Add These 12 Indian Foods to Cut Fat and Shed Those Extra Kilos

Turmeric : Curcumin, the active component of turmeric, is an object of research owing to its properties that suggest they may help to turn off certain genes that cause scarring and enlargement of the heart. Regular intake may help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol and high blood pressure, increase blood circulation and prevent blood clotting, helping to prevent heart attack.

Cardamom : This is a thermogenic herb that increases metabolism and helps burn body fat. Cardamom is considered one of the best digestive aids and is believed to soothe the digestive system and help the body process other foods more efficiently.

Chillies : Foods containing chillies are said to be as foods that burn fat. Chillies contain capsaicin that helps in increasing the metabolism. Capsaicin is a thermogenic food, so it causes the body to burn calories for 20 minutes after you eat the chillies.

Curry leaves : Incorporating curry leaves into your daily diet can help you lose weight. These leaves flush out fat and toxins, reducing fat deposits that are stored in the body, as well as reducing bad cholesterol levels. If you are overweight, incorporate eight to 10 curry leaves into your diet daily. Chop them finely and mix them into a drink, or sprinkle them over a meal.

Garlic : An effective fat-burning food, garlic contains the sulphur compound allicin which has anti-bacterial effects and helps reduce cholesterol and unhealthy fats.

Mustard oil : This has low saturated fat compared to other cooking oils. It has fatty acid, oleic acid, erucic acid and linoleic acid. It contains antioxidants, essential vitamins and reduces cholesterol, which is good for the heart.

Cabbage : Raw or cooked cabbage inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. Hence, it is of great value in weight reduction.

Moong dal : The bean sprouts are rich in Vitamin A, B, C and E and many minerals, such as calcium, iron and potassium. It is recommended as a food replacement in many slimming programmes, as it has a very low fat content. It is a rich source of protein and fiber, which helps lower blood cholesterol level. The high fiber content yields complex carbohydrates, which aid digestion, are effective in stabilising blood sugar and prevent its rapid rise after meal consumption.

Honey : It is a home remedy for obesity. It mobilises the extra fat deposits in the body allowing it to be utilized as energy for normal functions. One should start with about 10 grams or a tablespoon, taken with hot water early in the morning.

Buttermilk : It is the somewhat sour, residual fluid that is left after butter is churned. The probiotic food contains just 2.2 grams of fat and about 99 calories, as compared to whole milk that contains 8.9 grams fat and 157 calories. Regular intake provides the body with all essential nutrients and does not add fats and calories to the body. It is thus helpful in weight loss.

Millets : Fiber-rich foods such as millets - jowar, bajra, ragi, etc - absorb cholesterol and help increase the secretion of the bile that emulsifies fats. 

Cinnamon and cloves: Used extensively in Indian cooking, the spices have been found to improve the function of insulin and to lower glucose, total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides in people with type 2 diabetes.

One Vegetable with 96 percent distilled water and over 12 Health Benefits

Most people are unaware of the immense health benefits of cucumber - its thirst-quenching and cooling properties are amazing; it is also an anti-oxidant, has 96% distilled water and a host of other health benefits.

Here’s a list of health benefits of cool cucumber:

Acidity: The alkalinity of the minerals in cucumber juice effectively helps in regulating the body’s blood pH, neutralizing acidity. The juice is also soothing for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Blood pressure: Like celery, this colourless drink can help regulate blood pressure because of its minerals and traces of sodium.

Connective tissues, building: The excellent source of silica contributes to the proper construction of connective tissues in our body as in the bones, muscles, cartilage, ligaments and tendons.

Cooling: During dry and hot weather, drink a glass of cucumber + celery juice. It wonderfully helps to normalize body temperature.

Diuretic: Cucumber juice is diuretic, encouraging waste removal through urination. This also helps in the dissolution of kidney stones.

Fever: The temperature regulating properties in cucumber juice makes it a suitable drink when you have a fever.

Inflammation: The Chinese think that cucumbers are too “cooling” and not suitable for people with rheumatism. But we know now that cucumber can help counter uric acids that are causing inflammation in joints. When cucumber is taken it does its cleaning work at the joints, thus stirring up pain as it eliminates the uric acid. This means it also help other inflamed conditions like arthritis, asthma, and gout.

