Quotes(14-08-2014)

“When you blame others, you give up your power to change.”

— Dr. Robert Anthony

“It isn’t where you came from; it’s where you’re going that counts.”

— Ella Fitzgerald

“The trouble with talking too fast is you may say something you haven’t thought of yet.”

— Ann Landers

“You are the only person on earth who can use your ability.”

— Zig Ziglar

“Remember that children, marriages, and flower gardens reflect the kind of care they get.”

— H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

“There are two ways you can get through pain. You can let it destroy you, or you can use it as fuel to drive you: to dream bigger, to work harder.”

— Taylor Swift

“The fastest way to find out if someone is really your friend is to tell them that you’re broke.”

— Linda Poindexter

“You are perfect exactly as you are. With all your flaws and problems, there’s no need to change anything. All you need to change is the thought that you aren’t good enough.”

— J. Cole

“To me, ideas are worth nothing unless executed. They are just a multiplier. Execution is worth millions.”

— Steve Jobs

“Bottom line: if you show a genuine interest in learning about how others became successful, you can open up a world of opportunities.”

— Armstrong Williams

“You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result.”

— Mahatma Gandhi

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”

— Confucius

“I feel that the greatest reward for doing is the opportunity to do more.”

— Jonas Salk

“If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astonish ourselves.”

— Thomas Edison

“People who love each other fully and truly are the happiest people in the world. They may have little, they may have nothing, but they are happy people.Everything depends on how we love one another.”

— Mother Teresa

 

A to Z of youth superfoods

A for Avocado: It contains more potassium (helps lowers blood pressure) than bananas. It is rich in glutathione, which protects the body from toxins, helps neutralise bad fat and is an antioxidant that fights free-radical damage to cells that accompanies ageing.

B for Broccoli: It boosts the immune system and contains more calcium than any other vegetable. It also has properties that fight bone loss and cancer.

C for Carrot: Carrots lower cholesterol and their orange pigment boosts immune function. And they’re really are good for eyesight — the betacarotene in them protects eyes from diseases that occur with ageing.

D for Dark chocolate: This treat is full of antioxidants, which fight cell damage. It’s rich in vitamin B6 and tryptophan, which converts to serotonin, a chemical that helps fight depression.

E for Eggs: The complete food (after breast milk), eggs contain every amino acid the body needs. They’re a rich source of lutein, which protects against macular eye degeneration.

F for Fish: Omega 3 oils found in salmon, tuna, sardines and herrings have blood-thinning properties that protect arteries, lower BP, and may slow damage to your DNA.

G for Garlic: It maintains blood circulation and oxygenated blood helps keen skin, hair and nails strong and healthy.

H for Honey: Organic coldpressed honey (no more than ½ tsp a day) has a healing effect. Heating it robs it of essential vitamins, so don’t put it in hot drinks or cook with it.

I for Iceberg Lettuce: Iceberg lettuce fights harmful free radicals and boosts the immune system because it contains manganese, magnesium, potassium, iron, phosphorus and calcium.

J for Japanese Green Tea: Japanese green tea is full of antiageing antioxidants and contains methylxanthines that boost metabolism, help burn fat, and lowers cholesterol.

K for Kombucha Tea: Fermented and packed with antioxidants, just one cup a day is an inexpensive way of taking all the antioxidants you need to age well.

L for Legume: Sprouted grains, millet, buckwheat, barley and lentils all contain saponin, which can slow the growth of tumours. They are also a good source of protein.

M for Mackerel: Mackerel (bangda) is an inexpensive oily fish high in essential oils, vitamins, minerals and rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.

N for Nuts: The skin of nuts is full of antiageing flavonoids. And all nuts are full of protein, fibre, essential fats, vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, which improves recall.

O for Onion: Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral, onions are full of digestive enzymes that detoxify and boost the immune system. Red onions are by far the best.

P for Parsley: A great inner cleanser, parsley is full of vitamins C, A and some B, as well as iron, calcium and potassium. It’s also a natural diuretic.

Q for Quinoa: This energy-sustaining food that contains all eight essential amino acids; rich in calcium and iron.

R for Red Fruits: Red fruit and veg like raspberries, strawberries, red peppers, red cabbage and red onions are preferable to green varieties as they have powerful antioxidants that can fight heart disease and prostate cancer, minimise stroke risk and degeneration of the eyes.

