Health Benefits Of Beetroot

Health Benefits Of Beetroot

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Commonly known as the garden beet, this firm, round root vegetable has leafy green tops, which are also edible and highly nutritious. While the most common color for beets (called “beetroots” in the British Isles) is garnet red, they can range in color from deep red to purple and from yellow to white, allowing these vegetables to create a distinctively vibrant presentation. However, their most intriguing hue is concentric rings of red and white known as chioggia, or candy cane.

Beetroot, also often known as the beet, is a root vegetable that has been consumed since ancient times. Even the ancient Romans and Greeks thought beetroot had vitamins and minerals. In fact, today's studies prove that not only are they loaded with beneficial nutrients, but beetroot is an amazing way to ensure that a person stays healthy. 

A root vegetable, the reddish and bulbous portion of the beetroot is grown underground while its leafy top is seen above the ground. It grows in both tropical and temperate areas, and takes about two months to reach maturity. Though the plants have been cultivated for thousands of years due to their dietary benefits, it is only recently that their many health benefits have been 
explored. 

1. Beetroot enhances sex 
The ancient Romans prized beetroot as an aphrodisiac and raised them as such. Today's science supports this Roman practice. Researchers have found that beets contain high amounts of boron, an element that relates directly to the production of sex hormones in humans. 

2. Beetroot equalizes mental health Betaine, the same component that is used by practitioners to treat depression using certain methods, is found in beetroot. Another great element that beetroot contains is tryptophan, which has been shown to create a sense of well-being while also relaxing the mind. They are also a great way to lower blood pressure, which can help offset the effects of stress on the body. 

3. Beetroot increases energy levels 
Because the sugar contained in beetroot is released slowly throughout the body, even though the sugar levels are high, they help maintain steady energy levels. When compared to foods such as chocolate whose sugars are processed quickly by the body, beetroot, which is also low in calories, makes its energy boost last a great deal longer.

4. Beetroot is high in vitamins and minerals 
Because they are high in vitamin B and iron, beetroot is especially beneficial to those women who are pregnant. Vitamin B and iron are necessary for the growth of new cells as well as replenishing the iron levels that often dip at this time of life. In addition, beetroot is high in the following vitamins and minerals: fiber, phosphorus, potassium, folic acid, beta-carotene, vitamin A, magnesium, vitamin C and betacyanin. 

5. Beetroot helps cleanse the body 
Beetroot works to cleanse and clarify the liver. It can also purify the blood and has been shown to help prevent some forms of cancer. Eating beetroot can also indicate whether a person has low amounts of stomach acid. This is shown if their urine turns pink.

6. Beetroot is great to help the bodies natural defence and strengthen the immune system.

7. Antioxidants: The red pigment found in beets is loaded with antioxidants that may help protect the body against heart disease, certain cancers and even birth defects.

8. Folate: A half-cup serving of cooked beets provides about a quarter of the recommended daily requirements of folate. Folate is used in metabolic functions and plays a critical role during pregnancy, specifically in preventing certain birth defects.

9. Iron: Beets are a good source of iron. While iron is considered a trace mineral, which means it’s needed in very small amounts, it is still critical to healthy blood because it’s a key component of hemoglobin.

10. PotassiuM: Being high in potassium, beets help maintain healthful blood pressure by maintaining proper fluid balance.

Interesting Facts About Carrots Part II

Interesting Facts About Carrots Part II

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1. Orange carrots were not developed until the 1500s in the Netherlands.

2. Carrots can be white, yellow, orange, red, purple or black! 

3. The root hairs on carrots can extend 2.13-2.44 metre's (7-8 feet) into the soil in search of water and nutrients; beet root hairs travel even deeper.

4. Carrots are biennials, which means that it takes two years for them to produce seeds; in order for carrots to produce seeds in Canada, we have to pull them in the fall, store them all winter in a cold storage, replant in the ground the next spring, and let the leafy green tops send out a flowers which will turn to seeds! That’s why most people go to the garden centre to get fresh seed every spring.

5. The world’s longest carrot ever recorded was 5.839 metre's and was grown in the United Kingdom 

6. The world’s heaviest carrot weighed 8.44 kg (18.6 lbs) and was grown in the United States 

7. The average American eats 6.17 kg (13.6 pounds) of carrots in a year 

8. If babies have a diet high in pureed carrots (baby food) they often develop orange skin from the carotene, which disappears when they decrease their carrot intake!

