Papaya

Curative properties

Very useful in improving poor digestion promoting good health.

Ripe papaya, if eaten regularly, cures bleeding, piles, habitual constipation and chronic diarrhea.

Pregnant women should take ripe papaya after sixth month for healthy growth of baby. It is also useful for nursing mothers.

Acts as a tonic for heart, liver, brain and blood.

Energy giving food and controls premature ageing.

Excellent growth for children.

Lowers high cholesterol levels.

Provides protection against colon cancer.

Prevents prostate cancer.

Unripe papaya is useful in menstrual irregularities.

Improves healing from burns and reduces inflammation.

Useful in rheumatoid arthritis and asthma.

Prevents recurrent ear infections, colds and flu.

Juice of papaya seeds has the power to destroy round and intestinal worms.

Mashed papaya used on the face add luster and makes the skin smooth.

Raw papaya juice cures skin disorders and can be applied on pimples.

In case of throat disorders like tonsils, juice of raw papaya mixed with honey can be applied over affected area.

Preparation

Take papaya pieces and add fresh lime and rock salt for taste.
Add slices of fresh papaya to your morning cereal, lunch time yogurt or green salads.

After peeling the fruit, grate it and give a boil. Once it cools down, squeeze and place in a plate. Cut ginger and dry date lengthwise. In a pan, cook the boiled papaya and add sugar, pieces of ginger and dry date. After it is soft, add grounded cardamom, clove, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Mix well and take off the flame. Add some vinegar. This can be stored for a long time and is good for digestion.

To improve eyesight, have amla juice mixed with honey. Amla juice also helps people who have cataract.

Amla or gooseberry, as it’s also known, is rich in chromium, which makes it very beneficial for diabetics. It is known to stimulate the isolated group of cells that secrete the hormone insulin. This decreases blood sugar.

Want to have a healthy heart? Have plenty of gooseberries. They’re known to strengthen heart muscles, which in turn pump more blood in your body and make you healthy.

Since amla is rich in antibacterial qualities, it helps the body fight infection. It builds up immunity, which makes people more resistant to diseases.

Suffering from an upset stomach? Opt for the amla. With its powerful laxative qualities, amla is great for curing diarrhea and dysentery.

It is a commonly used ingredient in several hair tonics because it is known to curb hair loss, stimulate growth and strengthen the roots.

Having amla powder mixed with honey and butter before a meal will improve appetite.

To get relief from acidity, mix one gram of amla powder with sugar and add it to a glass of water or milk and drink it twice a day.

Amla is extremely rich in Vitamin C as well as calcium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin B, which makes it a very healthy option to include in your diet.

Amla is also great for food absorption and will help you digest your meals better.

1. With its high iron content, mangoes are excellent for pregnant women and those who suffer from anaemia.

2. Constantly complaining about clogged pores? Place mango on your skin and then wash off after 10 minutes.

3. If you suffer from indigestion problems, nothing will help you as much as a mango. They’re known to give relief from acidity and aid proper digestion since they contain digestive enzymes that help break down proteins.

4. Rich in potassium, mangoes reduce high blood pressure. They also contain pectin, a soluble dietary fibre, that is known to lower blood cholesterol levels.

5. Include mangoes in your diet. Since it is rich in calories as well as carbohydrates, it could be the perfect fruit to have to put on weight.

6. This fruit is rich in glutamine acid- an important protein for concentration and memory.

Other health benefits of mangoes are eating mangoes reduces the risk of kidney stone formation. In Chinese medicine, mangoes are considered sweet and sour with a cooling energy. They are useful for those suffering from anaemia, bleeding gums, cough, fever, nausea and even sea sickness.

Though they are traditionally not considered as aphrodisiacs, mangoes contain Vitamin E which helps boost one’s sex life. The vitamin works to regulate the body’s sex hormones. If nothing else, eat a mango just because it won’t be in season forever.

The reason why practitioners of sanatan kriya never fall sick and or get depressed is because they use natural products to correct the imbalance in their bodies.

