Barley helps lower Cholesterol and in Treatment of Diabetes and Obesity

Barley, a type of whole grain, is originated in Ethiopia and Southeast Asia. It belongs to the family of gluten grains. Ancient Greeks used bread made of barley and barley has been a part of our provisions from time known. We have been using the barley plant as food and as medicine. Barley is readily available in the market and it is available in the form of grains as well as flakes and grits. The whole barley grain is rich in fibre content. Barley is used to treat diabetes and obesity and also helps lower cholesterol. The insoluble fibres present in barley is a best feed for the beneficial bacteria in the digestive track thus aiding in the growth of the bacteria. Barley forms an integral part of the chinese medicine as a anti phlegm formula.

Whether purchasing barley in bulk or in a packaged container, make sure that there is no evidence of moisture. Store barley in a tightly covered glass container in a cool, dry place. Barley can also be stored in the refrigerator during periods of warmer weather. Barley is a wonderfully versatile cereal grain with a rich nut like flavor and an appealing chewy, pasta-like consistency, it is slightly lighter in color. Sprouted barley is naturally high in maltose.

Like all grains, before cooking barley, rinse it thoroughly under running water and then remove any dirt or debris that you may find. After rinsing, add one part barley to three and a half parts boiling water or broth. After the liquid returns to a boil, turn down the heat, cover and simmer. Add some whole barley to a pot of soup to improve your health and increase the flavour. Barley is a better breakfast for people with diabetese

The properties of barley are sweet and neutral. The Ayurvedic healing system uses it for balancing kapha and pitta. Barley is easily digestable than wheat.

Tips on Nutritious Food

Health Benefits of Honey

Honey is not only yummy to taste but is good for health too. Although its produced by insects and consumed by man it carries lots of benefits. While being healthier, Honey has also traces of vitamins and minerals. Due to the water content present in honey it is less in calories and carbohydrates than sugar. The Glucose and fructose in honey contribute to the sweetness of honey. The clear nature of honey exhibits the higher content of fructose present in it. These simple surgars present in honey are easily digestable and impart instant energy to the body.

Honey has other benefits such as:

-Its used as a cure for gatrointestinal problems.

-Honey consumed with warm milk is a relief for sore throats.

-Honey is a natural antioxidant.

-Honey mixed with a glass of warm milk and consumed at nights promotes good sleep.

-Honey keeps obesity and constipation at bay.

-Honey acts as a decongesant.

-Honey is a good moisturiser for skin and hair.

-Honey forms an important part in many a home remedies.

-Pepper fried in ghee and mixed with honey given to young children suffering with severe cough helps reduce the cough.

-One spoon of honey mixed with lemon juice in a glass of warm water consumed in empty stomach cleases the entire digestive system.

-Gargling Honey is very useful for gingivitis.

Using honey in baked foods helps them from going dry

Tips for Good Health and Nutrition

Nutritional Benefits of Papaya - Rich sources of Antioxidant Nutrients, Minerals and Fibre

Papaya, a rich source of Anti-oxidants, minerals and fibre helps cure many natural ailments. The highly nutritious fruit helps in clearing digestion issues and also is useful in skin treatment. The abundant source of anti-oxidants helps cure problems related to the Heart.

The yellow fruit is available all through the year and is more available during April to October. The fruit, seeds and the skin all have unique benefits and help human health in various ways. The soft pulp of the fruit while applied on the face also helps in reducing wrinkles and gives a better glow on the face. The seeds can be dried and used in making tea. The dried fruit helps cure digestion issues when mixed with tea.

Nutritious Benefits of Papaya and Tips for Good Health

Health Tips - Control and Keep Dandruff Away

What is Dandruff?

Dandruff is the most common condition affecting the scalp. The medical name for this condition is pityriasis capitis.

Skin is constantly renewing itself and dead cells from the scalp fall off as new cells form beneath them. It is normal to shed some dead skin flakes as the skin is constantly renewing itself. The new cells form in the lower layers. They are gradually pushed to the surface as more new cells form beneath them. By the time they reach the surface, the cells have become flat and overlap each other roof tiles. By then, these cells are dead and are shed from the surface all the time. They are so small that we do not notice this is happening. Everyone loses skin cells in this way, but with dandruff the whole process is faster, so a greater number of cells are shed. The cells are also shed in clumps that are big enough to be seen by the eye as dandruff flakes, particularly when they land on dark clothing. The scalp can also be itchy.

Dandruff usually begins at puberty — about the same time as acne. It's common throughout adolescence and young adulthood and peaks around age 40. But older adults aren't immune, and for some people, the problem can be lifelong.

Because far more men than women have dandruff, some researchers think male hormones may play a role in dandruff. Men also have larger sebaceous glands that produce an oil called sebum. Almost any adult is a candidate for dandruff.

