Saturday, October 4, 2014

The surprising health benefits of beer


If you’re got party plans this weekend, don’t be afraid to knock back a cold one. Beer has several surprising health benefits.
Despite beer’s bad reputation, it actually has a number of natural antioxidants and vitamins that can help prevent heart disease and even rebuild muscle. It also has one of the highest energy contents of any food or drink. Of course, this means you need to set limits – one beer gets you going, four makes you fat.
If you’re worried about dehydration, keep in mind that beer is 93 percent water. Also, according to a Spanish study, beer may actually provide better hydration than H2O alone when you’re sweating it out under the sun.
So with all of this in mind, which kind of beer should you reach for? Calorie-wise, you may be tempted to grab a light lager, but for health benefits, a dark beer is the better choice.
Dark beers tend to have the most antioxidants, which help reverse cellular damage that occurs naturally in the body. A recent study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture has also found that dark beer has higher iron content compared to lighter beers.
Remember, iron is an essential mineral that our bodies need. Iron is a part of all cells and does many jobs including carrying oxygen from our lungs throughout the rest of our bodies.
Another good choice is microbrews, which are healthier than mass-produced cans, because they have more hops. Hops contain polyphenols, which help lower cholesterol, fight cancer and kill viruses.
Just remember the golden rule: Everything in moderation. You don’t want to embarrass yourself in front of your friends by drinking too much, and you certainly don’t want to put yourself at risk for any long-term health effects like liver problems, kidney diseases and heart disease.

Top 8 health benefits of cluster beans (gavar in hindi)

Cluster beansCluster beans better known as guar or gavar are rich in fibre and low in calories. It contains various vitamins namely vitamin A, B and K and minerals such as potassium, iron and calcium in addition to other nutrients. This green vegetable is packed with numerous health benefits:
Good for diabetics
Cluster beans contain glyconutrients that help in controlling blood sugar levels in the body. They are low in glycemic index. Read about 10 ways to control diabetes naturally
Strengthens bone health
Guar beans contain calcium that helps in strengthening the bones. The presence of phosphorus in this vegetable aids in fortifying the bones and enhances bone health. Read more about 7 surprising foods for healthy bones
Great for heart health
Gavar exerts heart healthy effects by lowering the blood levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body. The presence of dietary fibre, potassium and folate in this vegetable prevents the heart from various cardiovascular complications. Read more about Top 7 foods that can help bring down cholesterol
Helps manage blood pressure
The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties of cluster beans make them the best natural aid for hypertensive patients.
Recommended during pregnancy
Iron and calcium present in cluster beans fills up the deficiencies of these minerals in the pregnant women. This vegetable is loaded with high levels of folic acid that prevent the fetus from numerous birth defects and also various pregnancy related health issues. Vitamin K contained in cluster beans is good for the bones and helps with better fetal development. Read about 10 diet dos and don’ts during pregnancy by expert dietician
Increases blood circulation
The presence of iron in gavar increases hemoglobin production and stimulates oxygen carrying capacity of the blood resulting in better blood circulation.
Acts as digestive aid
Cluster beans work as a good laxative, stimulating bowel movement and improving your digestive system. They also help in flushing the unwanted toxins from the stomach and prevent digestion-related problems. Read more about how wrong food combinations can lead to indigestion and gas
Calms the brain
Hypoglycemic properties of cluster beans help in soothing the nerves. They are also found to reduce anxiety and tension and calm the person mentally. Read more about foods that can boost your immunity
References:
S. Pande et al — Antihypercholesterolaemic influence of dietary tender cluster beans
Health benefits of cluster beans – Health benefit times
Savita Chaurasia et al — Antibacterial Activity of Four Different Varieties of Green Beans

8 vegetables you should eat to beat the summer heat!

