How To Lose 8 Kgs Weight In 7 Days

Are you looking for the fastest way to lose weight? Are you having a big party in a couple of weeks time and are looking to get into skinny clothes that fit your properly? Are you going out on a date in a couple of week’s time? Whatever be the reason that you are trying to lose weight, you have come to the correct page that will provide you with the ideal tips that will help you to easily lose weight in a week’s time.

It is important for you to find the right kind of weight reduction method to get back into shape and never fall prey to diet pills and weight loss supplement advertisements that you come across on television channels and the internet. If you are able to combine a proper and healthy diet with an exercise regime, then this could be your passport to the fastest way to lose weight and that too naturally. The first and foremost thing that you should remember is that you should not skip meals or eat at irregular times in any weight loss plan. If you ever thought that skipping a meal or two an eating a hearty meal only once a day is never going to help in reducing your weight. Also, make sure that you set realistic weight loss target goals before beginning a weight loss program and try to achieve the set target. Always bear in mind that you can only stretch your body to a certain limit with rigorous exercise routines and a well balanced and healthy diet plan.

One of the most popular and commonly followed diet plans of many weight loss enthusiasts is the General Motors diet plan and this plan is the best plan that you can come across on various sources that will provide you with the fastest way to lose weight and that too naturally without intake any other health supplements or diet pills. General Motors is one of the leading car manufacturing brands and they have come up with a renowned and successful General Motors Diet Plan or GM Diet Plan that is followed by many other companies as well as educational institutions as it will help in improving the well being of people working in an office or a school or a college or any other industry. The GM diet plan is found to be successful in people of all age groups and there are even claims that people have been able to lose 8 kilograms of weight within a week’s time by following the diet plan from GM.

There are quite a lot of people who are a bit plumper for their liking and are looking at different ways to lose weight without putting in a big effort. There have quite a lot of people who have tried various options like yoga, workout in the gym, running, jogging and regular exercise to reduce weight but have not been able to get rid of the excess fat deposits on their body and to reduce their weight. If your bulkiness is your worry and you would like to shed off those extra kilos from your body, then GM diet could be the answer to all your weight problems.

GM Diet Plan Chart

If you are ready to go on a GM diet plan, the first thing is that you need to do is to get your mind ready for the diet regime that you are going to follow. Only if you have a controlled and peaceful mind will you be able to be successful in this weight loss plan that offers you the fastest way to lose weight. The diet plan is for one week and through this diet period you will only be allowed to take specific foods as prescribed in the diet plan for each of these seven days. It is believed that you will be able to reduce about 5 to 8 kilograms in weight when you follow the diet plan exactly as mentioned below.
The most important thing that you need to realize in this fastest way to lose weight is to not stay hungry at all. This will do the opposite and instead of your plans to lose weight you might end up gaining a few extra kilograms. This plan suggests you the right amount and the right quantity of food that you can intake in order to make you feel you are full always. You might be curious thinking of how a diet plan will work when you are allowed to eat and that too at a specified amount. Also, many people who took this lose weight diet program from GM were puzzled on how a diet program that does not ask you to fast will help in effective weight loss. But, there is nothing to worry about in this diet plan as it is a sure shot procedure that will help you to reduce your overall body weight by 5 to 8 kilos in about a week.

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Day One

The first day is the most important day in your GM diet plan program. You are just stepping into the world of knowing how you can reduce your body weight and that too in 7 days time. The GM diet plan says that the first day of the diet must be a complete fruit diet day. You have the option of eating all the fruits that you possibly can and also take in whatever fruit that you like. But, it is important for you to make sure that you avoid bananas from your fruit list on day one. Some of the suggested fruits that you can take on the GM’s weight loss diet plan are watermelons and cantaloupe. You are also supposed to drink about 8 to 12 glasses of water on day one and make sure that you do not even touch any other food items, not even raw or boiled vegetables. If you need this plan to work effectively in your body, then you should only consume various kinds of assorted fruits throughout the day. If you feel hungry, try to eat more fruits and of course drink water.

Day Two

If day one was a day that gave you the opportunity to binge on your favorite fruits, then day two provides you an opportunity to eat only vegetables throughout the day. You can take in the vegetables that you like both in the raw state and in cooked state. But, it is important for you to make sure that you do not use any sort of oil while cooking vegetables. Consuming boiled vegetables are also a good option. You can take any vegetable that you like including potatoes. But, it would be safe for you to try out the boiled potatoes early in the morning itself so that the carbohydrates get burnt during the course of the day. Some of the common vegetables that are good to be consumed on day 2 of the lose weight diet regime are: cooked beans, raw and cooked carrot, broccoli, cucumber, boiled bottle and ridge gourd, lettuce, boiled cabbage and so on. There is no doubt that your digestive system will completely undergo an overhaul by the evening and you also would need to visit the toilet more times than before. Make sure that you do not miss out on your daily dose of 8 to 12 glasses of water along with a strict veggie diet on day two.

Day Three

The third dray of your GM weight lose plan will allow you to take both vegetables and fruits for the entire day. Make sure that you do not touch potatoes in the veggie section and also make sure that you do not consume bananas from the fruit section. You have the option of going for a fruit diet in the morning followed by a veggie diet in the afternoon and a fruit diet in the evening followed by a veggie and fruit diet at night. The options and the permutations and combinations of consuming the fruit and vegetable diet or combination of both the diets is totally left to your disposal. You can decide on what you would like to have provided it is fruits and vegetables. Never miss the option of drinking 8 to 12 glasses of water even on day three as well.

Day Four

Day four would interest dieters looking for the fastest way to lose weight as it is filled with a banana and milk diet. Yes, you need to take at least a minimum of 8 to 10 bananas throughout the day and are allowed three glasses of milk. You might be a bit worried if this diet will make you feel hungry. But, on the contrary, you will feel quite full with this diet plan at the end of the day. You need to divide the bananas and the glasses of milk properly so that you do not feel any kind of starvation on the fourth day of GM diet plan regime. Consuming a banana and a glass of milk in the morning followed by a couple of bananas during the midday will be an ideal start to day four. You can take a glass of milk and two bananas for lunch on day four. You can also take a couple of bananas in the evening or even three bananas and then take a couple of bananas and a glass of milk at night. There will be no sign of hunger at all throughout the entire day if you follow this simple day four regime.

