Health Benefits of Black Pepper

Health Benefits of Black Pepper

Many people are ignorant about the numerous health benefits of black pepper. It contains potent antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. It contains iron, potassium, manganese, vitamin C and fiber in large quantities. However, beside these, it does contain other nutritional components.

Black pepper is known to improve digestion.

Consume 5gm of black pepper powder mixed in a cup of buttermilk in case of digestive problems and intestinal infections. It treats these problems effectively as well as gives relief. Pepper helps stomach to produce hydrochloric acid which is needed to digest food. This prevents food staying in the stomach for a long time which ultimately cures flatulence and stomach irritations.

In case of anorexia (loss of appetite), a decoction of black pepper taken helps solving the problem by stimulating the taste buds.

In case of fever with chills, drink little warm water boiled with pepper seeds. It effectively reduces the high temperature.

Chewing the seeds, gargling with warm water boiled with the seeds, relieves toothaches.

A decoction of black pepper taken twice a day alleviates constipation.

Sucking few pepper corns provides immediate relief from throat irritations and dry cough.

A decoction of black pepper taken twice a day helps common cold and cough.

It promotes proper urination and sweating that helps get rid of harmful toxins from the body.

In case of minor cuts, sprinkle little black pepper powder on the area. It stops bleeding and its antibacterial properties promote immediate healing by killing the germs.

5 easy steps to pump up your heart !

Want to keep your heart healthy? Then you need to know the following.

Holly Andersen, director of education and outreach at the Ronald O. Perelman Heart Institute of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital has offered some easy steps to improve heart health and overall well-being throughout the year.

Step 1: Know your numbers. Your blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels are the most important numbers you will need to know before you begin on the path to good heart health.

Step 2: Start walking. Exercise is the fountain of youth. A simple 20- to 30-minute walk a few days a week can actually reduce the risk of premature death by more than 50 percent.

Step 3: Laugh out loud. Laughter really is the best medicine. Just 15 minutes of laughter is about equivalent to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise with respect to our cardiovascular health. Laughter has also been linked to the healthy function of blood vessels, an increase of the brain hormones that improve mood, and reduction of pain and anxiety.

Step 4: Focus on your waistline, not your weight. Your waistline is a better measurement of your overall health than your weight because the amount of fat around your waistline is directly linked to high blood pressure and high cholesterol and can place you at increased risk for diabetes.

Step 5: Get a good night's sleep. Sleep is one of the most undervalued elements of our daily routines, but it is absolutely vital to good health. Lack of sleep increases your blood pressure, induces stress, increases your appetite and slows down your metabolism, dampens your mood and decreases your cognition.

Pistachios : Get your facts straight !

With a pale green flesh and reddish purple skin, pistachio nuts have been a part of the traditional Indian culinary art. With concerns ranging from high cholesterol and high fat content to their ability to cause obesity, the truth is that pistachios are actually cholesterol-free and are useful in lowering cholesterol levels.

They also have several other cardio-protective elements; such as helping control blood pressure and weight reduction. Owing to their fatty acid profile, nutritional properties and bioactive constituents, pistachios have been found to be useful in the prevention and treatment of several disorders and maintaining good health.

The fat in pistachios is 90 per cent unsaturated. Mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) comprise 55 per cent of the total fat content. This type of fat is found in olive oil and has several desirable effects on our health. It has been shown to reduce bad cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol. Thus a diet consisting of pistachios favourably improves lipid profile and reduces the risk of heart diseases.

Interestingly, pistachios are one of the richest sources of phytosterols and have been known to be a good source of other antioxidants (natural substances known to fight diseases and delay ageing) including beta-carotene (precursor for vitamin A), tocopherols (precursor for Vitamin E), carotenoids (zeaxanthin and lutein), selenium, and flavanoids. Carotenoids (zeaxanthin and lutein) protect against degeneration of the retina of eye and have a potential contribution in the prevention of heart disease and stroke. Their richness in selenium and other powerful antioxidants also contributes to their role in prevention of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Due to their similarity in structure to that of cholesterol, it is believed that phytosterols "block" dietary cholesterol absorption in the body. They are also a good source of protein, fibre and potassium. Like most tree nuts, pistachios are a good source of arginine (an amino acid) known to have heart protective properties. In addition, this essential amino acid is also necessary for synthesis of neurotransmitters in the brain, helping in alleviating depression, controlling addictive behaviour and encouraging mental alertness. Pistachios also provide B vitamins. Vitamin B6 plays an important role in various biochemical reactions and efficient functioning of the immune system, red blood cell metabolism and haemoglobin production. It is also responsible for synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, both of which are necessary for nerve cell communication.