9. Excellent source of vitamin A (beta-carotene) which promotes good vision. 

10. Beta-carotene also acts as an antioxidant, which can help to keep the heart healthy. 

11. Carrots are usually orange, but can also be white, yellow, red, or purple. 

12. Carrots were grown thousands of years ago in Asia and Middle Eastern countries (purple carrots).

13. Carrots became popular in the 1800's, and were the first vegetable to be canned.

14. “Baby carrots” from the store are actually big carrots washed and cut into smaller pieces.

Interesting Facts About Carrots Part I

Interesting Facts About Carrots Part I

Source: "13-08-31-wien-redaktionstreffen-EuT-by-Bi-frie-037" by Bi-frie (talk) - Own work. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:13-08-31-wien-redaktionstreffen-EuT-by-Bi-frie-037.jpg#/media/File:13-08-31-wien-redaktionstreffen-EuT-by-Bi-frie-037.jpg

1. Over 3000 years ago in Asia, carrots were first used for medicine.  These carrots were very different from the carrots we see now - they were purple and yellow!  It wasn’t until 900 BC when carrots were first grown for food in Afghanistan. Purple and yellow carrots didn’t make their way to Western Europe until the 1300’s.

2.  The orange carrot was developed in Holland as a tribute to William of Orange during the Dutch fight for independence.  However, its popularity was likely due to the fact that the new orange carrot was less bitter than the purple and red varieties.

3. To achieve a perfect orange color, carrots should be grown between 60-75°F weather.

4. Carrots are a type of root vegetable - meaning the edible portion of the plant is grown underground.

5. Carrots are related to celery, dill, fennel, parsley, and parsnip.

6. The flower called Queen Anne’s Lace is actually a wild carrot.

7. European ladies would wear lacy carrot flowers in their hair in the 15th century.

8. After the United States, China is the biggest producer of carrots.

9. Half a cup of carrots provides more than one day’s worth of vitamin A.

10. Raw carrots can be eaten plain as a snack or an appetizer, and sliced, chopped, or grated to add to salads. 

11. Slice carrots into carrot sticks and dip in low-fat dressing or other low-fat dip.

12. Carrots can be cooked using many different methods, such as boiling, steaming, roasting, or grilling, and can be eaten as a side dish on their own or cooked with other vegetables.

13. Carrots are the second most popular vegetable in the world after potatoes.

14. Carrots were first grown as a medicine, not for food! 

15. The first carrots were purple and yellow.

Health benefits of Fenugreek

Health benefits of Fenugreek

1. Despite the fact that fenugreek(Methi) one of the oldest medicinal herbs, ongoing research in India and abroad is currently uncovering new possibilities for its potential role in the treatment of diabetes and high cholesterol levels associated with coronary heart disease, both of which plague many industrial societies.

2. Fenugreek (methi) has been used as both a food and a medicine in many different cultures, but especially in Asia and the Mediterranean region. The medicinal value of its seeds is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts as well as in Greek and Latin pharmacopoeia.

3. In ancient Egypt, methiwas used to ease childbirth and to increase milk flow, and modern Egyptian women are still using it today to relieve menstrual cramps, as well as making hilbatea out of it to ease other kinds of abdominal pain. The Chinese call it hu lu ba, and also use it for treating abdominal pain.

4. The leaves of methiare highly alkaline, and rich in iron, calcium, sulphur, chlorine, and vitamins A and C.

5. Indigestion, flatulence, diarrhoea, dysentery, peptic ulcers and colic are all complaints that may be relieved with the use of methi. In addition, people who suffer from biliousness or a sluggish liver may derive benefit.

6. Methi has been used effectively in the treatment of ulcers, boils, arthritis, sinusitis (an inflammation of the mucuous membranes of the nasal passages) and sore throat.

7. For external use, such as in the treatment of burns or boils, a poultice made from the leaves can be applied.

8. The seeds or the leaves can be eaten to soothe internal inflammation or swelling.

9. To relieve a sore throat, a strong methi brew can be prepared by simmering two tablespoons of the seeds in a quart of cold water for a half hour. After allowing it to cool, strain it and use the entire quantity as a gargle.

10. Fenugreek seeds have hypoglycaemic properties and can be used in the management of diabetes. The fenugreek diet significantly reduced fasting blood sugar and improved the glucose tolerance test.