Day Five

If you love having a feast, then day 5 of the GM’s lose weight diet plan offers you the opportunity to a feast on day five. It is the day when you can have a cup of rice for lunch and take about six to seven tomatoes throughout the day. As there is every chance of producing a lot of uric acid in your body, it is ideal for you to increase the water level from 12 glasses to 15 glasses on day five.

Day Six

You are in for another feast day on day six of the GM’s diet plan. Here too, you will be allowed to take a cup of rice in the afternoon for lunch and you also need to stick on to a vegetable diet for the rest of the day. It is also important for you to make sure that you take at least 8 to 12 glasses of water on day six as well. This is the penultimate day of your seven day GM diet plan regime and you are sure to feel quite lighter than before by the sixth day. There is no doubt that you will also be improving your digestive system completely with this seven day diet plan from General Motors.

Day Seven

This is the last day of the lose weight diet plan from GM. Here, you are allowed to take a cup of rice and all the veggies that you would love to eat along with the fruit juice of your choice. This is considered to be the best day of your entire diet regime as you have the option to eat all the vegetables that you like and to flush it off by consuming the fruit juices of your choice.

There is no doubt that you will see a considerable amount of weight loss in  your body and you have done nothing other than following a strict fruit and vegetable and drinking water diet plan. There are also quite a lot of benefits that you gain from the GM diet plan. You will see your face to glow even better than before and also will improve your digestive system. The best advantage though would be that you would see a reduction in your body weight by about 4 to 5 kilos or even more.

So, for all the overweight people who are starving their stomach away to lose excess weight, try the healthier and fastest way to lose weight by following the simple GM diet plan.

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How To Lose Weight Quickly and Safely

Many people have been facing the problem of losing weight, at some point of their life. You always want get rid of the body fat quickly and easily. Getting rid of weight in short term sounds fabulous, but the results doesn’t last longer. But remember that you should never follow fad diets. There are many other healthier options to lost weight fast.
A healthy diet and daily physical activity will help you shed some pounds off your body. But you need to remember that you should not starve yourself to death.

Usually, losing a considerable amount of pounds in a healthy way is always a long process. Here are some tips which will help you jumpstart your weight loss regime.

How to Lose Weight Fast:

If you want to lose one or two pounds in a week then you have to burn about 500 or more calories every day for a week. The best and the fastest way to get rid of weight are to exercise a lot and eat less.
For example, if you intake about 1000 or 1200 calories per day then you have to do exercise for about an hour each day. Doing this will enable you to lose 3 to 5 pounds in just one week. You should remember that, cutting down more calories a day will be dangerous and may lead to various health issues.
Cut down salt and starches as they tend to lose on more weight as they are mostly fluids, and do not contain fat. Reducing fluids and fluid retention, results in weight loss.

Diets that help in quick Weight Loss:

Eat a diet that contains fewer amounts of salts, added sugars, starches, and animal fat. Minimize the intake of dairy foods and meat that contain the above supplements.
If you are looking for instant weight loss, then include fresh fruits, egg whites, vegetables, lean meat, soy products, fish and dairy foods that contain less fat.
Here is a sample diet plan:

• Eat fruits and vegetables to make your stomach full
• Drink 8 – 10 full glasses of water everyday
• Take 5 – 6 small meals spread throughout the day
• Cut down tempting foods such as breads, rice, cereals, potatoes, pasta and fried foods
• Keep yourself busy, so that you don’t feel like eating when bored
• Avoid skipping meals
• Keep track of the meal you take or note down everything you eat by maintaining a food journal

Don’t let your emotions take a huge role in your diet plan. If you find a persistent pattern in your eating, then talk to your health counselor about it.
The best way to put your hunger pangs at bay is by consuming enough calories in your meal early in the day.  Follow a sensible diet plan and an exercise plan to suppress your appetite and boost your metabolism.

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Exercises for fast Weight Loss:

If you want turn your quick weight loss plan into a long term success then spare one hour a day and do moderate exercise. Regular physical activity will keep you fit and slim.

Cardio and Strength training

Cardio exercises help you burn most of your calories. It is the ideal weight loss regime for cutting down a lot of pounds quickly. Do cardio followed by strength training for better results. To burn more fat, keep sweating for the full hour, i.e, during workout and warm up.
Increase your calorie burn and turbo charge your weight loss routine with exercise as soon as possible to prevent yourself any health issues.
You can maintain the intensity up during workout session is by doing interval training. High intensity bursts by doing exercise in a smooth pace, and repeating the same pattern during your workout.
Interval training helps you to work harder in less time and at a higher intensity level. This also helps you to burn calories a lot easier and faster without much effort.

Fad Diets and Crash Diets:

Dieting has become common in any weight loss program. But it is good to avoid diet plans that involve the intake of laxatives, detoxification pills, potions or fasting. Though these tempting diet plans promise to shed several pounds a lot faster than normal diets, they may result in health disorders.
Crash diet, which has extreme nutrients, is an effective way to lose several pounds. It strictly restricts intake of calories. It slightly differs from starvation and gives instant results in weight loss.
Sometimes crash diets are also called as “fad diets” and they are referred to as quick fix solutions to attain weight loss. But you should remember that it often becomes a vicious cycle, as you lose weight and regain weight once you stop dieting. You need to build strong muscles to exercise efficiently.
Eating very less calories will not only lose fat but also loses you precious muscles. Too much exercise slows down your metabolism and it becomes difficult for you to increase the exercise duration or intensity.

By the end of the day, you have to reach your weight loss goal. You have to do it the right way to get long lasting weight loss results.

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Morning Mistakes That Slow Down Metabolism

Morning is the best time to affect one’s metabolism process. Metabolism is the rate of burning of sugar and release of energy. The rate at which the energy provided by the food in our system is used up is determined by our metabolic rate. If the metabolic rate is sluggish it leads to accumulation of fats and sugars in the system which in turn leads to weight gain. If you have a high metabolic rate, you will be able to burn off calories faster and be able to ward off the extra weight. Metabolic rate is influenced by different factors such as genetics, weight and age. Even though these factors are out of our control, there are many ways we can influence our metabolism levels. The right choices will lead to the metabolism rate firing up or fizzling down. If you are targeting weight loss, there are certain mistakes which you might be making resulting in slowing down of the metabolism rate.

