"Can you Chew on this?"

peopletv.org

Ever wonder why certain foods are almost always shown in those advertisements for eating healthy and living longer? Usually there are a bunch of the greenest vegetables ever shown falling into a pan, and often to break up the green, you see a hint of colors, usually red or yellow. More often than not, that flash of red is our familiar old carrot. Which got me thinking…what is really the big deal about these long, semi-sweet, not really detestable, but then again not really loveable, vegetable?


Honestly speaking, the only thing that really comes to my mind when I think about your average carrot is the fact that Bugs Bunny was obsessed with them. Which prompted me to dig a little deeper, and boy, do I have news for you!! Here’s why we need to give those simple little carrots on our plates some more credit!

Antioxidants: just like we hear about the innumerable benefits from sipping of green tea all day long, carrots also contain a large amount of disease fighters including the super star beta carotene. This substance has been linked to the prevention of heart disease, proven effective in lowering cholesterol levels in the body and has even been shown to ward off certain kinds of cancer.

Improves eyesight: no, it’s not just an old wives’ tale girls and boys. Munching on carrots regularly, which happen to be rich in vitamin A, has shown to benefit the vision.

Anti-aging: another plus from eating something containing those antioxidants, which also prevent cell degeneration. Translation? You get to keep your youthful looks longer!

 Skin saver: Making a tasty mix of carrot juice and drinking it with your breakfast in the morning is also a great way to keep your skin looking fresh and acne-free. Added bonus? It’s also keeps your hair and nails looking strong and healthy!

"The Goods on Green Tea"

topnews.in

So how many of us don’t quite feel completely human (or at least not ready to have a sane conversation with anyone) until we have had that daily morning fix? That oh-so- familiar whiff of chai floating around the house, or maybe if you lived down south, it was the strong smell of a good cup of coffee, just the right stuff to get your day off to a kick start! Or is it?? Guess what guys, there’s a new kid on the block of morning/afternoon/break time beverages…and its called Green tea.

The last decade has seen researchers discover benefit after benefit of green tea, with particular emphasis on its potential to fight cancer and heart disease. It has also been linked with the ability to lower cholesterol, aid in weight loss and possibly preventing diabetes and stroke. Its biggest claim to fame is the fact that it is filled with powerful antioxidants, that help the body build resistance and fight off all kinds of harmful infections and disease. Sounds like its worth a try right?


Having been a regular drinker of green tea for the last five years, I could definitely claim to be a convert to the stuff. It does, however, have a different flavor, a little bitter depending on the kind of green tea you are drinking, which could take some getting used to. Most importantly though, ever since I began to drink it, I have seen an improvement in my digestion (particularly if you drink a cup after your lunch and dinner) as well as general feeling of calm and balance in my body in general. Maybe its psychological, but hey, maybe not! Generally I would not suggest mixing it with either sugar or milk, rather I would say, just add hot water to the leaves or dip the tea bag in a cup and leave it to brew for about 5 minutes. Then just sip and enjoy your cuppa :)

You can buy Twinings Green Teabags in two flavors (Lemon or Mint) from your neighbourhood store for Rs 110/pack.

"Let the Sunshine In!"

coolrain.44.files.wordpress.com

Today, with all the hype about skin cancer, people have taken to avoiding the sun as much as possible. In addition, we happen to live in a country which is sadly obsessed with the “gori mem complex” where women are encouraged to slather on so called “fairness” creams which promise to change their complexions to a snow-white like hue, therefore ensuring them handsome husbands, successful careers, and fantastic luck for the remainder of their lives.

Well, here’s a news flash: according to recent studies limited (and sunscreen safe!) exposure to sunshine might help you live longer and for some people, the health benefits possibly outweigh the risks of skin cancer! The reason? Sunshine happens to be one of the best sources of Vitamin D, which protects the body from a number of diseases. How, you might ask? Sunlight stimulates the body to produce Vitamin D, which has been proven to protect the body from ailments like diabetes, osteoporosis, and even some forms of cancer. Research shows that modest amounts of sunshine produces the critical amount of vitamin needed to help the body’s immune system function properly.

