How to combat a cold before it gets youANI
Washington, December 20, 2010
First Published: 18:45 IST(20/12/2010)
Last Updated: 19:01 IST(20/12/2010)
Is a cold taking a toll on you and you don’t know how to get rid of it? Well, don’t panic as an expert gives you some simple steps to lessen your agony. Holly Phillips of WCBS-TV in NewYork gives you an hour-by-hour cold-fighting countdown, reports CBS News. Hour 1: Drink plenty
of fluidsStaying hydrated cuts down on symptoms like a sore throat and stuffy nose, and may help boost your immune system.Hour 3: Gargle with warm salt waterSalt water reduces inflammation and pain in the throat, and clears mucous. The rinse also flushes out bacteria and viruses, which may help whether you''re getting a cold or want to prevent one in the first place.Hour 5: Use saline nasal sprayStudies suggest using a saline nasal spray right after cold symptoms appear may reduce their impact. And it can help prevent developing sinusitis after your cold.Hour 7: Take over-the-counter pain relievers or decongestantsPain relievers such as Advil, Motrin or Tylenol can fight off achiness. Decongestants, such as Sudafed, help dry up mucous if you need to go to work. But skip the over-the-counter cough medicine. Studies suggest just sipping on tea with honey is as effective.Hour 24: Repeat routineIf you feel worse or have a fever, start vomiting, or develop an increasingly bad headache, call your doctor—those are signs you''ve got something other than the common cold (such as flu or an bacterial infection), and you may need antiviral medication, antibiotics, or other treatment.
Honey: the sweet troubleshooter
Honey exhibits resistance to microbial spoilage.Most micro-organisms do not grow in honey because of its low water activity.Honey is a natural antiseptic, it helps in wounds healing, swelling goes down, and tissue grow back. Even burns heal better with honey.Honey contains appreciable amounts of plaque-fighting antioxidants and so reduces dental plaque. It also has an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, which is believed to be the main reason for the antimicrobial activity of honey.Its unique composition makes it useful for treating several ailments, minor burns and scrapes including aiding the treatment of sore throats and other bacterial infections.The viscosity and the hygroscopic qualities of honey permits its even spread on a wound bed, creating a favourable environment for healing. With these properties, honey has been used as an efficient treatment of chronic wounds of the lower leg and abdomen.Thus, honey can be stated a treasure due to its following usages:Honey being a rich source of carbohydrates provides a quick source of energy. The sugars in honey are primarily glucose and fructose both of which provide the body with quick energy.Recent studies suggest that this unique mixture of sugars which occurs naturally in honey, also works best in preventing fatigue and enhancing athletic performance.Another study states that a spoonful of honey right before a workout is a good energy booster. A study presented at the annual Experimental Biology meeting indicated that using honey as a carbohydrate source during exercise significantly improved performance and power during endurance cycling trials. It was also reported that honey reduced time to complete a 64 km time trial by over 3 minutes (compared to placebo); honey produced over 6% greater cycling power during the time trial (compared to placebo); equal performance to glucose; and it was well tolerated by all subjectsHoney consumption along with supplemental calcium enhanced calcium absorption.Honey is an anti-carcinogen. Honey-containing marinades effectively limit the production of potential cancer-causing compounds called heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) when marinated steak and chicken were fried. HAAs are formed when meat is cooked at high temperatures and the begins to char or blacken. Marinating meat for four hours in marinades containing 30 per cent honey significantly reduced HAA formation.