Summer vegetablesThe summer season is almost here and it is time to change our clothing, footwear and food too. Eating very heavy meals can make you feel uneasy and lead to problems like indigestion as well. Eating seasonal vegetables is important to keep us in good health. Though all vegetables have their own set of benefits, there are some which you shouldn’t miss out especially during summers as they are light, full of nutrients and keep us hydrated and in the pink of health by enabling our body to handle heat more efficiently.  Here’s a list of 10 such veggies. 
Cucumber
Cucumbers are your best bet in summers as they are 96 per cent water and eaten in raw green state. They contain vitamin C and silica which are known for tissue growth and skin cleansing properties. Their high water content makes them ideal for summers. It is important to eat cucumbers with the skin because their outer skin is rich in potassium, magnesium and fibre which has tremendous health benefits for the body.  
Calorie count: One cup of sliced cucumber has only 16 calories and 4 grams of carb which makes them ideal for weight-watchers.
Brinjal
Brinjal or baingan is a common purple vegetable containing lots of dietary fibre and antioxidants. It is an excellent source of molybdenum, potassium, vitamin K, magnesium, copper, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, and niacin. It is known to have a dominant antioxidant which can also lower bad cholesterol. But if you already have kidney problems or gall bladder issues, you should avoid eating brinjal. 
Calorie count: One cup of cooked bringal has only 35 calories, 9 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of fibre. 
Tomatoes
Listed both in the category of fruits as well as vegetables, the health benefits of tomatoes are splendid in summers. Tomatoes are considered to be helpful in reducing prostate cancer risk and are good for diabetics and heart patients. They are a wonderful source of vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin K. Other important nutrients in tomatoes include lycopene, potassium, vitamin B6, folate, dietary fibre, manganese, magnesium, niacin, and vitamin E. They are great as coolers.
Calorie count: 1 cup of tomatoes has only 32 calories and 7 grams of carbs.

Top 8 health benefits of drumsticks

drumstickDrumsticks are obtained from the Moringa oleifera plant and are well-known for their myriad therapeutic qualities. Called as shajan in Hindi, this green vegetable is loaded with valuable minerals, healthy proteins and essential minerals. A must-have ingredient in sambar, one can harness the health benefits of drumstick by cooking it with other vegetables, lentils (dals) or as juice or soup. Here are the top eight reasons why you should include drumsticks in your diet.
It builds strong bones
Drumsticks contain high amounts of calcium, iron and vitamins that help in strengthening bones. When consumed either in the form of a juice or with milk on a regular basis, it is found to raise the bone density and enhance bone health in kids. Read more about 7 surprising foods for healthy bones. 
It purifies blood
The leaves and pods of this green vegetable posses blood purifying properties and it also acts as a potent antibiotic agent. The regular consumption of drumsticks, either in the form of soups or juices, reduces acne and other related skin problems.
It lowers blood sugar levels
Drumstick leaves significantly reduce the blood glucose levels in the body and help in controlling diabetes. It is also found to enhance gall bladder function, which in turn helps to lower sugar levels, helping you live a healthier life. Read about 10 ways to control diabetes naturally.
It eases respiratory problems
In case you suffer from a sore throat, a cough or congestion, drink a cup of drumstick soup as its anti-inflammatory properties help in relieving a wide range of respiratory complications. It acts as an effective natural remedy to fight against lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and tuberculosis.
It is good for pregnant women
It is recommended that women should eat drumsticks during pregnancy as it helps in delivery and also eases pre and post delivery complications. The presence of essential vitamins and minerals in this vegetable reduces the sluggishness of the uterus along with boosting the milk production after delivery. Read about 10 diet dos and don’ts during pregnancy by expert dietician.
It protects against infections
The leaves and flowers of drumstick contain antibacterial agents that help in preventing a wide range of infections related to the throat and skin. It also contains high levels of vitamin Cwhich boosts the immune activity and helps in eliminating the harmful free radicals from the body. Read about 5 amazing tips to improve your immunity.
It helps in digestion
Drumstick leaves and pods are loaded with B complex vitamins (such as niacin, riboflavin, folic acid and pyridoxine), which are said to play a vital role in digestion. These vitamins regulate the digestive process by helping in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates, proteins and fats into their simpler forms. Read more about how wrong food combinations can lead to indigestion and gas.
It enhances sexual health
The presence of good amounts of zinc in drumsticks is found to enhance the process of spermatogenesis along with playing a key role in female sterility. The bark of this plant is found to contain certain compounds that help in curing impotency, premature ejaculation and thinness of semen. Read more about foods to improve your sperm quality.