Vitamin D can also be found in foods including cod liver oil and milk, or could be taken in supplement form. But the way I look at it, why waste your money buying expensive supplements when you can get your daily dose of D for free?? All it takes is spending a few minutes in the sunny outdoors. And whats that magic number? 20. Yup, 20 minutes is all the time it takes for your body to be able to get enough sunlight to manufacture the Vitamin D it needs, without which you risk a whole host of unfun (yes it’s a word) stuff from brittle bones to kidney stones. And in 20 minutes, even in the hottest sunshine (think Delhi in May), you are unlikely to risk burning or damaging your skin through harmful UV exposure because of the short time spent it the sun. The best part? You don’t have to bother changing into your shorts or bathing suit to get these rays! Exposure of just your face and/or arms is plenty!

And just in case I haven’t given you enough reasons to grab some shades and get outside, here’s the icing on the cake. Sunlight also enables the brain to boost its production of serotonin, the feel good hormone, which keeps you feeling good and thinking positive, something you just don’t get being stuck indoors all day long. So go out there and get some sun.....

"Kicking the Habit"

businesscar.co.uk

So todays its all about getting fit, feeling good, and looking great! Everyone you know practically works out in the gym, has a power yoga class, follows the Zone diet, and maybe even attend Chanting or Meditation classes! Noticed how our focus has gradually shifted from the unhealthy junk food couch potato syndrome of the 90s to the organic eating-wii sports active lifestyle of the 2000s? Times have changed and so have our lifestyles. But…..and there is always a but, theres one HUGE vice we still havent managed to get out of our systems. Cigerettes. Those disgusting, smelly, cancer spreading sticks far too many of us still light up on a daily basis! And even worse, an alarming number of people are unwilling to quit for a reason wholly to do with vanity…can you guess what it is? They don’t want to put on weight!


Well I am here to tell you, that you can kick this nasty, disease spreading habit, and enjoy a happy, smoke-free life without adding inches to your waistline

First and foremost its important to face the facts. Fact: on average, people who quit smoking can put on about 4 kgs. Why? Well, you simply eat more. The act of putting that cigerette in your mouth is subsituted by putting food in the mouth. In addition, with each passing day of quitting, your taste buds get more sensitised, allowing you to enjoy the actual flavours of food much more. Additionally, nicotine increases the bodys metabolic rate. Therefore, when you stop smoking, your metabolic rate also slows down. But really, are these reasons enough not to try?? Its all about finding a surefire way to reduce your risk of weight gain and here are some I have personally tried and tested with success (now on my 7th smoke-free year!) If I can do it so can you!!!

1. Pump up the Exercise! Think about how much faster and longer you will be able to run when your lungs are clean and clear, its an amazing way to monitor your body getting stronger everyday you don’t smoke! Its also a healthy thing to do when you get a sudden craving and you are all alone at home. Instead of reaching for that smoke, grab those sneakers and get going!

2. Tank Up! Drink loads of water throughout the day. This works to distract you from the cravings, and also fills your stomach so you don’t end up grabbing that packet of potato chips! Meanwhile, your skin glows and everyones asking about you secret beauty regime….

3. Snack Smart! Be a super-nerd and stock up on plenty of healthy (think cucumbers, carrots, baked snacks, granola bars, sugar-free candy, gum) foods before you quit. This way, even when you do end up stuffing your face, its with carrots and not cheeseburgers!

4. Plan, plan plan! Pick a date, and stick to it. Mark it on your calendar. Tell all your friends/collegues/your dog. Ask for support. Avoid places you know are going to be dens of temptation for the first week or two or at least until you feel strong enough.



And lastly, always remember, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try, and try again!