Hair growth: The silicon and sulfur content in cucumber juice makes it especially helpful in promoting hair growth. Drink it mixed with carrot, lettuce or spinach juice.

Puffy eyes: Some people wake up in the morning with puffy eyes, probably due to too much water retention in the body (or having cried to sleep). To reduce the puffiness, lie down and put two slices of cucumber on the eyes for a good ten minutes.

Skin conditions: The high amount of vitamin C and anti-oxidants in cucumber makes it an important ingredient in many beauty creams for treating eczema, psoriasis, acne, etc.

Sunburn: When there is a sunburn, make cucumber juice and rub it on the affected area for a cooling and healing effect.

Water retention: It supplies the necessary electrolytes and restores hydration of the body cells, thus reducing water retention.

Consumption Tips

Choose cucumbers that are dark green in colour and firm to the touch. Avoid those that are yellowish or are wrinkled at either ends. Thinner cucumbers have fewer seeds than those that are thicker. Store cucumbers in the fridge to retain its freshness. Cut cucumbers should be kept wrapped up or in an air-tight container and kept in the fridge. Consume within a day or two.

We used to think that cucumber is too “cooling” for the bones. On the contrary, cucumber really helps counter inflammation in joints by removing the uric acid crystallization.

The cucumber is a type of melon and comes from the same family as watermelon, zucchini and other squash. It is cylindrical in shape with lengths of approximately 6 to 9 inches. Its skin is very similar to watermelon, ranges from green to white. Inside, the flesh is pale green and very juicy. The cucumber is a tropical plant but is also easily available in most part of the world. However, in some cultures, cucumber is more often used to make pickles, of which most of its nutrients would have been lost.

Cucumber has an impressive amount of water (about 96%) that is naturally distilled, which makes it superior to ordinary water. Its skin contains a high percentage of vitamin A, so should not be peeled off.

The cucumber contains alkaline-forming minerals and is an excellent source of vitamin C and A (anti-oxidants), folate, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, silica, sulphur, and lesser amounts of vitamin B complex, sodium, calcium, and phosphorus.

10 Things You Can Do Right Away to Gain Self-Confidence

Self-confidence can get you far in this world. Employers, potential partners and friends all appreciate strong, self-confident people. It's an admired trait. But even if you don't FEEL confident, there are ways to APPEAR confident, and when you succeed in doing that, you'll find that, very quickly, you actually feel as confident as you seem to be!

 #1: Practice exhibiting confidence through your body language

 There is much evidence pointing to body language as a path to developing real self-confidence. A 'fake it till you make it' approach can actually generate real confidence. So stand up straight, don't slouch, and don’t look at the floor. Pull your shoulders back, push out your chest a bit and have some space between your feet when you stand.

 Also, don't touch your face when talking to others, this is a clear sign of a lack of confidence, don't play with your hair or look anywhere but the person you are talking to. Which brings us to our next point.

 #2: Smile

 Smiling is powerful. It makes others realize you have it good, that you are relaxed and content. Smile and let it show in your eyes. You'll see it not only makes a big difference in how people relate to you, but it also, eventually, makes you feel that much better.

 #3: Make eye contact and keep it

 Don't be the first to look away. When your eyes meet another, hold on to them, especially if you or they are talking. Don't stare, just move your eyes to theirs and hold, let them drop to the face and then back up. Don't break eye contact quickly, people who will immediately break eye contact give the impression that they either feel guilty for something, don't trust the person or are bored. You can practice this with random people, and you may be surprised at their reaction when you get the nerve just to look them in the eyes. It will transmit confidence and interest.

 #4: Don't fidget

 Compulsively moving your foot or nodding as someone else is talking transmits a lack of calm. To develop your self-confidence, you'll need to be aware of your body and keep calm. If you feel yourself start to fidget, take a deep breath, disconnect for a moment and count to 3. Then release your breath and return to reality in control of your body.

 #5: Halt before you talk

 When you are talking to another person, listen to them intently, don't cut them off and don't start talking immediately after they are done. Take 3 seconds to process the information, and then formulate a response that is quiet and shows that you really listened. Use specific details if possible. The time you take to think and process what the other person said would make you look more confident, wiser and kinder. Remember, fools shout and cut others off, while strong, confident people take the time to listen and formulate a relevant response to what was said.