They have recently been studied for their role in improving glycemic (blood sugar) control and preventing diabetes-related complications. A study conducted by the University of Toronto claimed that pistachios, when eaten with high carbohydrate food items like white bread, may actually slow the absorption of carbohydrates in the body, resulting in a lower than expected blood sugar level.

In fact, they also help in weight reduction. It has been reported that Oleoylethanolamide or OEA, an appetite-suppressing compound in oleic acid, helps one feel fuller longer after a meal. 

The high potassium levels make pistachios a great choice for controlling hypertension and preventing arrhythmias (irregular heart beat). One serving of pistachios contains 310 mgs of potassium, a whopping 36 per cent of the daily recommended amount.

Pistachios can be consumed year round and provide not only nutrition, but also enhance taste and texture of food.

Source: Indian Express

Three Steps for getting Soft Lips !

1.   Just the way you exfoliate your arms and legs, do the same with your lips as well. But remember to be slow and gentle while scrubbing.

2.   After exfoliation, apply a good lip balm with SPF. just like your skin, lips too require protection from the sun.

3.   Lastly apply a moisturising lipstick. For a natural look, apply a shade that is closer to your original lip color.

Always apply a lip balm before applying any lip color or lip gloss for super soft lips.

Source : TOI

5 Ways to Energize Your Life - Part 2

Activate your day

Even though you may feel pooped after your workout, moderate exercise can actually give you energy. "As you exercise, you use blood glucose," Cochran explains. Your body then pulls glycogen (the stored form of carbohydrate in the liver and muscles) into your bloodstream, which can ultimately make you feelmore energized as your blood glucose level rises. To rev up your daily routine, Cochran recommends revving pacing when you're talking on the phone and taking the stairs at every opportunity.

Get an hour's more sleep

To function at your best, the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) recommends at least eight hours of sleep a night for adults. But according to a recent NSF poll, on average, adults sleep just under seven hours nightly during the work week.

With a chronic sleep deficit, it may take you long to execute low-level mental chores such as figuring the tip on your lunch check. And say goodnight to multitasking and making sound judgment calls — especially in crisis situations. All told, "anything that's not routine is difficult to do if you're tired," says Andrew A. Monjan, PhD, MPH, chief of the neurobiology of aging branch of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD.

Nix caffeine

Granted, caffeine can be a quick picker-upper, because it stimulates brain cells. But if you have trouble getting to sleep at night, "avoid caffeine after lunch," advises Sonia Ancoli-Israel, PhD, director of the sleep disorders clinic at the Veterans Affairs-San Diego Health Care System. Besides obvious sources of caffeine — coffee (103 mg caffeine/6 oz cup), tea (36 mg/6 oz cup) and cola beverages such as Diet Coke (46.5 mg/12 oz) — take stock of your diet's hidden caffeine sources, such as chocolate or coffee-flavored foods. Even some decaffeinate coffee has been found to contain small amounts of caffeine.

Concluded

Article By: Sandra Agababian

How the Immune System Works - Part 4

Practice stress management: When your body is under constant stress, you’re more vulnerable to everything from the common cold to major diseases.

“Stress from time to time is not necessarily a bad thing. But to not have relief from the stress -- to be under constant stress -- is deleterious to health,” says Polsky. That’s because a steady cascade of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, weaken the immune system.

Chronic stress is linked to heart disease and hypertension, and it can also have an effect on white blood cell function, Polsky says.

“When I speak to people about lifestyle changes, I look at what they can do to manage their stress, whether it be meditating – maybe exercise is their form of meditation – whether it be spirituality of a religious nature. It really doesn’t matter,” says Berliner.

