Coconut Water- Health Benefits

It is summers & what best other than cool drinks to quench your thirst. Making some healthy choices in the drinks is extremely important. Coconut water is a drink which is widely recognized for its health values. I will just try to point down a few so, there is more reason to include in your diet. Coconut water is the water which is present in the tender or green coconut & not to be confused with coconut milk or oil which are very high is fats & carbohydrates. Rich in natural vitamins (especially the B vitamins), minerals, and trace elements (including zinc, selenium, iodine, and manganese). Full of amino acids, organic acids, enzymes, antioxidants and phytonutrients. Rich source of electrolytes and natural salts, especially potassium and magnesium. 

Let's count the benefits:

1. Weight Loss: As the fruit's water is light, low-calorie and nearly fat-free, as well as low in sugars as well as containing a little fiber to moderate absorption, it can play an important part in weight loss. As water is important part of diet & the calorific value & other benefits makes you feel full, suppresses the appetite.

2. Improves Digestion: Coconut water claims to be a cure for all digestive problems. If you face problem of acid reflux, definitely you will be benefited drinking coconut water. Other problems like stomach flu, indigestion, constipation are also treated by drinking coconut water regularly. Also urinary problems & kidney problems are also taken care with this.

3. Isotonic drink or Refresher: The composition of coconut matches our blood plasma, so it is also known to use instead of blood for transfusion in third world countries during emergencies. So, drinking this drink helps your body also gain good vitamins & minerals apart from water.

4. Reduces Blood Pressure: Coconut water is known to have more potassium than 4 bananas. It helps lower elevated blood pressure and reduce risks of heart attacks & strokes. Also it is known to regulate blood sugar levels due to low calorific value and also moderate sugar absorption in the blood stream.

5. Flawless Skin: Not only drinking but applying it on the skin helps repair the wear & tear of the skin. It is known to reduce the blemishes & helps treat acne due to its purifying powers of antioxidants. It moisturizes the skin when you drink eliminating excess oils from the skin.

6. Anti-ageing properties: It's a natural source of cytokinins, a group of plant hormones known to affect the cell growth & ageing. Rich in antioxidants, potassium & cytokinins balance the pH levels, & strengthens tissues & cells to become firmer, also help fight ageing related diseases.

Luckily this drink has no known side effects, if you are allergic to nuts please check with your doctor.  It is also known for stronger bones, reduces muscle cramps, manage stress & many more. It is great for children & pregnant women. Pregnant women are advised to drink coconut water especially to avoid heart burns & digestion related problems. Drink fresh coconut water only, the more its is exposed to air it gets oxidized & rapidly loses its nutritional value. This drink is also called the fruit of God for this reason. Thanks Friends!

Dry Skin Care- Home Remedies

Hi Friends! Our bodies are affected by the season cycle, whether metabolism, sleep, mood swings or skin. In summers whatever you like to eat might not be the coolest ideas for winters. Also similarly the changing seasons can create a havoc for your skin. Oily or Dry skin both can have its toll when the seasons change. I have already written an article on home care tips for Oily skin, today will list down a few for people with dry skin. People with dry skin keep on complaining about dry, flaky, lifeless dull skin, so I would just like to give them some tips for a beautiful skin.

Tips for Dry Skin Care

1. Warm is OK, Hot is not: Make sure you do not bathe or shower with hot water, it can be lukewarm. Hot water strips your skin off the natural oils, and once this layer of oil is gone the moisture can also leave your skin almost immediately. So keeping the moisture locked in the skin is important for people with dry skin, so no hot water baths.

2. Cleanse with Mild Cleansers: It is advised to use soaps which are non-fragrant, as the deodorants &  other antibacterial additives can be harsh on skin. Consider using Ceramides which are fatty acids which help you restore the moisture to your skin. You can also use milk or yogurt can be used 3-4 times a week which help to cleanse the skin & get rid of bacteria and other dryness causing agents. Also the lactic acid present in the milk products act as an antioxidant & anti-inflammatory agent, giving the skin a cooling effect, it exfoliates the dry skin & moisturize the skin, in turn gives you a brighter vibrant skin.