Top 9 health benefits of amla or Indian gooseberry

Here's why amla is so good for your health

Here\'s why amla is so good for your health

Ever wonder why almost all Ayurvedic preparations contain amla? Or why it is suggested that everyone should have one piece of amla on a daily basis? Well studies have shown that amla or the Indian gooseberry is packed with nutrients and can actually help you live a longer healthier life. One of the most important fruits in Ayurveda, the fruit grows well in a warm climate. It is known to be a rich source of Vitamin C. So much so, that one small amla has as much Vitamin C as 2 medium oranges. Packed with compounds like polyphenols, minerals like Iron and zinc and vitamins like Carotenes and Vitamin B complex, amla can definitely keep a number of diseases at bay.
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It acts as an antioxidant

It acts as an antioxidant


Rich in Vitamin C and polyphenols, amla is a great source of antioxidants. Research has shown that it has a high content of tannins, which when combined with polyphenols gives the fruit a unique free radical scavenging property. This unique asset helps reduce the damage caused by free radicals on the body.
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Protects your heart

Protects your heart


Amla is known to reduce cholesterol, and keep heart disease under check. Rich in fibre and iron, it is very effective in controlling the oxidation of LDL (Low density lipoprotein). Oxidation of LDL releases free radicals which are known to cause coronary artery disease, therefore stopping this oxidation is essential for preventing heart disease. Amla also helps to maintain cholesterol levels by inhibiting the oxidative properties of a chemical called thiobarbituric acid (TBA) that induces LDL oxidation. Another benefit of this wonder fruit is that it prevents arthrosclerosis (accumulation of plaque in the arteries) thereby protecting you from heart disease.
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Controls diabetes and its complications

Controls diabetes and its complications

Research studies show that the polyphenol- rich fruit actually has properties that can protect the body from the oxidative properties of high blood sugar. The same compound is also effective in preventing the insulin resistance caused due to a high fructose diet. What this means is that the fruit can actually assist in the proper absorption of insulin leading to a drop in blood sugar in diabetics. Read more about natural ways to control diabetes.Picture 4 of 10

Reverses the ageing process

Reverses the ageing process


The extract of amla is rich in Vitamin A. This vitamin is essential in collagen production, a compound that keeps the skin looking young and elastic. Amla when consumed on an empty stomach has properties that slow down the degradation of collagen and helps the body produce more. Here are more articles on healthy ageing.
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Improves your sex life

Improves your sex life

In a recent study, it was found that the iron content in amla has sperm enhancing properties. Ayurvedic practitioners suggest, drinking amla juice once a day helps increase the virility as well as sexual vigour. Amla has also proven to increase the motility of sperm and increase sperm production in men suffering from Oligospermia (a condition where a man has a low sperm count). Here are some exercises that can help you to improve your sex life. Incorporate these lifestyle changes for a better sex life.
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Protects you from cancer

Protects you from cancer


Packed with antioxidant properties, amla has the potential to keep cancer at bay. Research into this particular property of the fruit, has found that it had the potential to prevent cancer by helping the body fight the harmful effects of chemicals that are carcinogenic. It also helps to inhibit the further growth of cancer affected cells. Apart from this, Amla extract can reduce the harmful effects of radiation and chemotherapy without reducing their beneficial effects as an anti cancer treatment. Here are food habits that can prevent cancer.
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Fights gastric problems

Fights gastric problems


The fiber, polyphenol and water content of amla combined with its anti inflammatory properties make it a great antidote for an upset stomach. Having one teaspoon of amla juice on an empty stomach can take care of acidity and resolve a stomach upset. Try these home remedies for acidity.
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Soothes an irritated and inflamed throat

Soothes an irritated and inflamed throat

Amla juice mixed with some ginger provides instant relief from a sore throat and cough. Here are some tips to treat sore throat.Picture 9 of 10

Protects your liver

Protects your liver

Studies have proved that amla has properties that protect the liver from oxidative damage caused by chemicals or alcohol. So after a long night of partying, have a piece of amla first thing in the morning, to get rid of that hangover and keep your liver safe.
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8 amazing health benefits of pomegranates or anaar (Gallery)

8 amazing helath benefits of pomegranates

Pomegranate or anaar as it is called in India, is a fruit that is not only high in terms of taste, but nutrition too. It has traditionally been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a part of many traditional remedies. In this post, we’ll tell you some reasons why you should include it in your daily diet.Picture 1 of 9

Prevents heart disease
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A single glass of pomegranate juice has more antioxidants and polyphenols than green tea and red wine. It is also a rich source of dietary fibre along with a compound found only in pomegranates called punicalagins. These nutrients make it a potent fruit that’ll reduce your cholesterol levels and keep heart disease at bay. You could also try these 8 natural cholesterol busters to keep your heart healthy.