Here are some Immune Boosting Foods made from easily available natural herbs that also called immunity boosters.

These infusions are not to be confused with medicines and neither are medicines to be discontinued while having these infusions. These tonics are also not a treatment if had in isolation, but they definitely are very effective preventives and complement all forms of treatments and medical advice.

Tulsi (holy basil) is one of the most easily available herbs in our country and also happens to be one of the best immunity builders. It’s good for all prakriti (all doshas) types, but excess use is not advised for those with pitta constitution. All rasayans have some effect on improving the functional capacity of the brain also.

The same goes for honey too. Honey, for preparation of ayurvedic formulae, should be preferably at least one year old. Take a teaspoon of tulsi juice mixed with a teaspoon of honey everyday. This formula is potent enough to fight almost all kinds of viral infections and weaknesses. In case a person is already unwell, it helps in speedy recovery.

Thyme is also a very effective immunity booster, especially for viral, fungal and bacterial infections and can be had at any time of the day. Take eight to ten leaves of fresh thyme plant and pour boiling hot water in it. Keep this covered for five minutes then sip it without sugar or milk. No addictives are to added. You can use the dry herb also but the quantity should be doubled.

1. Rich in content with digestive enzymes, papayas are excellent for digesting food and preventing constipation. It also helps in healing from burns and reducing inflammation.

2. Papaya juice relieves infections of the colon and can break down mucus.

3. Since papayas are rich in fibre, they’re known to lower high cholesterol levels. Folic acid found in papayas converts a substance called homocysteine into benign amino acids. When it remains unconverted, homocysteine can directly damage blood vessel walls and when levels get too high, can cause a stroke or even a heart attack.

4. Papayas also help preventing diabetic heart disease. Rich in three essential antioxidants like vitamins C, E and A, these nutrients prevent the oxidation of cholesterol.

5. We require vitamins A and C for the proper functioning of a healthy immune system. Papaya is apt to prevent illnesses like common cold, flu and ear infections.

6. Papaya wick help ease morning sickness as well as motion sickness.

7. The fibre found in papaya binds cancer causing toxins in the colon and keeps the toxins away from the healthy colon cells.

8. A glass of papaya juice or a few pieces of papaya in a fruit salad is a great way to start a day. Another option is to cut a papaya in half, scoop out the seeds, sprinkle some lime juice, add a few pieces of cheese, mint leaves and roasted almonds.

Stay trim is one of the benefits of tomatoes, says a new study. A team at Reading University has found that eating tomatoes leaves one feeling satisfied, suppresses the urge to snack and also helps one shed excess weight.

According to researches, it could be because tomatoes are rich in compounds which alter levels of appetite hormones. This makes them a cheap way to keep hunger pangs at bay. In fact, the study is based on findings from research into the benefits of enriching white bread with fruit as well as vegetables.

A small group of women with average weight, aged between 18 and 35, were offered cream cheese sandwiches that had been made with either white bread or bread that had been enriched with carrots or tomatoes. It was thought that the extra fibre provided by the carrot would make the carrot bread lunches the most filling. Instead, the tomato bread was the most satisfying.

Custard apples are known to be good for eyesight. The vitamin A present in it is also good for healthy skin and hair.

If you suffer from indigestion, there’s nothing better than a custard apple to include in your diet. Additionally, it helps treat diarrhoea and dysentery. With plenty of copper present in it, custard apples help cure constipation.

Since they are so high in magnesium they equalize the water balance in your body which greatly helps in removing acids from the joints and reduces the symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis.

Do you find yourself tired and weak more often than usual? The potassium present in custard apples helps fight muscle weakness. Custard apple is also good for people suffering from anaemia.

Since the fruit has natural sugars, they make for good nutritious snacks and even desserts.

Trying to put on some weight? Include this fruit that is known to be high in calories in your daily diet. Custard apples are also known to be low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium making them a very healthy fruit.