3. Oil your Skin: It is necessary that you keep providing your skin the right kind of nutrition, Dry skin is devoid of moisture & natural oils which makes it dull & flaky. Olive oil & coconut oil are known as the best oils for a softer & moisturized skin. It has antioxidants & fatty acids which will help the dry skin condition well. A very small amount Olive Oil can spread across your body so before applying the moisturizer apply a thin coating of Olive Oil. Or you can apply coconut oil at night & wash it off in the morning, both the oils are great choose yours.

To sum up, I have mentioned milk, yogurt, olive oil, coconut oil which help you get the soft skin you wish. Apart from that avoid harsh soaps & hot water to cleanse, you will definitely benefit. Hope this article helps you. Thanks!

Spa Water- Health Benefits

Hi Friends! Today I will write about Spa Water & it's benefits. What it is? Why is it good for you? When I say Spa Water you don't need to think that it is something which is very costly or cannot be made at home. Spa Water is just flavored water with natural elements, just add cut lemon pieces, cucumber, limes, mint, watermelon etc. Choose your flavor, just add it to the water you drink, refrigerate it & cold flavored water is ready for you. It actually has some benefits which you cannot deny, especially in summers when you are thirsty and can't just keep on drinking plain water.

Benefits of Spa Water:

1. It is Easy: Your flavored water is ready without any hassle just cut a few pieces of lemon or anything you like the flavor & add it to the water you drink. You do not have to make juices or any other cumbersome process. And readily you have access to a different flavor, in your drink.

2. It is refreshing: Spa Water is much more refreshing as compared to plain water. It is filled with anti-oxidants from the ingredients energizing & recharging your senses. Like cucumber helps fight free radicals & thus slowing your aging. Lime has loads of Vitamin C, important for your body.

3. Get Rid of Soda: This will quench your thirst & will help you get rid of the calorie filled sodas & beverages. You can definitely lose a few inches once you switch your sugar filled beverages with spa water. Also the presence of the nutrients from the ingredients make it power water to lose weight.

4. Heal a Hangover: It is a great way to get rid of head ache from last night's hangover. You replenish your dehydrated body with H2O by drinking spa water. Also essential electrolytes, vitamins & minerals help you detoxify your body.

5. Great for supple skin: Water is great for your skin & so is cucumber, lemon, tangerine etc. why not add their benefits together in the spa water. You will definitely have a supple soft baby skin you always wished for. It increases the moisture & elasticity of the skin by keeping the skin hydrated, also detox yourself with the benefits of the other ingredients.

Hope these benefits will encourage you ditch that cola & help you choose this option. Please do share your views with me, if you want to add anything. Thanks!

Beat the Heat

Hi Friends! With half of May gone all of us are facing the heat wave. Let's list down a few health tips you need to take in consideration for the long summers. Beat the heat with home remedies!

5 Tips to Beat the Heat

1. Drink lot of water: Keep yourself hydrated whether the summers are dry or humid. If the weather outside is dry then the sun tends to suck away the water from your skin. You will feel dehydrated, though you are not sweating. In case of humid summers, you tend to sweat a lot, slowly the body becomes dehydrated & there are chances that you might even faint. So make sure to remain hydrated and keep yourself safe.

2. Eat Onions: Onions are a crucial part of the Indian cuisine, this is because of the medicinal values rather than the taste. They are rich in amino acids methionine & cystine also good amount of Vitamin C, this can help detox the body. Onions are known for treating inflammations & heat stroes almost instantaneously. Not only this our mother always told to carry an onion in the pocket when out in the sun, it is said to save you from the heat wave.

3. Avoid the sun: It is best to stay away from the sun during the summers. If you have to go out make sure you wear a good amount of sunscreen to avoid harmful rays. When inside your home pull the curtains & close the windows as soon as the sun is up. If in a dry place then you can place a desert cooler on your window so that the hot air passing through the water circulated pads can make your home cooler. If you do not have a cooler, then place watered pads on the windows & the wind passing through them will keep your home cool.

4. Eat Light:  Summers are a time when it becomes difficult for your poor stomach to digest easily. It is advised to eat light food. It will help you keep light & cool. Eat more salads & green veggies to keep yourself healthy. Avoid carbonated beverages, they might col you for the time being but the loads of sugar present in the drinks can make you gain weight & lazy. Also it is seen if you eat chilies, the capscain found in them would help you generate & cool your body eventually.