Exactly what causes an overgrowth of these organisms isn't known, although increased oil production, hormonal fluctuations, stress, illness, neurologic disorders such as Parkinson's disease, a suppressed immune system, infrequent shampooing, extra sensitivity to the malassezia fungus and even heredity may contribute to the development of dandruff.

It can be difficult to prevent dandruff completely, but it can be controlled. Mild cases may need nothing more than daily shampooing with a gentle cleanser. And stubborn flakes often respond to medicated shampoos. Dandruff particles are visible flakes of skin that have been continuously shed from the scalp.

Severe or persistent dandruff may be a symptom of eczema, psoriasis or seborrhoeic dermatitis. If your dandruff is very noticeable, very itchy and uncomfortable or hangs on weeks after you have tried to correct it, see a doctor. Look for a shampoo containing tea tree oil. Dandruff is a chronic condition that can almost always be controlled, but it may take a little patience and persistence. In general, mild scaling can often be helped by daily cleansing with a gentle shampoo to reduce oiliness and cell buildup.

Healthy Tips to Control and Keep Dandruff Away

- Limit sugar and yeast: Sweets and yeast-containing foods such as bread, beer and wine may encourage the growth of the fungus that causes dandruff.
-Keep your scalp free from dust
-Use shampoo with Tea Tree Oil.
- Include Omega -3 Fattty acids part of your diet.
- Include zinc in your diet.
-There are plenty of home remedies for dandruff: rubbing a cut onion on your head, massaging your scalp with three-day-old cheese, rinsing with vinegar. Some may actually help, but they leave a lot to be desired, aesthetically speaking. That's why most complementary approaches focus on treating the problem from the inside out — with diet and nutritional supplements.

For more Tips on Skin Care

Beetroot for Health

'Beta Vulgaris'or beetroot are commonly a deep red, round vegetable used for pickling. Can be eaten raw in
salads. It is commonly believed to be good for the blood. This is not correct. It is not high in iron so it will not help prevent anaemia. Beetroot is a good source of fiber. It is regarded as a laxative; a cure for bad breath, coughs and headaches.

Tips to Cure Blood Pressure

Many physicians now agree that daily consumption of garlic can bring down cholesterol levels and high blood pressure in our body. The medicinal properties of garlic were known to mankind even 5000 years ago. Its volatile oils contain several complex sulphur compounds which act as potent antibiotics and antiseptics. It can cure us of common cold, nausea and diarrhoea. It can cure sore throat as well.

Garlic is a close relative of onion and a member of lily family. Though native to Asia, it was very popular in other continents also for many hundreds of years. In ancient days, it was believed to have been worn as a n amulet to ward off vampires.

Yoga Tips for Good Health and Weight Reduction

Yoga benefits all three main aspects of life, the spirit, mind, and body. Whatever is your age, yoga can enhance your lifestyle. It can help teenagers to keep their youthful flexibility and give them the inner strength. For older people gentle yoga exercises aids them to retain mobility and may relieve problems such as arthritis and poor circulation. Everyone can benefit from following a regular yoga routine.

Yoga can enable one to relax fully, and promotes sound sleep; it also improves digestion and stimulates circulation. Yoga improves posture, increases the intake of oxygen, and enhances the functioning of the respiratory, digestive, endocrine, reproductive, and elimination systems. Yoga is a holistic form of exercise and its benefits go way beyond the physical, and into the mental and emotional fields.

One of the core components of most yoga systems is the practice of meditation that can help to eliminate symptoms of illness by quieting the mind and by focusing the mind on positive thoughts and images.

Psychological Benefits of YOGA
It frees the practitioner both physically and mentally, often heightening intuition and creativity. Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness, increases body awareness, relieves stress, relaxes the mind and sharpens concentration.

Weight Reduction
Yoga also aids in weight management. Yogic exercises induce more continuous and deeper breathing which gradually, sometimes forcefully, burns many of the calories. This wonderful practice also increases flexibility in the body and increases lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons.

High Blood Pressure

The relaxation and exercise hypertension. The yogic breathing and relaxation techniques has been found to lower blood pressure and reduce the need for medication.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, yoga promotes good health in both mother and unborn child. Most women who practice yoga find that it can make labor easier and shorter. Although some asanas have to be modified during pregnancy, their essence is perfectly suited to this time of expanded self-awareness. Pregnancy is also a very good time for meditation.

Respiratory problems

Patients who practice yoga have a better chance of gaining the ability to control their breathing problems. With the help of yogic breathing exercises, it is possible to control an attack of severe shortness of breath without having to seek medical help. Various studies have confirmed the beneficial effects of yoga for patients with respiratory problems. Deep breathing gives vitality by increasing the supply of oxygen to the brain and meditation enhances the powers of concentration. Part of yoga practice is deep breathing, which helps make the body more alkaline.

The Acid: Alkaline ratio

Acid:Alkaline ratio is crucial to good health. It should be 80 per cent alkaline, 20 per cent acid. This ratio has to be maintained.