25 Interesting Facts about Girls

25 Interesting Facts about Girls

1. The vagina is only as deep as your middle finger.

2. The vagina keeps itself clean and healthy by constantly producing mucus which turns white when it’s exposed to the air.Discharge also prevents the vagina from drying out. Discharge will begin to appear some time before your first period begins.

3. Females can ovulate before they have their period.

4. Cramps and painful periods may be caused by low calcium and magnesium levels.

5. The usual amount of blood lost during a period is between one and six tablespoons(120 ml blood and tissue).

6. Menstrual fluid is mostly made up of water.

7. A lot of girls’ hymen are broken through using a tampon or during active sports such as horse back riding or cycling. Masturbation, too, can break the hymen. There is an opening in the hymen that lets menstrual fluid flow out.

8. The fallopian tubes are about 10 cm long. The egg travels from the ovary to the uterus along these tubes.

9. Girls are born with about 300,000 eggs.

10. Ovary is about the size of a walnut/olive. The uterus is about the size of a pear/clenched fist.

11. The average woman has about 500 periods in her lifetime.

12. If a tampon has absorbed as much as it can and has to be changed within 4 hours, try a tampon with a higher absorbency. If a tampon still has lots of white patches showing when you take it out after about four hours, try a tampon with lower absorbency. Change your tampon every 4-8 hours.

13. PMS symptoms: breast tenderness, feeling swollen or bloated, change in appetite, headaches, acne or skin rash, constipation or diarrhea, abdominal cramps, feeling sad/tired/irritable or clumsy.

14. You get cramps when your uterus contracts (squeezes) slightly to help get rid of most of its lining.

15. If you are taking the birth control pill these five drugs may interfere with its effectiveness: antihistamines, alcohol, analgesics, antacids, antibiotics.

16. A pregnancy test only works 2 weeks after a suspected conception.

17.Girls’ primary school completion rates are below 50 per cent in most poor countries.

18.One in seven girls in developing countries is married before age 15, and 38 per cent are married before age 18.

19. In sub-Saharan Africa, more women than men are living with HIV, and young women 
aged 15–24  years are as much as eight times more likely than men to be HIV positive.

20. Both Barbie and Bratz dolls are so thin, they lack the internal proportions to have bodily organs like kidneys or large intestines; both would lack the 17-22% of body fat necessary for females to menstruate.

21. If Barbie were a real woman, she would be 7'2", weigh 101 pounds, and have a 19” waist and 39FF chest. A real woman with these proportions would be unable to support her upper body and stand up straight.

22. Female characters in children’s cartoon shows are five times more likely to be shown in revealing, skimpy clothing (even when they are animals) and three times more likely to be shown with physically-impossible tiny waists.

23. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia used to start in the “tweens” – doctors are now treating them in girls as young as five or six.

24. Three-quarters of female characters in TV situation comedies are underweight; only 1 in 20 is average size. Moreover, female characters that are heavier tend to get made fun of more often, and 80% of the time these negative comments are rewarded with audience laughter.

25. By the time they graduate high school, children will have spent more time watching TV than in the classroom or talking with their parents.

Health Benefits of Different Types of Milk

Health Benefits of Different Types of Milk

1. Coconut milk:
Coconut milk is a common ingredient in South Indian cooking that makes the curry rich and delicious.

What are the health benefits of coconut milk?
Coconuts provide vitamins, minerals and fibers that prevent diseases like gallbladder stones and liver diseases, inflammation and skin diseases, to name a few. If you want proteins, coconut milk is a good source. It also provides iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, vitamins: C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6. Surprisingly coconut milk is far richer in calcium than regular milk. Rest assured that coconut milk also supports the immune system, helps in weight loss and is great for digestion.

2. Almond milk:
Almonds are a great snack if you are fasting or if you simply want a potent healthy snack to keep you full for longer. Some dishes also use almonds as garnish and it is an excellent medium in desserts.

What are the health benefits of almond milk?
Almond milk, just like coconut milk, is a great alternative for vegans. Almond milk is a good source for proteins; it is also low in calories unlike cow's milk. This milk contains vitamin E, magnesium, monounsaturated fats, manganese, copper and riboflavin. Boost your energy and lower heart diseases with almond milk.