Strengthen relationships: Research shows that people with close friendships and strong support systems tend to be healthier than those who lack such supports.

A good sexual relationship may provide even more immune system benefits. A study of college students found those who had sex once or twice a week had higher levels of an immune system protein called immunoglobulin A (IgA) than those who had less sex.  Sex may also help immunity by reducing stress and improving sleep. 

“I tell people to get good love in their lives -- good support, good friendships, however they need to get that love,” says Berliner.  Good relationships, along with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, are part of a holistic approach to boosting the immune system and protecting yourself from disease. “And to treat any problem holistically, there is no one-pill approach,” Berliner says.

Concluded

How the Immune System Works - Part 3

A diet rich in antioxidant vitamins, on the other hand, can boost resistance to infection. Think about eating in color: dark green, red, yellow, and orange fruits and veggies are packed with antioxidants. Try berries, citrus fruits, kiwi, apples, red grapes, kale, onions, spinach, sweet potatoes, and carrots.

Other immune-boosting foods include fresh garlic, which may have antiviral and antibiotic properties, and old-fashioned chicken soup. Studies show that, if you do come down with a cold or the flu, a bowl of steaming chicken soup can ease inflammation and help you get well faster.

And mushrooms such as reichi, maitake, and shiitake may have a strong influence on immune function as well as enhance the production of chemicals that help your body respond to infection.

Get enough sleep: Regular bouts with insomnia may not only leave you feeling fatigued during the day, but also leave you vulnerable to illnesses, including colds, flu, and other infections. Long term, poor sleep also has been shown to increase the risk of other health problems, including obesity and diabetes.

The body uses sleep as a means of healing itself, says Scott Berliner, president and supervising pharmacist at Life Science Pharmacy in New York. When we don’t get enough sleep – or reach the deeper stages of sleep – healing is impaired.

It’s hard to measure exactly sleep’s protective effect on the immune system, and researchers don’t know precisely how sleep improves immunity. Like antioxidants, sleep may help reduce oxidative stress, which then stops cells from being weakened and harmed. But “clearly, sleep – at least seven hours a night – is associated with increased resistance to infectious diseases,” says Polsky.

To Be Continued....

How the Immune System Works - Part 2

Building Healthy Immunity

There’s no single pill or supplement you can take to boost your immune system. Instead, adopting these healthy living habits can help improve your immunity for a lifetime.  

Go for a walk: Sitting around not only can leave you feeling sluggish, it also can make your immune system sluggish. Exercise, on the other hand, helps boost immunity.

“We know exercise is good for immune function,” says Polsky. The good news, he says, is that you don’t need elaborate exercise programs and personal trainers. “Even fast walking – getting your heart rate up for 20 minutes three times a week -- is associated with increased immune function,” Polsky tells WebMD.

Researchers aren’t sure exactly how exercise helps strengthen the immune system. Studies show that people who exercise have better-functioning white blood cells (the ones that help fight off infection) than people who don’t exercise.

Also, exercise is associated with the release of endorphins. “These are natural hormones that affect the brain in positive ways,” Polsky says. They ease pain and promote a sense of relaxation and well-being – all of which can help you de-stress and sleep better, which in turn improve immunity.

Eat a healthy diet: Proper nutrition is essential for your immune system to work well. A diet high in empty calories not only leads to weight gain, but it can leave you more prone to infections. Plus, being overweight is associated with a number of health problems that can also drag your immune system down.

“When the immune system is down, you want to avoid things like alcohol and sugar, especially because microbes love sugar,” says Stephen Sinatra, MD, a certified nutrition specialist and assistant clinical professor of medicine at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.

To Be Continued....

How the Immune System Works - Part 1

How the Immune System Works

The immune system is your body’s natural defense system. It’s an intricate network of cells, tissues, and organs that band together to defend your body against invaders. Those invaders can include bacteria, viruses, parasites, even a fungus, all with the potential to make us sick. They are everywhere – in our homes, offices, and backyards. A healthy immune system protects us by first creating a barrier that stops those invaders, or antigens, from entering the body. And if one slips by the barrier, the immune system produces white blood cells, and other chemicals and proteins that attack and destroy these foreign substances. They try to find the antigen and get rid of it before it can reproduce. Failing that, the immune system revs up even more to destroy the invaders as they multiply.