While reams of space has been dedicated to how you can knock off those unwanted pounds and lose those inches, there are also several people who’d love to put o a little bit of weight, and have a tough time so. There’s no reason to take supplements or weight gains pills to put on weight – a healthy diet and some positive attitude is all that you need. First of all, you need to find out if you are suffering from a medical condition that is not allowing you to gain weight. Once you get that cleared. gear up to improve you diet.

Since gaining weights as though as losing it, you need to be patient to get result. Make up a diet chart to ensure that you consume more calories than what you burn.

The idea isn’t to eat everything that comes you way, but to eat wisely. Consume healthy foods , but frequently say three small meals and three large ones. Make sure you maintain a gap of at least three hours between each meals so that you can digest each properly. Never keep a five hour gap between meals.

If you think that to gain weight you need to forget exercising, think again. Resistance training exercise not only help you gain muscle mass, they also increase your metabolism. Ask a fitness trainer to teach you some weight gain exercise. Don’t forget to have protein rich foods after your workout.

Food that are great sources of protein include fish, low fat diary products, milk, meats, almonds. sesame and sunflower seeds.

Stay away from junk and fatty foods. Consult a dietician to know which high protein foods, high carbohydrates foods and healthy fats you can include in you diet. There is another misconception that beer helps you put on weight. Beside a beer belly, you’ll gain nothing else. Don’t binge on it.

Start your day with a healthy breakfast comprising a glass of milk and a banana or a banana milkshake, whole-grain toast, a fruit and some nuts. Stick to eating more fruits than having juices.

Stick to wholegrain bread, green leafy vegetables, paneer, a chicken or fish dish, rice and dal for lunch. Have dinner with more or less the same menu, but at least two hours before you hit the sick.

Follows these diet and tips to gain weight and become healthy.

Nutmeg is considered a good liver tonic and helps release toxins. Nutmeg oil is also known to dissolve kidney stones and provide relief from infections.

Suffering from a cold? Nutmeg will provide you instant relief from cough and the common cold. It can also help asthma patients.

No one weight is right for all people of the same heights, sex, and age. Ideal weight depends in large measure on bone structure. Some people are short and stocky while others are tall and slender. Some have large bones and some have small bones. For safe weight reduction many doctors limit weight loss to a maximum of 1kg or2.2 pounds a week. A man who normally eats about 2500 calories diet worth of food daily can cut 1000 calories from his diet and still get all the proteins, vitamins and minerals he needs. A woman who normally eats only 2000 calories diet worth of food can spare only 500 to 700 calories each day, which means a somewhat slower weight loss. Reducing however, should be done gradually, working from a 2000 calories diet to a 1000 calories, and should stop at a point when the person Is able to perform his usual work without feeling any weakness or general debility. The following points must be kept in mind.

1. Less food, but not so very much less as to effect health.
2. Avoid too much variety and spices.
3. Avoid sugar and sweets.
4. Use less fat and rich meals.
5. Milk should be taken in moderation.
6. No puddings and pastries.
7. Use plenty of green vegetables but a reduced quantity of rice and chapattis. Avoid root vegetables.

Here are some easy ways to cut 100 calories per day:
1. Put mustard instead of mayo on a sandwich.

2. Try a “light” or fat-free salad dressing instead of regular.

3. Substitute Canadian bacon for regular bacon.

4. Eat fresh fruit instead of juice or dried fruit.

5. Order thin crust pizza instead of pan pizza.

6. Order your coffee “skinny” (with skim milk instead of cream).

7. Use a smaller bowl for your morning cereal.

8. Drink club soda with lime instead of regular soda that contains sugar.

How to burn 100 more calories
1. Set your alarm 15 minutes earlier, and go out for a morning walk.