3. Cow's milk:
This is the most commonly used milk in India. Cow's milk is also used to make enticing Indian sweets.

What are the health benefits of cow's milk?
This milk contains fats, minerals and vitamins like vitamin D, proteins, vitamin B, potassium, iodine and it is a good substitute to Omega 3. Cow's milk is not fattening but it should be complimented with a healthy diet. Besides strengthening the bones with calcium, cow's milk is known to control blood pressure as it contains potassium, iodine promote thyroid function and prevents gout.

4. Goat's milk:
Most Indians may not use goat's milk, but high up in the hilly regions of northern Indian, goat's milk is widely used. But the buck does not stop there, globalization and India's love for Italian food has seen an increase in the import of goat cheese.

What are the health benefits of goat's milk?
According to researchers, goat's milk helps prevent softening of bone and anemia. It also aids digestion and 'metabolic utilization of minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium'. The secret lies in the high presence of iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Apparently goat's milk has less fat, builds your immune system, and reduces anti-inflammation of the bowel.

5. Raw milk:
Consuming raw milk is a trend that promotes the importance of organic food. But is it a wise choice?

What are the health benefits of raw milk?
The debate still continues on the health benefits of raw milk over pasteurised milk. Raw milk contains proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, but scientists do not believe the claims of health benefits of raw milk. There are healthy bacteria in raw milk; some say that pasteurised milk kills these microbes, but scientists believe it's all for a good cause.

You need to know:
- Pasteurization DOES NOT reduce milk's nutritional value.
- Pasteurization DOES kill harmful bacteria.
- Pasteurization DOES save lives.

6. Soy milk:
This is a common substitute for those who are lactose intolerant or vegetarian. Soy milk also comes under probiotic food choice.

What are the health benefits of soy milk?
Soy milk contains fatty acids, proteins, fiber, vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for the smooth functioning of our body. You can count on soy milk to improve good cholesterol and help in weight loss; the omega 3 and 6 in soy milk strengthens the blood vessels, claims to prevent prostrate cancer, osteoporosis and postmenopausal syndrome.

7. Cardamom or eliachi milk:
May not be a common ingredient in milk, but flavoured milk is always refreshing on a hot day. Cardamom milk is healthier than having flavoured milk like chocolate and strawberry.

What are the health benefits of cardamom milk?
Cardamom contains potassium, calcium, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin-C and magnesium. It is also used as an antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic and tonic. These are the traditional uses of cardamom.

Dandruff-Home Remedies

Dandruff-Home Remedies

Dandruff is a chronic ,non inflammatory condition of the scalp that is characterized by excessive scaling of scalp tissue. It is not a disease but rather a normal physiological event unaccepted socially.

For most people, the signs and symptoms of dandruff are unmistakable: white, oily looking flakes of dead skin that dot your hair and shoulders and an itchy, scaling scalp.

It appears at puberty, reaches a peak in early adulthood, levels off in middle age, decline in advancing years, and disappears in old age.it is seasonal, mild in summer months and most severe in winter. Poor hygiene does not cause dandruff in a non -dandruff person, but exacerbates existing symptoms. Dandruff is a stable process( not subjected to sudden shifts in severity from week to week).   It is less subjected to outside stress.

Almost any adult is a candidate for dandruff, but certain factors can make you more susceptible. Dandruff usually begins in young adulthood and continues through middle age. That doesn't mean older adults don't get dandruff, however. For some people, the problem can be lifelong.  Because 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.

You can't prevent dandruff, but you can take steps to reduce your risk.

Dandruff is a chronic condition that can almost always be controlled, but dandruff treatment 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.

1. When regular shampoos fail, OTC dandruff shampoos may succeed. But dandruff shampoos aren't all alike, and you may need to experiment until you find one that works best for you. Dandruff shampoos are classified according to their active ingredient:

2. Learn to manage stress. Stress affects your overall health, making you susceptible to a number of conditions and diseases. It can even help trigger dandruff or exacerbate existing symptoms. 

3. Shampoo often. If you tend to have an oily scalp, daily shampooing to remove the excess oil may help prevent dandruff. Cut back on styling products. Hair sprays, styling gels, mousses and hair waxes can all build up on your hair and scalp, making them oilier. 

4. Eat a healthy diet. A diet that provides enough zinc, B vitamins and essential fatty acid may help prevent dandruff. 

5. Get a little sun. Sunlight may be good for dandruff. But because exposure to ultraviolet light damages your skin and increases your risk of skin cancer, don't sunbathe. Instead, just spend a little time outdoors. And be sure to wear sunscreen on your face and body.