benefits of drinking water

1. Lose weight at a faster rate

2. Flush out toxins from body

3. Improve muscles endurance & flexibility

4.. Ability to focus and concentrate gets sharper 

5. Boost metabolic rate

6.Get a glowing and healthier skin complexion

7.Lower the risk of many diseases

8.Promotes the growth of healthy hair

9. Able to stimulate your digestive system

10.Improves blood circulation

11.You are re-energized and it uplifts your mood

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MEDICINAL USE OF LIME

Scurvy: Lime is so famous as a cure for scurvy, the disease which is caused due to deficiency of vitamin-C and characterized by frequent infections with cough and cold; cracked lips and lip corners; ulcers in tongue and mouth; spongy, swollen and bleeding gums etc. that now a days even a child can tell you that. 

      Since its cause is deficiency of vitamin-C, its remedy is none other than vitamin-C, and lime is blessed with this vitamin. In olden days, soldiers and sailors were given lime to keep safe from scurvy, which was a dreaded disease then. Even now, it is distributed among the workers working in polluting environments like those working in furnaces, painting shops, heat treatments, cement factories, mines etc. to protect them from scurvy.

Skin Care: 

        Lime juice and its oil are very beneficial for skin when consumed orally or applied externally. It rejuvenates the skin, keeps it shining, protects it from infections and reduces body odor due to presence of a large amount of vitamin-C and Flavonoids, both of which are class-1 anti oxidants, anti biotic and disinfectants.

       When applied externally on skin, its acids scrub out the dead cells, cures dandruff, rashes, bruises etc. and gives you a refreshing bath if its juice or oil is mixed into your bathing water.

Digestion:

          Lime has an irresistible scent which waters the mouth and thus aid primary digestion (the digestive saliva floods your mouth even before you taste it). Then the acids in it do the rest. While they break down of the macro molecules of the food, the Flavonoids, the compounds found in the fragrant oils extracted from lime, stimulate the digestive system and increase secretion of digestive juices, bile and acids and also stimulate the peristaltic motion. 

         This is the reason behind having lemon pickle with lunch and dinner is an age old practice inIndia and some of its neighboring countries.

Constipation: 

         Primarily, the ample of acids present in lime helps clear the excretory system by washing and cleaning off the tracts, just like some acids are used to clean floor and toilets. 

         Then the roughage in it is also helpful in easing constipation. But it is mainly due to high acids. An overdose of lime juice with salt also acts as an excellent purgative without any side effects, thereby giving relief in constipation.

Peptic Ulcer: 

        In addition to vitamin-C, lime contains special compounds called Flavonoids (Limonoids such as Limonin Glucoside) which have anti oxidant, anti carcinogenic, anti biotic and detoxifying properties which help healing of peptic and oral ulcers.

Respiratory Disorders:

         The oil, containing Flavonoids and certain oils, extracted from lime is extensively used in anti congestive medicines such as balms, vaporizers, inhalers etc. due to presence of Kaempferol. Just scratching the peel of a lime and inhaling it gives immediate relief in congestion and nausea.

Eye Care: 

        

Vitamin-C again! Its anti oxidant properties protect eyes from aging and macular degeneration. Flavonoids help protect them from infections.

Gout:       

         There are two main causes of Gout. While the first reason is accumulation of free radicals in the body; the second is accumulation of toxins, primarily uric acid. Now, limes can help you with both of these. It is a reservoir of anti oxidants & detoxifiers (vitamin-C & Flavonoids) which free radicals as well as detoxify the body.

Gums: 

         The root causes of gum problems are deficiency of vitamin-C (Scurvy, which gives bleeding and spongy gums) and microbial growth. Sometimes, the ulcers and wounds from bones, hard objects etc. are also the causes. In all of these, limes can help you. Its vitamin-C cures scurvy, Flavonoids inhibit microbial growth and potassiumand Flavonoids help heal ulcers and wounds.

Piles: 

        Since lime helps heal up ulcers and wounds in the digestive system and excretory system and gives relief from constipation too, it eradicates all the root causes of piles.

Weight Loss: 

        A glass of warm water with a full-lime juice in it is an excellent weight reducer as well as a brilliant refresher and anti oxidant drink. The citric acid present in lime is an excellent fat burner. Just have two glasses a day and see the remarkable result within a week.