 #6: Let others speak

 Continuing from our last point, try to get people to talk. Find out what questions they like being asked and encourage them to answer. People love being listened to, and once you do you'll discover there is always an advantage to knowing more about the person than they know about you. Also, the more open and direct you are in your questions, the more confident you'll seem. Just one word of advice: There is a thin line between being direct and being rude, find it and tread it carefully, you want to ask good questions but do it in a kind and offhand manner that'll put others at ease.

 #7: Don't cut people off

 We return to this point because it is so common. Many of us are used just to listen to the gist of what people are saying while waiting to give our own input. But being cut off is annoying, insulting and sometimes hurtful. Besides, you may miss out on important information. This takes a lot of patience, especially when people will just talk your ear off. But once you gain control of this need to give your own input right away, you'll discover it has powerful advantages. A man in control is a confident man, one who can listen to others' mistakes without having to correct them immediately.

 On the other hand, if someone cuts you off, be assertive but calm, and ask politely that you be given the opportunity to finish. Don't look grouchy, they probably didn't mean to do it, just smile and be kind about it.

 #8: Dress well

  It's amazing how much we get judged on visuals alone. You can take great advantage of that fact by being always well dressed. Get an honest friend to tell you what looks good on you and what does not. Find a balance between comfort and a great look.

 # 9: Exercise

 Yes, even in an article about self-confidence you won't escape this essential advice. Physical activity is a huge source of self-confidence. Research has demonstrated that there is a direct link between sports and chemicals being released in the brain to cause euphoria. Physical activity will also improve your looks, which will also add to your self-confidence. And don't forget, just proving to ourselves what our bodies can do is a great boost to our confidence. Do any kind of physical activity for a better overall feeling and a great boost in self pride and respect.

 #10: Remember the good times

One of the things that we rely on for self-confidence is reliving the best moments of our lives. Each time you remember that great day - a game you won, a trip you took, a person you loved - this will do wonders for your self-esteem as well as a a good excuse to call old friends

Bitter Secrets that You Never Knew Before

Recollect how the senior citizens always insist that you should eat Bitter Gourd and that it is healthy, but quite often they are not able to explain why.  Here are the health secrets of bitter gourd that will make you think twice about refusing to eat it ever!

1. Heart Care: Reduces bad cholesterol levels, by burning unnecessary fats which clog the arterial walls and thereby reduce the chances of heart attacks.

2. Weight Loss: Rich in iron, beta-carotene, and potassium. It can relieve constipation and improve circulation, thereby producing slimming effects on the body.

2. Weight Loss: Rich in iron, beta-carotene, and potassium. It can relieve constipation and improve circulation, thereby producing slimming effects on the body.

3. Type II Diabetes Cure: Reverses insulin resistance and activates the protein kinase, activating the absorption of sugar in body cells. Significantly improves glucose tolerance without increasing blood insulin levels.

4. Lowers blood glucose levels: Contains phyto-nutrient, polypeptide-P, a plant insulin, known to lower blood sugar levels. The hypoglycemic agent, Charantin, increases glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis in the cells of liver, muscle and adipose tissue.

5. Hypertension Reliever: Actively inhibits hypertension, high plasma cholesterol, or high plasma lipids, which affect patients with Type II diabetes, decreasing the risk of stroke or heart attack.

6. Anti-parasitic: Antihelminthic or anthelmintic compounds are used in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and can kill parasitic intestinal worms. It also stimulates peristalsis of food, relieving indigestion and constipation problems.

7. Liver tonic: Helps to maintain healthy liver and bladder. It is also useful in removing kidney stones and relieving gout pain.

8. Blood Cell Booster: The compounds a-eleostearic acid and the 15, 16-dihydroxy-a-eleostearic acid, are a good remedy for leukemia and blood irregularities such as anemia. It helps in producing healthy red blood cells and balances the amount of white blood cells in your body.

9. Blood Cleanser: Its juice cleanses the liver and blood off toxins and is highly beneficial for treating blood disorders like blood boils and itching due to toxemia.