The immune system can recognize millions of different antigens. And it can produce what it needs to eradicate nearly all of them. When it’s working properly, this elaborate defense system can keep health problems ranging from cancer to the common cold at bay.

When the Immune System Breaks Down

Sometimes the immune system makes a mistake and identifies a substance as being harmful when it’s not – think pollen or pet dander. When the immune system revs up to fight these “invaders,” you have an allergic reaction.

Nor can your body fight off every invader. Despite its marvels, the immune system does break down from time to time, says Polsky. “There are diseases that we have no control over, but lifestyle aspects are very, very important,” he tells WebMD.

Not eating healthily, being sedentary, not getting enough sleep, and being under chronic stress can all contribute to a weak immune system. When your immune system is depleted, bacteria, viruses, or toxins can overwhelm the body. The result? You get sick.

To Be Continued....

Meditation : The benefits

We are constantly surrounded by the clamour of traffic, television, computers, and of course cell phones. It is no wonder then, that we often can’t hear ourselves think — or even talk. Somewhere our lives seem to have lost that quiet, alone-time. It is important to pull away from the outer world of commotion and reconnect to our inner silence. 

Sit quietly with hands at your sides or in your lap. Now, with your eyes closed, start to breathe lightly and easily. Let your attention follow your breath. Continue this exercise for two to five minutes — just closing your eyes and focusing your mind on easy, natural breathing. 

Focusing on the breath means keeping the mind alert and free of clutter.The mind often wanders, so this discipline trains the mind to develop focus and concentration. 

Meditation is concentration. It is not really forcing your mind to be quiet; it is finding the quiet that is already there.And it requires perseverance to be able to plunge deep within. 

As you meditate regularly, you will find an appearance of youthful energy and vitality; and calmness that the restless mind so often craves for. 

BENEFITS 

Nowadays, stress, depression and physical illnesses are major health concerns. 

Meditation causes deep relaxation at the nervous system level, at the muscles level and in the internal organs. Our heart’s ejection fraction improves and even cholesterol management improves. It is observed that since tension in the arteries is reduced, blood pressure is also regulated. Overall, general well-being is felt instantly. In case of diabetics, glucose tolerance improves to a great extent. So, the insulin dependency reduces. It is observed that if it was stress diabetics, i.e., the occurrence of diabetics is after the age of 40 years and above, the dependency on medicines is greatly reduced. 

Day-to-day stress is managed efficiently through meditation, five to 10 minutes of meditation is recommended for persons who are sick or healthy, burdened with responsibilities or pressed for time. l Meditation de-stresses the mind.The mind is able to concentrate better and there is greater clarity of thought. Regular practice equips the mind to deal with life’s problems calmly. 

The heart rate and respiration rate slows down — this results in efficient working of the heart and lungs. When the mind is calm, there is better balance in the body as the cells work in unison, bringing harmony and health to the system. 

Health Benefits of Cabbage - Part 2

Red Cabbage has more phytonutrients than the green cabbage. The vitamin C content of red cabbage is 6-8 times higher than that of the green cabbage.

Red cabbage contain anthocyanin (red pigment/color) is an antioxidant that can help protect brain cells, thus can help prevent Alzheimer's disease.

Cabbage is abundant is Vitamin C. You will be surprised to know that it is richer in vitamin C than the famous oranges. Vitamin C, being one of the best anti oxidant, reduces free radicals in your body which are the basic causes of ageing. It also helps repairing the wear and tears in the body. Thus it is very helpful in treating ulcers, certain cancers, depressions, for strengthening immune system and fighting against cough and cold, healing of wounds and damaged tissues, proper functioning of nervous system and thereby help curing Alzheimer’s disease etc.

Cabbage is very rich in fiber. This helps retain water and forms the bulk of the food and the bowels. Thus it is a good cure for constipation and related problems.

