Yoga poses to lose weight

Did you know that yoga not only helps in maintaining the harmony of the mind, body and soul. But also aids in improving the metabolism of the body. Yoga helps you achieve your desired weight loss. The best part about yoga is that it leaves you fresher and more energetic than before after the work outs. Read about the different yoga poses that will aid you in weight loss.

Yoga  postures for weight loss:

Surya Namaskar
Surya Namaskar is the best yoga has to offer as far as the poses are concerned. It works on the whole body especially on the big muscle group. A beginner can start with a few rounds of it and gradually increase the number of rounds. It helps to lose weight.



Warrior Pose
The warrior pose strengthens the hamstrings, thighs, legs and ankles as the body weight is transferred on the thighs with the forward bend. It helps to stimulate abdominal organs which can help increase the stamina. Stamina built up can help you to keep going over a longer period of time.



Cobra Pose
This is the pose which works on the chest and the back region. The heart opening pose helps to take deep breaths resulting in more oxygenated blood being pumped to different parts of the body. The oxygenated blood helps to burn the fat. Helps in toning the buttocks too.



Bow Pose
This is more of an advanced yoga pose but not only helps in burning the fat but also helps in toning of arms and legs. One can feel the stretch in the abdominal region taking this pose. The stretch helps to loosen up the fat in the region. Continous practicing of this asana further melts the loosen belly fat.



Side Bends
It's as important to work on muscles in the stomach region as often as working on other muscles group. After a certain age the body stops to grow and the fat starts accumulating in the stomach region. Side bends helps to melt those love handles. These bends might not help to burn a lot of calories but will be instrumental in inch loss.



Konasana 
Konasana stretches the sides of the body and the spine. It tones the arms, legs, and abdominal organs



Trikonasana 
Trikonasana stretches the sides of the body. It tones the arms, legs, and abdominal organs. This aasan also improves flexibility of the spine and hips



Cat stretch 
Cat Strech gives flexibility to the spine. It strengthens wrist joints and shoulders. It massages the digestive organs and tones the abdomen. Cat Strech also improves digestion.



Weight Loss Recipe
You may like to try this tasty, healthy Ayurvedic recipe that will aid in weight loss

Vietnamese vegetable stock

Preparation time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

Water - 2 liters
Sliced carrots - 1 cup
Sliced cabbage - 1 cup
Sliced celery (stem) - ½ cup
Sliced white radish - 1 cup
Salt - 1 ½ teaspoon

Method

-Steam all the vegetables.
-Boil water separately in a saucepan.
-Add two tablespoons of ground vegetables to the boiling water and stir.
-Put the remaining steamed vegetables into the saucepan.
-Add salt to taste.
-Stir and serve hot.

Health benefits of Indian spices

If spices are consumed in moderation you can derive health benefits, but an overdose of any spice can lead to indigestion or even ulcers. Media portals are flooded with the health benefits of turmeric or haldi, but today we list out other Indian spices that are healthy and are kept under wraps.

Cinnamon:
This spice is aromatic and has a refreshing taste. You can add cinnamon in curries, pulao and even desserts; it adds spark to a bland dish. But research on this woody spice tells us that it is also diabetes-friendly and if you show symptoms of insulin resistance, cinnamon will help reduce it.

Besides, cinnamon is used to give you relief from indigestion,common cold, diarrhea, poor blood circulation and tension during menstruation.

Cloves:
Clove is the spice to treat tooth problems since it contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Due to these healthy characteristics cloves are an important ingredient in natural tooth pastes.

Perfumers use the oil extract from cloves but it has its health benefits. If you are feeling queasy after indulging in too much food or alcohol, cloves have the properties to put you at ease. Cloves can relieve you from vomiting, indigestion, an upset digestive tract and loose motions.

Cumin:
Cumin is known to relieve you from digestive problems, reduce your chances of anemia and alleviate common cold.