10. Folates Source: Has high amount of Folates that helps in treating defective neural tubes which usually occurs during early pregnancy.

11. Anti Ageing: Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, fights and eliminates free radicals, reducing wrinkles and slowing down the ageing process. It also protects the skin from damage by sun’s UV rays.

12. For Respiratory disorders: Fresh pods are an excellent remedy for curing respiratory problems like asthma, cold, cough, bronchitis and pharyngitis.

13. Nutrients/Vitamin SuperStore: Contains flavonoids such as ß-carotene, α-carotene, lutein, and zea-xanthin. Low in calories, rich in phytonutrients like dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants and a good source of niacin (vitamin B-3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5), pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) and minerals such as iron, zinc, potassium, manganese and magnesium.

14. Disease Buster: Not only effective in killing malaria bacteria, but it can also weaken some viruses such as Cholera, Chickenpox, Measles, Herpes and Jaundice.

15. Immunity Booster: This bitter juice can also help to strengthen your immune system and increase your body’s resistance against a variety of infections.

16. Psoriasis Cure: Regular consumption of this bitter juice has curative benefits in treatment of psoriasis, fungal infections like ring-worm and athletes feet, and skin infections like eczema.

17. Acne Cure: Helps prevent acne, thanks to its blood purifying properties. Keeps your skin glowing and free from blemishes and infections.

18. Eye Care: High beta-carotene and other properties, help alleviate eye problems and in improving eyesight.

19. For Hangover: Its anti-intoxication properties are beneficial in the treatment of hangover and eliminating liver problems, due to alcohol consumption.

20. Piles Cure: Three teaspoons of the juice, extracted from its leaves, added to a glassful of buttermilk and consumed on an empty stomach every morning, has shown promising curative results in the treatment of piles.

21. Hair Care: Super hair tonic which imparts shine, wards off dandruff, treats split ends, combats dryness and itchiness of scalp, reduces hair loss, treats rough and tangled hair, prevents premature graying and removes excess oiliness in hair.

22. Regulates blood flow and clotting: Aids in the healing process preventing further infections.

23. Energy Source: Regular consumption of this bitter juice has been proven to improve energy and stamina levels. Even sleeping patterns have been shown to be improved/stabilized.

#Complete #Confusion #Hilarious

A Conversation between Mr. Watt and William Knott...

"Who's calling?" was the answer to the telephone.

"Watt."

"What is your name, please?"

"Watt's my name."

"That's what I asked you. What's your name?"

"That's what I told you. Watt's my name."

A long pause, and then from Watt, "Is this James Brown?"

"No, this is Knott."

"Please tell me your name."

"Will Knott."

"Why not?"

"Huh? What do you mean why not?"

"Yeah! Why won't you tell me your name?"

"But I told you my name!"

"Didn't you say you will not?"

"Not not, Knott, Will Knott!"

"That's what I mean."

"So you know my name."

"Of course not!"

"Good. So now, what is yours?"

"Watt. Yours?"

"Your name!"

"Watt's my name."

"How the hell do I know? I am asking you!"

"Look I have been very patient and I have told you my name and you have

not even told me yours yet."

"You have been patient, what about me?"

"I have told you my name so many times and it is you who have not told

me yours yet."

"Of course not!"

"See, you even know my name!"

"Of course not!"

"Then why do you keep saying of course Knott?"

"Because I don't."

[Pause]

"What is your name?"

"See, you know my name!"

"Of course not!"

"Then why do you keep asking ,Watt, is your name?"

"To find out your name!"

"But you already know it!"

"What?"

"See, but you know mine!"

"Of course not!"

"Exactly!"

NOW THEY ARE AT A POINT WHERE BOTH THINK THE OTHER KNOWS THEIR NAME, BUT

THEY THEMSELVES DON'T KNOW THE OTHER'S NAME.

"Listen, listen, wait; if I asked you what your name is, what will be

your answer?"

"Watt's my name."

"No, no, give me only one word."

"Watt"

"Your name!"

"Right!"

[Pause before it hits him]

"Oh, Wright!"

"Yeah!"

"So why didn't you say it before?"

"I told you so many times!"

