THACKERAY- KNOW THESE MUMBAIKARS

The Shiv Sena, as is well known, is a creation of the Congress – Bal Thackeray could never have come as far as he has if in the initial years of his career he had not received active encouragement and funding from Congress stalwarts in Maharashtra who had a vested interest in boosting his pro-Marathi and anti-Communist agenda.

But the Sena soon tired of being the B team of the Congress and teamed up with the Bharatiya Janata Party in the 1980s only to prove the Congress's nemesis a decade later when it displaced the party from the government in Maharashtra for one term between 1995 and 1999.

But power brought with it its own headaches to the Shiv Sena and the biggest of these proved to be Thackeray's nephew, Raj Thackeray, who, even when the Sena was in government, could never understand the rules of the game that must be followed by a responsible party in power. Apart from getting embroiled in the Ramesh Kini murder case (Kini was the last man standing on a housing property who refused to sign over the building to Raj in 1997), Thackeray’s nephew was constantly in trouble over his wayward ways and put his uncle to a lot of grief each time.

It is not surprising, then, that Balasaheb showed him the door: Raj's supporters could not get tickets to any election, he was kept constantly on the road for some campaign or the other to get him away from the centre of power at Matoshree, Thackeray's residence. And, of course,  the most wounding of all to Raj was the fact that Thackeray declared his own son Uddhav his political heir, despite the fact that Raj was clearly the wilier politician of the two.

Formation of Maharashtra Navnirman SenaSoon, Uddhav was shutting Raj out of everything at Matoshree, so it was only a matter of time before Raj quit the Shiv Sena to form his own party, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (in 2006). It began, of course, on the secular side of the divide, trying to be all inclusive, but only ended up looking like a wannabe Congress. Seeing that moderation was taking him nowhere Raj soon changed tack – and tracks – to become a clone of the Shiv Sena: if anything, his party became more goonish, more militant and more troublesome to the authorities than the Shiv Sena had ever been.

Clearly, Raj is a chip of the old block and Shiv Sainiks who do not get along with Uddhav found in this clone of Bal Thackeray a reason to continue profiteering from their old ways. Uddhav, on the other hand, sensitive to the criticism that the Sena was just a party of goons, attempted to clean up the image of his party with a more mainstream agenda. But as the mainstream did not work for Raj Thackeray, it did not for Uddhav, either.

Now both the Senas are locked in a desperate battle for supremacy over each other, hampered by the tie of blood between them that does not allow either to go too far down the line in decimating each other once and for all. While Uddhav has the support and protection of his father, Raj is in desperate search of someone to watch his back ever since he broke away from the mother party. He has made several attempts to reach out to his uncle who snubbed him every time to make it clear that blood is far thicker than water and that he would not choose his nephew at the cost of his son’s affections, never mind that Raj was truer to his own philosophy and core strengths than Uddhav could ever be.

Uddhav vs Raj Thackeray
However, Uddhav's recent heart ailment has come in the way of these clearly divided lines within the Thackeray clan. Raj rushed to Uddhav’s bedside and his attentions clearly weakened Uddhav's combative stance against his younger cousin. However, Uddhav is convinced that allowing Raj to re-enter Matoshree or the affections of his father would hollow out his own leadership and lead to a swing of support towards Raj within the Shiv Sena. Hence, he adopts both a clever and cautious approach toward the same agenda.

So while, because of his recent angioplasty, he could not have led a morcha like Raj did last month against the vandalisation by some Muslim groups at Azad Maidan on August 11, Uddhav chose to downplay Raj's success by declaring that he is glad that at least one man is following in his footsteps and carrying the Sena agenda forward. At the same time he has made good use of his party mouthpiece, the Saamna, to mouth bizarre and unacceptable statements against Biharis: while Raj merely declared them 'infiltrators', Uddhav speaks of allowing them into Mumbai only on work permits, which is constitutionally quite impermissible.

But there is nothing new about either Uddhav's thought or Raj's actions. Bal Thackeray had made similar statements in the past threatening to deny ration cards to north Indians wanting to settle in the city. Then, as now, the Bharatiya Janata Party came down heavily on the Shiv Sena, considering that the BJP’s core voter base is in the north and they cannot afford to have the relatives of their voters denied their constitutional rights to travel and work anywhere in the country by one of their own allies.

BJP, Congress and ThackeraysThe BJP is in a piquant situation today, torn between two allies, the Shiv Sena and the Janata Dal (United): it cannot afford to alienate either ally with clearly differing agendas on the opposite ends of the spectrum

However, Raj Thackeray is quite a different cup of tea. He has been seeking some sort of political protection from his uncle for several years but he seems to have now got from the Congress what Thackeray has denied him all this while.

In keeping with their 1960s' agenda, Congress chief ministers this century, too, have tried to play games with the two Senas, taking advantage of the family split to covertly back Raj as he went on a rampage against North Indians in Mumbai. No action was taken against him and no cases registered in Maharashtra, until the UPA I's allies – Lalu Prasad Yadav and Mulayam Singh Yadav – took serious objections. It was then that then chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh was told in no uncertain terms by his own party high command to shape up or ship out.

When, at the 2009 assembly elections, it proved that Raj might be eating into the Congress vote bank, too, apart from the Marathi manoos wooed by the Shiv Sena, the Congress-led government began to squeeze his business interests to shut him up. Six of his 13 MLAs were suspended from the Maharashtra Assembly for creating a ruckus and for manhandling the Samajwadi Party's Abu Asim Azmi in the House. Moreover, most of his party men -- who are builders -- found their licenses revoked and they could get no workers for their construction sites (most construction workers in Maharashta are from Bihar or Uttar Pradesh).

With his own party men choosing to protect their own business interests rather than building their political party, Raj found the ground slipping from under his feet. The MNS did not post as impressive a result as expected at the February 2012 municipal elections in the state and  by June this year the party could not even register enough voters among graduates and teachers to be able to contest elections to the Maharashtra legislative council. Raj, according to sources, was so sore that he virtually threatened to shut his party down.

Return of Raj Thackeray
However, the Shiv Sena has always benefitted more from the mistakes of other political parties, particularly the Congress, than it has ever gained from its own original programmes. So, when the Congress-led government in the state mishandled the aftermath of the Azad Maidan violence, Raj had reason to rise from the ashes like a phoenix, particularly as he now found backing from chief minister Prithviraj Chavan who, for reasons of his own, chose to allow Raj to hold a rally at Azad Maidan despite the denial of police permission. When Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar railed against Chavan's government for allowing Raj's unconstitutional agenda of threatening Biharis to go unchallenged, Chavan chose to accuse his Bihar counterpart of playing political games rather than order to file cases against Raj Thackeray for violation of the Constitution.