Cabbage is a good detoxifier too, i.e. it purifies blood and removes toxins (primarily free radicals and uric acid which is major cause for rheumatism, gout, arthritis, renal calculi, skin diseases, eczema, hardening and de-colorization of skin etc.). This detoxifying effect of cabbage is due to the presence of vitamin C and sulphur.

Concluded

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Never use any home remedy or other self treatment without being advised to do so by a physician.

 

 

Health Benefits of Cabbage - Part 1

Health Benefits of Cabbage

The health benefits of cabbage include treatment of constipation, stomach ulcers, headache, excess weight, skin disorders, eczema, jaundice, scurvy, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, eye disorders, heart diseases, ageing, and Alzheimer's disease.

Did you know that the cheap, humble looking and so widely used cabbage could work miracles? Cabbage is a leafy vegetable of Brassica family, round or oval in shape, consisting of soft light green or whitish inner leaves covered with harder and dark green outer leaves. It is widely used throughout the world, eaten cooked or raw as salad and is a very popular vegetable.

 

Cabbage contain phytonutrients, works to protect the body from free radicals that can damage the cell membranes. Phytonutrients also signal our genes to increase its production of enzymes involved in detoxification.

 

Cabbage may lower the incidence of cancer, especially in the lung, stomach and colon prostate.

 

Cabbage is a muscle builder, blood cleanser and eye strengthener.

The juice of fresh raw cabbage has been proven to heal stomach ulcer.

Cabbage is rich in iron and sulfur. Juice of fresh cabbage is effective in treating fungus infection (due to it sulfur content).

Cabbage can lower serum cholesterol.

 

Cabbage contain Sulforaphane, a substance that can increase the production of antioxidant and detoxification enzymes. Sulforaphane works by stimulating the production of glutathione, the body's most important internally produced antioxidant which plays a role in liver detoxification.

 

 

 

 

To Be Continued....

 

 

 

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.  

Never use any home remedy or other self treatment without being advised to do so by a physician.
 
 

Simple steps to keep your blood pressure under control - Part 1

Following are the  simple steps to keep your blood pressure under control

High blood pressure contributes to an alarming number of deaths each year. Although it may not have apparent symptoms, high blood pressure leads to heart attacks and strokes aside from also causing kidney failure. You can reduce your blood pressure by reducing your weight (if you’re obese) and making a few small changes in your life, say doctors. 

- Walk it out — Walking at a brisk pace can help lower your pressure. A good workout will ensure the heart uses oxygen more efficiently. Getting a rigorous cardio workout 4 to 5 times a week can make a huge difference. Start by incorporating about 15 minutes of exercise in your daily routine and slowly increase the time and difficulty level. 

- Deep Breathing — Learning some slow breathing and meditation techniques can do you wonders. It will help reduce stress drastically and keep your blood pressure in check. Try taking out 10 minutes every morning and at night. Inhale and exhale deeply. If you can, join a yoga class for some time so that you can learn the proper method. 

To Be Continued ....

Breast Cancer : What Women Should Know

From relative obscurity, breast cancer has become one of the leading causes of deaths among women in the world.

But what is breast cancer and how do people get it?

Breast cancer occurs when malignant tumors in the breast grow and start to affect other tissues in the body. There is still no clear indications how tumors are created but what is often observed is that cancerous cells usually comes from ducts or glands.

Although women’s health organizations advise women to massage the breast daily and to feel for any lumps, it may a long time before a cancerous cell get big enough for us to feel it. By that time, it may already be too late. Doctors make use of mammograms for their diagnosis.

Breast at risk

All women are actually at risk, with the risk increasing with the presence of some risk factors that are already part of the natural cycle, for example, aging. Family history of breast cancer can also significantly affect the prognosis as heredity has been found to play a role. Women who got their periods before they were 12 years old and those who never had or had children after 30 years old are also more likely to develop breast cancer.

There are also risk factors that medical science can help alter such as hormonal problems through replacement therapies. Women are also advised to decrease their consumption of alcoholic drinks, exercise every day and decrease the use of birth control pills. Breastfeeding has been found to decrease the risk of breast cancer development.