Surprisingly it can reduce the problem of piles, serves as a laxative and provides your body with iron, manganese that helps in the absorption of calcium and controls blood pressure.

Black Cardamom:
Do not confuse it with green cardamom; black cardamom is a common spice in briyani. Apparently this spice is also used as anti-venom for snakes and scorpions, but try it out at your own risk.

Black cardamom eases out digestive problems and reduces flatulence, it is known to relieve you from throat problems, chest congestion, and gum infection. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties and the fact that it can alleviate muscle spasms, black cardamom is a saving grace for asthmatics. It is a great ingredient for respiratory problems.

Saffron:
Kashmir is synonymous with the production of the best quality of saffron in India. This ingredient adds colour and spice to briyani or dessert. Saffron is expensive but the health benefits are priceless.

Saffron has the ability to treat depression, prevents loss of vision, and improves memory. The stigma of the flower can relieve you from digestive issues with the help of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-depressant properties.

Nutmeg:
Like cloves, nutmeg too has anti-bacterial properties. It helps fight tooth decay. Besides, nutmeg can fight Alzheimer's and improves your memory. This lesser known spice has the ability to reduce flatulence and improve appetite - a problem that all mothers face when it comes to their child's fussy eating habits. It can also release the tension in your muscle.

According to the Chinese, this spice can improve impotence; worth a try for those looking for a natural alternative.

Black Pepper:
Once upon a time, black pepper was considered gold, a precious commodity for trade. A dash of pepper can create an explosion of flavours to a bland dish. But consume this fiery spice in moderation.

Black pepper has the ability to increase the production of hydrochloric acid that the stomach needs to help in digestion. You can save yourself from digestive problems, flatulence and constipation. It is also anti - bacterial in nature, reduces blood pressure and contains iron that is beneficial for the body.

For questions specific to your health conditions, please write down in the comments section and we will answer it as soon as possible. Thanks

Foods to reduce belly fat

A bloated stomach not only hampers your personality but also makes you uncomfortable.

The best way to get rid of such a disgruntled belly is by following a low-calorie diet and practising regular exercise.

Food to reduce belly fat # 1: Almonds

This tiny food is not only rich in skin-boosting vitamin E and protein, but their richness in fibre content helps you to stay full for a longer duration. Even though they are slightly high in calories but that will not contribute to belly fat, so keep swapping a handful of almonds as snacks to curb your hunger.

Food to reduce belly fat # 2: Watermelon

The name says it all - this giant fruit contains 82 percent water, which helps to keep you full for a longer duration and also removes excess sodium present in the body. This super sweet fruit, is also rich in vitamin C and contains barely 100 calories in one cup. So start eating this delicious fruit as a snack, if you wish to have a body like your favourite celeb.

Food to reduce belly fat # 3: Beans

Consuming means on a regular basis helps to get rid of the body fat, develop body muscles and improves digestion. Beans also help to feel full for a longer duration, thus avoiding over indulgence. Add beans to your diet, if you want your middle to be sexy and firm.

Food to reduce belly fat # 4: Green leafy vegetable

Want to get a flat tummy instantly? Then fill for plate with green leafy vegetables. All types of green leafy vegetables are extremely low in calories, full of fibre and offer several vital vitamins and minerals that help to ease water retention without causing the bloating and tummy discomfort.

Food to reduce belly fat # 5: Cucumber

Cucumber is an extremely refreshing and low-calorie food. They contain approximately 96 percent water content, which makes it a cooling food. One full cucumber contains just 45 calories, making it sexy stomach food.

Food to reduce belly fat # 6: Avocado

This is a truly magic fruit, due to their richness in various vital nutrients. Avocado is rich in fibre, which helps to keep hunger at bay and the presence of monounsaturated fatty acids helps to burn belly fat easily.

Food to reduce belly fat # 7: Oats

The best way to start your journey to sexy stomach is by having oats for your breakfast. Oats are filling and thus help you to lose weight. Besides, it is also low in calorie and provides energy to your body slowly. It is a very good source to provide energy to your body all throughout the day, which keeps you feeling fuller for longer and can even lower your cholesterol.