2. Stand up and walk around while on the phone at work.

3. Take your kids out for a bike ride after dinner.

4. Join in any sports and play several times each week.

5. Go for a 15-minute walk on your lunch break.

6. Get off the subway or bus a stop earlier, and walk the extra distance.

1 cup cantalope chunks, bite-size
1 cup honeydew melon chunks, bitesize
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks, bite-size
1 cup loosely packed fresh baby
spinach leaves (torn into bite-size pieces)
1 cup red or green sweet grapes, cut in half
2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese, optional
¼ cup chopped walnut pieces, toasted

Dressing
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Make the dressing by whisking together the honey, lemon juice and poppy seeds. Toss fruit, spinach and blue cheese with the dressing in a large bowl. Sprinkle each serving with the toasted walnuts.

Serves 2–4. Per serving (7 oz-wt.): 180 calories (60 from fat), 7 g total fat, 1 g saturated fat, 2 g dietary fiber, 4 g protein, 30 g carbohydrate, 5 mg cholesterol, 75 mg sodium

If you do without your 250-calorie chocolate bar and burn 250 calories by running three miles, you will create a calorie deficit of 500 calories. Do this every day and you will have a deficit of 3500 calories in one week.

HOW MANY CALORIES SHOULD YOU CONSUME TO LOSE WEIGHT?

To lose weight, the American College Of Sports Medicine recommends a minimum consumption of 1200 calories per day. If your calorie consumption is less than 1000 a day, your body is in danger of not receiving an adequate supply of nutrients. The body then enters a state of semi-starvation, lowering the metabolic rate and depleting the body of its energy stores.

WHEN COUNTING CALORIES, IS IT NECESSARY TO CONSIDER THE NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF FOODS?

When you plan your meals, look at the caloric content and body’s nutritional requirement simultaneously. The body needs nutrients from various food groups. To lose weight it is best to consume foods such as watermelon, marsh melon, cucumber, bottle gourd, snake gourd, pumpkins since they are light, filling and easy to digest. Also the diet should have fibre-rich food and vegetables as it helps in elimination. The diet should also include low-fat dairy products, white meat over red meat sprout and whole grain products. Having a positive mind and right sprit also helps you in knocking those kilos.

DIET PLUS EXERCISE

Diet plus exercise is the ideal way to lose weight. A sound weight loss program should include:

Decreased fat consumption

Portion control

High fibre

An active lifestyle

Consistent, sensible eating and exercise habits

EXERCISE IS CRUCIAL

Cardiovascular exercise help reduce body fat and burn calories. Also, metabolic rates can increase up to 25% for 6 to 8 hours after a cardiovascular workout. A duration of 30 to 60 minutes of low-impact cardiovascular activity is recommended to lose weight. Example of low-impact exercise are walking, swimming, or cycling. Strength training improves bone density, builds strength and enhances the metabolism. You can strength train on various types of equipment in a health club, gym or at home. Strength train two to three times per week.

Milk (Cow)                                       90 ml                           50

Milk (Buffalo)                               45 ml                           50

Cheese                                            15 gms                        50

Butter                                              1 tbsp                          50

Ghee                                                1 tbsp                          50

Fruits

Apple                                             1 small                        50-60

Bannana                                       ½ medium                 50-60

Grapes                                          20 small                      50-60

Mango                                           1 small                        50-60

Musambi                                     1 medium                  50-60

Orange                                          1 small                        50-60

Cereals

Cooked Cereals                         ½ Cup                         80

Rice Cooked                              25 gms                        80

Chapathi                                     1 medium                    80

Starcy Vegetables

Potato                                          1 medium                    80

Dals                                               1 Large Katori           80

Mixed Vegetables                    150 gms                      80

Proteins/Meat

Fish                                                50 gms                        55

Mutton                                          1 oz                             75

Egg(hen)                                       2 pieces                      100

Cooked Food

Biscuit (Sweet)                             15gms                         70

Cake (Plain)                                   50 gms                        135

Cake (Rich Chocolate)               50 gms                        225

Dosa (Plain)                                   1 Medium                    120

Dosa (Masala)                             1 Medium                    250

Pakaras                                          50 gms                        175

puri                                                 1 large                         85

samosa                                          1 piece                        140

vada (medu)                               1 small                        70

Main Dish

Biriyani (mutton)                       1  cup                          225

Biriyani (Veg)                              1 cup                           200

curry (chicken)                           100 gms                      225

Curry (veg)                                   100 gms                      130

Fried Rice                                      85 gms                        140