Although there are some factors that women can avoid to prevent breast cancer from developing, cause and effect relationships between these factors and breast cancer is still debatable. For women who are already at high risk, doctors often recommend a drug called Tamoxifen, which is known to decrease the risk by as much 50 percent when taken in five years. Still, like all medications, Tamoxifen has side effects such as hot flushes, vaginal discharges and sometimes even blood clots. Taking the drug can also lead to pulmonary emobolus, stroke and uterine cancer, although these are all isolated cases.

Another avenue that women can go to is Vitamin A, which some studies show to be effective in decreasing the risk. Still, research is still in the initial stages and nothing has been proven yet. Other things that are being linked to the breast cancer fight are phytoestrogens, which can be found in soya, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C.

But until something concrete is found in research, the only thing that women can do to ensure that they are safe from breast cancer is early detection. This can be done through daily self-examinations as well as annual check ups and mammogram tests. It is also important that women know the beginnings of breast cancer. Here are some of the signs that they should watch out for.

Lumps in the breast and in the underarms

Scaling of the skin of the breast and of the nipple

Redness in the skin of the breast and of the nipple

Changes in the size of their breasts

Discharges from the nipple

If these signs are observed, it is best to consult a specialist so that you can know whether you have breast cancer or not.

About the Author:

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California.  

Exercise - Reap The Benefits !

Exercise has oodles of benefits, from controlling blood sugar to trimming your waistline. But what might be a fun, enjoyable activity for one person might seem like drudgery to the next. 

Is some sort of specific health concern stopping you from stepping out? No worries. There’s a sport or activity that will pump you up but still keep you safe. The key is finding one that suits your interest and health needs. Once you click on the court, in the field, or on the links, you’ll discover a whole new world. What’s even better: When you find a sport you enjoy, you’ll be more likely to exercise—and to reap those sweaty benefits. First, be sure to check with your doctor or health-care professional before starting any new physical activity. To get yourself in the game, following these guidelines to find the best sport for you.

If You Have Heart Disease

Good for you: Moderate, nonstrenuous activity in moderate temperatures. Try mall walking, swimming, or cycling on a stationary bike.

Possibly unsafe: Straining and strenuous activity in very hot and humid weather or very cold weather. Avoid push-ups, sit-ups, and walking up steep hills.

If You Have Peripheral Artery Disease

Good for you: Aquatic exercise, cycling, and walking.

Possibly unsafe: Weight-bearing and high-impact exercise such as basketball and tennis. 

If You Have High Blood Pressure

Good for you: Moderate aerobic and strength-training exercise. Walking, jogging, and stair climbing are fine.

Possibly unsafe: Straining and strenuous exercise, such as power-lifting with weights.

If You Have Neuropathy

Good for you: Moderate intensity, low-impact exercises in moderate temperatures. Swimming is a good choice if you have pain or burning in your feet.

Possibly unsafe: Strenuous, weight-bearing exercises such as step aerobics or hiking long distances, and working out in extreme temperatures. 

If You Have Retinopathy

Good for you: Moderate, low-impact exercise with no straining during which you keep your head above your waist.

Possibly unsafe: Anything that involves straining, jumping, holding your breath during exertion, or exercising with your head below waist level. Examples: basketball, heavy weightlifting, and certain yoga poses.

If You Have Kidney Disease

Good for you: Light or moderate exercise such as walking or swimming, and high-repetition strength-training using light weights and doing more than 15 repetitions at a time.

Possibly unsafe: High-intensity, vigorous sports and lifting heavy weights

Tips To Get Back To Exercise After A Break - Part 1

Deciding to get back into an exercise routine after a long hiatus can be emotionally as well as physically challenging. The idea of reliving the aches, pains, and shortness of breath that you may have experienced when you first began working out is sometimes reason enough to just forget the whole thing. But whether your routine came to a halt because of medical problems, a hectic schedule, or perhaps just a very enticing sofa, there are ways to get and stay motivated as you resume a healthy workout routine.