Assured of such protection, Raj clearly feels free to continue with the kind of rants that had cost at least two lives and damaged much property during his wild 2008 run (a fellow Maharashtrian died in MNS violence in Nasik and a Bihari youth was killed in Mumbai).

The Congress clearly hopes that the two Senas will cannibalise each other once again and that it could be the proverbial monkey who runs away with the cheese as the two cats fight over the spoils of war. The tragedy for the people of the state is that all the political formations in Maharashtra are in disarray and no one party is certain about how it may fare at the electoral hustings. The two Senas have not yet come to the realisation that their Marathi manoos is simply not interested in the kind of (Class 4) jobs that migrant workers are seeking in the state. Or even that the violence against these workers is damaging the Maharashtrian's own economic interests, compelling many local businesses to move base elsewhere. If Raj's twisted philosophy were to be adopted by other states, his own Marathi manoos would be an infiltrator in other parts of the country.

As for the Congress, one wonders if it has studied the statistics of Bihari workers shifting in hordes to neighbouring Gujarat which is welcoming them with open arms. These are potential voters it might be losing – those very voters whose support its seeks to gain by letting Raj on the loose.

And while it is busy watching Raj’s back, its own rear clearly stands exposed.

VIEW EXPRESSED WAS NOT MY PERSONAL

Eat apricots for bright eyes(HEALTH +)

Nutrients in apricots can help protect the heart and eyes, as well as provide the disease-fighting effects of fibre. The high beta-carotene content of apricots makes them important heart health foods.

Apricots contain nutrients such as vitamin A that promote good vision. Vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant, quenches free radical damage to cells and tissues. Free radical damage can injure the eyes' lenses.


The degenerative effect of free radicals, or oxidative stress, may lead to cataracts or damage the blood supply to the eyes and cause macular degeneration.



Researchers who studied over 50,000 registered nurses found that women who had the highest vitamin A intake reduced their risk of developing cataracts by nearly 40%.


Apricots are a good source of fibre, which has a wealth of benefits. These include preventing constipation and digestive conditions such as diverticulosis.


A healthy, whole-foods diet should include apricots as a delicious way to add to your fibre intake of the body.  

Here's how to have a healthy 40s (HEALTH +)

How healthy you will be in your 40s depends on what you eat and how you live in your 20s. Our expert charts out a survival strategy for a fitter future
When you are diagnosed with a health disorder in your 40s, there's little that you can do to completely reverse the damage. A wiser option is to start walking the correct lifestyle course much early on and reduce the chances of disorders altogether. Fitness expert and trainer Dilip Heble gives pointers to healthier 20-something habits that will lead to a better 40-something life.
Exercise
Make sure you get three to six hours of exercise every week. You can go for a jog, engage yourself in a sport or best, hit the gym.
Benefit
Exercise makes you agile, muscular and boosts your stamina. Most importantly, it reduces your stress levels — a factor that is deemed the root cause for most problems in the 40s. Reduction in the stress levels also helps increase productivity and enables you to deal with environmental pressures. Also, it leads to a lower resting heart rate, which brings down the risk of cardiac disorders.
Supplement yourself
Considering the quality of food available today, it is vital you take multi-vitamin and multi-mineral supplements. You might stock up generously on carbohydrates and proteins, but minus the essential vitamins, you will be far from healthy.
Benefit
These vitamins and minerals important for various functions of the body. For instance, three B vitamins (namely folic acid, B6, and B12) are known to reduce the homocysteine levels in the body, thereby also reducing the risk of dementia.
Read
In this day and age of social networking, most youngsters have forgotten to exercise their brains. Indulge in an activity that challenges your grey matter. Engage in analytical tasks as much as possible. For instance, you may read a book, play chess, solve the everyday crossword and read on current issues. You could also opt to learn a musical instrument that interests you.
Benefit
These tasks will keep your brain agile and help minimise the risk of brain disorders such as dementia in the later years.
Switch off
Yes, you must work hard and party harder. But the problem begins when you stick to this mantra every night and end up compromising on your sleep. You may be able to pull this off without much problem in your 20s, but the inadvertent damage will trouble you in your 40s. The body's repair happens during sleep. And when you don't sleep, you are not giving the body enough time to bounce back. Hence, make sure you get the desired sleep.
Benefit
Your biological clock will be in order giving a natural rhythm to bodily functions. Just sleep at the same time every night.
Bone supremacy
Bone length might be established by the time you are 20. However, bone density and strength can be built all the way until you are 30. Studies have suggested that young men and women ought to build up a 'bone bank' during this stage which will help avoid osteoporosis later in life. 

Are there health benefits in consuming coffee?(HEALTH +)

There is nothing quite like a cup of hot coffee to banish that feeling of somnolence and get the brain cells chugging away. But quite apart from the sense of wellbeing that a good cup of brew, with its heady aroma, can produce, studies published recently also indicate that this beverage that millions around the world enjoy could be providing some health benefits too.


In May this year, the prestigious medical journal, The New England Journal of Medicine, published a study that examined the effects of drinking coffee in a cohort of over four lakh men and women in the U.S.


Coffee “appeared to be inversely associated with most major causes of death in both men and women, including heart disease, respiratory disease, stroke, injuries and accidents, diabetes, and infections,” observed Neal Freedman of the National Cancer Institute in the U.S. and his colleagues in their paper.


After taking into account tobacco-smoking and other confounding factors, men who drank six cups or more cups of coffee a day had a 10 per cent lower risk of death compared with those who did not take it at all. Women coffee-drinkers had a 15 per cent lower risk of death. Those who drank caffeine-containing coffee as well as the decaffeinated form were both found to benefit from their habit.


But, as the authors pointed out, it was not possible to conclude from an observational study whether the association that was noticed actually reflected cause and effect.


Then, last month there came another study, this time in Circulation Heart Failure, a journal of the American Heart Association. The study analysed five independent prospective studies, with a total of over 1.4 lakh participants, for links between coffee consumption and heart failure.


This study observed a statistically significant ‘J-shaped relationship’ between coffee and heart failure. Moderate consumption of coffee — up to four servings a day — reduced the risk of heart failure. But excessive coffee drinking had no benefit and may even be dangerous, remarked Murray Mittleman, director of the Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Unit at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and senior author of the study, in a press release.