Pullav (veg)                                  100gms                       130

Sweet Dish

Carrot Halwa                                50 gms                        300

Jalebi                                              20 gms                        100

Kheer                                              100 gms                      180

Rasagulla                                       150 gms                      140

Beverages

Beer                                                 12 Fl. oz                      150

Cola                                                 200 ml                        90

Wine                                               3.5 Fl.oz                      85

For instance a man who normally eats about 2500 calories worth of food daily can add 1000 calories in his diet and get more proteins, vitamins and minerals he needs. A woman who normally eats only 2000 calories worth of food can add just 550 calories each day, which means a somewhat slower weight gain. Gaining however, should be done gradually, working from a 2000 calories diet to a 3000 calories, and should stop at a point when the person is able to perform his usual work and which should not leads to over weight. The following points must be kept in mind.

1. Take more food, but not so very much less as to effect health.
2. Take too much variety and spices.
3. Add sugar and sweets.
4. Take rich meals.
5. Use plenty of green vegetables.

No one weight is right for all people of the same heights, sex, and age. Ideal weight depends in large measure on bone structure. Some people are short and stocky while others are tall and slender. Some have large bones and some have small bones. For safe weight reduction many doctors limit weight loss to a maximum of 1kg or2.2 pounds a week. A man who normally eats about 2500 calories diet worth of food daily can cut 1000 calories from his diet and still get all the proteins, vitamins and minerals he needs.

A woman who normally eats only 2000 calories diet worth of food can spare only 500 to 700 calories each day, which means a somewhat slower weight loss. Reducing however, should be done gradually, working from a 2000 calories diet to a 1000 calories, and should stop at a point when the person Is able to perform his usual work without feeling any weakness or general debility. The following points must be kept in mind.

1. Less food, but not so very much less as to effect health.
2. Avoid too much variety and spices.
3. Avoid sugar and sweets.
4. Use less fat and rich meals.
5. Milk should be taken in moderation.
6. No puddings and pastries.
7. Use plenty of green vegetables but a reduced quantity of rice and chapattis. Avoid root vegetables.

A Healthy Diet seems simple, eat right, exercise, and maintain your weight.

A healthy diet and physical fitness are the key factors to maintaining good health and a healthy lifestyle.

Eating healthy is not always easy, but it is doable. The temptations of “what’s easy to grab and fix” is always right in front of you, whether it’s at the grocery or as you’re driving home past the fast food places.
It’s a matter of going back to the fundamentals of good nutrition. It will take some planning to start, but you can find a healthy diet that fits your lifestyle

To maintain your weight you need to consume about the same amount of calories you burn every day.

If you need to gain weight, you need to consume more calories than you burn.

If you need to lose weight, you need to eat fewer calories than you burn. To lose weight you would need to reduce your daily caloric intake by 300 to 500 calories. However it is not healthy to go under 1,200 calories per day.

1. Only on juices of seasonal fruits and vegetables.
2. On coconut water
3. On seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Fasting as a cure
1. Periodical fasting even when one is healthy ensures the observance of vital economy.
2. Fasting is not starvation. The fear that fasting can weaken the body is baseless.
3. Sensible fasting off and on is the one sure way to keep the digestive system in tone.
4. It improves our ability to digest better and assimilate nutrients properly.
5. For diseases like cancer, total fasting on juices like coconut water would help in radically curing the disease quickly. Partial fasting on fruits and vegetables can be resorted once considerable improvement is seen.

6. Fasting once a week helps in rejuvenation ad conserving the energy that otherwise would have been spent in digesting the foods.
7. Develops a strong will power.
8. Helps in cleansing the body toxins.
9. Helps in controlling weight.
10. Helps in maintaining a feeling of lightness in the body.

Breaking the Fast
A complete fast should be broken with consumption of vegetable or fruit juice. Food should not be taken immediately as real hunger should be allowed to emerge. Food should be consumed slowly not be overburdened by eating too much as it can negate the effects of fasting.