Prevents cancer


Several studies have proven that the antioxidants and polyphenols present in pomegranate can help prevent the growth of cancer cells and stop them from spreading. Cancer can be a tough condition to handle for both the patient and the caregiver, and if it isn’t detected early then it can even prove fatal.
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Aids digestion

You need to consume at least 20-35g of fibre everyday according to dietary guidelines prescribed by Harvard School of Public Health. Pomegranate is a rich source of this vital nutrient that not only helps prevent constipation and keep your digestive system in good health, it also helps you absorb other nutrients more efficiently.Picture 4 of 9

Improves your immunity

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Eating pomegranates is a great way to boost your immunity as it is rich in Vitamin C. A healthy immune system will keep most diseases and infections at bay, as your body becomes strong enough to fight them. Here are some more foods that can help boost your immunity.

Increases your libido


According to a research conducted by researchers from Queen Margaret University, a glass of pomegranate juice consumed daily helped boost testosterone levels in both men and women. This makes pomegranate a natural aphrodisiac that is great for your sex life.
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Keeps you looking younger

Ever wondered why we grow old and our skin develops wrinkles and other signs of ageing? Well, it is because of free radical damage that affects your cells. Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants which help delay this process. Therefore, eating pomegranate keeps your skin glowing and radiant for a long time.
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Helps reduce stress

According to a study conducted by Queen Margaret University, drinking pomegranate juice could help reduce stress levels significantly. The study concluded that people who drank pomegranate juice had lower levels of cortisol – also known as the stress hormone. Read our mega guide to deal with stress in our daily lives.
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Keeps Alzheimer’s at bay

Imagine being stuck on a road having forgotten where you live? Surely, you wouldn’t want it to happen to you for real. According to a research conducted by Richard Hartman from Loma Linda University, a daily glass of antioxidant juice could help reduce the build-up of harmful proteins that can cause Alzheimer’s disease. All of these health benefits make pomegranate a great addition to your diet. The fruit is a bit on the expensive side but so much nutrition definitely makes it worth the price.
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Top 10 health benefits of tulsi




Tulsi also known as basil leaves, is a fairly common plant in Indian households. Considered holy by many religions, the tulsi plant is revered for its divine properties. Besides praying to the plant, a number of people advice including the leaves and roots of the plant in various medical decoctions. With immense benefits right from clear skin to dissolving kidney stones, tulsi is tonic for the entire body. Here are the top 10 benefits of tulsi.
Cures a fever: Tulsi has very potent germicidal, fungicidal, anti-bacterial and anti-biotic properties that are great for resolving fevers. It has the potential to cure any fever right from those caused due to common infections to those caused due to malaria as well. In ayurveda, it is strongly advised that a person suffering from fever should have a decoction made of tulsi leaves. In case of a fever boil a few leaves of tulsi with powdered cardamom in half a litre of water( The proportion of tulsi to cardamom powder should be in the ratio 1:0.3). Let it reduce to half its total volume. Mix this decoction with sugar and milk. Sip every two to three hours. This remedy is especially good for children.
Beats diabetes: leaves of holy basil are packed with antioxidants and essential oils that produce eugenol, methyl eugenol and caryophyllene.  Collectively these substances help the pancreatic beta cells (cells that store and release insulin) function properly. This in turn helps increase sensitivity to insulin. Lowering one’s blood sugar and treating diabetes effectively. An added advantage is that the antioxidants present in the leaves help beat the ill effects of oxidative stress.

Protects the heart: Tulsi has a powerful anti-oxidant component called Eugenol. This compound helps protect the heart by keeping one’s blood pressure under control and lowering his/her cholesterol levels. Chewing a few leaves of tulsi on an empty stomach everyday can both prevent and protect any heart ailments.

Beats stress: According to a study conducted by the Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India, tulsi helps to maintain the normal levels of the stress hormone – cortisol in the body.  The leaf also has powerful adaptogen properties (also known as anti-stress agents). It helps sooth the nerves, regulates blood circulation and beats free radicals that are produced during an episode of stress. People who have high stress jobs can chew about 12 leaves of tulsi twice a day to beat stress naturally.