The paper, however, also pointed out that experimental studies had consistently shown that coffee and caffeine were associated with acutely raised blood pressure. A recent analysis had reported that habitual light to moderate coffee consumption increased the risk of developing hypertension but more frequent consumption did not pose any addition risk. It could be that habitual coffee-drinkers develop a tolerance for caffeine, the authors said.
Other studies have suggested that drinking coffee could also be associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.


In 1991, the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer held that “coffee is possibly carcinogenic to the human urinary bladder.” But more recent studies have indicated that coffee could be beneficial, protecting against several cancers, including of the breast, bowel, prostate and liver.


A paper from Jiali Han of the Harvard Medical School and the others that has just been published in the journal Cancer Research found that caffeine intake was associated with reduced risk for developing a form of skin cancer known as basal cell carcinoma. Roughly 1,000 chemicals have been reported in roasted coffee, point out Jonathan Krell and Justin Stebbing of Imperial College London in a commentary published recently in The Lancet Oncology. 

Eat these to burn the fat!(HEALTH +)

Forget fancy diets, the top flab busters can be found in your own kitchen.


Summer is here and if you have been feeling wistful over not being able to wear your bikini, it's not too late. A magazine quoted dietician Dr Carrie Ruxton as saying, "Metabolism is what converts food into energy.



A slow rate means calories are more likely to be converted into fat." While exercise helps, and so does portion control, here are those foods that act as the the biggest metabolism boosters.


Apples: These are said to be nutrient-rich and contain enough fibre to keep the digestion healthy. A tip? Eating an apple just 20 minutes before your meal will make you eat lesser calories in your main meal.


Turkey: This is regarded as a good alternative to chicken as it is lower in calories and higher in proteins and nutrients. It's said that 5 ounces of turkey contains just 175 calories and 10 grams of fat.


Broccoli: Adding more broccoli to your diet can help you lose that weight as it is a low-calorie food that can help you fill up quickly. A single cup of steamed broccoli gives you about twice the amount of vitamins C and K you need in a day. It also is a very good source of vitamins B6 and B2, phosphorus, magnesium, protein and omega-3 fatty acids.





Almonds: Almonds can speed up metabolism like no other. They are also associated with with reducing cholesterol and lowering blood sugar.

Peppers: Bell peppers are great for weight loss. They can fill out any dish without adding the calories and have a small amount of fat burning capsaicin in them.


Pulses: Legumes or pulses like soya beans and kidney beans have key nutrients like iron, vitamins of B group and dietary fiber. Pulses help maintain regular bowel movement because the texture of the fibre helps it move through the digestive system quickly.

Green tea: Is another substance that can be added to the diet that can increase the metabolic rate. Green tea has EGCG in its composition. This substance helps to increase the body and the rate that the nervous system functions. It in turn increases the metabolism

Shortcuts to good health(HEALTH +)

Today, when a sedentary lifestyle is the rule, people's health is deteriorating day by day. Eating healthy just requires a little planning. Here are some shortcuts to a healthy body. Everyday, without our knowledge, a faint little feeling in the stomach prompts us to involuntarily look at the clock.


Then the revelation hits us - it is evening and we have not had the time to eat our lunch. In today's times, where a sedentary lifestyle is the rule, it's observed that the health of people is deteriorating day by day. They have started taking themselves and their body for granted. They don't even remember when they last had a proper meal. Eating healthy just requires a little planning. Here are some shortcuts to achieve a healthy body:


Breakfast is a 'must'
Start your morning with some breakfast, be it a piece of fruit or a whole wheat bread. Put oatmeal into a thermos of hot water, and you could even let it sit overnight. In the morning, you shall have hot cooked oatmeal ready to eat. Similarly, a hard boiled egg can be eaten. This will prevent your body from going into starvation mode. Eating breakfast everyday will also help increase your metabolic rate.


Five meals a day
Have at least five meals a day in which three can be the main meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner, while other two meals can consist of foods which are handy and nutritious at the same time. Eating frequently prevents hunger pangs, provides consistent energy, and maintains metabolism efficiency. Grab healthy foods such as fruits that are high in fibre like apple, watermelon, muskmelon, orange, sweet lime, papaya and peaches.


Ask for healthy food
Some people's work demands frequenting restaurants for dinner. Always watch out for hidden fats. Creamy soups, white breads, flaky pastries and mayonnaise-based salad dressings add unnecessary fats to the food. Try consuming broths instead of creamy soups. Instead of mayonnaise dressing, use variety of condiments and flavouring agents such as lemon, vinegar, herbs, onion and garlic to improve the palatability of your salad. Remember, a gram of fat contains more than twice as many calories as a gram of protein or carbohydrate. Ask for grilled, baked, boiled or broiled food rather than fried foods.


Hydrate when you're travelling
Your work might involve a lot of travelling in which air travel is one of the most dehydrating experiences. Because of this, people often complain of sore throats and other respiratory illnesses. To avoid these, one should not drink caffeine, cola or alcohol before or after the flights as these are diuretics and can increase the water loss. Avoid salted snacks like salted peanuts or fried foods in order to minimise dehydration. Try consuming lots of fluids in the form of water, fruit juice, coconut water, lime water, etc. In any case, one should drink at least 12 to 15 gasses of water everyday. The stress associated with travel may slightly increase the protein requirement, so one should make an effort to consume a little more protein each day.

5 Reasons you gain weight in summer( HEALTH +)

When it comes to losing or maintaining your weight, we know it is not a cakewalk, but unknowingly there can be many reasons contributing to sabotaging your healthy intentions.


There are many cues of gaining weight, right from the pill you're popping on regular basis, to the lightning in a restaurant to replacing fats with carbs. Do these habits sound familiar? Browse on to know about our list of top 5 surprising reasons why you gaining weight this summer season.


For days, you tend to give up on fats completely, only to replace them with carbs. In order to lower the amount of fat we eat, we tend to replace fatty foods with carb varieties, such as white breads, rice and white pastas. Simple carbs tend to stimulate your body to produce insulin, which can further lead to weight gain. The best solution is to stick to healthy carbs and fats. Go for grains, healthy fruits and vegetables for healthy carbs, and avocado, nuts and fish for monosaturated fats.