Apple
Key Nutrients: Vitamin C, Iron, Potassium, Sodium, Phosphorus, Calcium, Sulphur.
Benefits : Apples detoxify, help intestinal infections and acidity.

Banana
Key Nutrients: Potassium, Folate, Sodium, Chlorine, Iron, Glucose, Amino Acid.
Benefits : Bananas Detoxify, treat constipation, ulcers enhance immune system.

Orange
Key Nutrients: Vitamin C, Folate, Potassium, Sodium, Citric Acid, Iron Maganese, Calcium.
Benefits: Orange improves weak digestion, immunity.

Papaya
Key Nutrients: Vitamin A, E, Silicon, Potassium, Calcium Copper, Folate, Fructose.
Benefits : Papaya improves digestion rids intestinal worms, eases inflammation and constipation.

Watermelon:
Key Nutrients: Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, Iron Sucrose, Vitamin B and E.
Benefits: Watermelon is diuretic, helps weight loss, treats kidney and urinary tract problems.

Pineapple
Key Nutrients: Vitamin B, C and E, Phosphorus, Potassium, Iron, Folate, Sucrose.
Benefits: Pineapple is a diuretic, detoxifies, purifies blood, prevents blood clots and increases circulation.

Pomegranate
Key Nutrients: Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Sodium, Vitamin C.
Benefits: Pomegranate aids digestion, destroys intenstinal worms.

Grape
Key Nutrients: Glucose, salicylates, Vitamin B and E, Iron, Potassium, Phosphorus.
Benefits: Grape are a good source of energy. They Purify the blood (useful for anemia, liver malfunctions such as hepatitis and jaundice).

Grapefruit

Key Nutrients: Potassium, Folate, Iron Amino acid, Zinc Vitamin B and C.
Benefits: Grapefruit protects arteries, aids digestion and boosts the immune system.

‘Breakfast like a king, Lunch like a queen and Dinner like a pauper’ holds true for present generation also. A nutritious breakfast refuels the body and replenishes blood sugar (glucose) thereby releasing the energy required to start the day. It improves concentration. Problem-solving skills and eye-hand coordination. A healthy breakfast should include the right amounts of carbohydrates, protein and fibres.

Fibres – Fresh fruits, dry fruits and vegetables
Carbohydrates – Whole-grain cereals and rolls, oatmeal, low fat crackers, brown bread, etc…
Dairy- Skimmed milk, low-fat yogurt and cheese
Protein – Boiled eggs, peanut butter, soy, beans lean meat, and fish
Sugar-based juices and refined flour foods don’t form a healthy breakfast at all

HEALTHY VEGETARIAN BREAKFAST OPTIONS ARE:

Skimmed/Toned Milk Curd/Buttermilk (with mint/curry leaves)/ Milk shakes (banana/Strawberry/etc…) with

1. Vegetable Poha/dalia, Vegetable cutlet ( use raw banana instead of potatoes), Cottage cheese sandwich, Grill tomato sandwich(Use brown bread, Multigrain, whole wheat bread)
2. Sprout salad(with boiled potatoes , onion, tomatoes)
3. Vegetable roll/ wraps (use whole wheat atta)
4. Wheat flakes/ Oat flakes with fresh fruit and few dry fruits.

HEALTHY NON VEGETARIAN BREAKFAST OPTIONS ARE:

Skimmed/Toned Milk Curd/Buttermilk (with mint/curry leaves)/ Milk shakes ( banana/Strawberry/etc..) with
1. Wheat flakes/oat flakes with fresh fruits/dryfruits) porridge/ oats with milk.
2. Boiled egg, poached egg, scrambled egg
3. Fish steamed with herbs, grilled fish with vegetables
4. Chicken(boiled) sandwich, chicken salad with vegetables
5. Fish/Egg sandwich, (use multigrain, whole wheat bread)
6. Have at least one fresh fruit and few dry fruits