Food to reduce belly fat # 8: Water

The best way to avoid stomach bloat is by keeping yourself very well hydrated. Drinking ample amounts of water helps to flush excess fluid and toxins out of your system.

Food to reduce belly fat # 9: Apples

Apples are packed with fibre, which makes your belly feel full. Thus, avoiding over eating; besides it also fills your body with maximum nutrients.

Food to reduce belly fat # 10: Peppermint

Peppermint has great healing and calming digestive properties. It is also good for removing belly fat. The easiest way to do this is to drink it in tea form. Besides, it also helps in cleansing your skin.

For questions specific to your health conditions, please write down in the comments section and we will answer it as soon as possible. Thanks

BP reading in both arms key for healthy heart: Study

NEW YORK: In a significant news for blood pressure (BP) patients and doctors alike, researchers have suggested to take BP reading in both arms, rather than the present system of measuring BP using one arm, for better cardiovasvular health.

The difference in interarm systolic blood pressure - where both arms are used for BP reading - has now been linked to greater risk of future cardiovascular events.

Measuring interarm blood pressure involves taking two readings, one for each arm.

Increased interarm systolic blood pressure differences are defined as 10 mmHg or greater.

"In this large community-based study, an increased interarm systolic blood pressure difference was found to be present in nearly 10 percent of individuals and is associated with increased levels of traditional cardiovascular risk factors," explained lead investigator Ido Weinberg from Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.

"An increased interarm systolic blood pressure difference is associated with an increased risk for incident cardiovascular events, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors," he cautioned.

The researchers examined 3,390 participants aged 40 years and older, free of cardiovascular disease at baseline.

The investigators found that participants with higher interarm systolic blood pressure differences were at a much higher risk for future cardiovascular events than those with less than a 10mm Hg difference between arms.

The researchers also found that participants with elevated interarm blood pressure difference were older, had a greater prevalence of diabetes mellitus, higher systolic blood pressure and a higher total cholesterol level.

The investigators suggest doctors should consider including blood pressure readings in both arms in order to get the most accurate readings possible and detect any differences in interarm blood pressure.

Even modest differences in clinically-measured systolic blood pressures in the upper extremities reflect an increase in cardiovascular risk, said Weinberg in the research published in The American Journal of Medicine.

Calcium-rich foods for your bones

Include these calcium-rich foods in your diet to maintain healthy bones and joints.

Milk: Milk is the best source of calcium, not only for children but also for adults. Moreover, the calcium is in a form that can be easily digested and absorbed by your body.

Yogurt: High in protein and containing healthy bacteria for your gut, yogurt is said to offer 400 mg of calcium in a single serving. Choose non-fattening flavoured yogurt for a satisfying and healthy snack. Besides milk and yogurt but dairy products like cheese is also a good dose of calcium.

Leafy greens: Many vegetables, especially the leafy green veggies, are rich sources of calcium. Opt from spinach, turnip, kale, romaine lettuce, celery, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus and mushrooms or toss all of them into a salad.

Beans: For another rich source of calcium, try kidney beans, white beans or baked beans.

Herbs and spices: Herbs like basil, thyme, cinnamon, mint and spices like garlic not only enhance the flavour of your food but also provide calcium to your body.

Oranges: Citrus fruits like oranges are not only rich in calcium but also contain vitamin D that is essential to absorb the calcium in the body. Have it as a fruit or squeeze out its juice and have it as a breakfast.

For questions specific to your health conditions, please write down in the comments section and we will answer it as soon as possible. Thanks

Skin Ageing: Factors that cause it

Here are a few factors that will cause your skin to age premature and make you look older:

-Apart from your increasing your weight, sugar is also responsible for boosting ageing. When your blood sugar is high, it causes a process called glycation which harms elastin and collagen in our skin. This leads to the wrinkling of the skin.