S for Spinach: Full of antioxidants spinach can help deter stroke, heart disease and high blood pressure. It is among the top 10 super-foods because it contains lutein and zeaxanthin, strong anti-ageing compounds.

T for Tomato: This contains quercetin and the antioxidant lycopene, which is proven to be a super-efficient, freeradical scavenger and preserves mental and physical functions in elderly people.

U for Uncooked Vegetables: Cooking your vegetables can destroy many nutrients. Steaming or boiling in less water preserves nutrients. Eat raw veg as often as you can, and lightly cook at other times.

V for Veggies: Go for deep green, richly red or bright orange and yellow to get the maximum antioxidants and vitamins. They are all high in water content. When you eat water-based food as opposed to drinking water, your body keeps it for longer.

W for Walnuts: A great source of copper, walnuts stop hair turning grey and help it retain its natural colour longer.

X for Xylitol: The natural zero-calorie sweetener around, xylitol doesn’t have the risk factors like artificial sweeteners, and helps to re-mineralise teeth.

Y for Yellow Fruits and Vegetables: Grapefruits, melons, pineapple and lemons have high antioxidant content, helping detoxify the body.

Z for Zucchini: Use zucchini in pasta as a base so you avoid the starchy pasta carbs that cause inflammation and excess weight because of the high sugar content.

 

Top 10 fat-releasing foods

Calcium

You must have heard that calcium helps to strengthen bones and teeth, but you will be amazed to hear that calcium also helps to control hunger pangs. Consumption of dairy products and other calcium rich products have low fat mass in their body and have more control over appetite. Hence, consume more of calcium rich products, if you want to shift your body to a fat burning mode.

Apples

Besides keeping the doctor visits away, consumption of apple everyday also assists in reducing fat cells in the body. The skin of the apple possesses great magical properties towards fulfilling your goal of weight reduction. The presence of pectin limits the absorption of fat by the cells and also releases fat deposits through its water binding property.

Walnuts

Walnuts possess a healthy dose of omega-3 fat alpha-linolenic acid and mono-unsaturated fats. The presence of mono-unsaturated fat helps to burn a large amount of fat and boosts the metabolism at the same time. Just a handful of walnuts are needed to reduce weight in a healthy way. It is also one of the healthiest nuts available.

Beans

Beans are low-fat, low glycemic index and high – fiber and protein. This is the best food for protein intake for vegetarians. Besides, it is the best fat burning food as it provides great a metabolic environment for releasing and metabolizing fatty acids.

Ginger

Ginger possesses many magical properties. It helps to relieve digestive problems, reduces inflammation, increases blood flow and aids muscle recovery. If you are on a weight loss program, include ginger in your diet as it helps to boost calories and fats.

Oatmeal

Include oatmeal in the morning after a workout or after a normal morning walk. Oatmeal is a slow-digesting carb which helps to keep blood sugar and insulin level at its minimum whilst fastening the fat burning process. Due to its slow-digesting carb property it is a must have food for every individual who wants to reduce some pounds.

Green tea

The presence of anti-oxidants EGCG creates a suitable environment for metabolism in healthy people. Besides, it also possesses anti cancer and cholesterol maintenance properties.

Hot peppers

Consuming hot peppers will help to speed up your metabolism by burning fat and calories at a faster rate, albeit for a short duration after meals. The presence of capsaicin helps to provide short-term stimulus to your body by releasing stress hormones. This process helps to boost your metabolism and hence burns calories and fats.

Water

Though it’s not a food, drinking enough water is essential – says Priya. This is the most important element needed by your body. If you don’t drink much water, within minutes you will feel dehydrated. At times we also mistake thirst pangs for hunger pangs and end up eating instead of drinking. Hence, it is essential to drink adequate amounts of water as it is helpful for fat loss.

Eggs

Eggs are one of the best fat burning foods available. The yolk present inside is very essential to burn fat and calories. Presence of dietary cholesterol has very little effect on blood cholesterol levels. Besides, eggs are packed with essential fatty acids and protein, which definitely makes it a great combination for fat burning.

 

Sexual health: Foods for a longer erection

Watermelons, papayas and bananas (rich in potassium) increase blood flow by dilating arterioles (small blood vessels) and thus help in improving an erection.

Nuts, milk and cheese contain zinc, which is good for the male sex hormone testosterone, which in turn is required for an erection.

Also, garlic and onion contain allicin, which helps increase blood flow.

Similarly, dark chocolates contain flavanoids which increase blood flow.