Eating Too Late

This is a mistake that many people make. Most people do not have time to have breakfast when they rushing off to work or to drop the kids off to school. However, it has been seen that skipping breakfast can be worse for your health. It makes the metabolism rate slow down for the day. As the body is not provided adequate amount of food, the brain signals to the body to conserve energy. Accordingly the fats are stored up instead of getting burnt off. It is imperative that one eats within an hour of waking up. That sparks off the metabolic process called thermogenesis. This turns the food that is eaten into energy. That also makes it ideal to opt for high protein and even calorie laden food items during breakfast rather having it for lunch or dinner. If you feel like having a donut after having an omelet of egg whites, you might as well pack it in with an early breakfast so that you will burn it off during the day.

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Not Exercising

Research has shown that one keeps burning calories even after 24 hours after workout, especially when one does resistance training form of exercises. Research also has proven that exercising in the morning leads to more calories being brunt than exercising at any other time of the day. Thus, if you wish to get an effective exercise without going at it for hours, plan a short and quick workout early in the morning. You could get up and go for a run or a walk as suits your physical activity need and preference. When you do high intensity cardio interval training you challenge the fat burning genes more. As a result, the post workout calorie burn is much more. Doing cardio vascular exercises early in the morning on an empty stomach will prove most effective in reducing fat and weight.

Not Doing Resistance Training

Most people think that resistance training is not for them. They feel that cardio vascular exercises are enough to keep them fit. While that is true in most regard, if you wish to develop lean muscles and want to keep the fat burning process going even after you have stopped exercising. It would be wiser to start doing strength training. Strength training involves working with weights but one can even do other forms of resistance training such as high intensity interval training. That leads to similar effects as weight lifting exercises. These kinds of exercises work on the muscle groups and lead to wear and tear. As the muscles start to recover and rebuild themselves, they burn the fat cells in order to get energy. During the time when you rest, the muscles are repairing themselves and burning calories at the same time. Thus, a metabolism boosting workout even for ten minutes included in one’s morning exercise routine will keep the calories burning through the day.

These are some of the great ways one can boost their metabolism. If you are not doing these activities, you are missing out on stepping up your metabolic rate.

Is weight gain weighing you down? Does it not seem to help no matter what measures you take? You need to understand the natural processes within your body with respect to fat burning. The kind of food that helps to burn fat, increase the metabolic rate more need to be known in order to affect weight loss. Again, eating the right food at the right time as well as doing the right amount of physical activity will keep the metabolism active. Even if you are born with a sluggish metabolism, you could do many things to step it up and make it work to your advantage in order to help you lose the fat and keep off the extra weight.

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Amazing Health Benefits Of Avocado

Avocado is also known as the alligator pear which is due to its unique shape and the leather like appearance of its skin. It is derived from the Aztec word “Ahuacatl”. The fruit grows on the Persea Americana which is a tall and evergreen tree that can grow up to 65 feet in height as well. The fruit often weighs from eight ounces to three pounds which depends upon its variety. This fruit is known to have several benefits for the human health as are discussed below.

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Benefits As A Fruit

It is proposed that avocado be added to any salad not only to add on its unique taste but for the wide range of benefits that it offers.

• It is known to help in the absorption of two kinds of carotenoid antioxidants called beta carotene and lycopene. These antioxidants are absorbed well when one adds on fresh avocado or avocado oil to a salad.
• If one cup of fresh avocado weighing about 15 grams is added to a salad containing spinach, carrots and lettuce, the absorption of the carotenoids from such a salad is increased by 200 to 400 percent
• As such antioxidants are fat soluble, the oil of avocado that is added to the salad acts as the medium which aids in the absorption of these antioxidants.
• If avocado oil or the fresh fruit slices are added to salsa, here too the carotenoid absorption rate is increased. There are great recipes to try out in order to gain the health benefits of avocado added to such simple recipes.

One needs to know how to peel the fruit right in order to enjoy its benefits optimally. Research has shown that the carotenoids are located in the dark green portion of the fruit that is just beneath the skin. Thus, this portion should not be peeled more than necessary when peeling an avocado. It is best to use the “nick and peel” method using the hands in order to get the fruit right. The first step has to be towards cutting the avocado lengthwise so that the two halves remain connected in the middle by the seed. Once the seed is separated, one should strip off the outer skin of the fruit just like one does for a banana. That leaves one to consume most of the dark green outer flesh which is rich in carotenoid antioxidants.

A Source Of Healthy Fat

The avocado fruit contains a list of carotenoids which include beta carotene, lutein and alpha carotene but as a vegetable it is often considered as bad for weight watchers who consider it too high in fat and oil content. However the fat that is contained in the fruit is unusual and there are many health benefits associated with it.

• There are phytosterols which account for a major portion of the fats in the avocado fruit. This fat is known to contain campesterol, stigmasterol which are key supporters of the inflammatory system. These compounds help to keep our inflammatory system healthy.
• These anti inflammatory benefits of avocado fats are beneficial for those who suffer from arthritis. The polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols or PFAs which are found in avocado are not usually found in land based plants but only in ocean based pants for which this fruit is considered as unique and highly valued.
• Oleic acid that is found in high amount in avocado and as a fatty acid by nature offers similar benefits like olive oil. It helps the digestive tract to transport the fat soluble minerals like the carotenoids as well as helps to lower the risk of contracting heart diseases.

For Healthy, Heart, Brain And Eyes

The fruit is known to be rich in omega-3 fatty acids and that is a secret towards achieving a healthy heart, sharp eyesight as well as a sharp brain. It is considered as one of the top brain healthy foods for those who wish to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. The other benefits that one can derive from the fruit are rich content of vitamin E to neutralize free radicals and the buildup of protein to reverse the memory loss process. The folate content being high in the fruit, it can help to prevent the tangled nerve fibers from forming which is again associated with Alzheimer.

Wondering whether you should add avocado to your salad? You might wonder why you did not add this wonder fruit to your diet earlier on. Indeed, the benefits of avocado are now being discovered and people are rushing to avail of its numerous health benefits in search for a healthy and long life. For more queries regarding this fruit and its extract oil and its uses, one can refer any one of the following links.

