Thursday, January 18, 2007

Walking the best exercise to prevent Obesity

Millions of Indians are threatened by the dual epdemics of diabetes and obesity which in turn is affecting the well-being of the country. The abdominal obesity has the highest risk of all types of diabetes. Surveys have identified that India has the highest number of diabetic patients.
Sheding a few pounds can reduce the risk of diabetes. It is estimated that at least half of all the complications due to diabetes can be eliminated if weight gain can be prevented.
Many studies have proven that 30 minutes of moderate physical activity such as walking is not only a key element to loose weight, but lowers the incidence of type 2 diabetes. Walking is the best exercise that gives a workout to most of the parts of the body. Walking is a form of aerobic exercise that conditions your heart and lungs too.
Regular exercising and balanced healthy diet would help prevent obesity and diabetes. Regular exercising also helps improve the metabolism. It helps burn the excess fat that gets accumulated thus preventing the risk of heart diseases.

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Cauliflower - Health Benefits

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 photonutrient 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 t improve the immunity of our system. Cauliflower can also help to maintain the cholesterol level. Cauliflower is an excellent source of fiber. 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 vetable 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.

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Wednesday, December 27, 2006

What are Flavanoids?

Flavanoids are polyphenolic compounds found in abundance in plants. In simple terms these are responsible for red, orange, yellow and blue coloration of plant foods. There are more than 6000 kinds of Flavanoids found in nature. over the last few years Flavanoids have become nutritional celebrities. Red wine, blue berries, Apples, Tea, Dark chocolates are some foods that are rich in Flavanoids.

The Flavanoids are well known for their antioxidant, anti-inflamatory peoperties. Flavanoids protect cells against oxidative and free radical damage that has been linked to cancer, aging and cardiovascular diseases. The Flavanoids provide more protection than the Vitamin E and Vitamin C which are also rich in antioxidant properties.

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables with a balance of whole grain and pulses provide sufficient quantities of flavanoids. Research has proved that Tea both black and green as well as dark chocolates are all rich sources of Flavanoids. However caution should be taken not to consume excessive quantities of these foods.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Custard Apple - Health Benefits

Custard Apple is a tropical fruit tree that grows easily. It is very popular in India. As it has the taste of custard it is called 'Custard Apple'. The fruit has a peculiar aroma. The plant usually flowers between March and July. The fruits should be plucked before they are ripe and stored for ripening. Custard apple promotes digestion and is used as a cure for vomiting, diarrhoea, dysentry and vertigo. The fruit is rich in minerals like iron, phosphorous, calcium and riboflavin.

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Sunday, November 19, 2006

Pomegranate- Medicinal Benefits

Pomegranate is a very popular fruit and is grown in many parts of the world. It is a six sided fruit of fairly large size. The skin is tough. The fruit has numerous seeds. These seeds are surrounded by a succulent coating of pink or crimson color juice.

It has many medicinal properties. This fruit is a cure for many a illness. All the parts of the plant like the roots, leaves, flowers etc are used for various medicinal purposes. It is a good tonic for the heart. This fruit is a very good remedy for stomach related problems. The fruit is also an effective laxative.

Pomegranate enhances the semen formation, activates memory, acts as a blood purifier and improves the formation of hemoglobin. Consumption pomegranate aids is good blood circulation and promotes mental energy too. It is good against indigestion and dysentery.

They are a good cure for sore throat and chest troubles. The rind of the fruit is given for diarrhea and dysentery. The juice of the fruit added to a few strands of saffron quenches the thristy feeling during fever. The juice helps in toning up the functions of the kidney , heart and liver. The gum inflammations are trated using the bark of the tree.

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