"You never said Wright before"

"Of course I did."

"Ok I won't argue any more. Do you know my name?"

"I do not."

"Well, there you go, now we know each other's name."

"I do not!"

"Good!"

[Pause before it hits him]

"Oh, Guud!"

"Good."

"No wonder, it took me so long, is that Dutch?"

"No, it's Knott!"

"Oh, okay. At least the names are clear now Guud."

"Yes Wright."

Top 10 Remedies for Sinus Headaches

1. Dip a small towel in cold water, rinse, and apply to forehead. Once the towel gets warm, flip it to the other side, or dip it into cold water again.

2. Lying down, in a dark room, maybe getting a 1/2 hour of sleep, will always make you feel better.

3. A decoction of half a teaspoon mustard seeds powder and three teaspoons water, if instilled in the nostrils, redresses migraine.

4. The juice of ripe grapes is an effective home remedy for a migraine.

5. For a sinus headache, eat a jalapeno pepper as soon as possible. Within minutes your sinuses will start to drain and the sinus headache will subside.

6. A peppermint steam inhalation provides quick relief for sinus headaches. Peppermint acts as a decongestant, and the combination of warm steam and the essential oil is doubly effective for opening up the sinuses.

7. Mix 1 teaspoon finely ground cinnamon (called dalchini in India) in 1 teaspoon water and apply on the forehead. It is very effective in headache due to exposure to cold air.

8. Make a paste from dry ginger with a little water or milk, apply to the forehead for sinus relief.

9. Grind 10-15 Basil leaves with 4 cloves and 1 teaspoon dried ginger into a paste and apply to forehead for sinus cure.

10. For a painful sinus headache, try a hot footbath along with a cold compress on the forehead.

Top 8 Remedies for Hiccups / Hiccoughs

1. Place a tablespoon of sugar in mouth and suck slowly. In most cases, it is a sure remedy.

2. Hold your breath as long as possible, and let it go out. The lungs expand and push down on the diaphragm, stopping hiccups immediately.

3. Mix 2 teaspoon common salt in a cup of plain yogurt and eat. In most cases, it is a good remedy.

4. Boil ½ teaspoon of cardamom fresh powder in 2 cups of water till about 1 cup remains. Sieve it and drink a glassful of this warm water.

5. For recurring hiccups, suck small pieces of fresh ginger.

6. Plug your ears with your fingers and drink something with a straw.

7. Lay on your back.  Put a paper bag over your mouth and nose and breathe several times.

9. For some eating a spoonful peanut butter stops hiccups immediately. It can work for children also.

Eat More, Weigh Less

ONE OF the biggest complaints from folks who are trying to eat less to lose weight is that they are constantly hungry. But cutting back on calories doesn't have to mean eating less food.

Yes, you can actually eat a greater volume of food if you know what to choose and what to avoid. Some foods are more "nutrient dense," which means they pack a lot more calorie punch per bite. These are generally the high-fat foods like full-fat dairy, cheeses, oils, butter, cream sauces and high-fat meats like a rib-eye steak. This doesn't mean banning nutrient-dense foods from your diet, but it does mean using them more as accessories and limiting portions.

Eating more to weigh less is not a new concept. However, you have to eat more of the right foods.

Fruits and vegetables contain water and fibre and so are lower in calories. Legumes such as peas and beans, brown rice and whole-grain breads and cereals are in the filling but lower-incalories-per-serving crowd, too. Eat more of these foods more often and you'll feel full while cutting back on total calories. They will also help deliver your daily fibre and nutrient needs.

Some creative ways to fill up your plate while cutting calories Eat fruit for breakfast Along with your toast and milk, make sure you have some fruit that will help you feel full for longer.

If you prefer cereal for breakast, add 1/2 cup berries or 1/2 sliced banana to breakfast cereal to help fill up the bowl and your stomach. Or make a parfait with low-fat granola, nonfat yogurt and 1/2 cup berries for a snack. Drink before your meals Drink more water or unsweetened iced tea before and with your meals. (Be careful of some of the flavoured or enhanced waters; some contain sweeteners - which means more calories.

