline: Folk wisdom about the healing properties of sleep is absolutely correct. Too often it is neglected by physicians in their advice to patients. With a systematic approach and some discipline, you can improve your sleep, feel better and live healthier and longer!

Some Useful Tips to Avoid Back Pain

Back pain is a matter of swear pain sometimes, and we all can go through this problem at any stage of our life. But there are ways by which you can prevent it from happening to you. Here are 5 important ways to prevent yourself from back pain.




1 – Get up and get moving


Keeping spine and body of yours healthy is really important and for that, exercise is the best solution. You should start with an activity that you love to do and also make sure that activity should be of that type that makes you breath harder than your usual routine and you should do 30 minutes exercise everyday(or on most days of the week) including some hard exercises that make your muscles strong and healthy. This is very good for the circulation process of your body. Some examples are jogging, biking, swimming and gardening can also be a good exercise if done hard.


2 – See your doctor


Make a routine of yours to visit your physician at least once or twice in a year, that’s very much important that you should get yourself medically checked and ensure that all the body systems are working in their proper way and for this thing age does not matter. If you are experiencing back pain for a long time and don’t find relief then definitely you should consult your doctor because in the present medical era, many type of treatments are available, so you don’t have to worry about getting that back pain for life time.


3 – Lose weight


Getting overweighed is another problem causing many heart diseases, diabetes and blood pressure as well as causes your spine to pain and eventually wear out. And according to analysis half of American population is overweighed. So for this reason reduce some weight and relax your spine. If you don’t know the way to reduce weight, consult your doctor to help you with diet plans and exercises necessary to reduce weight.


4 – Good posture


Some people think that slouching while sitting or standing helps to relax your muscles but that’s not true, actually muscles work harder due to that. To avoid exerting extra pressure on your spine, make yourself to be in a good posture that demands you to sit and stand in a relaxed and neutral position.


5 – Rest easy and properly


To sleep on an easy mattress that maintains the same natural alignment of your spine is also a very important thing. If you feel uneasy while sleeping and in the morning you feel your muscles are in pain and you are not feeling fresh, then you must give a look to your bed. Having a complete and easy sleep wakes you up fresh and healthy in the morning. If you keep your back healthy, this will keep you look good for a long time.

Health Benefits of Exercise

Regular exercise can help protect you from heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, noninsulin-dependent diabetes, obesity, back pain, osteoporosis, and can improve your mood and help you to better manage stress.

For the greatest overall health benefits, experts recommend that you do 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic activity three or more times a week and some type of muscle strengthening activity and stretching at least twice a week. However, if you are unable to do this level of activity, you can gain substantial health benefits by accumulating 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity a day, at least five times a week.

If you have been inactive for a while, you may want to start with less strenuous activities such as walking or swimming at a comfortable pace. Beginning at a slow pace will allow you to become physically fit without straining your body. Once you are in better shape, you can gradually do more strenuous activity.

How Physical Activity Impacts Health

Regular physical activity that is performed on most days of the week reduces the risk of developing or dying from some of the leading causes of illness and death in the United States.

• Reduces the risk of dying prematurely. 

• Reduces the risk of dying prematurely from heart disease. 

• Reduces the risk of developing diabetes. 

• Reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure. 

• Helps reduce blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure.

• Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer. 

• Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety. 

• Helps control weight. 

• Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints. 

• Helps older adults become stronger and better able to move about without falling. 

• Promotes psychological well-being.

Specific Health Benefits of Exercise

Heart Disease and Stroke. Daily physical activity can help prevent heart disease and stroke by strengthening your heart muscle, lowering your blood pressure, raising your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (good cholesterol) and lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels (bad cholesterol), improving blood flow, and increasing your heart's working capacity.

High Blood Pressure. Regular physical activity can reduce blood pressure in those with high blood pressure levels. Physical activity also reduces body fatness, which is associated with high blood pressure.

Noninsulin-Dependent Diabetes. By reducing body fatness, physical activity can help to prevent and control this type of diabetes.

Obesity. Physical activity helps to reduce body fat by building or preserving muscle mass and improving the body's ability to use calories. When physical activity is combined with proper nutrition, it can help control weight and prevent obesity, a major risk factor for many diseases.

Back Pain. By increasing muscle strength and endurance and improving flexibility and posture, regular exercise helps to prevent back pain.

Osteoporosis. Regular weight-bearing exercise promotes bone formation and may prevent many forms of bone loss associated with aging.

Psychological Effects. Regular physical activity can improve your mood and the way you feel about yourself. Researchers also have found that exercise is likely to reduce depression and anxiety and help you to better manage stress.

Banana Benefits

Black Pepper - Health Benefits

The health benefits of black pepper include relief from respiratory disorders, cough, common cold, constipation, digestion, anemia, impotency, muscular strains, dental care, pyorrhea, diarrhea, and heart disease.


Black pepper is the fruit of the black pepper plant from the Piperaceae family and is used as a spice and also as a medicine. The chemical piperine, present in black pepper, causes the spiciness. It is native to the southern state of India, Kerala. From ancient times, black pepper is one of the most widely traded spices in the world. It is not seasonal and is, therefore available throughout the year.


Because of its antibacterial properties, pepper is also used to preserve food. It is a source of manganese, iron, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin K and dietary fiber. Black pepper is a very good, anti-inflammatory agent.


The health benefits of black pepper include the following:


Good for stomach: Pepper increases the hydrochloric acid secretion in stomach and thus, helps digestion. Proper digestion is essential to avoid diarrhea, constipation and colic. Pepper also helps to prevent formation of intestinal gas. Pepper-added diet promotes sweating and urination.


Helps to lose weight: The outer layer of peppercorn assists in the breakdown of fat cells. Hence, peppery foods are a good way to help you shed weight.


Good for skin: Pepper helps to cure Vitiligo, which is a skin disease that causes some areas of skin to lose its normal pigment and turn white. According to researchers in London, piperine contained in pepper can stimulate the skin to produce pigment. Topical treatment of piperine combined with ultra violet light therapy is much better than the other treatments for vitiligo. It also reduces the chances of skin cancer due to excess ultraviolet radiation.


Relief for cough and cold: In Ayurveda pepper is added in tonics for cold and cough. Pepper gives relief from sinusitis and nasal congestion.The antibacterial property of black pepper helps to fight against infections, insect bites etc. Pepper added diet helps to keeping your arteries clean.


Good antioxidant: An antioxidant, like pepper, can prevent or repair the damage caused by the free radicals and thus helps to prevent cancer, cardiovascular diseases and liver problems.


Enhances bio Availability: Black pepper helps in transporting the benefits of other herbs to different parts of body.


According to Ayurveda, black pepper also helps avoid ear-ache and gangrene. It is also good for conditions of hernia, hoarseness and insect bites. It relieves joint pain.


It is a good treatment for respiratory conditions like asthma, whooping cough etc.


It is used to treat conditions of tooth decay and toothache. In ancient times, pepper was also used to treat eye problems.


Preparing grounded pepper powder at home is better than buying ready-made pepper powder. But even home-made powder retains its freshness for only up to 3 months. Whole peppercorns can keep their freshness indefinitely.


Thus, adding a pinch of black pepper to every meal helps improve taste and digestion. It also improves your overall health and well being.


Precaution: Pepper may cause sneezing. Patients who’ve undergone abdominal surgery should not take pepper added diet because pepper has an irritating effect on the intestines. It is also not good for people with ulcers. Black pepper should not be taken in high concentration.