Popping medicines every now and then. It might sound shocking to you, but popping a pill here and a pain-reliever there can be the biggest hidden reason why you're gaining weight this summer.


Types of antidepressants that lead to weight gain, are trycyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Many people believe that migraine medicines can contribute to weight gain as well. Diabinese, Insulase (chlorpropamide) drug, used in diabetes can lead to either weight gain or weight loss depending upon the individual.


It is, therefore, essential to take all these drugs under the supervision of a medical professional and follow a proper diet and exercise regimen.


Overeating outside because of good ambience, music, dim lights and bright colours. According to a study published in the Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, people who eat when the music is fast and loud tend to eat much more and chew their food hurriedly. Same is the case, when you eat at home with the TV on.


Self awareness is the key here, which will help you combat your act of overeating by keeping a tab on the amount of calories you consume. On the other hand, colour therapists believe that warm colours (like red, orange and yellow), mostly used in fast food joints, tend to encourage people to eat more.


Apart from this, dim lights in restaurants make us eat more as one can't judge the quantity of food easily. The best solution is to avoid going to such places and be clear in your head about the amount of calories you would want to indulge in by way of clever portion control.


Drinking too much of cold beer is directly linked to weight gain. The truth is that light beer has only 90 to 100 calories and regular beer generally has less than 200 calories, but this is no licence to drink too much.

Eat almonds for nutrition (HEALTH +)

Almonds are among the most nutrient-rich tree nuts and just a handful a day is a great way to ensure you're getting more of the good things your body needs and you want.


Almonds are an excellent source of vitamin E, magnesium, manganese, and a good source of fiber, copper, phosphorous, and riboflavin. Plus, a one-ounce serving has 13 grams of good unsaturated fats, just 1 gram of saturated fat, and is always cholesterol free. And when compared ounce for ounce, almonds are the tree nut highest in protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin E, riboflavin, and niacin. Talk about a powerful punch in a petite package.


Many common health problems can be prevented or alleviated with a healthy diet. Nutrients are important to lead a healthy life. Vitamins and minerals you get from your diet are just as important as carbohydrates, protein and fats; however, you only need them in small amounts. Vitamins and minerals usually function as co-enzymes, which mean they help chemical reactions in the body happen a lot faster. One of the most important vitamins for the body is Vitamin E. In order for the heart to stay healthy the body needs plenty of Vitamin E. Vitamin E is also an excellent option for helping limit bad heart conditions. The body is more prone to certain diseases if it doesn't have a proper amount of Vitamin E.


The tiny almond is a storehouse of nutritional goodness. Each ounce contains 6 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber, not to mention healthy doses of iron, zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium, Vitamin E and array antioxidants. Snacking on almonds is a great way to help lower cholesterol and high blood pressure, and can smooth out spikes in blood sugar in diabetics. Calcium is an important nutrient found in almonds. A single serving of almonds can contain up to a quarter of one's daily calcium needs. Such high levels of calcium make almonds a tooth and bone strengthening food as well.


Our diet needs to provide adequate amounts of all of these 'little helpers'. Almonds are a power packed nut which provide you with all the good variants of nutrition like carbohydrates, fats, minerals, proteins and vitamins. Since time immemorial, almonds have been cherished, not only for their delicate flavour and delectable crunch, but also for their nutritional benefits. They are a simple, tasty choice that can make a big difference in the way you feel every single day, not a small feat. And that means you can feel good about what you're eating while enjoying their delicious crunchy flavour.


Almonds promote a healthy heart in many ways. The cholesterol-lowering effects of almonds can also help almond snackers maintain healthy hearts. Alpha-tocopherol vitamin E found in Almonds are one of the leading food sources of the important antioxidant, which helps neutralize harmful free radicals in your body and help you feel your best day and night. So what are free radicals? They're unstable molecules that form as your body burns oxygen. Free radicals can damage your cells, tissues, and even your DNA.


So make a healthy resolution this nutrition week and keep yourself healthy for the rest of the year. Eat almonds and make yourself stronger forever.    

Fight heat with cucumber, citrus fruits(HEALTH +)

Summer's set in early and the scorching heat is unavoidable. Yes, it's the hottest time of the year. But it's also the season to have the king of fruits - mango.




So go ahead, indulge and relish the fruit as much as you want. The temperature could be soaring, but this is the only time you can vacation with your family, so staying outdoors is inevitable. Here are ways to enjoy the summer.





-Heat-related ailments are common around this time - sunstroke, dehydration, skin diseases. If you know how to tackle these, the battle is half won.




-Most importantly, keep yourself hydrated through the day by consuming a lot of fluids. Gulp down as many gallons of water as you can and avoid aerated drinks




-Barley water is a coolant and so is tender coconut water. Drink these at least twice a week.


-If heat stroke hits you, then make sure you apply an ice pack as a first-aid but consult a doctor immediately because it could turn fatal depending on its intensity.




-Fruit juices too are a good option. Eating fruit as a whole is even better. You could perhaps try citrus fruits like orange, lemon and sweet lime. Water melons too are abundantly available in the market.




-Avoid eating spicy food and reduce your salt intake. Consume a lot of vegetables that is high in water content - cucumber, bottle gourd, celery, tomatoes.



-Never step out in the sun between 10 am and 3pm. If you must, then apply sunscreen on your face and body. Also, use an umbrella to protect yourself from the harsh UV rays of the sun. 

Health benefits of curry leaf (HEALTH +)

Curry leaf is an essential ingredient in Indian cooking especially in South India. However, it's customary for most of us to simply remove and throw the leaf from our food and not consume it. Well, you shouldn't be doing that! Wonder why? Read on...



Curry leaf has many medicinal properties. It stimulates digestive enzymes and helps break down food more easily. Have a glass of buttermilk mixed with a little hing (asafoetida) with a few curry leaves thrown after meal for good digestion.






- A good remedy for nausea and indigestion. Extract juice of curry leaves, squeeze a lime and add a pinch of sugar.


- Chew a few leaves every day to lose weight



- Curry leaves are also known to improve eyesight, so make sure you do not throw away the leaves while eating. It is also believed to prevent cataract.




- Curry leaves are also good for hair growth and colour. If you don't like its raw taste, you can buy the curry leaf powder widely available in the market and have it with dosa or hot rice. You can also make it at home. This will prevent pre mature greying of hair.




- Alternatively, you can also add a few curry leaves to your hair oil and boil it for a few minutes. Applying this hair tonic will keep your hair healthy.



