Fruits to Avoid During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the most delicate period for a woman and for her unborn baby. So, if you are pregnanct, it is important that you take extra care while choosing everything that goes into your mouth.

Pregnancy affects your immune system, and makes you and your child more susceptible to the bacteria and viruses that cause foodborne illnesses. There are certain fruits that are to be avoided during pregnancy. You want the best for your baby, so, in case you have missed out this instruction, here is a checklist of fruits to avoid during pregnancy. Keep this handy to ensure that you and your unborn baby stay healthy and safe.

Avoid Papaya

Fruits to Avoid During Pregnancy #1: Wondering if we can eat papaya during pregnancy? The answer is NO. A lot of women from Sri Lanka, Banladesh, India as well as Pakistan have used papaya as an abortifacient, but it is not something that should worry you unless you binge on it. Papaya intake apparently brings on labour early or causes miscarriage. This is partially true. Papayas, especially the unripe and semi-ripe ones are rich in latex, which is known to trigger uterine contractions. Green papaya was often applied directly to the uterus, but food forms such as green papaya salad, the seeds of papaya in the parasite killing papaya seed smoothie ahead, as well as supplements containing papain enzyme should be avoided during the third and final trimester of pregnancy. For this reason Papaya is in list of foods to avoid during pregnancy.

However, ripe papayas are excellent during pregnancy. Ripe papayas are rich in vitamins, such as vitamin C and other wholesome nutrients that prevent the onset of pregnancy symptoms, such as heartburn and constipation. Papayas mixed with honey and milk are also an excellent tonic for pregnant women, especially during lactation. Ripe papayas contain much lower levels of papain and are generally considered very healthy for pregnant women with it’s rich antioxidant and vitamin content and many other health benefits.

Avoid Pineapple

Fruits to Avoid During Pregnancy #2: Can pregnant women eat Pineapple? The answer is NO. Eating pineapple during pregnancy is not good so resist yourself from consuming pineapple during pregnancy. Pineapples are rich in bromelain, which can cause the softening of the cervix leading to early labour. One can have pineapple in moderate quantities as it will have no effect on labour and delivery, however, its intake should be restricted during the first trimester to avoid any unforeseen event such as softening of the cervix. For this reason Pineapple is in list of foods to avoid during pregnancy. A lot of women opine that drinking lots of pineapple juice can help them achieve labour. So you must stop yourself and your dear ones from eating pineapple while pregnant.

Avoid Grapes

Fruits to Avoid During Pregnancy #3: Can we eat grapes during pregnancy? NO, NEVER! Medical professionals suggest avoiding grapes during pregnancy especially n the last trimester because of their heat content. In fact, raisins, which are dried grapes have also been labelled as foods to avoid during pregnancy. The main bone of contention is the high amounts of resveratrol present in grapes. This chemical can cause toxicity for the expectant mother. But eating grapes during pregnancy can also give you vital nutrients like Vitamin A and C too.

This excessive heat in the stomach can lead to loose motions and diarrhoea in pregnant women which is a  dangerous condition because it causes loss of fluids in their body.

Sour grapes are acidic and especially can cause problems for pregnant women who are anyways more prone to heartburns. This acidity caused by eating too many grapes might lead to nausea and vomiting.

Not just this, the high amounts of resveratrol in grapes can cause toxicity in harmonally inbalanced pregnant women. It can lead to severe complications though, this condition occurs only if the pregger woman eats too many grapes. For these reasons grapes are in list of foods to avoid during pregnancy.

Avoid Unwashed Raw Fruits during Pregnancy

Fruits to Avoid During Pregnancy #4: The most important advice for pregnant women is to avoid unwashed and unpasteurised fruits during pregnancy. It is critical that food hygiene is given primal importance during pregnancy to avoid infections from toxoplasmosis. Fruits should be an integral part of every pregnancy diet, however, one must exercise caution and avoid eating some of them such as pineapples or papayas in excess, in order to avoid any complication during pregnancy.