Urinary Disorders: 

       The high potassium content of limes is very effective in removal of the toxic substances and the precipitates deposited in kidneys, urinary bladder and its disinfectant properties help cure infections in the urinary system. It also stops prostrate growth (very common in males above 40) and clears blockage of urine due to deposition of calcium in the urinary tract.

Other Benefits: 

           It is a good appetizer and digestive. It helps curearthritis, rheumatism, prostrate and colon cancer, cholera, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, fatigue, heart diseases and even very high fever (in contrary to popular belief). The best part of it is that it has no side effects.

Few Words of Caution:

            The seeds of all citrus fruits (and also apples) are poisonous and if ingested in large quantity (even a small handful) can be fatal. So, avoid chewing or swallowing the seeds when you use limes.

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TOP 10 BEST TIPS FOR WEIGHTLOSS

1. Make water your favorite drink. A person must have a minimum of 8 glasses of water in a day. Avoid taking soft drinks or carbonated beverages; moreover replace them with water. Water helps in reducing weight in the most effective manner.
2. Don't stuff yourself with food in a single sitting; instead have 5 to 6 small meals or snacks in a day. Eating several small meals helps the body to release less insulin, which keeps blood sugar steady and helps to control hunger.
3. Make a habit of walking. Instead of driving car to the nearby market, prefer walking down. Walking is more important for people in sedentary jobs. Walk for at least 45 minutes every day; it helps in burning extra calories.
4. Keep small plates for serving food because a study shows that the less food put in front of us, the less food we'll eat. So downsize your food plates and coffee mugs, and say goodbye to those extra calories.
5. Eat more vegetables during meals as water-rich foods like zucchini, tomatoes, and cucumbers reduce your overall calorie consumption. Some other water-rich foods include soups and salads; they are good source of nutrition.
6. Use vegetables to make hefty meals. Like pasta salad loaded with vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and tomatoes can be eaten twice. Same applies for stir-fries; add vegetables to make a fluffier omelet.
7. Avoid taking white foods as they contain large amounts of carbohydrates, which may further lead to weight gain. Replace white sugar, white rice, and white flour with whole grain breads and brown rice.
8. Switch to ordinary coffee because coffee drinks at shops has extra calories, owing to whole milk, whipped cream, sugar, and sugary syrups. A cup of regular coffee, having skim milk brewed with good beans, tastes great and moreover has fewer calories.
9. Use skimmed milk as it is high in calcium and low in calories. For coffee, use nonfat powdered milk.
10. Prefer eating cereal for breakfast five days a week. Following this, you will consume more fiber and calcium, and less fat than those who eat other breakfast foods.
11. Prefer having meals at home. We're more likely to eat more - in fact, more high-fat, and high-calorie foods- when we eat out than eating at home.
12. Try to eat slowly and put your fork or spoon down after every bite. Drink water often and talk about your day with your partner. If you eat slowly, you would feel contended with your meal.
13. Eat only when your stomach wants food. Usually out of boredom, nervousness, habit, or frustration; many of us unnecessarily have food. If you want to have something specific, it's probably a craving, not hunger.
14. Prefer flavorings like hot sauce, salsa, and Cajun seasonings rather than butter and creamy or sugary sauces. These flavorings not only provide flavor with no fat and few calories, but the spicy ones also turn up digestive fires, causing your body to burn more calories.
15. Eat fruit rather than drinking fruit juice. Eating whole foods will keep you satisfied for longer period of time than juice. Moreover, fruit juices are very high in calories.
16. Eat equal portions of vegetables and grains at dinner. A cup of cooked rice or pasta has about 200 calories, while a cup of cooked veggies has just 50 calories. This will help to avoid a grain calorie overload, and high-fiber veggies will help satisfying your hunger.
17. After every two hours, get up and walk around the office or your home for five minutes. A brisk five-minute walk after every two hours will you're your body active.
18. Once a week, make a habit of washing something thoroughly - could be floor, windows, shower cabin, bathroom tiles, car, etc. It helps in burning out about four calories for every minute spent in cleaning.
19. Take a walk before dinner and it'll not only burn calories, but also cut down your appetite.
20. Prefer not eating with a large group as we tend to eat more when we eat with other people, probably because we spend more time at the table. When eating in groups take a note of time and leave the plate, as and when you have had enough.
21. Skip watching TV for an hour and go for a walk instead. Or else, you have now time to finish your domestic chores.
22. Take most of the calories before noon because studies tell that the more you eat in the morning, the less you'll eat in the evening. Moreover, you will get more chances to burn off those early-day calories than late-night calories.
23. Order alcohol by the glass, not the bottle. This way, you'll be more aware of how much alcohol you're intaking. Alcohol is high in calories, however moderate drinking can be good for your health.
24. Stock your refrigerator with low-fat yogurt. Cut down 500 calories a day from your diet and eat yogurt three times a day for 12 weeks. It will help you lose more weight and body fat.