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Amazing Benefits Of Black Tea

One of the widely consumed tea is black tea. Such a tea is obtained from the leaves of the shrub known as Camellia sinesis and it is more oxidized than the green, white and the oolong tea varieties. It has a stronger flavor than other varieties of tea.
Black tea is produced by methods that are different from other tea varieties. They are first plucked and then set out to be withered in order to remove the moisture from them. After they have lost out maximum moisture content, the leaves are rolled manually or with the help of machines. This is done by exposing them to high temperature. After the leaves have been fully oxidized, they are sorted as per the size.

Black tea is a name given to it due to the dark color of the tea’s liquor. If one notices carefully, it is usually orange or dark amber in color. Chinese are known to refer to it as red tea. The caffeine content in the tea is a concerning factor.  Cup of black tea is known to contain half the amount of caffeine found in a cup of coffee.

Amazing Health Benefits of Black Tea:

It is good to have black tea as part of one’s diet as it offers many health benefits which are part of its nutritional profile. The increased oxidation of the tea leaves makes them more flavorful and higher in caffeine content than the other varieties of tea. The flavor of black tea is retained for a longer time than in other forms of tea. The different health benefits of black tea are given below.

1. Benefits for the cardiovascular system – Research has shown that consuming black tea helps to prevent the onset of cardiovascular problems. There are antioxidants present such as flavonoids which help to prevent the LDL cholesterol from being oxidized. Damage to blood stream and artery walls is reduced and the risk of heart diseases is also lowered. Consuming black tea can help reverse coronary artery diseases which come on due to endothelial vasomotor dysfunction. The flavonoids are also effective in reducing blood clots and coronary vasodilation. Manganese and polyphenols also help to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by keeping the heart muscles healthy.
2. Preventing cancer – antioxidants like polyphenols found in black tea help to prevent the formation of potential carcinogens in the body which results in preventing cancers like that of the colorectal, prostate, ovarian, lung and bladder. Black tea can help to prevent breast, prostate and stomach cancer. The compound known as TF-2 contained in tea promotes death of cancer cells and allows normal cells to remain unaffected. Black tea can also reduce the risk of oral cancer in those who smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products. Black tea prevents the growth and formation of malignant tumors.
3. Free radical elimination – free radicals can cause a lot of harm to the body such as cancer, atherosclerosis and blood clot formation. When one consumes unhealthy food the number of free radicals in the body increases. There are antioxidants present in black tea which help to remove such free radicals and protect the body from the onset of different ailments. Black tea is a good choice for such prevention.
4. Boosting the immune system – it is necessary to strengthen the immune system in order to fight different viruses and bacteria that can cause illnesses. Substances known as tannin contained in black tea has the ability to fight viruses like influenza, cold, flu, dysentery, hepatitis and others. One type of tannin called catechin is known to help in suppressing tumors. Alkylamine antigens present in black tea helps to boost the immune responses. One should opt to drink 3 to 4 cups of black tea per day in order to reduce inflammations as well as harmful pathogens.
5. Maintaining oral health – the catechin antioxidants present in black tea help in reducing oral cancers. Tannin and polyphenols contain antibiotics which inhibit bacteria which can cause tooth decay. Black tea also contains fluoride that fights bad breath as well as eradicates harmful bacteria from the oral cavity. Two cups of black tea provide good amount of fluorides for oral health.
6. Brain and nervous system stimulation – the low levels of caffeine content in black tea helps to promote blood flow to the brain without the jittery feelings brought on by high caffeine in coffee or stimulating the heart beyond the safe limits. Amino acid L-theanine present in black tea helps one to relax and concentrate on tasks at hand. If one consumes black tea four cups daily for one month they will find their stress levels going down caused by the cortisol hormone. The caffeine helps to boost the memory and mental alertness. It even protects against Parkinson’s disease.
7. Benefits for digestion – tannin present in black tea is beneficial for digestion. It can combat different kinds of intestinal and gastric illnesses and has a therapeutic effect. There is an anti-diarrhea effect as well which helps in the intestinal activity. Polyphenols present in tea helps to lower intestinal inflammation which cause irritable bowel syndrome.
8. Bones and tissue health – there are powerful phytochemicals present in black tea which can help to strengthen bones as well as connective tissue. Black tea drinkers have been found to possess healthier bones.
9. Higher energy levels – black tea drinkers have found it to be an energizing drink. The moderate levels of caffeine in it act as a stimulant to increase alertness and brain function. Caffeine in black tea is more beneficial than the caffeine content in coffee or cola like beverages. The theophylline compound found in tea helps to stimulate the kidneys, heart and the respiratory system. Such compounds can help maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.
10. Helping weight loss – as black tea is low in fat, calories and sodium; it is beneficial for those who wish to lose weight. It can act as a substitute for unhealthy drinks like the carbonated beverages and prevent the addition of calories. It also helps to boost the metabolic activities and thus helps in weight loss.
11. Lowering of Cholesterol – black tea helps to reduce the level of triglycerides. Bad cholesterol or LDL levels are reduced which in turn reduces the risk of heart diseases. The functioning of arteries is improved as well.
12. Other beneficial effects – the antioxidants called catechins help to strengthen the blood vessels and tannin helps to increase the resistance of the body. Tumor growth is retarded, allergic responses are reduced and onset of diabetes is also averted.

Amazing Benefits Of Black Tea For Skin

The benefits of black tea for the skin and hair are several. It is considered to be good for the skin as it contains vitamins like C, E and B2. There are minerals present like zinc, potassium and magnesium as well as tannin and polyphenols. The drink has several nutritional benefits for the skin.

1. The high caffeine content in black tea helps to kill oral viruses and prevents skin infection. It helps to keep the skin blemish free.
2. Tea bags in moist and warm condition placed over the eye will help to reduce puffiness.
3. Black tea helps to reduce premature wrinkles and pimple formation. If one is suffering from skin problems they can try and consume one or two cups of black tea everyday to see the benefits.
4. The antioxidants that are present in black tea can ward off skin cancer.
5. Extracts of tea can act as sun blocking agent if applied on the skin.
6. Tannins and polyphenols present in back tea helps to accelerate the skin regeneration process.
7. One can have glowing and blemish free skin by drinking black tea. The tannins protect the skin from the harmful effects of the environment. It also helps to improve the blood circulation and fight bacteria in the body.