Here's the proper way to prepare and handle them safely:

• Thoroughly rinse raw fruits and vegetables under running water before eating or preparing them, especially fruits that require peeling or cutting - like cantaloupe and other melons. Bacteria can be found on the outer rind or peel.
• Don't use soap, detergents, or bleach solutions to wash produce.
• As an added precaution, use a small vegetable brush to remove surface dirt.
• Try to cut away damaged or bruised areas - bacteria can thrive in these places.

Fruits should comprise a major part of your diet wheny you are pregnant clearly because they are loaded with nutrients. But, it is important for you to alter the list of your favourite fruits for the sake of your baby. Avoid the bad ones, and stay healthy.

Honey Diet and Why you must be on it Starting Today

For several years, honey had been and continues to be a popular part of Indian and western delicacies. Apart from being a taste enhancer and a natural substitute for sugar, it is also an important medical remedy for everyday quirks and glitches related to health.
All the pleasant facets of honey can be enjoyed through a spoonful of it on your plate. But, how do you convince yourself to have it every day?  Take refuge in a honey diet!

What is it?

The honey diet was founded by Mike McInnes, when he discovered that athletes who consumed foods rich in fructose such as honey burnt a lot of fat and thereby, increased their level of stamina. When honey is consumed, it acts as a fuel to stimulate the liver for glucose production. The glucose thus produced then keeps the level of the brain’s sugar levels high, forcing it to release fat-burning hormones.

Honey diet prescribes consumption of a teaspoonful of honey every morning and night. You could choose your style of consuming it the way you please.  Most people tend to down a simple combination of hot water, lemon and one or even two teaspoonfuls of honey. Along with this practice, the honey diet requires you to:

•    Replace all the sugar in your diet with honey
•    Swap refined carbs for complex carbs
•    Eat zero grains one day a week
•    Eat an unlimited supply of vegetables.

How it Works

According to a recent research, honey diet can help you drop a dress size in just about three weeks! So, if weight loss is on your priority list, here is how a honey diet will work for you.

Consuming honey just before going to bed helps the boy to burn more fat during the first few hours into sleep. And, when sugar from diet is completely replaced by honey, you help the brain to rebalance those signals that compel you to eat more sweet.

Things to Keep in Mind when on a Honey Diet

Skip the junk:Junk foods are processed foods that are dense with lots of empty calories. If you wish to fully benefit from honey diet, cut junk food out of your diet completely.

Include proteins:Consuming proteins-lean-will help you to keep full and avoid rise in blood sugar levels and thus, lead to cravings.
Opt for unrefined carbohydrates: refined white flour and white rice can lead to an increase in the blood sugar levels. So, prefer including wholemeal flour; they are also good for digestion and will keep you feeling full for long.

Avoid potatoes:This root vegetable is bad for health as it can cause a significant rise in insulin levels. When you are on a honey diet, make sure you proscribe potatoes completely.

Be fruit-choosy:Fruits turn out to be a convenient option for people willing to lose weight, but you must not forget that they are high in sugar and fructose and therefore, consuming them can hamper your honey diet. Opt for low-carb fruits instead.

Other benefits of a Honey Diet

Keeps skin healthy and glowing:Honey is a natural cleanser and exfoliator that brings radiance and glow to the face. Besides, it is a great ingredient for wrinkle-free skin.

It fights anemia:Honey has been said to improve the count of red blood cells; these cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to different parts of the body. When honey mixed in tepid water is drunk, it raises the level of haemoglobin in the blood, thus taking care of anemic conditions, such as iron deficiency anemia. It is important to buy honey that is naturally made without any addition of preservatives, additives such as sugar and coloring agents and extensive processing. One such honey product that is sourced from the finest locations is Dabur Honey.

Even diabetics can follow a honey diet:It is not wrong to say that honey in itself has simple sugars, but it is quite different from white sugar because the latter is 30 percent glucose, 40 percent fructose and 20 percent other complex forms of sugar. Honey also includes a starchy fiber called dextrin, which in combination regulates the blood sugar levels inside the body. Clearly, Dabur honey makes a great add-on to your everyday diet, especially if you are health conscious.

It is an energy food:One of the most important benefits of Dabur honey diet is its energy-boosting properties. It contains different kinds of sugar molecules such as glucose and fructose. Moreover, glucose is an instant energy source.