Cherries have been found effective in promoting health by scavenging action against free radicals.

Walnuts which are rich in omega 6 fatty acids and arginine help in the production of nitric oxide, thus causing relaxation of arterioles and increasing the blood flow.

One must note that in some cases, diabetes leads to erectile dysfunction. Therefore, for diabetics, it is important to have control over sugar levels and maintain a healthy diet.

Also, patients who suffer from hypertension face erection problems and should try a low salt diet.

 

6 home remedies to heal cuts

Turmeric powder: With its high antiseptic properties, dabbing a generous amount of turmeric powder on a fresh cut will help stop the oozing of blood and also prevent infections.

Apple Cider Vinegar: With its anti-itching properties, Apple Cider Vinegar is a good option to heal wounds.

Sugar: The excessive intake of sugar may be harmful to your body but the same granulated sugar can actually work wonders on your wound. It absorbs the water present in the wound. Sprinkle it on the affected area, but make sure you clean the wound in the next 15 minutes.

Honey: Honey acts as an antibacterial agent on superficial cuts and wounds. It helps clean the wound, prevent further infection as well as reduce the swelling. According to various studies, burns treated with honey healed, on average, in 11 days, which was four days earlier than burns treated without it.

Aloe vera gel: Easily available at chemists, apply this gel directly on the wound. If there is a plant near by, remove the thorns and cut the leaf vertically in half. Gently rub in the gooey part on the wound.

Tea bags: As a mild astringent, tea bags help heal cuts, bites and sty. Applying it on the wound also helps to stop the blood flow.

 

Benefits of Hugging

1. The nurturing touch of a hug builds trust and a sense of safety. This helps with open and honest communication.

2. Hugs can instantly boost oxytocin levels, which heal feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anger. Holding a hug for an extended time lifts one’s serotonin levels, elevating mood leading to happiness.

3. Hugging boosts self-esteem. Everybody wants to be loved and treated special. The associations of self-worth from our early years are still embedded in our nervous system as adults. The hugs and cuddle we received from our near and dear ones while growing up remain imprinted at a cellular level. Hugs, therefore, connect us to our ability to self love.

4. Hugging relaxes muscles. Hugs release tension in the body. Hugs can take away pain; they soothe aches by increasing circulation into the soft tissues.

5. Hugs balance out the nervous system.

6. Hugs teach us how to give and receive. There is equal value in receiving and being receptive to warmth, as to giving and sharing. Hugs educate us how love flows both ways.

7. Hugs are like meditation and laughter. They teach us to let go and be present in the moment. They encourage us to flow with the energy of life. Hugs get you out of your circular thinking patterns and connect you with your heart and your feelings and your breath.

8. The energy exchange between the people hugging is an investment in the relationship. It encourages empathy and understanding. 

 

Quotes(22-07-2014)

“If you can’t forgive and forget, pick one.”

— Robert Brault

“The secret of happiness is to count your blessings while others are adding up their troubles.”

— William Penn

“The more anger towards the past you carry in your heart, the less capable you are of loving in the present.”

— Barbara De Angelis

“There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.”

— Ella Wheeler Wilcox

“Sometimes we stare so long at a door that is closing that we see too late the one that is open.”

— Alexander Graham Bell

“A good plan is like a road map: It shows the final destination and usually the best way to get there.”

— H. Stanley Judd

“Disappointment to a noble soul is what cold water is to burning metal; it strengthens, tempers, intensifies, but never destroys it.”

— Eliza Tabor

“If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you’ll never enjoy the sunshine.”

— Morris West

“Catch fire today! Make today the day you stop complaining and do something!”

— Steve Harvey

“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.”

— Zig Ziglar

“Nothing great has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside them was superior to circumstances.”

— Bruce Barton

“The naked truth is always better than the best-dressed lie.”

— Ann Landers

 

शायरी(१९-०७-२०१४)

ज़ख्म जब मेरे सीने के भर जाएंगे,
आंसू भी मोती बनकर बिखर जाएंगे,
ये न पूछना किस किस ने दर्द दिया,
वरना कुछ अपनों के भी चेहरे उतर जायेंगे…

तेरा साथ है तो मुझे क्या कमी है,
तेरी हर मुस्कान से मिली मुझे ख़ुशी है,
मुस्कुराते रहना इसी तरह हमेशा,
क्यूंकि तेरी इस मुस्कान में मेरी जान बसी है…