These are just few of the many benefits that the curry leaves possesses. Include this in your daily diet for better health.

Formula for fitness (HEALTH +)

The words ‘Plus exercise, minus obesity, divide your meals and multiply your quality of life' in bold letters adorn the walls, apart from posters on healthy eating, cooking and living.




A mathematical formula is what the Centre for Food, Mood and Exercise that recently opened its doors on Santhome High Road promises.




Specific to individuals


“This centre,” says Radhika G., chief clinical dietician and research nutritionist, and managing director, “is about lifestyle modification with evidence based on measurable outcome.




We have no general recommendations and our services are customised. We have a bio-chemical lab where we collect blood samples, analyse them and put together a course that is unique to that individual.”




It has a ‘Healthy Supermarket', where products are categorised under three colours; orange, green and blue. “The products under green are mostly brown rice, whole wheat atta, lentils and so on — what one must consume.




The blue products comprise breakfast cereals and other alternatives to the green section. The orange marks supplements, food with high sugar and salt content — basically, food that must be consumed with caution,” says Raisa Anna Philip, research nutritionist.



An in-house nutritionist is around to help. “What we do here is plan your grocery list and help you select healthier options,” says Raisa. “Often, people know something is healthy, but don't know how much to consume. We help them decide what to buy and how much to take.”




“People don't know how to use healthy products. For example, most people consume oats as porridge, but that makes blood sugar rise almost immediately. A healthier option would be to have oats in a semi-solid form; or mix it in idli / dosa batter.



You can even try out oats upma. That way, the sugar level rises gradually. We demonstrate alternative recipes for such products,” says Radhika.



The Centre also has a gym, physiotherapy room, yoga classes and counselling, for, as Radhika puts it: “We believe in taking a holistic approach to solve any problem.”   

Foods that keep you hydrated(HEALTH +)

Listed are some of the food items that keep you hydrated if you are not much of a (water) drinker




We all know that our body is 70 per cent water. We need to keep ourselves hydrated in order to keep our body functioning properly.

There are mostly three types of food categories: fresh juicy fruits, green leafy vegetables and water based soups.





There are a variety of fruits that you can choose from if you do not drink water that much. The best pick is a watermelon which has the maximum water content in it. Fresh fruits will give you the needed hydration to feel better and be healthier.


Some more examples are: apples, kiwi, grapefruit, coconut, strawberries, and any type of berries.




The second food group is vegetables. The green fresh vegetables provide nutrients that help the body to stay hydrated and not get too heavy with other foods. It is better to eat the vegetables raw. Cooking them will take out the natural moisture and hydration.





The third category is soup or a broth. They can give you some liquid that your body needs and will therefore hydrate you.

A good soup to try is a vegetable chicken soup. If you don't like chicken, get vegetable soup. 

Top 7 healthy cooking oils (HEALTH +)

With a wide range of cooking oils on market shelves, it's easy to get confused about which oils are healthy for daily use. Even more confusing is the way each oil can and should be used.




Always remember that oil by itself does not contain 'cholesterol', but it helps to promote its formation in the body. In order to get the maximum benefit from the oils, one could use a mix of oils - use different oils for different methods and purposes in cooking. We asked Delhi-based nutritionist Mrs Himanshu Kapoor about her top picks of healthy cooking oils, and these are the top 7 healthy cooking oils she recommends.



Sunflower/Safflower oil: The most commonly used oil in Indian kitchens, this oil is rich in PUFA, particularly linoleic acid, which lowers the levels of good as well as bad cholesterol. So it will be a good idea to use this oil in combination with other oils as Palmolein oil. We can alternate the cooking with different oils.


Ghee: Also called clarified butter. This, being animal fat, contains saturated fat and cholesterol. According to Ayurveda, ghee contains some medicinal properties, so to get the benefits of its qualities use sparingly in your food as excess would lead to heart disease.


Coconut oil: Mostly used in southern parts of India, unfortunately Coconut oil is sometimes considered unhealthy. While this oil contains saturated fats, they are different from those present in animal fats and like other vegetable oils, coconut oil does not contain cholesterol hence it can be consumed for cooking in combination with other oils in the kitchen. But always remember moderation is the key word.


Groundnut oil: Groundnut or peanut oil contains heart friendly MUFA that lowers levels of bad cholesterol in our body without lowering the levels of good cholesterol. It is available in filtered and refined form. The filtering process is nutritionally superior, but may contain toxic compounds, so preferred should be filtered and refined groundnut oil of reputed brands. This oil is suitable for all types of cooking - frying, grilling and tempering or seasoning.


Mustard oil: Loved and also hated by some for its pungent and sharp flavor, mustard oil is available as filtered oil, and refined mustard oil is sold as vegetable oil. This oil has higher proportion of Mono-unsaturated and Poly-unsaturated fatty acids. Thus should be used in small quantities for certain vegetables only. As it may have undesirable effects on health if used in large quantity.


Rice bran oil: This oil is rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol lowering properties due to the presence of a component called oryzanol. It also contains natural vitamin E - an antioxidant and is also good for the skin. This does well in high heat cooking as it does not decompose at high temperature to form toxic compounds, hence suitable for deep frying. Experiments in the kitchen have shown that snacks fried in this oil absorb 12-25% less oil than those prepared in Groundnut oil.


Olive oil: This mono-unsaturated oil helps lower bad cholesterol levels and triglycerides without lowering good cholesterol levels. Different stages of pressing and processing yields different varieties of olive oil. Extra virgin is excellent for salad dressings. Do not use for cooking anything on high heat. Virgin Olive oil is the yield of the second press. In the pure stage, the Olive oil goes through a certain amount of processing - filtration and refining. Pomace- Processed and refined to be used for Indian cooking.  

Fitness begins at home(HEALTH +)

Don't ignore the cleaning mop or the mundane chakla belan. They can be your tools to healthy living, says Indrani Rajkhowa Banerjee



All you ladies out there cursing the kaamwali bai on her day off stop pulling your hair out and take a cue from Chanel V 'Bai'. Wrap that sari around your frame, put on some loud, and mop the floor with pure pleasure! You may soon realise that it's not a bad idea to bid the bai with a washboard thin tummy a sweet farewell.



This is not an anti-gym slogan, just a plain thought on how household chores can turn out to be a free-of-cost fitness regime. Experts warn that household chores don't supplement for a serious weight loss session at the gym, which calls for a diet plan and focused workouts, but they are any day better than a sedentary life that most of us lead today.