Dissolves kidney stones: The holy basil being a great diuretic and detoxifier is great for the kidneys. Tulsi helps reduce the uric acid levels in the blood (one of the main reasons for kidney stones is the presence of excess uric acid in the blood), helps cleanse the kidneys, the presence of acetic acid and other components in its essential oils helps in breaking down kidney stones and its painkiller effect helps dull down the pain of kidney stones. To relieve kidney stones one must have the juice of tulsi leaves with honey, every day for six months to help wash out the stone from the kidney.
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones.

Beats cancer: With strong anti-oxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties tulsi has been found to help stop the progression of breast cancer and oral cancer (caused due to chewing tobacco). This is because its compounds restrict the flow of blood to the tumour by attacking the blood vessels supplying it. Have the extract of tulsi every day to keep these conditions at bay.
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Helps to quit smoking: Tulsi is known to have very strong anti- stress compounds and is great to help one quit smoking. It helps by lowering the stress that may be involved in trying to quit smoking, or stress that leads to the urge to smoke. It also has a cooling effect on the throat just like menthol drops and helps control the urge to smoke by allowing the person to chew on something. Ayurveda relies heavily on tulsi leaves as a smoking cessation device. Keep some leaves with you and chew it whenever the urge to smoke arises. Another plus is that the antioxidant property of the leaves will help fight all the damage that arises out of years of smoking.

Keeps your skin and hair healthy and glowing: The holy basil has powerful purifying properties. When eaten raw, it purifies the blood giving the skin a beautiful glow, and prevents the appearance of acne and blemishes. Its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties are very effective in preventing breakouts on acne prone skin. Ayurvedic doctors say that this herb can cure difficult skin conditions like those caused due to ring worms and even leucoderma. Apart from all this, it helps in reducing itchiness of the scalp and helps to reduce hair fall. Mix the powder in coconut oil and apply regularly to the scalp to prevent hair fall. Eating tulsi leaves, drinking the juice, or adding its paste to a face pack can help cure skin and hair conditions.

Heals respiratory conditions:  Tulsi has immunomodulatory (helps to modulate the immune system), antitussive (suppresses the cough center, reducing the amount of cough) and expectorant properties (helps expel phlegm from the chest), that make it a great relief forcoughs, cold, and other respiratory disorders including chronic and acute bronchitis. Another great property of this leaf is that it has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that help to beat the infection causing the respiratory problem. It also relieves congestion since it contains potent components like camphene, eugenol and cineole in its essential oils. Its anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties also help to treat allergic respiratory disorders.

Cures a headache: Tulsi helps to relieve headaches caused due to sinusitis, allergies, cold or even migraines. This is because it has pain relieving and decongestant properties,  that help relieve the pain and resolve the root cause of the condition. If you are suffering from a headache, make a bowl of water that has been boiled with crushed tulsi leaves or tulsi extract. Cool the water till it is room temperature or bearably hot. Place a small towel in it, wring out the excess water and place this on your forehead to treat a headache. Alternatively you could dip a towel in plain warm water and add a few drops of tulsi extract to the towel for immediate relief.  

These are just some benefits of the plant, other benefits include treatment for common colds, itchiness of the skin, treatment for insect bites, curing common conditions of the eye and as a herbal remedy for bad breath. So the text time you feel ill, try having a few leaves of tulsi. To know more about the health benefits of various everyday ingredients, check out our natural remedies page. 

