Why You Should Eat Almonds Before Bedtime

Why Eat Almonds Before Bed?
Your body is about to go without food for the next 6-8 hours.  If you are on a strict workout program your muscles are in a state of recovery, repair and growth.  Almonds are a calorie dense food packed with Omega 3s and healthy fats that take a significant amount of time to digest.  If you consume almonds about 30  minutes before bedtime along with a healthy shot of casein protein  your body will have a steady supply of nutrients throughout the night which will enhance your growth and recovery and prevent your body from shutting down and becoming catabolic at night.

 What Kind of Almonds Should I Eat?
Almonds are almonds, but the way they are prepared determines what to purchase.  Simply avoid any almonds that are prepared using vegetable oil.  Smoked, roasted or plain almonds are your best bet.

 I don’t like Almonds, Can I Eat Something Else?
If you do not like almonds you can substitute them with:
a) Walnuts
b) Pecans
c) Cashews
d) Brazil Nuts
e) In Conclusion

 It is unfortunate that only 8% of Americans eat nuts regularly as they are loaded with healthy fats, Omega 3s and other nutrients.  Most people shy away from nuts due to the high number of calories and fat that are present in most tree nuts.  A small handful of nuts every day can provide you with protein, fiber, unsaturated fats, and important vitamins and minerals.

 Note: Courtesy Via www.sixpacksmackdown.com & All the images are from google images.

Benefits of Soaked Almonds | Eat 4 to 6 Everyday

The health benefits of eating soaked almonds:
a) Helps in the proper growth of an unborn child’s body.
b) Keeps your digestion in check.
c) Controls high blood pressure.
d) Keeps your heart healthy.
e) Maintains a check on the levels of  ‘bad’ cholesterol.
f) Can help you lose weight.

Health benefits of soaked almonds are almost unlimited. Here, we have put together some of the most important medicinal values of this ‘wonder food’:

 1. Soaked almonds can make your food digestion smoother and faster by facilitating the entire digestive procedure. The external layer of the nut contains certain enzyme inhibitor which, when steeped in water, is released due to the presence of moisture. It activates the seeds, makes them easily digestible and allows people to get the maximum nutrition. Soaked almonds also release the lipid-breaking enzyme ‘lipase’, which works on the fat present in the food and aids in your digestion.
2. These are extremely beneficial for pregnant women. As moisture increases the availability of nutrients present in the nuts, they provide ultimate nourishment and energy to both the would-be-mother as well as the fetus. Furthermore, the folic acid content of almonds makes the delivery of baby trouble-free and helps the newborn stay away from any sort of birth-defect.

 3. Scientists have proved that the intake of 4 to 6 soaked almonds a day can serve the purpose of a brain tonic and boost the functionality of the Central Nervous System (CNS) to a great extent. Being full of essential fats, these can sharpen the memory and improve the intelligence of growing kids significantly.
4. Almonds immersed in water can reduce your cholesterol levels to a great extent. Basically, they are loaded with Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA), which lower the amount of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) or ‘bad cholesterol’ in your bloodstream. The Vitamin E content of the nuts is also helpful in fighting against LDL and raising the level of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) in the body.

 5. By keeping your cholesterol levels under control with soaked almonds, you can maintain the heart health. They are good source of protein, potassium and magnesium, which are necessary for a healthy cardiovascular system. Apart from these, almonds are full of vitamin E which, being an antioxidant vitamin, combats several fatal heart diseases.

 6. Acute hypertension can also be treated by soaked almonds. The low sodium and high potassium content of the nuts can prevent your blood pressure from escalating. In addition, magnesium and folic acid present in the seeds are helpful in lowering the chances of artery congestion.
7. Soaked almonds are a wonderful natural remedy for healing diabetes mellitus. They help to keep your blood sugar level under control and stay away from the daises.

 8. There are very few chemical or organic compounds that can promote weight loss like soaked almonds. Being loaded with monounsaturated fat, they satisfy your craving for food and help you shed off additional body weight.

 9. Those who suffer from chronic constipation can also get benefitted by consuming soaked almonds. The nut is full of insoluble fibers, which increase the amount of roughage in your body and help you get rid of the problem.

Note: Courtesy Via www.stylecraze.com & www.thehealthsite.com/, And All the images in this article are downloaded from google images.