"I love exercises in any form. It doesn't matter whether it's done at the gym or at home; it's all about keeping body parts in active motion," says 20-year-old Ananya Bhattacharya, a fitness addict.





"For those who are pressed for time or simply can't afford a gym, it's always better to try simple breathing exercises and take care of household errands. Small lifestyle changes like filling up the water bottles or standing in a right posture while cooking have their benefits," espouses wellness consultant Dr Shikha Sharma.





There's definitely a change in mindset and with physical fitness being an urban phenomenon why not convert a mundane task to something fun and flirty! Simple tasks like reaching out for jars on the overhead shelves or taking the dog out for a brisk walk can do wonders for the body.




"A military style 15-minute march while watching TV at least three times a day is the ideal cardio-vascular exercise and as good as a jog at the treadmill," says Namita Jain, fitness advisor.



Do as you may, but be careful, warn experts. "Certain tasks like lifting very heavy objects or lifting bucketful of water during a complicated pregnancy can be harmful. Moreover, one should always be careful about the postures while doing these chores," says Jain.




Expert speak:


- Folding laundry can be a wonderful exercise for the fingers.


- Sweeping and mopping best for lower body. Keeps the tummy flat and hips in shape


- Washing clothes, reaching out for overhead shelves, washing the car and opening drawers are perfect for the upper body


- Climbing up stairs, running after kids or taking the dog out for a walk are the best cardio-vascular activity; also good for hips, back and thighs  

The right way to eat fruits! (HEALTH +)

PreYou love your bowl of strawberries and yogurt after dinner or prefer your melon wrapped in ham. But can you really have fruit any way you want to?




Is it enough to eat them frequently, or is there a right way to eat fruits? Is it okay to eat fruits as dessert right after a meal? Nutritionist, Naini Setalvad tells us what the right way to eat fruits is.




When should I eat fruits? The best time to eat fruits is first thing in the morning after a glass of water. Eating fruits right after a meal is not a great idea, as it may not be digested properly. The nutrients may not be absorbed properly either.




You need to leave a gap of at least 30 minutes between a meal and a fruit snack. Ideally, one should eat fruits an hour before the meal or two hours after, if they have diabetes or any other digestive problem like acidity. This is because, sometimes, diabetes is accompanied with digestive problems.




Can I mix fruits with other foods? You can mix fruit with yogurt or salt as long as you do not have any digestive problems like indigestion or acidity.


You can also mix fruits like pineapple, oranges, melons or pomegranate with salads if you like. There is no harm in mixing berries and dry fruits with cereals either.



Shelf-life of common fruits


Banana: Three-four days


Apple: Up to a week


Pears: Five-six days




Papayas: Two-three days (depends on how ripe the papayas are to begin with)
Chickoos: Two days (depends on the ripeness)






Most other ripe fruits have a shelf life of up to three days if stored in the refrigerator. Here are more tips on the right way to store fruits and vegetables.ware.  

Combat stress with a balanced dietCombat stress with a balanced diet(HEALTH +)

You can cope with stress, depression and anxiety by avoiding certain foods and eating a balanced diet. Our expert tells you how





We live in times where pill popping has become a solution to all our physical and mental health problems. Instead of subjecting your body to chemicals and medical drugs, why not control your moods through natural foods?

Eating right and avoiding certain foods too can help you cope with stress, depression and anxiety.



Registered dietician Sukhada Bhatte says, "Patients often come to me and say 'When I'm bored, I eat', 'When I'm happy, I eat', or 'When I'm sad, I eat'. This essentially tells us that what we eat can have a crucial effect on how we feel and vice versa." So you may consider substituting tranquilisers with natural foods. Bhatte tells you about the right foods to eat:



Condition stress: Food to eat




Because of stress, the brain is susceptible to oxidative damage which can lead to diminished brain function. Get enough antioxidants to protect not only the brain but other organs such as kidneys, heart and liver from oxidative damage. Eat enough antioxidant-rich foods to delay the cognitive and functional decline of the brain. Consume three to five servings of fresh fruits (any) daily.


They are a rich source of antioxidants such as Vitamin C, carotenoids and fibre. Antioxidants act as scavengers of cellular oxidation products thus reducing the damage to your body.



Avoid drinking excess coffee, tea or caffeine drinks. Excess caffeine increases stress levels. Intake of tea or coffee post sunset may lead to compromised sleep and increase stress levels the next day. Switch to green tea as it is rich in antioxidants and flavanoids. One cup can make you feel better instantly.


Condition depression: Food to eat




Take two servings of fatty fish a week, one-two tbsps of flax seeds, or about seven walnuts a day as they are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. The acids affect the neurotransmitter pathways in the brain.



If you suffer from depression, eat nuts, oilseeds, whole grains and low fat dairy products as they are rich sources of selenium, which help mild to moderate depression.Poor adrenal functions, excessively low cholesterol levels and a lack of salt are often overlooked as a possible cause for depression and tiredness.



To improve the adrenal functions, eat foods high in vitamin B3 like bean sprouts, lentils, chicken and egg, or foods rich in Vitamin C and A like broccoli, banana, carrots and melons.

A natural antidepressant is phenylethylalanine - an amino acid found in apples, almonds, carrots.



Condition Attention Deficit Hyper Disorder (ADHD): Food to eat




Walnuts and brahmi (Centella Asiatica) - sources of Gamma amino butyric acid. A pilot study done recently on school children in Mumbai has suggested that 300 mg of Centella Asiatica reduces hyperactivity, inattention and overall symptoms of ADHD.



Condition anxiety and hyperactivity: Food to eat





More than concentrating on food, people suffering from anxiety and hyperactivity must avoid sugar, sugary drinks and refined carbs as high intake of sugar or refined carbs is linked to anxiety or hyperactivity. Poor diet has an effect on concentration levels. Chocolate is 'the good mood food' when one feels low or stressed.



Studies have, in fact, shown that dark chocolate is rich in flavanoids and have an uplifting effect. However, it is also high in fat and sugar and one must not eat it as a recommended remedy.  

Celebrate health with tomatoes(HEALTH +)

Indulge in tomatoes as they have great health value

Tomatoes are now hot-favourites thanks to the much-talked about Tomato Festival in Spain as shown in the movie Zindagi Milegi Na Dobaara. But take a break from your favorite actors soaking in the 'tomato fun.' It's time to know the health benefits of this rich easily available vegetable.


