Friday 28 February 2014

HEALTH BENEFITS OF BEETROOT

Beetroot has been found to be useful in the treatment of anemia, constipation, piles, kidney disorders, dandruff, gall bladder, cancer, and heart disease.
It also helps to prevent macular degeneration, improve blood circulation, aid in skin care, prevents cataracts and mediates respiratory problems.

These health benefits of beet roots can be attributed to their richness in nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

                                         
1.     Beetroot is your liver’s friend: The beta-cyanin in beetroot can help detox your liver, having a knock-on effect for your bloodstream, by helping the body to eliminate toxins and potentially preventing the build-up of fatty deposits.

2.    Beetroot juice can prevent stroke & heart attack: The presence of the nutrient betaine lowers the levels of homocysteine in the body which can also be harmful to the blood vessels. Thus, consumption of beetroot helps to prevent cardiovascular diseases in multiple ways, so conditions like atherosclerosis, heart attack, and strokes are less likely to develop. The fiber in beets also works to strip excess LDL cholesterol from the walls and help to eliminate it from the body quickly.

3.    Prevent certain cancers: Studies have revealed that beets are good at preventing skin, lung and colon cancer, since they contain the pigment betecyaninis, which counteracts cancerous cell growth. Nitrates used in meats as preservatives can stimulate the production of nitrosamine compounds in the body which can also result in cancer. Studies have now shown that beet juice inhibits the cell mutations caused by these compounds.

4.    Prevent respiratory problems: Beetroot is a source of vitamin C that helps to prevent asthma symptoms. The natural beta carotene in beetroot also helps to prevent asthma symptoms. The natural beta carotene in beetroot also helps to prevent lungs cancer.

5.    Immune system booster: Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system in a number of ways. Besides acting as an antioxidant itself and defending against the effects of free radicals in the body, vitamin C also stimulates the activity of white blood cells, which is the body’s main line of defense against foreign bodies, as well as viral, bacterial, fungal, and protozoan toxins that can result in a multitude of infections and illnesses.

6.    Boost energy levels: Beets contain a significant amount of carbohydrates that provides fuel for energy and prolonged sports activities.

7.    Prevent cataracts: The presence of beta-carotene, which is a form of vitamin A, helps to prevent age-related blindness called cataracts as well as a reduction in macular degeneration that commonly occurs as we get older.


Friday 14 February 2014

Learn how to relax

Take it easy

We have lot of work overload at office as well as home to give us stress.
Stress is everywhere—and though you may not be able to control what causes it, you do have power over how you react to it. And keeping your cool is a key to safeguarding your heart.

Stress sets off a surge of hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol, in your body. Elevated levels of these hormones can harm your heart because they raise your blood pressure and cause inflammation. So it's important to develop ways to cope when life becomes tense.


Take a deep breath
Pausing before you react in a stressful or upsetting situation gives you time to clear your head, and breathing more slowly lowers levels of fight-or-flight hormones. Count to 10 and take three deep breaths before responding.
Smile!
New research shows that "grin and bear it" works. One study found that people who smiled as they did difficult tasks (such as drawing with their nondominant hand) had lower heart rates than people who kept a neutral expression.


Hold your chin up
It sounds so simple, but when your head is lifted and your shoulders are down, your chest expands and you naturally take in more oxygen, which helps calm your body's physical and emotional response to stress.


Help a neighbour
Doing a good deed—no matter how small—is a powerful destressor because it takes your mind off your problems and helps put them into perspective. In fact, states with high volunteer rates have lower levels of heart disease. Little actions like putting a rupee in a donation box, carrying a neighbour’s groceries or buying coffee for the person in line behind you absolutely count.

Reach out to a friend
Your body releases oxytocin (a calming hormone) when you get in touch with a favorite friend or family member who makes you feel good. And connecting with a loved one through Facebook or email can have the same soothing effect as if you're speaking face-to-face. In fact, if you're upset, writing down why helps diffuse tension as you work through your feelings and start to gain more control over the situation.


Meditate
• Rub your hands together very fast for 20 to 30 seconds until you feel some friction.
• Pull your hands apart, and keep them there as if you're holding an invisible globe. Focus on the energy sensation that's built up between your hands.
• Slowly move that imaginary globe over your heart and imagine positive energy flowing into your body.