How to Begin???
When you're starting up, you shouldn't do anything your body isn't ready for. No head stands, backward bending or forcing yourself into a cross-legged position. Start slowly and build your way up to a healthy flexible body. Yoga also works to unite the split between the mind and the body. The regular practice of yoga helps us to accept whatever physical or mental conditions we might be suffering from by increasing our immediate sense of well being, concentration, and calm.

Spinach - A High Nutrient Food

Popeye popularized Spinach belongs to the same family (Chenopodiaceae) as chard and beets. It shares a similar taste profile with these two other vegetables - it has the bitterness of beet greens and the slightly salty flavor of chard. Spinach is thought to have originated in ancient Persia (Iran). Spinach is a leafy green vegetable with delicate texture and jade green color provide more nutrients than any other food. Although spinach is available throughout the year their season runs from March through May and from September through October when it is the freshest, has the best flavor and is most readily available. Spinach grows well in temperate climates.

Spinach can have either flat or slightly crinkled leaves. It is often available as baby spinach, which is especially useful for salads. Spinach can be purchased fresh, frozen, or canned. Fresh spinach is sold in bunches or already washed and sealed in plastic bags. Spinach is usually very sandy and needs thorough washing. Trim the roots and then swish the leaves in a large bowl of water. A number of other greens that are similar to spinach are often sold in specialty stores. These include New Zealand spinach, which comes from a different plant family. Spinach can be consumed cooked or raw. Baby spinach leaves are especially good in salads with bleu cheese, walnuts, red onions, and a vinaigrette dressing.

Spinach cooks very quickly, and doesn’t need added water. Just place it in a pan, cover, and simmer for two to four minutes. Spinach is a good addition to stews and to soups that contain beans, pasta, or potatoes, or to any kind of curry dish. Spinach can also be creamed. Cook the spinach, then purée in a food processor, adding your choice of ricotta cheese, cream sauce, or soft tofu. Add herbs, salt, and pepper, and use as a stuffing for lasagna or pasta shells, or toss with pasta or rice. Creamed spinach can also be thinned with broth or milk to make soup. Good seasonings for spinach include fresh lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, dill, parsley, basil, nutmeg, and mushrooms.

Cooked spinach is an excellent source of iron. It's more important for menstruating women, who are more at risk for iron deficiency. And, for pregnant or lactating women, the needs for iron increase. Spinach can also help prevent colon cancer. In addition, spinach is a very good source of magnesium, a mineral that can help to lower high blood pressure and protect against heart disease as well.

Women Special - For Beautiful Hands

Hands are essential parts of one’s body. Hands cannot be kept hidden and they are exposed to all kinds of weather conditions. However, they constantly come in touch with water which contains powerful chemicals like washing powder, bleach and washing liquids. We need to keep them beautiful.

Proper care of the hands should be taken by drying them with the towel everytime you come in contact with water. A pair of gloves should be worn during all household chores like cleaning washing etc..,

Every night, hands should be washed with mild soap and scrubbed thoroughly with a brush. In case of hard skin it should be whizzed over with a pumice stone. If the fingers get stained due to vegetables, rub a piece of lime over the stained finger, this will help bleach the stain.

The hands should be soaked in warm olive or almond oil for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinsed well and dried and should be treated over with rich cream and this should be done atleast twice a week.

A useful remedy for keeping the hands young and beautiful is to dip the hands at wrist level in a bowl of milk. To rejunevate tired hands soak them in warm water to which some salt is added. Soak the nails in vegetable oil and rub them over with some herbal shampoo.

A few minutes a week for you hands would make them look and feel young and beautiful without regular visits to a beauty parlour.

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The cucumber belongs to the family like melons, squash and pumpkins. Cucumbers are scientifically known as Cucumis sativus. This vegetable has very rich in water content and very less calories. It is an excellent source of potassium which promotes flexibility in muscles and regulates bloodpressure, vitamin C and folic acid.

Cucumber is a women's friend whenthey are on a diet but also for its cosmetic properties. Cucumber has a cleansing action within the body by removing waste material and chemical toxins. It might help in the treatment of arthritis. Its poor content in calories make it the perfect food for diet.

Cucumber Juice has valuable substance present for the treatment of the whole intestinal tract. The other health benefits of cucumber are low in calories. Cucumber juice is certainly beneficial in the treatment of rheumatic conditions. Moreover, the dietary fibers present in cucumber regulate cholesterol level and support bowel regularity. Cucumber juice is nourishing for our skin and hair. Young people who often feel nauseous and have poor appetite, and those with skin rashes or suffer from loss of hair color could have manganese deficiency. Including cucumber juice in their diet is a healthful tip. Its liquid has the reputation of being rejuvenator and makes us feel and lookyouth. Slice a cucumber and apply it on your face. Although the whole juice is the best skin lotion it is worth remembering that the peel itself, like lemon peel, should always be retained and used on the hands especially after they have been in a strong detergent or in very hot water.