Anti-oxidant: Tomatoes contain a lot of vitamins A and C, mostly because of beta-carotene, and these vitamins act as an anti-oxidant, working to neutralize dangerous free radicals in the blood stream. Free radicals in the body can be flushed out with high levels of Lycopene, and the tomato is so amply loaded with this vital anti-oxidant that it actually derives its rich redness from the nutrient.


These dangerous free radicals can cause cell damage. Also, remember that cooking destroys much of vitamin C, so stick to raw tomatoes for these benefits. So, do remember to carry a tomato-cucumber sandwich in your tiffin box.


Vision: Because of all that vitamin A, tomatoes are also an excellent food to help improve your vision. This also means tomatoes can help your eyes be better about night blindness.


Cancer: Various studies have shown that because of all that lycopene in tomatoes, the red fruit helps to lessen the chances of prostate cancer in men, and also reduces the chance of stomach cancer and colorectal cancer. Lycopene is considered somewhat of a natural miracle anti-oxidant that may help to stop the growth of cancer cells. And, interestingly enough, cooked tomatoes produce more lycopene than do raw tomatoes, so enjoy that tomato soup!


Heart troubles: Due to potassium and vitamin B, tomatoes help to lower blood pressure and to lower high cholesterol levels. This, in turn, could help prevent strokes, heart attack and other potentially life-threatening heart problems.

Skin care: Because of high amounts of lycopene, tomatoes are excellent for skin care. Make sure the inside of the tomato skins are against your skin, and let this be there for at least 10 minutes. Then wash off. You face will be cleaner and give a shiny look.


Hair: Remember all that vitamin A in tomatoes? Well, it's good for keeping your hair strong and shiny, and its also good for your eyes, teeth, skin and bones.

Bones: Tomatoes have a fair amount of vitamin K and calcium, both of which help to strengthen bones.   

Getting over the weight loss plateau(HEALTH +)

You've been dieting and exercising regularly and you've almost reached your ideal weight.





But the last couple of kilos just refuse to go no matter how much you exercise or how less you eat? All of us reach a plateau in our weight loss graph at some point of time. Here are some easy to follow tips to get rid of that last bit of stubborn body fat.



Do something different: Change up your exercise routine. Break the pattern that your body is used to. For example, if you workout in the morning, try shifting it to the evening. Instead of running, go for a power walk. Doing something that you're body is not used to will automatically get you results.




Get intense: Instead of spending more time, increase the intensity of your workout. For example, instead of walking on a flat terrain, walk on a slope. This will test your body's resistance and yield better results.





Eat more: This advice needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. Eat more often but in smaller quantities. So if you eat three meals in a day, split the total amount of food you consume into five portions. This will help increase your metabolism and lose that last bit of weight.




Relax: Don't stress about losing weight. Learn to enjoy your workout instead of forcing yourself to do it. And if needed, give your body a break. If you take a day off and get back to your health routine the next day, you're body will react to it better.




Keep it up: The easiest thing to do when you reach a plateau is to give up. But never lose your motivation. Try to stay positive and approach weight loss optimistically. Think of the final outcome and you're sure to keep up your spirits.



Keep these simple tips in mind, and you'll reach you're target weight in no time..

How to stay alert without coffee(HEALTH +)

PrMillions kick-start their day with an early morning cup of coffee to prevent sluggishness and to stay alert. Even at work, we crave for our regular doses of Cappuccinos and Espressos to boost our energy levels and remain stimulated.


But although caffeine does offer some benefits, it has some negative side-effects as well. Regular consumption is associated with increased blood pressure, and irregular heartbeats. Further, a mild addictive stimulant present in coffee may even cause withdrawal symptoms. Here's how you can tweak your daily diet to stay alert without coffee.


Meal splitting: A study published in the American Dietetic Association found that eating mini-meals throughout the day can help boost energy levels by supplying the essential vitamins and minerals to your body. Medical experts believe that infrequent meals with large gaps can cause sudden spikes and large crashes in blood glucose which is a crucial factor for energy levels. Hence, it is advisable to split your meals to ease the process of digestion and smooth out your blood glucose level. A British Medical Journal report recommends regular consumption of six small meals per day as this ensures the maintenance of average cholesterol levels.


Avoid frequent consumption of meat: Did you know that you spend much more energy in digesting meat products than vegetarian substitutes? This is primarily because meat has very high protein and comparatively higher fat that is difficult to digest, if the meat isn't cooked and purchased with healthy eating in mind. Moreover, the presence of certain hormones and pesticides in meat can also influence your energy levels. But this does not mean that you curb your meat cravings completely. Deciding the right balance is what matters the most.


Avoid "Mid-Afternoon" sugar cravings: To prevent a mid-afternoon slump and stay energetic without indulging in caffeine, it is vital to avoid any sugar temptations. Afternoon snack time is the period when our body is usually low on blood sugar. Usually, this is the time when our starved body craves for some added energy and we often fulfill this with the help of some high-sugar treats. Try to control this temptation as this causes your energy levels to bottom out.


Try whole grains: Most of us think of energy as a buzz which can be derived instantly using coffee and other caffeinated products. But always remember that such kind of energy derivation is always short-lived and is often followed by a sudden crash that leaves you more drained than ever. This is where whole grains can come to your rescue. These food products are beneficial in that they allow a steady influx of energy fuel that remains throughout the day.


Drink enough water: More than two-thirds of human body weight is composed of water. Moreover, we need water for performing all major functions like regulating body temperature and alleviating constipation. Hence, it makes sense to consume adequate quantities of water to function optimally. A standard 8 glasses per day is recommended by most dieticians and physicians. Besides this, we can get this level even through liquid foods and beverages like milk. However, beverages containing coffee is not recommended as they have diuretic (water-excreting) properties.


Eat fruits on an empty stomach: Having an apple or an orange on an empty stomach can be a great way to chase away the drowsiness and get a quick energy boost. The alkaline properties of these food products are regarded as great energy boosters and therefore, try to consume more of this than their acidic counterparts.


Low-glycemic foods: Foods with low-glycemic index like vegetables, whole grains and some fruits are a must to prevent any kind of morning sluggishness. Instead of devouring caffeine products to keep you awake, start a healthy diet routine by using more of these low-glycemic foods in small amounts before hitting the bed. are.  