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BENEFITS OF BITTER GOURD

Bitter gourd is highly beneficial in the treatment of blood disorders like blood boils, scabies, itching, psoriasis, ring-worm and other fungal diseases. A cupful of fresh juice of bitter gourd mixed with a teaspoonful of lime juice should be taken, sip by sip, on empty stomach daily for four to six months in these conditions. Its regular use in endemic regions of leprosy acts as a preventive medicine.

Eye problems: The high beta-carotene and other properties in bitter gourd makes it one of the finest vegetable-fruit that help alleviate eye problems and improving eyesight.

Hangover: Bitter melon juice may be beneficial in the treatment of a hangover for its alcohol intoxication properties. It also help cleanse and repair and nourish liver problems due to alcohol consumption. 

Bitter gourd contains nutrients which is beneficial to cleanse blood from toxins. Taking 2 ounces of Bitter Gourd Juice with honey regularly can help to cleanse liver and improve asthma and respiratory orders.

The cellulose content of bitter guard is rich in fibre and acts as a bulk residue that helps to prevent habitual as well as chronic constipation,  reduce piles, as well as plays an active role in Weight Control.

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TOP 10 HEALTH BENEFITS OF GUAVA

Guava fruit (amrood), usually 5 to 10 cm (2-4 inches) long, are round or pear shaped depending on the variety. It bears a green, yellow or maroon cover while the inside of the fruit features the white ("white" guavas) or pink ("red" guavas) fleshy part containing many small, hard seeds. There are many varieties of guava that are grown for their fruit, including Psidium guajava (apple guava), Psidium cattleianum (strawberry guava), and Psidium friedrichstahlium. The most frequently encountered variety, and the one often simply referred to as “the guava”, is the Apple Guava.

Guava with its sweet smell can be taken raw or you can even enjoy guava jams and jellies with fresh bread slices! Whatever might be the mode of intake, guava, being a storehouse of nutrients, would provide many health benefits. Here are the health conditions which are targeted by the nutrients present in guava:

1. Cancer Prevention: Guava is an excellent source of the cancer-fighting antioxidant, lycopene. Lycopene in guava is more easily absorbed by our body than lycopene from tomato becuase of the difference in the cell structure that allows the antioxidant to be absorbed whether the fruit is raw or cooked. Lycopene consumption is associated with significantly lower rates of prostate cancer, and it has also been found to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. Lycopene promotes good health by acting against the influence of “free radicals”, which can damage cells and can contribute to developing cancer and coronary heart disease. All varieties of guava are loaded with antioxidants but the one with the red flesh type contains more than the white-fleshed apple guava.
2. High Blood Pressure: Guava, being hypoglycemic in nature (if taken without skin) and fiber rich, helps in decreasing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This makes guavas highly beneficial for those at risk for heart disease and hypertension. Also, a medium guava (165 gm) provides you with 20 percent of the recommended daily value (DV) for potassium. Studies have shown that people who consume more potassium have lower blood pressures than those who consume less.
3. Diarrhea: Guava has proved to be beneficial to individuals suffering from Diarrhea. Guava has astringents (chemical compound that tends to shrink or constrict body tissues, for example compounds those make your gums feel tighter and fresh after you eat a raw guava), which are helpful in binding up loose stools during the conditions of diarrhea. These alkaline compounds display antibacterial properties and have the ability to prevent microbial growth during dysentery. Other disinfectants present in guava include Carotenoids, Vitamin C and Potassium. These properties and ingredients of guava also support healing in cases of gastroenteritis.
4. Cough and Cold: The decoction of guava leaves or the juices of raw or immature guavas bring relief to individuals suffering from cough and cold. This can be attributed to the astringent properties of guava juice. The juice works by loosening the cough, decreasing mucus and by making the respiratory tract, throat and lungs infection-free. Guava is also rich in vitamin C and iron, which provide protections against cold and viral infections.
5. Skin Care: The astringents of guava enhance the skin texture and tighten loosened skin. In fact, guava works more effectively than any other skin nourishing lotions in the market. Decoction of immature leaves and fruits can be applied on the skin for tightening and toning purposes. Additionally, guava has high contents of vitamin A, vitamin C and Potassium, which are characterized by their antioxidant functions. These nutrients carry out detoxification processes and keep the skin healthy and wrinkle-free.
6. Constipation: High amount of dietary fiber present in guava helps prevent constipation. A medium guava provides you with 36 percent of the recommended daily value for dietary fiber. Also, the seeds of guava are very effective laxatives. Both these attributes help in the formation of bowels and the cleaning up of the excretory system.
7. Diabetes: According to a study conducted on rats, both the guava fruit and its leaves can help diabetic patients by lowering their blood glucose levels. However, if consumed along with its skin, it can be bad for your blood sugar. According to the research published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research and conducted by researchers at the Medicinal Research Laboratory of the University of Allahabad, blood sugar levels in rats injected with guava peel extract rose by 91% in sub-diabetic rats within two hours of administration and by 27% in normal rats after eight hours of administration. So, the best way to consume a guava for diabetics is to peel off its skin.
8. Weight Loss: Guava forms an essential component of a weight loss diet. Guava is rich in fiber, proteins and vitamins and this implies that individuals looking to lose weight would not have to compromise on their intake of these nutrients! Guava with no cholesterol and low carbohydrates, can still offer a feeling of fullness. A medium sized guava for lunch is enough to supply nutrition till dinner. Again, guava can help thin people gain weight. This can be attributed to its nutrients which aid in the better absorption process of the body.
9. Scurvy: The Vitamin C content of a common guava (apple guava) is about four times than what we find in an orange. Thus, guavas are effective remedies for scurvy, which is characterized by swollen and bleeding gums due to deficiency of Vitamin C.
10. Dental Care: The juice of the guava leaves containing astringents and vitamins is a remedy for toothaches, swollen gums and ulcers of the mouth.