Amazing Benefits Of Black Tea For Hair

The caffeine and antioxidants preset in black tea makes it beneficial for hair as well. It helps to develop hair that is strong and damage free. The benefits of black tea for hair are listed below.

1. Caffeine which is present in black tea helps to decrease DHT hormone which can cause hair loss.
2. Caffeine taken in moderation can help to stimulate hair growth while excessive caffeine can stunt growth of hair.
3. Black tea rinses as part of hair care regime can help to add shine, natural darkness and luster. For this, one needs to add three tea bags to 6 cups of water. After the water is boiled with the tea bags, it should be kept and brought down to room temperature. Then it can be poured on the head and the hair wrapped in a towel. After that the hair can be washed off.
4. Black tea acts a natural dyeing agent. It is suitable for women who have dark brown or black hair and wish to get rid of grey hair. Black tea rinse will help to bring out natural highlights in the hair.

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Nutritional Values:

Black tea is known to contain caffeine, carbohydrates, potassium, minerals, fluoride, manganese and polyphenols. It also contains tannin, guanine, xanthine, purine, catechins and gallic esters. Polyphenol as an antioxidant is associated with many health benefits. The nutritional value of black tea can be summarized as follows:

• Low in calories and sodium – black tea being low in calories as well as sodium is advantageous for people who wish to have a healthy substitute for the unhealthy colas and soft drinks.
• Antioxidants – black tea is known to contain complex flavonoids such as polyphenols which plays an important role for preventing diseases and consuming antioxidants. A cup of black tea will provide 200 mg of flavonoids. Theaflavins, thearuigins are powerful antioxidants. Drinking three cups of black tea can help to increase the concentration of flavonoids in the blood stream.

Thus, black tea has many beneficial properties for health as well as hair and skin. Consumed in moderation it will provide good effects but in large doses it can cause digestive problems, varicose veins, acidity, palpitation, insomnia and others. If you have any other information regarding black tea feel free to share here.

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Top 10 Foods To Cleanse Colon

It is known that colon cleansing helps to improve the overall health as well as wellness levels of the body. It may even reduce the risk for colon cancer. The main benefits of colon cleansing are mentioned below.

1. Improving the digestive system – When the colon is cleansed, it pushes out the undigested waste from the system and improves digestion.
2. Helps in prevention of constipation – Constipation is chronic and can cause a sluggish response in digestion which in turn leaves the wastes in the system for a longer time.
3. Increase of energy – When toxins are released from the body one feels rejuvenated as energy is refocused from forcing wastes through the intestines and from other parts of the body.
4. Increasing the absorption of vitamins and nutrients – When the colon is detoxified, it allows the essential nutrients to be filtered into the bloodstream.
5. Improving concentration – When one has ineffective vitamin absorption and a poor diet they are often distracted and lose their concentration.
6. Kick-starts weight loss – With the help of colon cleansing weight loss is aided greatly and one can lose upto 20 pounds in a month.
7. Colon cancer risks are decreased – Most of the toxins we eat, breathe in or drink are absorbed and processed by the gastrointestinal system including the liver. They need to be forced out from the colon and the liver as quickly as possible or the body system is affected.
8. Fertility increase – When one increases their fiber intake and healthy food diet, colon cleansing is done more regularly and that helps to rid the body of unwanted toxins and chemicals which can affect the health of the sperm and the egg.
9. PH balance is maintained – Food that block out the colon is acid forming and that throws the pH levels out of balance.
10. Improving the feeling of well being – When the colon is rid of toxins and wastes that in turn leads to strength, a feeling of lightness and a general feel good factor.

Colon cleansing is important for the system as well as for the skin. When the impurities are removed from the body it enhances the beauty of the outer skin. When the colon does not function properly, one may suffer from different digestive problems and ailments. Food that consists of fiber and are soluble will aid in digestion and to fight constipation. The colon cleansing food items need to be added to one’s diet.

Top ten foods that help to cleanse the colon are:

1.    Lemon

Citrus fruits like lemon are good for cleansing the system. A glass of lemon juice every morning will help to detoxify and cleanse the system.

2.    Spinach

Consuming green leafy vegetables like spinach will help to clean the colon and protect the digestive tract from different ailments.

3.    Broccoli Sprouts

These are known to be beneficial for cleansing the liver and aiding in digestion along with cleansing the colon.

4.    Fruit Juices

One needs to make fruit juices a part of their daily diet as it helps in cleansing the colon with their rich content of fiber, enzyme and cleansing salts.

5.    Garlic

This spice is not only heart healthy but this pungent ingredient in most dishes is beneficial for cleansing the colon.

6.    Fish

Unlike animal meat, fish meat is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other essential oils that help to cleanse the system and improve digestion.

7.    Avocado

This beneficial fruit is rich in omega-3 fatty acid and oils that help to lubricate the walls of the intestines. That in turn prevents the toxins from sticking to the walls and they get flushed out.

8.    Whole Grains

Whole grain food items like bread, pasta and flour are rich in fiber, low in calories and cholesterol. They enable colon cleaning and aid in better digestion.
Lentils and kidney beans are known to aid digestion and cleanse the colon for which they need to be made part of one’s diet.

10.    Green Tea

If you wish to detox your liver as well as lose weight, you need to consume green tea.