-Did you know, excessive exercising, especially running is known to cause the skin to sag? Known as runner's face, it is caused by the breakdown of collagen. So keep your morning runs short.

-Excessive alcohol leads to dehydration and also lowers the salt content in the body, which is known to be bad for the skin.

-If you have an erratic lifestyle and are not getting enough sleep, this is another reason that will make you look older than your years. Lack of sleep causes dark circles and the skin on your face to look sallow. It makes the skin weak and susceptible, thus making it age faster.

-In winter, the cold dry air saps all the moisture from the skin, making it prone to fine lines and wrinkles. To combat this, apply a moisturiser as soon as you are out of the hot shower.

Banana: Health benefits

Rich in nutrients including vitamins A, B, C and E along with minerals like potassium, zinc, iron, etc, banana is a strong source of energy. Here are some other health benefits of this versatile fruit.

Controls blood pressure: According to research, the potassium in this fruit keeps the blood pressure levels in check and it can also help decrease its levels.

Improves brain power: A good source of vitamin B, banana helps perk up nerve function and boosts learning abilities.

Decreases the risk of stroke: According to studies, regular consumption of a banana helps reduce the occurrence of stroke. Rich in antioxidants and dietary fibre, consumption of bananas is also said to reduce the risk of cancer.

Maintains bones: Probiotic bacteria present in bananas is known to absorb calcium in the body. Hence, it helps in building better bones.

Enhances digestion: The priobotics in banana help produce enzymes that enable absorption of nutrients, thus enhancing the digestive ability and preventing unfriendly bacteria from harming the body. Astringent in nature, raw bananas are effective in treatment for diarrhoea.

Relieves constipation: Pectin found in bananas helps to alleviate constipation and improves bowel function.

For questions specific to your health conditions, please write down in the comments section and we will answer it as soon as possible. Thanks

Apple peels help you lose weight

Ursolic acid - a waxy substance found in apple peel - increases muscle and brown fat in mice that are on a high-fat diet.

These mice burn more calories and have reduced obesity levels, pre-diabetes and fatty liver disease than the mice that do not receive the supplement. Researhers believe that this might be helpful in reducing obesity.

Until quite recently, researchers believed that only infants had brown fat, which then disappeared during childhood. However, improved imaging techniques have shown that adults do retain a very small amount of the substance mostly in the neck and between the shoulder blades. Some studies have linked increased levels of brown fat with lower levels of obesity and healthier levels of blood sugar and blood lipid, leading to the suggestion that brown fat may be helpful in preventing obesity and diabetes.

Obesity and its associated problems such as diabetes and fatty liver disease are increasingly common global health concerns. A new study by University of Iowa researchers shows that a natural substance found in apple peel can partially protect mice from obesity and some of its harmful effects.

The findings suggest that the substance known as ursolic acid reduces obesity and its associated health problems by increasing the amount of muscle and brown fat, two tissues recognised for their calorie-burning properties.

"From previous work, we knew that ursolic acid increases muscle mass and strength in healthy mice, which is important because it might suggest a potential therapy for muscle wasting," Adams says. "In this study, we tested ursolic acid in mice on a high-fat diet - a mouse model of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Once again, ursolic acid increased skeletal muscle. Interestingly, it also reduced obesity, pre-diabetes and fatty liver disease.

"Since muscle is very good at burning calories, the increased muscle in ursolic acid-treated mice may be sufficient to explain how ursolic acid reduces obesity. However, we were surprised to find that ursolic acid also increased brown fat, a fantastic calorie burner. This increase in brown fat may also help protect against obesity." 

Foods that make you radiant and detoxify your System

Superfoods that detoxify your system...

The festive season is over and so should be the over-indulging in sweets, fried food and snacks. This is the perfect time to recharge your body and detoxify it. Here are a few superfoods that can help...