Celiac: When your bread turns poison
More and more people these days are becoming sensitive to different foods – the common such foods include wheat, milk, nuts, soy, egg, seafood, yeast, mushrooms.While most of these are intolerances are manifest with mild symptoms, some may have life-threatening consequences.Centuries ago, Roman philosopher Luceritius said, “What is food to one is bitter poison to another.”Celiac disease cannot be described any better. With millions of metric tons of it being grown and eaten every year, wheat is the world’s most consumed grain. But it is also the grain which puts millions of people at risk of illness.Celiac disease is a condition which leaves a person intolerant to gluten for life. Gluten is a protein found in cereals like wheat, oats, barley, rye and some others. In India, the disease is not easy to manage – mostly due to limited awareness, limited food options restrictive and inadequate food labeling.The disease occurs globally, has no socio-economic boundary and can occur at any age. Around 25 per cent cases are diagnosed in patients over 60 years of age.Eating foods with gluten causes an immune reaction in the small intestines that can damage the lining of the intestines and lower absorption of essential nutrients leading to mal-absorption and nutritional deficiencies.Typical symptoms of celiac disease include diarrhoea, gastrointestinal disturbances like abdominal distension, flatulence, pain, constipation; nausea and vomiting; growth problems; stunting and anaemia.The symptoms vary from person to person. Only 50 per cent patients experience diarrhoea.Gluten-free diet usually helps restore normal health.Living with celiac disease in developed countries is easier as food labelling is better, conveniently packed food is available and restaurants & fast foods provide gluten-free choices.The same however is not true for India, so far.
12 Indian foods that cut fat
How to combat a cold before it gets youANI
Washington, December 20, 2010
First Published: 18:45 IST(20/12/2010)
Last Updated: 19:01 IST(20/12/2010)
How to combat a cold before it gets you
Washington, December 20, 2010
Last Updated: 19:01 IST(20/12/2010)
Is a cold taking a toll on you and you don’t know how to get rid of it? Well, don’t panic as an expert gives you some simple steps to lessen your agony. Holly Phillips of WCBS-TV in NewYork gives you an hour-by-hour cold-fighting countdown, reports CBS News. Hour 1: Drink plenty
of fluidsStaying hydrated cuts down on symptoms like a sore throat and stuffy nose, and may help boost your immune system.Hour 3: Gargle with warm salt waterSalt water reduces inflammation and pain in the throat, and clears mucous. The rinse also flushes out bacteria and viruses, which may help whether you''re getting a cold or want to prevent one in the first place.Hour 5: Use saline nasal sprayStudies suggest using a saline nasal spray right after cold symptoms appear may reduce their impact. And it can help prevent developing sinusitis after your cold.Hour 7: Take over-the-counter pain relievers or decongestantsPain relievers such as Advil, Motrin or Tylenol can fight off achiness. Decongestants, such as Sudafed, help dry up mucous if you need to go to work. But skip the over-the-counter cough medicine. Studies suggest just sipping on tea with honey is as effective.Hour 24: Repeat routineIf you feel worse or have a fever, start vomiting, or develop an increasingly bad headache, call your doctor—those are signs you''ve got something other than the common cold (such as flu or an bacterial infection), and you may need antiviral medication, antibiotics, or other treatment.
Honey: the sweet troubleshooter
Honey exhibits resistance to microbial spoilage.
Most micro-organisms do not grow in honey because of its low water activity.
Honey is a natural antiseptic, it helps in wounds healing, swelling goes down, and tissue grow back. Even burns heal better with honey.
Honey contains appreciable amounts of plaque-fighting antioxidants and so reduces dental plaque. It also has an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, which is believed to be the main reason for the antimicrobial activity of honey.
Its unique composition makes it useful for treating several ailments, minor burns and scrapes including aiding the treatment of sore throats and other bacterial infections.
The viscosity and the hygroscopic qualities of honey permits its even spread on a wound bed, creating a favourable environment for healing. With these properties, honey has been used as an efficient treatment of chronic wounds of the lower leg and abdomen.
Thus, honey can be stated a treasure due to its following usages:
Honey being a rich source of carbohydrates provides a quick source of energy. The sugars in honey are primarily glucose and fructose both of which provide the body with quick energy.
Recent studies suggest that this unique mixture of sugars which occurs naturally in honey, also works best in preventing fatigue and enhancing athletic performance.