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Health Benefits of Zucchini

Zucchini Health Benefits

Zucchini belongs to the squash family. It is sometimes mistaken for cucumbers. Zucchini like other varieties of squash was cultivated in North America. Although its a summer plant its available all through the year. Each zucchini can grow unto a meter long. But usually its harvested when it is about 30 cms long. Zucchini has a delicate crisp flavor. Zucchini grows well in temperate climates and gives overwhelming production. Zucchini are mostly dark green in colour. The hybrid variety is golden yellow in colour. Zucchini tastes best when they are small. They tend to lose their flavor as they grow larger. They can grow very large sometimes gigantic in size. They have very less shelf life. They have to be used within two days of harvest. Unlike cucumbers Zucchini is usually cooked. When used for cooking its picked when still immature. It can be prepared using various cooking techniques like steaming, baking, blanching, stir fry. Stuffed zucchini is a delicacy. It makes the salad platter pleasant if added. Zucchini provides innumerable health benefits. Zucchini is rich in vitamin C and helps cure asthma. It is known for its anti inflammatory properties. Zucchini is a powerful antioxidant. The vitamin C present in Zucchini helps prevent scurvy. Zucchini is a good source of magnesium and phosphorous which helps build bone health. It is also a rich source of riboflavin, manganese and Vitamin B6. Regular consumption of Zucchini helps prevent colon cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The dietary fiber present in Zucchini keeps the cholesterol levels under control . Zucchini contains Beta-Carotene thus protects cell damages. The Potassium found in Zucchini helps prevent hypertension. Zucchini is rich in folate Zucchini contains about 94% water and this makes it a low calorie vegetable. Its is the best snack for weight watchers. Most weight loss programs recommend Zucchini for snacks.

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Gooseberry (Amla) : Rich in Vitamin C

Health Tips and Technics - Amazing Amla (Gooseberry)

Amla (Gooseberry) is a potent gift of Mother Nature to mankind. Humanity has utilized its benefits for decades, and it forms an indispensable part of the ayurvedic and unanai medicine. You must have seen your granny using Amla (Gooseberry) for pickles and murabas and its formulations for treating many common diseases. Amla or Gooseberry has many nutritious benefits. The Amla (Gooseberry) has been found to be the most abundant source of Vitamin C in the plant kingdom. ---containing as much as 20 times that of an orange. What makes this even more extraordinary is that unlike many other natural sources, the vitamin C content in Amla (Gooseberry) or gooseberry does not diminish with cooking. It was used successfully in the treatment of scurvy during the Hissar (Haryana) famine of 1939-40. Amla (Gooseberry) is a medium sized deciduous tree which can be successfully grown in cariable agro climatic and soil conditions. It can tolerate climates as high as 45 degree celcius and freezing temperatures too. Its natural habitat is Burma in the east to Afganistan in the west. Though every part of the tree possess therupetic potentials, it is the fruit which constitutes the main drug. Amla (Gooseberry) is an unusual fruit as it contains gamut of tastes, except the salty taste. With sourness as the foremost taste , it is sweet, astringent bitter and pungent too. The fresh fruit contains more than 80% of water besides protein, carbohydrates, fibre, minerals and vitamins Minerals and vitamins mainly include cacium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, Vitamin C and B complex. It also contains gallic acid, which is a potent polyphenol. Amla (Gooseberry) is the most widely used herb in ayurvedic medicines. Charak and sushrut widely mention the use of Amla (Gooseberry) for curative purposes. Amla (Gooseberry) is used in innumerable Auyrvedic formulations. Here is how you can alleviate some of the common ailments through these time-tested decoctions. Put your body back into action following these tips. The cholesterol in our body is a very essential component. The human liver is the main source of cholesterol. The amount of unused cholesterol gets collected in the blood vessels , Thus resulting in heart attacks. The Vitamin C in Amla (Gooseberry) helps in dilating the blood vessels and there by reducing the blood pressure. Prepare a powdered mixture of dry Amla (Gooseberry) and sugar candy. Mix one teaspoonful of this mixture in a glass of water and consume daily in empty stomach. This decoction helps in stabilizing the blood cholesterol level. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to regulate the blood glucose levels. It is the talk of the world today as the number of diabetic patients is rapidly increasing due to the adoption of western food habits aerated beverages, tobacco and alcohol. If you suffer from this disease trust the anti-diabetic potential of Amla (Gooseberry) and prepare a mixture by mixing equal quantities of Amla (Gooseberry), jamun and bitter gourd powder. A teaspoonful of this mixture once or twice a day is effective in checking diabetes. Of the numerous diseases attributed to the modern life style acidity is one which all of us might have suffered from at different times. In majority homes we find strips of antacids adorning the medicine cupboards. Frequent intake of sweet, sour and spicy and oily food causes acidity. Excessive coffee, tea and smoking are other causative agents. Psychological reasons for acidity include anger, grief and depression. When your belly is on fire reach for Amla (Gooseberry). In acute or chronic acidity, simply take one gram of Amla (Gooseberry) powder with a little sugar in milk or water twice a day. Hair, your crowning glory, turns grey with ageing and lusterless due to pollution. All traditional recipes for promoting hair growth contain Amla (Gooseberry) as the chief ingredient. Anyone worried about graying hair would be delighted to know Amla (Gooseberry) powder soaked in water and left in an iron utensil is a 3-in-1 preparation--- shampoo, conditioner and hair-dye. Regular application of this mixture for a few hours at a time is ideal.

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Mushrooms - A highly nutritious food