The United States National Honey Board recommends that one consume honey because it contains a lot of vitamins as well as minerals in small amounts. Some of these minerals nutrients include riboflavin, niacin, calcium, pantothenic acid, iron, copper, phosphorus, manganese, zinc and potassium.

It combats infections:Honey has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that stimulate production of antibodies to fight microbial activities. A lot of studies have used honey for the treatment of wounds. A study had used therapeutic honey that had gone through a special purification process to put on wounds. It was found that the honey destroyed all strains of bacteria from the wound.

It improves digestion:If you frequently suffer from bowel problems, begin the honey diet today! Some of the digestive diseases that it helps to fight include constipation, gas, bloating, etc. It is also rich in probiotic or good bacteria that aid in the digestion process and promote good immune health, thereby reducing allergies.

The health benefits of eggplant

The health benefits of eggplant

Eggplant is also known by the name of the Eggplant and Obrshin. There are many nutrients are found. Due to the numerous health benefits of many favorite vegetable eggplant. The research revealed that some of the eggplant is found nicotine than other plants. The question is whether there stands eggplant is good for health? Let us tell you that nicotine is found in very small quantities and is not harmful to the body. Once you come to know about the benefits of eggplant in your mind there is no question it will be good or bad. Let us tell about recovery from eggplant. Knowing this, you definitely want to include in your diet eggplant.Free Radicals fought


 Free radicals are responsible for all of the cell Damij. Antiakseedent is found in large quantities in the eggplant, which fights the free radicals. In Antiakseedent Clorojenik acid is found in eggplant major impact on the Free Radicals and prevents disease. Healthy Heart


Regular intake of eggplant can be used to reduce cholesterol levels. It also helps to keep blood pressure normal. When cholesterol levels and blood pressure is normal, it is less risk of heart disease. Healthy Brain


The eggplant is a major health benefit. Eggplant is found in the cell membranes Faitonutryant loss reserves of any kind. It is even better with memory. Additional iron removed


Eggplant excess iron in the body will be less than the regular intake. Polisithemia is quite beneficial for the patient. , A compound that is found in eggplant Nasunin helps remove excess iron. bacteria kept away


 Eggplant will keep you from infection. It is found that large amounts of vitamin C helps fight infection. You can enjoy the eggplant are included in your diet.Immune System to strengthen


 Eggplant also will strengthen your immune system. It will also fit you with healthy living. Faitonutryant found the body of vitamin C is enough to respond. 

Smoking Quit 

Natural nicotine replacement therapy to quit smoking if you are thinking about the eggplant is a good choice. This is because nicotine is found in eggplant. Healthy Skin


 Eggplant in a large number of minerals, vitamins and dietary fiber is found. It helps Ditoksifikeshn, which makes the skin glow. Found on the surface of eggplant, a powerful anti-aging agent is Anthosianin. Hair Care


Eggplant remain hydrated scalp abuse. Some enzymes found in eggplant help to inspire hair Falikals. The hair will grow well with this healthy. hydrate skin


The eggplant is a major health benefit. Eggplant is found in large quantities of water. This will help to hydrate your skin. Dry skin from the eggplant abuse and related problems will be overcome.

22 Amazing Benefits And Uses Of Bitter Melon/Bitter Gourd For Skin, Hair And Health

Confused with the name? More commonly bitter gourd in hindi is known as “Karela”. This vegetable is called as Bitter Gourd, Bitter Melon and Bitter Squash in english. First thing that comes to my mind seeing it is the bitterness in the name. They are dark or light green in colour depending on the region where they are grown. Though they taste very bitter, they are filled with many beneficial antioxidants and essential vitamins.

Bitter melon can be consumed in various ways like drinking its juice, pickle or using them in recipes.

BITTER MELON BENEFITS:

Let us quickly look at some of the most well known health benefits of Bitter Melon:

1. Respiratory disorders:

Fresh pods are an excellent remedy for curing respiratory problems like asthma, cold, cough, etc.