Eggs
With their rich protein, vitamin and mineral content, eggs contribute significantly to improving your concentration, maintaining healthy weight, developing the brain, strengthening eyesight, clotting the blood as well as preventing both birth defects and breast cancer.

Quinoa
This resembles couscous when boiled and can be used as a substitute for rice. Like egg, Quinoa is a 100% reference protein which has all nine essential amino acids, including lysine, which no other cereal has.

Blueberries 
Blueberries has the highest antioxidant content of all fresh fruit and is rich in Vitamins A, B Complex, C and E as well as in anthocyanin, copper, selenium, zinc and iron say experts. It is one of the best sources of antioxidants in the world has been known to fight superbattles against disease, ageing, heart ailments and belly fat.

Pumpkin
Both the seeds and the flesh of this Superfood are bursting with benefits. The fruit itself is high in antioxidants, Vitamins A, C, K and E and is a rich source of magnesium, potassium and iron. Pumpkin seeds have been associated with treating osteoporosis, prostate problems, depression and preventing cancer.

Oranges 
What people do know is that oranges are a wonderful source of Vitamin C. What they might not know is that this simple fruit helps with asthma, kidney stones, high BP and arthritis as well as assists in the lowering of cholesterol and the prevention of diabetes.

Broccoli
Nutrient rich, this superfood helps those with blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis. Pooja says, "It is believed to contribute to the control or prevention of cataracts, stomach and colon cancer, arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer's, tumours, as well as ageing.

Walnuts
This nut, which looks like a brain, is actually good for your brain. Walnuts have also been known to do wonders for your heart, mood, bone health and weight loss as well as help with insomnia, gallstones, diabetes and cancer. Nuts are calorie dense foods packed with protein, healthy fats and some essential vitamins and minerals and one must include a handful of these daily.

Yogurt
There's such a thing as "good" bacteria and your dahi has an abundance of it. Additionally, yogurt with active cultures helps with gastrointestinal conditions to include constipation, diarrhoea, lactose intolerance, colon cancer and bowel disease as well as in the prevention of osteoporosis and regulating blood pressure.

Green tea
Having two cups of green tea can do wonders for your skin and also increase the efficiency of our immune system. It also helps in lowering your risk of cancer, easing arthritis pain, regulating your cholesterol, preventing heart disease, boosting the immune system, losing weight, having healthier teeth, fending off allergies and infections and reducing or preventing acne.

Spinach
Spinach is a nutrient-dense food, loaded with not just iron but a whole host of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. This vegetable protects your heart, promote gastrointestinal health and keep your brain young and active.

Oats 
If you want to have a better chance at fighting high cholesterol and heart disease, regulating your blood sugar, blood pressure and bowel movements, reducing the risk of getting cancer or controlling your weight, eat more oats.

Flaxseed 
Flaxseed is a wonderful source of fibre, omega 3 and is a natural laxative. It also helps with lowering bad cholesterol and protect against diabetes as it decreases insulin resistance.

Wheatgrass 
The Wheat-grass is always greener! This food has been known to cleanse the liver, boost production of haemoglobin, increase immunity, heal wounds, purify the blood and improve digestion.

Salmon 
Salmon's high Omega-3 fatty acid content makes this an unbeatable Superfood. Salmon has been known to fight heart disease, decrease cancer risk, protect joints, improve mood and cognition as well as treat eye problems like dry eyes.

Tomatoes 
This superfood derives its luscious red colour from lycopene, an antioxidant which does not occur naturally in the body and has to be derived from an external food source. Tomatoes are associated with prevention of cancer and heart disease as well as the lowering of cholesterol.

Bananas 
A rich source of potassium and fibre, go bananas if you want to work on lowering your blood pressure, maintaining the health of your bones, having a healthy digestive tract and preventing the development of cancer.

Strawberries 
The delicious strawberry doesn't just look and taste good. This is an antioxidant superfood and has been associated with cardiovascular benefits, blood sugar regulation (and is therefore good for diabetics) as well as with fighting cancer.