Health Tips and Technics - Eat Mushrooms, Stay HEALTHY

Mushrooms help keep a healthy body and ward of diseases. Mushrooms have high medicinal value and can help lose weight also. Mushrooms are gaining importance as health food and source of valuable medicines. It is estimated that there are 100,000 different kinds of mushrooms, of which 700 can be used as food. They are nutritious and rich in minerals. They are rich in minerals, vitamin D (ergosterol), thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), dietary fibre as well as all the essential amino acids and are low in fat and calories. Approximately 200 species appear to have medicinal value, each with its own unique chemistry. Extensive research on medicinal mushrooms has been going on since the past 20 years in many countries. There are many plants that act as adaptogens (also known as biological response modifiers) to assist the body in adapting to environmental and psychological stress. All the important systems of the body including the nervrous, endocrine, adrenal, and immune systems benefit from adaptogens by increasing or decreasing their function as needed. Studies suggest that mushrooms are pro-biotic. They keep our body healthy and ward off diseases by maintaining physiological homeostasis. The compounds they contain have been classified as Host Defence Potentiators (HDP), which enhances the immune system. Researches also show that there are thousands of semi essential, non-vitamin factors in mushrooms that protect the body against many diseases including cancer. Medicinal mushrooms such as Reishi, Shiitake and Maitake enhances immune function by stimulating cell-mediated immunity. Such mushrooms seem to turn on cells in the immune system called T-cells that appear to have significant cancer-fighting properties. Three different anticancer drugs extracted from mushrooms have been approved by the Japanese Health and Welfare Ministry. They are Lentinan, derived from Shiitake, Schizophyllan, derived from Suehirotake and PSK, derived from Kawaratake. PSK sold in Europe and Japan, is the best-selling cancer drug in the world. In Japan, only 30 percent of cancer treatment includes radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. Maitake Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is a mushroom highly regarded in Japan for its medicinal and culinary properties. The studies show that the extracts from Maitake protect against hepatitis, tumours, and are effective in regulating blood presure, blood sugar, cholesterol and obesity. A polysaccharide known as beta-glucan, which activates immune cells, is believed to be largely responsible for Maitake's anti-tumour effects. Japanese physicians are using a Maitake extract for tumour inhibition, potentiating shark cartilage supplements, inhibition of cancer metastasis (cancer spreading), cancer prevention, and reversing HIV positive status to HIV negative. Cancer Treatment Centres of America, with hospitals in Chicago, Los Angeles and Tulsa, Okla, is now undertaking clinical double-blind placebo tests using Maitake D-fraction combined with chemotherapy in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Data collected from 250 cancer patients indicate that side effects from chemotherapy, such as nausea and hair loss, are significantly reduced by it Maitake is also showing promising results with the HIV virus. Reishi Reishi (ganoderma Lucidium) meets all the qualifications of being both a tonic and an adaptogen. A tonic strengthens and invigorates organs, and an adaptogen helps the body adapt to stress by readjusting to altered body conditions. In China, many pharmacological, chemical and biochemical studies have been conducted with Reishi. Reishi appears to strengthen the immune system and improve overall healthe. Specifically, it improves or prevents a variety of diseases and conditions including viral hepatitis, allergies, insomnia, neurasthenia (fatigue due to exhaustion of the nervous system) as well as some types of cancer. Reishi has also been clinically demonstrated to alleviate high blood pressure in humans. Reishi is rich in active organic compounds such as polysaccharides, amino acids, proteins, triterpenes, ascorbic acid, sterols, lipids, alkaloids, glucose, courmarine glycoside, volatile oil, riboflavin and more. These compounds are being studies for their positive effects on the immune system, including anti-tumor activity. Reishi is used as a daily tonic to maintain and improve good health increasing longevity, in the treatment of cancer and resistance to and recovery from diseases. Shitake The shitake mushroom (Lentinus Edodes) is closely related to Reishi. Shitake is Japan's largest agricultural export and is now the most popular and most cultivated exotic mushroom in teh world. In China, Shitake has a history that dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D). The mushroom was used not only as a food but was taken as a remedy for upper respiratory diseases, poor blood circulation, liver trouble, exhaustion and weakness and to boost chi, or life energy. It was also believed to prevent premature aging.

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Healthy food for Stress Free Life

Health Tips and Technics - How to Overcome STRESS

Try out juices of grapes, watermelon, banana, jack fruit, lemon and pineapple during summer. STRESS cannot be done away unless the cause itself is removed. Good health and stress free life is all that one craves for. According to the American Dietary Association, the main hazard of stress is not that we need more nutrients, but that anxiety or pressure can cause us to neglect proper dietary habits. Prolonged periods of stress lead to depletion of Vitamin C, B and D. Food changes our brain chemistry in a way that it influences our moods. The key to our emotion lies in certain chemicals in the blood stream. These are called neuro-transmitters. These are produced from the nutrients in the food. Hence, the need for nutritious and balanced diet is a must to free ourself from the physical and mental diseases and relieve stress. A balanced diet should be defined from the nutritional point of view. As one which contains different types of food in such qualities and proportions; the micro-nutrients like minerals and vitamins and macro nutrients like proteins, fats and carbohydrates is adequately met. And a small provision is made for extra nutrient to withstand short duration of leanness (infections in the body).

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Calcium: The bone builder

Calcium Builds Strong Bones

Bone building is a complex process that involves minerals and hormones that can be greatly influenced by dietary factors. The bone thinning condition called osteoporosis can lead to small and not-so-small fractures. Although many people think of calcium in the diet as good protection for their bones, this is not at all the whole story. To protect your bones you do need calcium in your diet, but you also need to keep calcium in your bones. How to get Calcium into your bones? Get calcium from greens, beans, or fortified foods. The most healthful calcium sources are green leafy vegetables and lefumes. Broccoli, Brussels, sproouts, collards, kale, mustard greens and other greens are loaded with highly absorbable calcium and a host of other healthfull nutrients. The exception is spinach, which contains a large amount of calcium but tends to hold into it very tecaciously, so that you will absorb less of it. Dairy products do contain calcium, but it is accompanied by animal proteins, lactose sugar, animal growth factors, occasional drugs and contaminants, and a substantial amount of fat and cholesterol in all but the defatted versions. Exercise: Exercise is important for many reasons, including keeping bones strong. Active people tend to keep calcium in their bones, while sedentary people lose calcium. Vitamin D: Vitamin D controls your body's use of calcium. About 15 minutes of sunlight on your skin each day normally produces all the vitamin D you need. If you get lettle or no sun exposure, you can get vitamin D from any multiple vitamin. Vitamin D is often added to milk, but the amount added is not always well controlled. Reduce Calcium losses by avoiding excess Salt: Calcium in bones tends to dissove into the blood-stream, then pass through the kidneys into the urine. Sodium (salt) in the foods you eat can greatly increase calcium loss through the kidneys. If you reduce your sodium intake to one to two grams per day, you will hold onto calcium better. To do that, avoid salty snack foods and canned goods with added sodium, and keep salt use low on the stove and at the table. Get protein from plants: Animal protein---in fish, poultry, red meat, eggs, and dairy products--tends to leach calcium from the bones and encourages its passage into the urine. Plant protein--in beans, grains, and vegetables--does not appear to have this effect. Don't Smoke: Smokers lose calcium, too. A study of identical twins showed that, if one twin had been a long-term smoker and the other had not, the smoker had more than a 40 percent higher risk of fracture. Hormone supplements have serious risks: Some doctors recommend estrogen supplements for women after menopause as a way to slow osteoporosis, although the effect is not very great over the long run, and they are rarely able to stop or reverse bone loss. Reversing Osteoporosis: If you already have osteoporosis, you will want to speak with your doctor about excercises and perhaps even medications that can reverse it. Osteoporosis in men: Osteoporosis is less common in men than in women, and its causes are somewhat different. In about half the cases, a specific cause can be identified and addressed: Steroid medications, such as prednisone, are a common cause of bone loss and fractures. If you are receiving steroids, you will want to work with your doctor to minimise the dose and to explore other treatments. Alcohol can weaken your bones, apparently by reducing the body's ability to make new bone to replace normal losses. The effect is probably only significant if you have more than two drinks per day of spirits, beer, or wine.