Health Benefits Of Eating Guava Fruit

Many of you may have tasted this mouth-watering treat, or have at least seen or heard about it. Guava is very common in Asian countries, but is increasingly available in the western world, particularly as more of its health benefits are revealed. It is a somewhat round or pear-shaped seasonal fruit, and is light green, yellow, or maroon in color on the outside when it is ripe. Guava also has white or maroon flesh and lots of small hard seeds enveloped in very soft, sweet pulp. It is eaten raw (ripe or semi-ripe) or in the form of jams and jellies.

Weight loss:
Guava is very helpful for those who want to lose weight without compromising their intake of proteins, vitamins and fiber.

Eyesight:
Guavas are extremely good sources of vitamin-A, which is well known as a booster for vision health. It can help slow down the appearance of cataracts, macular degeneration, and general health of the eyes.

High Blood Pressure:
Guava helps reduce cholesterol in blood and prevents it from thickening, thereby maintaining fluidity of blood and reducing blood pressure. Studies have shown that food stuffs which lack fiber (such a refined flour) add to blood pressure, due to quick conversion to sugar.

 Cough & Cold: 
Juice of raw and immature guavas or decoction of guava-leaves is very helpful in giving relief in cough and cold by loosening cough, reducing mucus, disinfecting the respiratory tract, throat and lungs and inhibiting microbial activity due to its astringent properties.

Skin care:
Guavas can improve the texture of your skin and help you to avoid skin problems more than even the highest ranked beauty creams or skin toner gels. This is chiefly due to the abundance of astringents in the fruit (more astringent is present in immature guavas) and in its leaves.

Qualities and Benefits Of Psyllium Seed Husks | ( Isabgol, Ispaghol )



The main origin of Isabgol is Persia and from here it is imported into India. Nowadays it is cultivated in India, in the states of Gujarat, U.P, Punjab, and Haryana.For medicinal use its seeds and seed husk are used. Appearance Its plant is one to three inches tall, it is seasonal, does not have trunk and it falls into the category of shrub. There are three leaves at the tip and is undivided, six to nine inches long and resemble wheat plants. We can see small flowers and the boat shaped fruits on the branches. On the seeds we see a white ash like thing, which is called seed husk. When this husk comes in contact with water it becomes a sticky substance, which is odorless and tasteless.

Chemical Combination The seeds contain a large amount of Mucilage and Albumin. Mucilage and cellulose are generally found in the husk of Isabgol.Qualities It is oily and purgative, controls dysentery and loose motions, the husk is strong and helps in proper bowel movement. It is sweet in taste, cool and nutritious. It is sticky, sour, causes vata, pitta and removes phlegm.

Catarrh: In pitta nature its husk is useful if swallowed. Take Isabgol in case of phlegm.

Headache: Grind Isabgol with eucalyptus leaves and apply the paste on the forehead.

Earache: In 10 grams of sticky substance add 10 grams of onion juice heat it, when it’s cool pour it in the ears to relieve pain.

Bad Breath: The bad breath stops when sticky substance is used as mouthwash.

Toothache: Soak it in vinegar and apply it on the tooth.

Asthma: Three to five grams of Isabgol seeds should be taken with hot water in the morning to get relief from asthma, breathing problem.

Diseases related to Stomach:
• During indigestion, diarrhoea, dysentery, 2 spoons of Isabgol husk should be added in curds and taken twice or thrice daily.

• Boil three equal parts of Isabgol in 1 litre of water till it reduces to half, remove from flame and make three equal parts of the mixture and consume thrice daily, this will give relief in dysentery, spasm and Diarrhoea.

• Put fresh seeds in the water, when the husk is formed mix it with sugar and consume, this will give relief in amoebic dysentery, dysentery, diarrhea, loose motions and spasm.

• This can be used regularly for the children suffering from constant diarrhea.

• To get relief from pain or burning sensation in the intestines, 100 grams seeds or the husk should be swallowed with cold water or it can be soaked in the water and swallowed.

• The seeds of Isabgol can be roasted and swallowedto get relief from diarrhoea. Medicinal use

Constipation:
• One to two spoons of Isabgol husk should be consumed with hot milk during night this will be helpful in proper bowel movement.

• Husk of Isabgol and Triphala churna should be taken in equal quantities (three to five grams) with hot water in the night. This will help in free motions. For stomachache and pitta problem this works wonderfully.