2. Liver tonic:

Drink one glass of Bitter Melon juice daily to heal liver problems. Keep consuming this continuously for a week to see results.

3. Immune system:

Boil bitter melon leaves or fruits in water and consume it every day to fight against infections. This also helps to build your immunity.

4. Acne:

Consuming Bitter Melon can help to get rid of acne, blemishes and deep skin infections.  Bitter melon is useful in treating blood disorders like blood boils, scabies, itching, psoriasis, ring-worm and other fungal diseases. The free radicals in it are also useful for anti ageing.

Consume juice of bitter melon mixed with lemon on an empty stomach daily for 6 months or till you get the required results.

5. Diabetes:

Bitter melon juice benefits to overcome type 2 diabetes. It has been a part of the Chinese and Indian ancient medicine for a long time but only recent research has proven that it is no folk lore. Type 2 diabetes is caused partially due to the inability of a cell to absorb the sugar in the blood due to insufficient insulin or due development of resistance to insulin. In both cases, the cells are unable to absorb the sugar due to the ineffectiveness of insulin produced. The absorption of sugar occurs due to the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in the cells. Bitter gourd activated these kinases due to which the absorption of sugar increases. And hence aids in bringing diabetes in control.

Green juice for diabetics: cucumbers, green apples, bitter melon, celery, ½ green capsicum (bell pepper). Bitter melon contains certain chemicals that are like insulin which help to reduce blood sugar levels.

6. Constipation:

Bitter melon helps in easy digestion as it contains fibre properties. The food is digested and waste is thrown out of the body which helps in curing indigestion and constipation problems.

7. Kidney and bladder:

Bitter melon helps to maintain healthy liver and bladder. It is also useful in curing kidney stones.

8. Heart disease:

Bitter melon is very good for the heart in many ways. They help to reduce the bad cholesterol levels which clog the arterial walls and thereby reduce the chances of heart attacks. Also it is known to lower blood sugar levels that help in maintaining good heart health.

 9. Cancer:

Bitter Melon can prevent cancer cells from multiplying.

10. Weight loss:

Bitter Melon contains antioxidants, which help to flush out your system. This improves your metabolism and digestive systems thus helping you lose weight quickly.The two other major factors that aid in weight loss is the calorie control and filling components. Calorie control happens as such because vegetables are low on calories which allows you to consume more quantities of them. Filling component in this vegetable is water. We know that water is a universal suppressant of hunger. And the pods of this vegetable contain on the whole 80-85% water.

SKIN BENEFITS FOR BITTER MELON:

The appearance of your skin is largely determined by what you put inside your body. In other words, getting proper nutrition is a pre requisite for healthy and damage free skin. Being a natural blood purifier, bitter gourd helps in improving the appearance of your skin. It provides the following benefits to your skin:

11. Prevents Skin Problems:

Regular consumption of bitter gourd helps in keeping your skin glowing and free from blemishes. It also helps prevent acne thanks to its blood purifying properties.

12. Skin Infections:

Bitter melon benefits in treating skin diseases or skin infections, eczema and psoriasis. Regular consumption of bitter gourd juice helps in improving psoriasis condition as well as other fungal infections like ring worm and athletes foot.

13. Anti-ageing:

Bitter gourd contains vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. By fighting and eliminating the harmful free radicals, it helps to prevent wrinkles by slowing down the ageing process. It also protects the skin from damage by Sun’s ultraviolet rays.

14. Healing Qualities:

Bitter gourd helps in controlling blood flow and clotting, causing wounds to heal faster, preventing further infections.

HAIR BENEFITS OF BITTER MELON:

Bitter gourd is a great home remedy for your hair. Besides being beneficial for your skin and health, bitter gourd juice is also effective in treating hair problems and promoting longevity. It is beneficial for your hair in the following ways:

15. Shiny Hair:

To impart a natural shine to your hair, you can mix a cup of fresh bitter gourd juice with yoghurt and apply on your hair. Wash off after sometime. This will make your hair shiny and beautiful.

16. Dandruff:

Dandruff is a common problem and is mostly caused due to the consumption of unhealthy food and exposure to pollution. To ward off dandruff, you can prepare a hair pack by mixing bitter gourd juice and cumin seeds. Regular usage of this pack will rid you of dandruff within a month.

