Tulsi - Health Facts

Tulsi is most commonly used as a seasoning in food and in herbal medicines. Tulsi is rich in calcium, iron and vitamins K and A. It promotes cardiovascular health, protects the body at the cellular level and against unwanted bacterial growth, and cures respiratory diseases like cold, cough, congestion and asthma.

Diabetes and Nutrition

Food and Nutrition are the most interesting things in our life. A large portion of our waking hours is spent on planning, buying, cooking and eating food. Of course, food alone is not the key to a healthier life, but good nutrition should become a part of overall healthy life style. Back in 400 B.C., Hipocrates said, “Let food be your medicine and medicine by your food”. They were emphasizing the link between nutrition and diseases.

Good and proper nutrition is very important in managing diabetes and ensures better control and reduction in medicines.Diabetics don’t need a special diet. Interestingly our traditional Indian diets with slight modification in the sugar and fat intake is ideal for a diabetic. But an occasional intake of these foods is permitted only after making necessary adjustments and also avoiding over indulgence, which can create problem. The daily intake should be spaced into three principal meals and two snacks.A diabetic can make his diet flexible to match his customs, likes, dislikes and health condition by adopting food exchange system.

The food exchanges are:

1. Fruits
2. Vegetables
3. Milk and Milk products
4. Oil, fats and nuts
5. Cereals
6. Meat, fish and pulses

7 steps to healthy eating

1. Avoid visible and invisible
2. Fill up with starchy food
3. Eat at least 3 servings of vegetables a day
4. Get rid of the sugar habit but use
5. Eat enough protein
6. Avoid fasting and
7. Quit smoking and alchol
8. Hence “Eat for Health; Not for Taste”.

The Hindu November 14 2006

Benefits/Drawbacks of Alcohol

People have used alcohol in one form or another since prehistoric times. There are some benefits as well as drawbacks of consuming Alcohol.  Alcohol helps prevent age-related dementia, improves appitite and promotes happy mood.  However, prolonged unlimited consumption may result in addiction, hangovers and liver disorders.
 
Unlike other foods alcohol is not digested, its absorbed by the blood.  The liver metabolizes alcohol. Continous use of excess alcohol damages the liver.   Alcohol is said to control the blood cholesterol. Almost any starchy /sweet food can be turned into alcohol.

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What is AIDS?

AIDS - Acquired immune deficiency syndrome, still has no cure.  This is caused by HIV - human immunodeficiency virus.  This virus directly attacks the immune system of an individual. It reduces absorption of nutrients, especially folate, riboflavin, thiamine, and vitamins B6 and B12.  Person affected by this virus should take a well balanced diet inorder to keep away complications and weight loss.  Death in a affect is person is mostly due to starvation than complications caused by the virus.  The affected individual should never starve.  He should rather concentrate on keeping him/her well hydrated and nourished. 

 

Doctors suggest the infected person to take nutritional supplements to prevent deficiencies caused by this virus.  The infected person should eat foods that are well cooked and should avoid eating partially cooked vegetables and meat.  They should refrain from consuming alchol as it might worsen.

 

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Garlic - The wonder drug

Garlic, 'the wonder drug' has been known for its herbal and curative properties.  It is a natural musquito repellent.  It is also a powerful antioxidant and immune booster with anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic also contains the powerful antioxidant mineral selenium, known for its anti-cancer properties.  The sulfur compounds in garlic have been found to have anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the activity of inflammatory enzymes.This also serves as a natural body detoxifier.  If your skin is not over sensitive to garlic it can also be applied directly to acne spots or herpes.

 

Raw garlic has a very strong flavour.  Some people prefer to take garlic supplements. These pills and capsules have the advantage of avoiding bad breath.  The antioxidant properties of garlic can also protect against cardiovascular disease.  Garlic is renowned for its abilities to lower cholesterol and blood pressure naturally and protect against heart disease and stroke. Garlic health benefits against bacteria, fungi, viruses like herpes simplex viruses, inflammation, cancer, diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol levels.

 

For more health tips click here : www.healthtips.in

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