• Bleeding piles: If we drink the syrup the bleeding will stop.

• Thirst: Mix the husk in Gudhal squash to quench thirst.

 • Amoebic Spasm: in case of amoebic spasm add 100 grams of Isabgol husk in 50 grams of aniseed and 50 grams of sugar candy consume two to three spoons twice or thrice daily.

Urinary Problem:

• In case of mild or very mild urination or burning sensation while urinating or in urinary bladder take 4 spoons of husk, glassful water, and soak it for a while. Add sugar candy as per the taste and consume it. This will give relief in urination.

• Two grams of Sheethal Mirch, 500 grams of kalmi shora should be swallowed for relief in urination.

• Night pollution: Isabgol and sugar candy should be added in equal quantities and consumed with half glass milk one hour before going to bed to overcome this problem.

Rheumatism: Joint pains, poultice of Isabgol should be tied on the joints. When a glass piece is swallowed: Husk of Isabgol should be consumed with milk twice or thrice daily.

Disadvantages: It is harmful for nerves and hips. The woman should not use this medicine just after delivery. The seeds should not be powdered.

Cure: Sikanj seeds and honey.


Courtesy Via www.remedyspot.com &http://www.healthline.com

30 Minutes Daily Walking Benefits | It Makes You Healthier


It gets you out of the house—and also, as new research reports, out of mental ruts and into terrific physical shape. A step-by-step guide to the simplest fitness plan ever.
There are countless physical activities out there, but walking has the lowest dropout rate of them all! It's the simplest positive change you can make to effectively improve your heart health.
Research has shown that the benefits of walking and moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day can help you:

  1. Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease
  2. Improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels
  3. Improve blood lipid profile
  4. Maintain body weight and lower the risk of obesity
  5. Enhance mental well being
  6. Reduce the risk of osteoporosis
  7. Reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer
  8. Reduce the risk of non-insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes

There really are so many benefits for such a simple activity!

Courtesy Via http://www.realsimple.com & http://www.startwalkingnow.org

Two Reasons You’re Overweight, and It’s NOT What You Think

Food Insecurity
Food insecurity is when people fear for their food. Since the individuals in question don’t have enough money to pay for their needs, they are insecure about their meals. They usually think they wouldn’t have enough food for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This eventually causes them to gain weight. Based on a study, the risk of obesity is higher for families who have low income.
There are parents who disturb the eating patterns of their children, because they fear they wouldn’t be able to afford more food for the family. This happens when mothers or fathers restrict the amount of food they give to their child when he or she is hungry. There are also some occasions where the parents pressure the child to eat more than they should and this usually takes place when the child is still full. Unfortunately, this does not help the children in controlling their hunger and they may not even recognize that they are full already. This is why they overeat and this eventually leads to weight gain.

Stress
Since there may not be enough money in the household, it is easy for everyone to be stressed out. A stressful environment can definitely cause people to overeat and therefore gain more weight rapidly. Unhealthy eating habits become the result of such challenges.

You may think that stress here pertains to just psychological stress, which can include losing a job, getting stuck in traffic, or having a fight with your loved one. Psychological stress is indeed a major reason for overeating, but there are actually problems that cause physiological stress and can also lead to being overweight.

These include the following:

  1. Insomnia or the sleep disorder where sleeping at night is difficult to do
  2. Chronic infections
  3. Environmental toxins
  4. Autoimmune disease

Stress is a huge problem because it does not just affect your weight, but can also cause several health conditions. Stress has the ability to raise your blood sugar levels, which can turn you into a diabetic. Also, it creates a sort of blockage that inhibits glucose to enter your cells. Stress can indeed make you fatter because you get hungrier when you are full of problems and to make yourself feel better, you might want to grab a sugary treat.

Food insecurity and stress don’t just happen to low income families though, especially the second one. Anyone can have a problem with their budget and this can lead to stress. By handling your finances properly, you can manage both money problems and other causes of stress. In the end, you fight a winning battle against weight gain.

Courtesy via http://www.stethnews.com/

Healthy Reasons To Drink Coffee | Benefits of Coffee


Coffee is healthy for your heart.
A landmark Dutch study, which analyzed data from more than 37,000 people over a period of 13 years, found that moderate coffee drinkers (who consumed between two to four cups daily) had a 20 percent lower risk of heart disease as compared to heavy or light coffee drinkers, and nondrinkers.