देखते हैं हम आज उस रात की वीरानियाँ,
यारों के संग जहां काटी हमने ज़िन्दगानियाँ…
गुज़र गया वो दौर,बिछड़ गए वो सब दोस्त,
साथ रह गयी तो उन लम्हों की कहानियां…

कुछ लम्हे और तुम्हारे साथ चाहते हैं,
आँखों में थमी वो बरसात चाहते हैं,
जानते हैं की बहुत चाहते हो तुम भी हमें,
मगर तुम्हारी जुबां से सुनना हम ये एक बार चाहते हैं…

लम्हे जुदाई के हमें बेक़रार करते हैं,
हालात मेरे मुझे लाचार करते हैं,
आँखें मेरी पढ़ लो कभी,
हम खुद कैसे कहें की हम तुमसे प्यार करते हैं…

 

शायरी(२८-०६-२०१४)

काश आप जिनको चाहते हों उनसे मुलाक़ात हो जाए,
जुबां से ना सही,आँखों से ही बात हो जाए,
आप का हाथ उनके हाथों में हो,
और रिमझिम सी बरसात हो जाए…

मौसम है बारिश का और याद तुम्हारी आती है,
बारिश के हर क़तरे से आवाज़ तुम्हारी आती है,
बादल जब गरजते हैं तो दिल की धड़कन बढ़ती है,
और दिल की हर धड़कन से आवाज़ तुम्हारी आती है,
जब तेज़ हवाएं चलती हैं,तो जान हमारी जाती है,
मौसम है बारिश का और याद तुम्हारी आती है…

हुकूमत तो हम मरने के बाद भी करेंगे,
लोग पैदल चल रहे होंगे और हम कन्धों पर…

बचपन से यूँ ही रखते रहे दिल साफ़ अपना,
तब पता नहीं था यहां कीमत तो चेहरों की होती है,दिल की नहीं…

उसकी चाहत से इक़रार ना करते,
उसकी क़समों का ऐतबार ना करते,
अगर पता होता की हम सिर्फ मज़ाक हैं उनके लिए,
क़सम से जान दे देते पर उनसे प्यार ना करते…

मोहब्बत क्या है दो लफ़्ज़ों में तुझे बता देता हूँ,
तेरा मजबूर करना,और मेरा मजबूर हो जाना…

तेरी बंदा परवारी से मेरे दिन गुज़र रहे हैं,
ना गिला है दोस्तों का,न शिकायत-ए-ज़माना….

 

Don’t throw the orange peel away

Medicinal Properties of Orange Peels

As per Ayurveda, orange peel is tikta (bitter) and has laghu and ruksha guna. Due to these properties, it effectively pacifies kapha and pitta. It is useful in disease conditions originated from imbalance of these two doshas.

It improves digestion and removes sluggishness in the abdomen. It helps to remove gas, heartburn, vomiting and acidic eructation. It works well in perking up appetite and relieving nausea.

Due to its kapha pacifying properties, orange peel powder helps dissolving phlegam in respiratory systems and alleviate cough, asthama etc.

Beneficiary aspects of orange peels come from its essential oils, which have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Essential oil d-limonene has ability to defuse stomach acids and maintain normal intestinal movements. It also promotes normal liver function.

Studies have shown that orange peel can dissolve cholesterol and triglyceride. That means consumption of orange peel can benefit obese persons who have high cholesterol levels. It has a flavonoid known as hesperidine, which is said to be effective against colon cancer and osteoporosis.

Essential oils from orange peels are sedative in nature so can be used to calm nerves and induce sleep. Use orange peels in baths or simmer in a pot for uplifting your mood and drive away insomnia.

Beauty Properties of Orange Peels

Skin with kapha and pitta imbalance (oily skin) responds well to application of orange peels. It balances the skin oils and makes skin smooth and soft.

Dried orange peel beads act as natural exfoliators and remove dead cells and blackheads gently and naturally, bringing a glow to the skin.

Orange peels help in removing dark spots and blemishes.

Due to its cleansing, anti inflammatory, anti bacterial and antifungal properties, it works well against pus filled pimples and acne.

To remove damp or musky odor from house and fill it with beautiful fragrance, it can be boiled in water with clove or cinnamon.

Orange Peels in Cooking

In cooking, orange zest enhances the taste and flavour of many dishes.

Dried orange peels can absorb humidity from brown sugar

Sweet candies made with orange peel can tickle your taste buds and improve your appetite and the vitamin c in them would protect you from the onset of many ailments