Why eating salads is healthy

Why are salads a healthy option?Including salads in your regular meals is one of the healthiest eating habits you can adopt. It is also one of the simplest ways to stay fit. Salads are disease-fighting, nutrient-packed powerhouses. They are low in fat and calories, do not contain cholesterol and have a high vitamin and mineral content.
According to nutritionist Priya Kathpal, healthiest of salads are those which have an array of raw vegetables and/or fruits. Healthy salads are dressed with a light dressing like lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, herbs and spices. They are low in fats and high in nutrients.
Nutritionist Priya Kathpal lists the key components in a salad
Fibre: Salads make a very healthy, nutrient-rich meal. They are high in fibre and as they are mostly consumed raw, steamed or sautéed and they take longer to digest keeping you full for a longer time. It is an excellent way to aid weight loss. Eating a high-fibre diet can help lower cholesterol levels and prevent constipation. Add vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, broccoli, beans and peas to your salad.
Vitamins: Salads are full of various vitamins especially vitamin A, C and K. Green leafy vegetables are a good source of vitamin K. Vitamin K contributes in strengthening bones and plays a major role in blood coagulation. Vegetables rich in vitamin A like spinach, lettuce and kale keep skin and eyes healthy and boost the immune system to prevent and fight infections. Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is responsible for healing wounds. Vegetables like broccoli and tomatoes are rich in vitamin C.
Antioxidants: Your body cells produce free radicals which can sometimes cause damage leading to conditions like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants found in fruits such as strawberries and cranberries and vegetables such as onions, cabbage and yellow corn can slow down or repair this damage. Common antioxidants found in vegetables that protect the cells against free-radical damage include beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, and selenium. 
Other benefits 
Salads are multifunctional when it comes to health. Apart from keeping you full, they can provide a lot of other health benefits like keeping your gut healthy, keeping nutrient deficiencies and their ill-effects at bay, controlling sugar and keeping lipid profile in-check especially cholesterol. They also help in maintaining a healthy weight. In order to get maximum benefits out of salads, one should consume at least 2 servings per day. 

7 reasons oysters are good for health

Health benefits of oystersOysters are a true delicacy for seafood lovers due to their unique taste because of which this shell fish acquired a place in the American diet. They not only score well on the taste quotient but are also nutrient-rich making them a perfect food for good health. Oysters are loaded with essential nutrients, minerals and vitamins in addition to being low in fats and calories. Here are top 7 reasons why you should start eating this delicious seafood –
Boost fertility
Many people are unaware of the fact that oysters can actually boost fertility, especially in women. This is due to the presence of zinc mineral in this seafood which plays a vital role in healthy ovulation and normal production of egg (ovum). Hence consuming oysters regularly not only helps in reproductive process but can also spice up your love life. Read aboutinexpensive foods to boost fertility
Improve Immunity
The unhealthy eating habits and consumption of foods devoid of healthy nutrients is the key factor responsible for lowered immunity especially in children. Oysters are one such super food which is loaded with a myriad range of health beneficial nutrients that help in enhancing the immune function. Being an important source of dietary protein and low in fat content, this seafood is good for overall health. Read about tips to boost immunity
Good for heart
Oysters are packed with a wide range of heart healthy nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, magnesium and vitamin E. While omega 3 fatty acids improves good cholesterol  levels in the body, vitamin E protects the cell membrane from radical damage thereby lowering and preventing cardiovascular diseases. Whereas potassium and magnesium help in lowering blood pressure and thus, reduce risk of heart attack and stroke. Read about the top 10 heart healthy foods.
Aid in weight loss
Being low in calories and high in dietary protein, oysters are best bet to reduce weight. This seafood not only fills your stomach and enhances your taste buds but also help to lose weight in a healthy manner. Read about foods that can help you lose weight. 
Build strong bones
Oysters are excellent food sources of calcium. This mineral plays a key role in maintaining bone health and building strong bones. Consuming oysters not only fills your calcium stores in the body but also helps in protecting your joints from inflammation thereby preventing arthritis. Read about how omega 3-rich diet may keep joints healthy.
Prevent anaemia
Oysters contain good amounts of iron required for production of haemoglobin which plays a key role in transportation of oxygen to the body cells. And lack of iron in the body is the most common cause of anaemia which can be prevented by consuming oysters. Read about home remedies to prevent anaemia
Help in fetal growth and development
Intake of omega 3 fatty acids mainly DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) found in oysters improves infant health particularly during fetal growth and development. Consumption of oysters by pregnant as well as breast feeding women enhances cognitive function as well as visual development.