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DIET TIPS

                                

       Ayurveda is an ancient medical system of India that offers a path to holistic living as a means of balancing the body. When you get into the specifics of Ayurveda, there are strict guidelines depending on your body type. But even so, there are general rules that anyone can follow when choosing the Ayurvedic approach to better health and eating..

• By taking your time and chewing your food, your body already feels more of the process happening. In addition, you are able to fully chew your food until it is the correct consistency to be swallowed and digested. This Ayurvedic method will help you from overeating or feeling stuffed. By enjoying your meal, you are essentially slowing down the digestion process to let your system do its job in a natural state.

• Opt for whole, fresh, in-season, and local foods. This Ayurvedic approach to being selective when you choose foods maintains optimal nutrition. By eating foods that are closest to their natural form, you will also help increase digestibility.

• Although strict Ayurvedic followers have a number of rules about beverages, one in particular can be considered key to digestion. Do not drink cold drinks prior to eating. This might sound strange, but it crosses other cultural eating habits, as well. Although cold liquids have not been proven to hurt the process, they certainly don't help it. Warm liquids are said to gear up your body's spleen for full functionality and can make you feel fuller quicker, so you'll end up consuming less food.

• One key to having a more fulfilling plate is having variety in your menu choices. Rotating food groups, trying new flavors, and combining different spices into your dish are all beneficial for your daily eating habits. This is one of the main philosophies of Ayurveda that followers believe can prevent disease and illness

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JOINT PAIN, ARTHRITIS, WEIGHT LOSS

       Mud therapy is an alternative system of medicine for treatment of disease like joint pain, arthritis, rheumatism or any pain and also used to weight loss. Mud therapy was practiced by the ancient Greek people for treatment of different types of problems. The curative property of the mud is actually due to the plant residues that are deposited in the soil for a long duration of time.

There are many beneficial components that are present in the mud which get absorbed in the blood through the skin and it gets circulated throughout the body. The nerve endings that are situated on the outer skin get stimulated by mud bath which in turn triggers the whole nervous system.

The effects of the mud bath are like a rigorous exercise. Mud bath increases the heart rate, speed up the circulation, it also helps to get rid of the impurities and other toxic material inside of the body. Mud therapy tones the body and it is sometimes given for treatment of some disorders like rheumatism, infertility, arthritis, skin problems etc.

        Mud therapy helps to clear the pathological agents that may present inside the body and help to cure stress of daily life. Mud therapy is used for weight loss, detoxification of the body, tones and revitalizes the body. A mud therapy treatment cycle is for one to two weeks. This cycle includes applying of six to twelve mud packs on daily basis. Sometimes it is advisable to take some break in between the treatment.