5. Dress Accordingly: Wear clothing which helps your skin breathe, cotton & summer cool allows your skin to come into contact with air which helps you remain cooler as you perspire freely. Silk or thick synthetic clothing covers your skin but meanwhile your skin is not able to come into contact with air & the sweat accumulating can cause rashes & outbreaks. Even your feet should be allowed to breathe & make sure your shoes let your feet passage of air. You will avoid smelly feet & also any kind of fungal infections, taking care for diabetic patients is even more important.

Hope these simple tips help you have good summers. Also share your tips! Thanks!

Healthy Vegan Recipe: Spicy Okra

Hi Friends! Today I will share a great recipe with you with less oil & fats with the benefits of Okra or Lady's finger. It is filled with nutrients Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin K, Vitamin-C & folates without any fats. It has good amount of dietary fiber with a very low calorie composition of 30-35 cal per 100 g. Along with this it is also rich in minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium & manganese. The usual Indian recipes use a lot of oil to cook okra, this is a simple & low fat spiced version.

Spicy Okra
Ingredients:
Okra: 250 g
Olive oil or Rice bran oil: 1 tablespoon
Turmeric: 1 teaspoon
Kashmiri Red Chili powder or Paprika powder: 1 teaspoon
Corriander Powder: 2 teaspoon
Cummin Powder: 2 teaspoon
Aam chur powder or Dried Raw Mango Powder: 1 teaspoon
Lime juice: 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste

Preparation:
1. Wash the okra well & slice of a part of it's top, not exposing the inner edible part. Now make a long slit across the length of each of the okra. Dry them in a towel & keep them aside.
2. Take a mixing bowl & mix all the spices  and salt well. Now add the lime juice & some oil to get a paste, it should avoid being too liquid to avoid spilling over.
3. Start filling each okra with this paste. Make sure that the filling is not too much, it should not come out. Press the okra well after filling to bind it. Once all is done just add the rest of the oil to the mixing bowl & let all the spices be in the oil now take the okra in the mixing bowl, toss it so that it gets coated with the oil & spices.

4. You can now preheat the oven or airfryer (3min) at 180C or 355F.
5. Place the filled okra in the oven or the airfryer & cook for 7 min. And your Spicy okra is ready. If you want it crispy like chips can continue for another 2-3 min.

You can enjoy this recipe with Indian bread or Roti & yogurt. Also if you made it like chips, go snack them any time. I find this recipe very tasty & easy to cook. You can make simple changes as per your taste & you can have variety of okra chips. If you don't like spices just go ahead with the lie juice & salt. Share your ideas with me. Thanks Friends!

Healthy Vegetarian Recipe: Dahi Parwal

Hi Friends! Here is a tasty & healthy recipe you will love. This recipe is light for the summers and easy to digest. Let's see how it is made:

Dahi Parwal:

Ingredients:
Parwal or Pointed Gourd: 6-8
Onion: 1
Ginger: 1/2 inch
Chili: 2
Yogurt:1 cup
Corriander powder:1 teaspoon
Turmeric powder: 1/2 teaspoon
Cummin Powder: 1 teaspoon
Cardamom: 2 small
Cinnamon: 1 inch
Olive oil: 2 teaspoon
Salt to taste

Preparation:
1. Take the Parwal or pointed gourd, Cut the ends, peel off the skin. Make side-slits on the side on the body of the parwal for the cooking to take place properly.
2. Chop the onion and slit the chili.
3. Mix the yogurt with ginger paste, and corriander, turmeric, cummin powder.
4. In a heated pan, add the olive oil. Then add cardamon & cinnamon after making it into small pieces.
5. Then add the chopped onion, once light golden in color add the parwal  & chili and after mixing it well cover it for some time on low flame.
6. When the parwal becomes tender add the yogurt with spices. Add the salt to taste.
7. Let it cook for a while on low flame. You will see a uniform mix in the gravy.

It would taste awesome. Serve hot! You can enjoy this recipe with rice. This would be a light & healthy recipe. Hope you like it friends!