Amazing health benefits of beetroot

BeetrootWe have all seen our mothers and grandmothers talk about the all important root – beetroot.The purplish-red root is a well know antidote for anaemia in many Indian households. With the Romans relying on it to maintain their sexual health to Indians using it to treat conditions likeanaemia and fatigue, the humble beetroot has been known to have multiple benefits. Here are some reasons you should include them into your diet: 
Helps reduce blood pressure: According to the British Heart foundation, eating vegetables rich in nitrates could help reduce blood pressure drastically. Read why you need to reduce your blood pressure.
This statement was backed up by research done at the Queen Mary’s University in the year 2010. The research studied the relationship between beetroot and its effect on one’s blood pressure. Beetroot is a great source of nitrates, which when consumed, is converted to nitrites and a gas called nitric oxides. Both these components help to widen the arteries and lower blood pressure. Researchers also found that having just about 500 grams of beetrootevery day reduces a person’s blood pressure in about six hours. Another important effect ofbeetroot was that on consumption, the higher the person’s blood pressure the greater the drop. Read simple tips to include beetroot in your diet. 
Prevents plaque formation and reduces ‘bad’ cholesterol: Beetroot is known to contain large amounts of soluble fibresflavanoids and betacyaninBetacyanin is the compound that gives beetroot its purplish-red colour and is also a powerful antioxidant. It helps reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and does not allow it to deposit on the walls of the artery. This protects the heart from potential heart attacks and stroke reducing the need for medication.
Is great for pregnant mums: Another amazing quality of the root is that it has an abundant supply of folic acid. Folic acid is important for pregnant mums and unborn babies because it is an essential component for the proper formation of the unborn child’s spinal cord, and can protect the child from conditions such as spina bifida (is a congenital disorder where the child’s spinal cord does not form completely and in most cases looks like it has been divided into two at the base). Beetroot also gives mums-to-be that extra energy boost required during pregnancy. Read more about why women need folic acid during pregnancy.
Beats osteoporosis: Beetroot is packed with mineral silica, an important component for the body to use calcium efficiently. Since calcium makes up our bones and teeth, having a glass of beetroot juice a day could help keep conditions such as osteoporosis and brittle bone disease at bay. Here’s some information on how you can prevent osteoporosis.
Keeps diabetes under check: For all you diabetics out there, fulfil your sweet craving with a little beetroot. Since it contains sugars, is fat free, low in calories and has a mediumglycaemic index it is just what the doctor ordered. A medium glycaemic index means that it releases sugars very slowly into the blood. This property helps keep a person’s blood sugarlevels low while satiating that sugar craving.
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.
Treats anaemia: It is a common myth that because beetroot is reddish in colour, it replaces lost blood and is therefore good to treat anaemia. While this may sound a bit outrageous to many, there is a partial truth hidden in the myth. Beetroot contains a lot of iron. Iron helps in the formation of haemagglutinin, which is a part of the blood that helps transport oxygen and nutrients to various parts of the body. It is the iron content and not the colour that helps treatanaemia. Read more about the causes of anaemia.
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of anemia.
Helps relieve fatigue: A study presented at the American Diabetics association’s conference stated that beetroot helps boost a person’s energy. They said that due to its nitrate content it helped dilate the arteries thereby helping in the proper transportation of oxygen to various parts of the body, increasing a person’s energy. Another theory was that because the root is a rich source of iron, it helps in improving a person’s stamina. Whatever the source, a pick-me-up at the end of a tiring day can be just what one needs.
Improves sexual health and stamina: Also known as ‘natural Viagra’, beetroot has been commonly used in a number of ancient customs to boost one’s sexual health.  Since the vegetable is a rich source of nitrates it helps release nitric oxide into the body, widening the blood vessels, and increasing blood flow to the genitals – a mechanism that medicines like Viagra seek to replicate. Another factor is that beetroot contains a lot of boron, a chemical compound that is important for the production of the human sex hormone. So the next time, ditch the blue pill and have some beetroot juice instead.
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of dementia.
Protects you from cancer:  The betacyanin content in beetroot has another very important function. In a study done at the Howard University, Washington DC, it was found thatbetacyanin helped slow the growth of tumours by 12.5 percent in patients with breast and prostate cancer. ##  This effect not only helps in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers but it also helps cancer survivors remain cancer-free longer.
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Beats constipation and keeps the stomach healthy: Because of its high soluble fibrecontent beetroot is a great laxative. It cleanses the colon and clears out the stomach helping in regularising one’s bowel movements. Here are a few home remedies to relieve constipation.
Boosts brain power and may treat dementia: A study performed by the University of Exeter, UK, showed that drinking beetroot juice could increase a person’s stamina by 16 percent, because of its nitrate content. Known to increase the oxygen uptake by the body, the study also found that because of this one factor, it could also help in the proper functioning of the brain and beat the onset of dementia. It has also been seen that nitrate when converted to nitrite helps in the better transmission of neural impulses, making the brain work better. Here’s how weight loss can help you to boost memory.