          Normally mud therapy is done only once a year but as per the needs of the patients it can be performed twice a year with the interval of 4-5 months in between two cycles. The mud used is a mixture containing organic solid component mixed with mineral water and left for some times to mature. Mud is heated to 50 degree before it is applied on the body. After the application of the mud pack, the patient is wrapped to prevent the dispersion of heat. After the mud bath ten to fifteen minutes of the relaxation is done. 

Mode  of Treatment in MUD Therapy 

         Mud therapy is used to treat inflammation caused by sprains, bruises, and other internal problem, wounds and boils. Various practitioners of naturopathy use damp earth for the treatment purpose. Earth for this purpose can be obtained from riverbeds and anthills. The earth is battered and filtered to remove large particles of sand that are contained in it.

Common Types of therapeutic mud are..

Moor – It is a peat based organic muds.
Fango –It is a thermal muds obtained from hot springs.
Brine muds – This mud is highly saline coastal muds.
Healing clay –It is usually swelling mineral clays.

Different Methods of Using Mud Therapy

1. Mud packs

         A proper mud pack is prepared by collecting the clay from ten centimeter below the earth’s surface. Mud should be free from the crystals and compost or some other waste materials.

       A smooth paste of clay is made by mixing it with warm water. This paste of mud is then cooled and spread on the strip of cloth. Different sizes of cloths are used according to the requirement.

        Mud pack treatment is beneficial in treatment of eye problems, kidney disorders, gout arthritis etc. The area which is under treatment is given fomentation for approximately 5 min until it is heated. After this, direct application of mud is done on the skin for up to fifteen minutes or other time span, depending on the area of application.

      Chronic pains, intestinal cramps, and lower back problem. Mud packs are used to treat colitis, amoebiosis, enteritis and other problems caused by bacteria.

2. Mud Bath

       Mud bath follows the same treatment as of mud pack but it is used on the entire body unlike in case of mud pack which is used in a specific area. The mud bath enhances the blood circulation and it energizes the skin tissue. Frequently taking mud bath is effective in treatment of skin problems and cosmetic treatment as it enhances complexion, removes patches and other spots.

         Various inflammatory diseases like psoriasis, leprosy, and leucoderma can be treated by mud therapy. Mud bath is effective in treatment of rheumatic pains and the pains caused due to injuries. The duration of mud bath is from approximately 3o min to one hour. Care is taken so that patient won’t get cold during mud bath. 

Benefits of MUD Therapy 
Mud therapy is very beneficial in treating skin problems and other diseases and ailments. It is also used in enhancing beauty. Mud therapy is sometimes used to cure diseases like osteoarthritis, back and joint pains, and periarthritis. It is beneficial in pain with no inflammation.

Mud is beneficial in treating the skin diseases due to following reasons ..

• Mud retains water for longer duration of time even more than ice packs.

• It increases the blood circulation in the surface area as the cold moisture's in mud relax the pores on the skin.

• It also beneficial in treatment of acne and its prevention.

• Cleansing effect of mud makes skin smooth and regenerated.

• Mud also has anti-inflammatory effect and hence used in acne, eczema and other inflammatory disease of skin.

• It is used as an anti-aging effect.

• It helps to restores pH of the skin.

• It creates a rejuvenating effect on skin.

• Mud therapy tone up the skin of the user.

• Mud detoxifies the skin.

• It has exfoliating effects on the skin. And eliminates dead cell from the skin and refines skin structure.

• After small pox, mud is used to remove spots and patches from the skin.

Apart from skin problems, Mud therapy is used in treatment of various other diseases.
Mainly problems that is associated with pain.

• It stimulate and energies the body.

• It reduces pain and aches like backaches and reduces muscle aches.

• Mud therapy alleviates stress related issues.

• It maintains the hormone balance naturally.

• Remove the toxins from the body.

• It provides relaxing effect to the body.

Mud therapy treats many diseases like --

• It treats skin allergy and many other skin problems like psoriasis and even leprosy.

• It helps to reduce the irritation of the eye helps in the diseases like conjunctivitis, itching of eyes, hemorrhage in the eyeball, and other allergic conditions.

• Mud therapy treats the errors of refraction like myopia, hypermetropia and in case of glaucoma.

• It treats the general weakness and nervous problems.

• Stomach problems can be treated with help of mud therapy.

• It is beneficial in kidney disorders.

• It treats the disease like arthritis, rheumatism, asthma, bronchopneumonia, diabetes etc.

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