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Egg: A nutritious food

EGG - A Nutritious Food

Egg is a healthy and nutritious food. Table eggs being non-fertile, as rightly put forth by Mahatma Gandhiji, are 'as vegetarian as milk and honey', for they can never become the chirpy chicks! Eventhough eggs contain considerable amounts of cholesterol, lecithin in eggs prevents the absorption of cholesterol of egg and other sources too. (Kansas State University Report, 2001). Several Medical studies have shown that eating eggs is not related to body cholesterol levels or cardiovascular problems (University of Connecticut report 2004), recommending 'people with normal cholesterol levels and no family history of cardiovascular diseases, should not worry about eating one or two eggs a day'. Beaks are just like the nails, and therefore their trimming need not be done under anesthesia. Debeaked chicks resume feed intake within a few hours, and then all along their life would continue to consume feed. Birds are housed with enough space for their comfort and production and the statement "hundreds of birds crammed into one cage" is not true. The way eggs are produced in India have been a model to many countries and hence today India is world's fourth largest producer of table eggs exporting them even to quality conscious places like the European Union and the Gulf countries. I therefore, strongly recommend the production and consumption of hen eggs from nutrition, health and economic point of view.

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Almond: A highly Nutritious fruit

Almonds - A healthy and nutritious food

Consumption of Almond lowers cholesterol levels, reduces the risk of lifestyle diseases and gives overall wellness. In Italy wedding hosts often gave sugar-coated almonds wrapped in shear fabric to their guests symbolising good health, fertility, romance, fortune and happiness. Throughout history, almonds have maintained religious, ethnic and social significance. Almonds are appreciated as a staple in the Indian culture not only for their crunch, but also for their nutritional qualities and their health sustaining properties. A seed from the stone fruit family, almonds are a rich source of nutrients, most notably Vitamin E and protein. A research conducted over the past decade has shown strong links of almond consumption with lowering cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of lifestyle diseases, and overall wellness. Research into nuts has been so extensive that a qualified health claims for certain nuts such as almonds; ability to reduce the risk of heart disease has been approved by the Food and Drug administration in the US. - Almonds help in fighting diabetes and heart Diseases: The presence of powerful nutrients like proteins, dietary fibre, mono unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and Vitamin E make almond a rich diet source for combating degenerative diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases. - Almonds are the best source of alpha-tocopherol form of Vitamin-E: Almonds are among the best whole food sources and the bet nut source of alphatocepherol form of Vitamin E. The U.S. National Academy of Science (NAS) recommends consuming 15 milligrams of alpha tocopherol Vitamin E per day. Alpha-tocopherol is one of the form of Vitamin E that is most effeciciently used by the human body. - Almonds are a great cholestrol lowering food: Nearly 70 percent of the fat in almonds is mono saturated, a suggested substitute to saturated fats, to reduce the cholesterol levels. Research also shows that almond and almond oil have similar cholesterol-lowering effects. Infact eating almonds consistently lowers total and LDL cholesterol respectively by four and five percent. This cholesterol lowering effect is similar to heart healthy foods such as oats and soy. Almonds can be consumed in various ways. Their delicious tasty flavour relieves the monotony of the regular diets for diabetic and heart patients. Whereas there are still some myths associated with almonds that part us with the wide range of health benefits that this tiny fruit offers. Some of the common myths and their explanations listed below will help you do away with them. - Almonds should be soaked and peeled before eating: There is no scientific basis linking the practice of soaking almonds. The almond skin contains fibre, which is good for digestion. This is a misconception that you need to peel almonds before consuming but the fact is that the skin of the almonds contributes to a significant part of the fibre content, a nutrient important for regular bowel movement. The kin also contains anti-oxidants. - Consumption of almonds results in weight gain: Latest research has shown that a moderate-fat almind-containing diet results in greater satiety and sustained weight loss as compared to a low fat diet containing the same amount of daily calories. - Almonds can be consumed only in winters:Almonds can be consumed throughout the year. Infact, a nutritious diet consisting of almonds has been shown to be beneficial in combating lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular disease and obesity. The common belief that almonds cause body heat has not been verified scientifically. But in peak summers, you can also consume almonds in the form of "Badam Sharbat" or "Thandai".

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Nutritional benefits of Banana

Banana - The alltime favorite and affordable fruit.

Bananas have been the alltime favorite and perennial fruit for hundreds of years now.  It has many curative properties.  This fruit is affordable by anyone and is available in plenty in India.  All the varieties available are beneficial in their own way. Banana is rich in fiber content and also contains natural sugars like sucrose, fructose and glucose. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy  for a strenuous 90-minute workout.   No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.   It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and  conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet. Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst  people suffering from depression, many felt much better after  eating a banana.   This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a  type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel  happier. PMS: Forget the pills -- eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which  can affect your mood. Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia. Blood Pressure: This unique tropical  fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it  the perfect way to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food  and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to  make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke. Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams  this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a  bid to boost their brain power.  Research has shown that t the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert. Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives. Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to  make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood  sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system. Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.   Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness. Mosquito bites:Before  reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected  area with the inside of a banana skin.  Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation. Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system. Overweight and at work?  Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads  to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at  5,000 hospital patients,  researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs.  The  report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood  sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady. Ulcers: The banana is used as the  dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft  texture and smoothness.  It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases.  It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of  the stomach. Temperature control: Many other cultures see  bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical  and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand,  for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is  born with a cool temperature. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the  natural mood enhancer tryptophan. Smoking: Bananas can also  help people trying to give up smoking.  The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal. Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance.  When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels.  These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack. Strokes: According to research in "The New  England Journal of Medicine," eating bananas as part of a  regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

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