Give yourself a break 

“The emotions with which people cope when returning to exercise are varied,” says Dr. Vicci Hill-Lombardi, associate professor in the department of athletic training at Seton Hall University’s School of Health and Medical Sciences in South Orange, New Jersey. She concludes that the emotions run the gamut from frustration to anger to fear to guilt. “Frustration at having to start from square one; anger that it is difficult to find time...to exercise; guilt at allowing exercise and fitness to take a back seat to everything else; fear if the cessation of exercise is due to injury. Overcoming these emotions can be difficult,” says Hill-Lombardi. These obstacles, however, are not insurmountable. Making time during the day to exercise is hard for lots of people — “experienced athletes and beginners alike,” continues Hill-Lombardi. And if the veterans can drop the exercise ball and return to their healthy routines without beating themselves up, so can you.

Start slow 

When you have decided that it’s time to get back into your workout routine, you may be tempted to simply dive back into the deep end of the pool. Bad idea. “When you stop exercising for a significant period of time, your body slows down — this means metabolism, cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility,” says Sara Haley, a Los Angeles-based global master trainer and creative consultant for Reebok. “When [clients] go on vacation, or have a baby or just take a break for a while and do not exercise, they come back weaker.” This means that it’s best to take a few steps back before jumping forward with your fitness routine. “Take whatever you were doing before your hiatus and start back at a moderate level,” continues Haley. “If you jump back in too quickly you risk overdoing it, injury and burning out.”

To Be Continued....

Top 10 Health Benefits of Lemon Water - Part 4

* Assist in curing Respiratory Disorders

Lemon water assists in curing respiratory problems, along with breathing problems and revives a person suffering from asthma.

* Good for treating Rheumatism

Lemon is also a diuretic and hence lemon water can treat rheumatism and arthritis. It helps to flush out bacteria and toxins out of the body.

* Reduces Fever

Lemon water can treat a person who is suffering from cold, flu or fever. It helps to break fever by increasing perspiration.

* Acts as a blood purifier

The diseases like cholera or malaria can be treated with lemon water as it can act as a blood purifier.

Concluded

Top 10 Health Benefits of Lemon Water - Part 3

* Cures Throat Infections

Lemon is an excellent fruit that aids in fighting problems related to throat infections, sore throat and tonsillitis as it has an antibacterial property. For sore throat, dilute one-half lemon juice with one-half water and gargle frequently.

* Good for Weight Loss

One of the major health benefits of drinking lemon water is that it paves way for losing weight faster, thus acting as a great weight loss remedy. If a person takes lemon juice mixed with lukewarm water and honey, it can reduce the body weight as well.

* Controls High Blood Pressure

Lemon water works wonders for people having heart problem, owing to its high potassium content. It controls high blood pressure, dizziness, nausea as well as provides relaxation to mind and body. It also reduces mental stress and depression.

To Be Continued ....

Top 10 Health Benefits of Lemon Water - Part 2

* Good for stomach

Lemon can help relieve many digestion problems when mixed with hot water. These include nausea, heartburn and parasites. Due to the digestive qualities of lemon juice, symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, bloating and belching are relieved. By drinking lemon juice regularly, the bowels are aided in eliminating waste more efficiently. Lemon acts as a blood purifier and as a cleansing agent. The intake of lemon juice can cure constipation. It is even known to help relieve hiccups when consumed as a juice. Lemon juice acts as a liver tonic and helps you digest your food by helping your liver produce more bile. It decreases the amount of phlegm produced by your body. It is also thought to help dissolve gallstones.

* Excellent for Skin Care

Lemon, being a natural antiseptic medicine, can participate to cure problems related to skin. Lemon is a vitamin C rich citrus fruit that enhances your beauty, by rejuvenating skin from within and thus bringing a glow on your face. Daily consumption of lemon water can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. It acts as an anti-aging remedy and can remove wrinkles and blackheads. Lemon water if applied on the areas of burns can fade the scars. As lemon is a cooling agent, it reduces the burning sensation on the skin.

* Aids in Dental Care

Lemon water is used in dental care also. If fresh lemon juice is applied on the areas of toothache, it can assist in getting rid of the pain. The massages of lemon juice on gums can stop gum bleeding. It gives relief from bad smell and other problems related to gums.

To Be Continued ....