More egg whites Pump up the volume on omelets by adding egg whites, in stead of an extra egg, and plenty of vegetables. Rethink your noodles Change your pasta by choosing whole-wheat noodles, which are higher in fibre and therefore more filling. Add vegetables to bulk up the pasta sauce. Soup up appetisers

When eating out, try a salad or soup as an appetiser. Not all salads, however, are created equal. Avoid large amounts of dressing, cheese, nuts and fried noodles. These "nutrient dense" toppings are all fine if used sparingly.

Choose broth-based soups in stead of cream-based soups. (Water in the soup helps fill you up, too.) Feel full longer with fibre Choose whole grains. The fiber in the whole grains increases absorption time in your digestive tract, so you feel full longer. You can find whole-wheat pasta, whole-grain pancakes and breads at many restaurants. Ditch the meat now and then Be a vegetarian once in a while.

Eat often, stay energetic Don't starve yourself. Eat every three hours to keep your energy level up. On the go? Keep sliced veggies and fruit in plastic bags. At home, keep snacks such as sliced vegetables, hummus, fruit salads, whole fruits, nonfat or low-fat yoghurts, and pre-made salads in the fridge. You'll feel like you're eating all the time.

Just Six Steps to Controlling Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is a condition in which a person’s blood pressure becomes so low that it causes symptoms like dizziness, fainting, fatigue, nausea, difficulty breathing, blurred vision, palpitations, and cold, clammy skin.  Although not as common as hypertension or high blood pressure, it still manifests in a small proportion of the populace, often due to psychosomatic reasons. 

Low blood pressure results in inadequate flow of blood to vital organs such as the brain, kidneys and the heart itself.  Physical reasons include dehydration, nutritional deficiencies due to self-imposed diets, decrease in blood volume, endocrine disorders but psychosomatic causes are more likely in a majority of the cases.  It is also quite probable that psychosomatic reasons for low blood pressure can manifest in other physical problems such as lower back pain, etc.

Although it is advisable to tackle the psychosomatic causes with psychological tools such as hypnosis, NLP and other psychological tools, one can still control the incidence with lifestyle and dietary habits.  Here are the few things that you must do –

Mindfulness Meditation

It is a proven fact that meditation helps high blood pressure, but it can aid low blood pressure too, if the activity is well directed and coupled with mindfulness to ascertain psychosomatic causes.  The easiest, almost effortless manner in which you can be mindful and attain alpha levels of mind is Nirmiti Nidra. 

Juices

Drinking 30 ml of Aloe Vera Juice every morning along with lemon water to balance the pH levels is very important.  Since hydration is often a cause, make it two glasses of warm water as soon as you wake up, first thing in the morning.  Refer to the previous article for more details.  Raw carrot + beetroot juice is helpful in dealing with high as well as low blood pressure. For hypotension, drink a cup of carrot + beetroot juice twice daily for about one week and then at least 5 cups per week. 

Herbs

Holy basil is beneficial for low blood pressure because it is rich in vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and pantothenic acid. Furthermore, it helps balance the mind and reduces stress.  You can chew four to five basil leaves daily in the morning.  Licorice root is another popular home remedy for normalizing low blood pressure caused by low levels of cortisol. It blocks the enzyme that breaks down cortisol and supports healthy adrenalin function. It is also effective in curing chronic fatigue syndrome.  Rosemary is believed to be useful in normalizing low blood pressure because it stimulates the central nervous system and improves circulation.

Salt and Sodium

Salt water helps treat low blood pressure because the sodium in salt increases blood pressure. Do not overdo this remedy though, as excess salt can prove to be unhealthy. Simply mix one-half teaspoon of salt in a glass of water and drink it. You can also drink sports beverages. 

Caffeine

A cup of strong coffee every morning or hot chocolate or any caffeinated beverage can also temporarily increase your blood pressure. It is smart to drink this beverage at a time when you normally experience fatigue or low pressure symptoms.  You can also have it along with meals – since pressure tends to drop after meals for most people, it makes sense to have low carb meals several times a day followed by a half cup of coffee.

Almonds

Soak about 5 to 8 almonds in water overnight.  The next morning, peel off the skin and grind the almonds into a smooth paste along with a little milk.  Thereafter, boil the paste in milk and drink a cup of this along with your breakfast each morning.