Another study states that a spoonful of honey right before a workout is a good energy booster. A study presented at the annual Experimental Biology meeting indicated that using honey as a carbohydrate source during exercise significantly improved performance and power during endurance cycling trials. It was also reported that honey reduced time to complete a 64 km time trial by over 3 minutes (compared to placebo); honey produced over 6% greater cycling power during the time trial (compared to placebo); equal performance to glucose; and it was well tolerated by all subjects
Honey consumption along with supplemental calcium enhanced calcium absorption.
Honey is an anti-carcinogen. Honey-containing marinades effectively limit the production of potential cancer-causing compounds called heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) when marinated steak and chicken were fried. HAAs are formed when meat is cooked at high temperatures and the begins to char or blacken. Marinating meat for four hours in marinades containing 30 per cent honey significantly reduced HAA formation.
You don't have to acquire a taste for olive oil, seaweed or soya to maintain a low-fat, healthy diet. Indian cuisine can be healthy too, if it's cooked with oil and ingredients that take care of your heart and health.
Ayurveda suggests you include all tastes — sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent — in at least one meal each day, to help balance unnatural cravings. Here are 12 foods that can help you lose weight and gain health:
Turmeric : Curcumin, the active component of turmeric, is an object of research owing to its properties that suggest they may help to turn off certain genes that cause scarring and enlargement of the heart. Regular intake may help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol and high blood pressure, increase blood circulation and prevent blood clotting, helping to prevent heart attack.
Cardamom : This is a thermogenic herb that increases metabolism and helps burn body fat. Cardamom is considered one of the best digestive aids and is believed to soothe the digestive system and help the body process other foods more efficiently.
Chillies : Foods containing chillies are said to be as foods that burn fat. Chillies contain capsaicin that helps in increasing the metabolism. Capsaicin is a thermogenic food, so it causes the body to burn calories for 20 minutes after you eat the chillies.
Curry leaves : Incorporating curry leaves into your daily diet can help you lose weight. These leaves flush out fat and toxins, reducing fat deposits that are stored in the body, as well as reducing bad cholesterol levels. If you are overweight, incorporate eight to 10 curry leaves into your diet daily. Chop them finely and mix them into a drink, or sprinkle them over a meal.
Garlic : An effective fat-burning food, garlic contains the sulphur compound allicin which has anti-bacterial effects and helps reduce cholesterol and unhealthy fats.
Mustard oil : This has low saturated fat compared to other cooking oils. It has fatty acid, oleic acid, erucic acid and linoleic acid. It contains antioxidants, essential vitamins and reduces cholesterol, which is good for the heart.
Cabbage : Raw or cooked cabbage inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. Hence, it is of great value in weight reduction.
Moong dal : The bean sprouts are rich in Vitamin A, B, C and E and many minerals, such as calcium, iron and potassium. It is recommended as a food replacement in many slimming programmes, as it has a very low fat content. It is a rich source of protein and fibre, which helps lower blood cholesterol level. The high fibre content yields complex carbohydrates, which aid digestion, are effective in stabilising blood sugar and prevent its rapid rise after meal consumption.
Honey : It is a home remedy for obesity. It mobilises the extra fat deposits in the body allowing it to be utilised as energy for normal functions. One should start with about 10 grams or a tablespoon, taken with hot water early in the morning.
Buttermilk : It is the somewhat sour, residual fluid that is left after butter is churned. The probiotic food contains just 2.2 grams of fat and about 99 calories, as compared to whole milk that contains 8.9 grams fat and 157 calories. Regular intake provides the body with all essential nutrients and does not add fats and calories to the body. It is thus helpful in weight loss.
Millets : Fibre-rich foods such as millets - jowar, bajra, ragi, etc - absorb cholesterol and help increase the secretion of the bile that emulsifies fats.
Cinnamon and cloves: Used extensively in Indian cooking, the spices have been found to improve the function of insulin and to lower glucose, total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides in people with type 2 diabetes.