17. Split Ends:

If you are troubled by split ends, you can apply raw bitter gourd juice to your split ends and then comb gently. This should be done twice a week to get rid of split ends.

18. Dry and Itchy Scalp:

To combat dryness of scalp, you can rub a fresh piece of bitter gourd on it and massage your scalp in a circular motion. Then rinse off with clear water. To combat itchiness, you can prepare a hair pack by mixing bitter gourd juice with either avocado or banana and apply it on your scalp. This should be used at least once a week to get rid of itchy scalp.

19. Hair Loss:

Bitter gourd juice helps in reducing hair-fall naturally. All you need to do is mix bitter gourd juice with a dash of sugar and use this paste on your hair to get good results.

20. Rough and Tangled Hair:

If you have rough and tangled hair, you can pour a cup of bitter gourd juice and allow it to soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Then rinse off your hair. This will help smoothen your hair texture and make it soft and shiny.

21. Grey Hair:

Bitter gourd can also treat premature greying of hair. You can apply freshly squeezed bitter gourd juice on your grey strands. Doing this once in every ten days will reduce grey hair growth.

22. Oily Hair:

Increased intake of oily food can cause the accumulation of excess oil in your hair. If you have oily hair, you should first limit the consumption of oily food. You can apply a mixture of bitter gourd juice and apple cider vinegar to remove excess oil from your hair.

Bitter Gourd: Nutritional Value:

The numerous health, skin and hair benefits of bitter melon can be attributed to its nutritional value. It has a wide array of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin C, calcium, potassium, zinc, iron, copper and phosphorus. The chart given below shows the nutritional value of bitter gourd.

See the table below for in depth analysis of nutrients:Bitter melon (Momordica charantia), fresh, raw, Nutritive value per 100 g
Principle	Nutrient Value	Percentage of RDA
Energy	17 Kcal	<1%
Carbohydrates	3.70 g	3%
Protein	1.00 g	2%
Total Fat	0.17 g	0.5%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Dietary Fiber	2.80 g	7%
Vitamins
Folates	72 µg	18%
Niacin	0.400 mg	2.5%
Pantothenic acid	0.212 mg	4%
Pyridoxine	0.043 mg	3%
Riboflavin	0.040 mg	3%
Thiamin	0.040 mg	3.5%
Vitamin A	471 IU	16%
Vitamin C	84 mg	140%
Electrolytes
Sodium	5 mg	<1%
Potassium	296 mg	6%
Minerals
Calcium	19 mg	2%
Copper	0.034 mg	4%
Iron	0.43 mg	5%
Magnesium	17 mg	4%
Manganese	0.089 mg	4%
Zinc	0.80 mg	7%
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-ß	190 µg	–
Carotene-α	185 µg
Lutein-zeaxanthin	170 µg	–

• Calories: Bitter gourd is quite low in calories with a 100 gram serving providing just 17 calories.
• Vitamin C: Bitter gourd is an excellent source of vitamin C with 100 grams of raw pod, providing 84 mg of this vitamin which is equivalent to 140% of Recommended Daily Intake (RDI).
• Folates: Fresh pods are a good source of folates. 100 grams of fresh pods provide 72 µg of folate which is equivalent to 18% of RDI.
• B-vitamins: It is also a good source of B-vitamins like niacin or Vitamin B3, pantothenic acid or Vitamin B5 and pyridoxine or Vitamin B6.

SOME IMPORTANT TIPS:

1. Always wash Bitter Melon thoroughly under running water.

2. Use fresh Bitter Melon for best results.

3. Always choose bitter gourds that are fresh, bright, deep green in colour.

4. Don’t consume more than 2 bitter melons a day

4. The Bitter Melon leaves should be kept in a cool, dry, dark place. They stay fresh in refrigerator up to a week.

5. Marinade with salt to reduce bitterness.

6. Pregnant women should be careful while consuming this vegetable. The laxative component of the vegetable may lead to premature contraction, vaginal bleeding and miscarriages. Do consult your doctor once.