How yoga keeps you fit and healthy(HEALTH +)

Everything we do calls for stress and constant running around. In the middle of all this chaos, yoga is a great way to connect with your inner self and stay healthy at the same time.
Through its deep breathing, stretching, mindful exercise, yoga is also an effective method to keep most stress-related diseases at bay. In fact, no matter what your lifestyle, you could learn a thing or two from this ancient exercise form that benefits your mind and body, both. Here's looking at why yoga is meant for people of all shapes and sizes...yes, even you!


Yoga helps combat stress. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that yoga has a positive impact on various kinds of neurological disorders. Their findings suggest that yoga might help patients in fighting with the symptoms of neurological disorders such as acute headache, psychological depression and so on. Published in the journal of Psychosomatic Medicine, this study revealed that women, even beginners, who practice hatha yoga may boost happy hormones by diminishing stress levels.


Yoga helps asthma patients. According to a research study presented at the 56th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) in Seattle, adults who suffered from asthma experienced "increased quality of life and reduced asthma symptoms after 10 weeks of yoga practice".


Yoga helps in battling weight loss in middle age. While on the one hand yoga helps increase strenght and flexibility, it also helps with weight loss when you reach middle age, according to a study conducted by researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre in Seattle. Researchers studied that people who are overweight in their middle age and who practised yoga daily for over a decade lost considerable amount of weight.


Yoga even helps cancer patients fight fatigue. Cancer survivors who practice yoga are able to sleep better and fight fatigue more efficiently, according to a recent study. Yoga helps reduce stress levels and boosts the immune system. Thus yoga forms like hath yoga are increasingly recommended to all cancer survivors, combined with restorative breathing exercises to help improve their sleep patterns.


Tips for Starting Yoga. We recommend a few things to keep in mind: Go for a style that suits your body type: Yoga classes and asanas may differ for people with different body types. Some may only focus on meditation and deep breathing, whereas others might focus on rigorous and strenuous yoga moves.


You and your body type are unique: Understand this: Yoga is not only about flexibility. Don't try and idealise images and postures as presented in glossy health magazines. Those are people who have attained this kind of flexibility after years of practice and fitness routine. Go at your own pace.


Maintain your own pace: There is no need to rush into any kind of asana or yoga pose too soon. Use straps, blocks or other tools to suit your needs and requirements. Ask your yoga instructor for help and make sure you take adequate rest and proper precautions. Listen to your body: Don't force yourself into any of the asana. Try and read your body signals and stop when you think you can't take it anymore.


The right way of incorporating yoga in your daily workout routine. Depending on what your needs are, you can choose a yoga routine that works for you or you could participate in a host of workout activities at a time. The best way to go about overall fitness will be to do weight training for strength, circuits/rope jumping/sprinting/kickboxing for cardio fitness and Yoga for flexibility.


Now, let's take a quick look at three yoga postures that would benefit every one in general.


Sitali Pranayama. Sit in a comfortable erect position and make sure your head, neck and spine are in line. Take deep breaths for a few minutes and close your eyes. Open your mouth simultaneously by enchanting 'OM' loudly. Now curl the tongue and hang it outside your mouth. Now inhale deeply as if you are sipping through a straw. Focus on your breathing. This exercise will have a direct impact on your abdomen and lower ribs. In the end, complete the asana by closing the mouth and breathing normally through your nostrils. You can perform 10 reps of this asana, for 2 minutes each.


Bhastrika. Sit in a comfortable position with your back straight. Close your eyes and start exhaling and inhaling via nose by focusing on the abdominal muscles. As soon as you release your abdominal muscles you'll realize that your diaphragm contracts before you start to inhale. Hear the sound of your breath and perform this asana for 5 times at a stretch. Give it a pause. Breathe normally. And start again. Complete one to two rounds on a daily basis and increase the number of your breaths by 5, each week. Keep in mind that bhastrika should not be performed by people who suffer from heart diseases, chronic constipation or ulcers without taking due consent from your doctor. Ujjayi Breathing. Sit in a comfortable position. Make sure that your shoulders are not hunched. Take deep breaths and expand your abdomen fully while you inhale and contract your abdomen fully while you exhale. This asana works on the lower rib cage.  

Quick tips for healthy cooking! (HEALTH +)

Preparing healthy meals is not difficult when you know the basics of nutritious cooking.


You can even prepare meals quicker because you don't need to look for fancy ingredients. Nutritious cooking begins with the good, healthy ingredients that you use to prepare your meals.




"Plan your menu in advance and serve food that is freshly cooked to prevent re- heating. Re-heating destroys the nutritive value of foods and also tampers with original taste. Cover the food with cling film (plastic wrap) before string in the refrigerator to prevent mixing of flavours. Food is to be used not only as a source of calories but also as nourishment to grow, maintain and repair tissues of the body and also prevent disease," says Sveta Bhassin, Mumbai-based nutritionist and wellness consultant.




Tips


Vegetables should not be over-cooked. The more they are cooked, the less nutrition you will get from them. Fresh and tender vegetables cook quickly and do not need a lot of seasoning and spices to taste good.


Most of the vegetables are covered with fertilisers and pesticides. To remove them, wash the vegetables in a sink full of potassium permanganate. Then rinse them with plain water. Cut and cook.


Green leafy vegetables should not be cooked in acids like lime or tamarind, as the olive green colour of the green vegetables indicates difficult absorption of the nutrients form green vegetables.


To ensure that food is not overcooked in a pressure cooker, first boil the water without putting the lid on the cooker. Then when it is boiling add the ingredients and cover the lid tightly and cook on low flame for some time till you feel the food is cooked instead of pressure cooking on high flame with many whistles of the cooker. * The pulses and legumes we buy should be unpolished and small in size. In polishing and processing them, some vital nutrients are lost.




Onions are a rich source of quercetin which is a very important phytochemical and antioxidant. But the mistake we make is that we cut them immediately before having it. Onion should be cut and kept for at least 10 minutes before serving as oxidation helps quercetin to get activated.


Milk purchased from a dairy which is not pasteurised should be boiled for at least 10 - 15 minutes at boiling temperature to eliminate the effect of any bacteria or other germs.


It can be dangerous using wrong cookware. Never use painted and decorated pots and pans... Some are made of lead and silver toxin material. This can lead to severe digestive disorders.




Using aluminium vessels for cooking can cause high levels of aluminium in the brain tissue, because it is difficult to remove aluminium from the body. People suffering from Alzheimer's disease have high aluminium in brain tissue.


Pyrex and stainless steel is the safest cookware.