How it works: There is some evidence that coffee may support heart health by protecting against arterial damage caused by inflammation.

Coffee Can Help You Burn Fat
Did you know that caffeine is found in almost every commercial fat burning supplement?
There’s a good reason for that… caffeine is one of the very few natural substances that have actually been proven to aid fat burning.
Several studies show that caffeine can boost the metabolic rate by 3-11%.
Other studies show that caffeine can specifically increase the burning of fat, by as much as 10% in obese individuals and 29% in lean people.

Coffee may lessen your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
A growing body of research suggests an association between coffee drinking and a reduced risk of diabetes. A 2009 study found that the risk of developing diabetes dropped by 7 percent for each daily cup of coffee. Previous epidemiological studies reported that heavy coffee drinkers (those who regularly drink four or more cups daily) had a 50 percent lower risk of developing diabetes than light drinkers or nondrinkers.

How it works: Scientists believe that coffee may be beneficial in keeping diabetes at bay in several ways:  by helping the body use insulin and protecting insulin-producing cells, enabling effective regulation of blood sugar;  preventing tissue damage; and and battling inflammation, a known risk factor for type 2 diabetes.  One component of coffee known as caffeic acid has been found to be particularly significant in reducing the toxic accumulation of abnormal protein deposits (amyloid fibrils) found in people with type 2 diabetes. Decaffeinated coffee is thought to be as beneficial, or more so, than regular.

Coffee Can Improve Energy Levels and Make You Smarter
Coffee can help people feel less tired and increase energy levels.
This is because it contains a stimulant called caffeine, which is actually the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance in the world.
After you drink coffee, the caffeine is absorbed into the bloodstream. From there, it travels into the brain.
In the brain, caffeine blocks an inhibitory neurotransmitter called Adenosine.
When that happens, the amount of other neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine actually increases, leading to enhanced firing of neurons.
Many controlled trials in humans show that coffee improves various aspects of brain function. This includes memory, mood, vigilance, energy levels, reaction times and general cognitive function.

Data Courtesy Via http://www.onemedical.com & http://authoritynutrition.com

What Are the Benefits of Doing Crunches?

Crunches are exercises that require you to lie on your back, tighten your abdominal muscles and lift your head and shoulders upward. When you perform them properly, they can improve the strength of your abdominals and provide a variety of other benefits. However, when performed improperly, they can trigger pain and/or injury in your lower back.

Strengthening Your Abs
 Crunches are an exercise that target your abdominal muscles. When you perform crunches and exercises such as pushups, side planks and glute bridges, you teach the muscles in this region to work in a coordinated manner. Since most athletic activities require core movements, this coordination can significantly improve your balance during organized sports or exercise, as well as in everyday life.

Additional Benefits
 Regular performance of crunches can help you tone and strengthen the muscles in your abdomen. Since you don’t need any equipment to perform them, crunches are available to you at any time, whether you’re at home, in the gym or on the road. Proper performance of crunches also makes you slow down and pay attention to your exercise technique. In addition, crunches and other core exercises provide an often-overlooked component of a full-fitness program and fit well into your existing aerobic, strength-training and flexibility routines.

Back Pain
 In addition to the muscles at the front and sides of your abdomen, crunches and situps engage muscles called hip flexors, which run from your thighs to the front of your lumbar spine in your lower back. When you repeatedly perform the motions required for a crunch or situp, or perform them with improper form, you can overwork and tighten your hip flexors and produce significant symptoms of lower-back pain. If you develop pain while performing a crunch or situp, you can use side planks, front planks, glute bridges and other core exercises called standing lifts to relieve your symptoms and make crunches unnecessary.

Modified Crunches and Considerations
While traditional crunches and situps help you tone your abdomen and stabilize your core, other exercises typically do a better job of helping you achieve this objective. They include exercise ball crunches, reverse crunches, vertical leg crunches, the captain’s chair and the bicycle maneuver, as well as abdominal hollowing, pelvic lifts and pelvic tilts. Consult a certified fitness instructor to learn how to perform these exercises properly. You can also ask your doctor or a fitness trainer for more information on the benefits of crunches and other core exercises.

This Article Courtesy Via LiveStrong.com