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Amla treats wounds and researchers say that the extracts of amla are useful in easing postoperative and neuropathic pain. If you are going through ulcers, you have to simply dilute the amla juice in half a cup of water and gargle with it.

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Health Benefits Of Eating Amla

Meet the superfruit Amla! To keep you healthiest and the best. You must be knowing it as a sour and bitter tasting fruit that every mother tries to add in some other veggies and make you eat it. Amla is considered the best for better health and immunity. You consume it in any form it will be equally beneficial to you. In India amla is used frequently for the benefits that have been disclosed from generation to generation and we should know the benefits of eating amla.

Get To Know Amla Health Benefits

Helps in the common cold : Amla is one of the richest natural sources of Vitamin C and has excellent immunity boosting and antioxidant properties in it. Consuming amla on a daily basis means consuming Vitamin C which results in better performance of other cells of the immune system. So if you are having a cold do consume the amla juice, benefits the immunity and helps you recover fast.

Help Lower the Cholesterol levels : If you are having bad cholesterol and keeping it on good levels is difficult for you then eating amla can be beneficial for you to level your cholesterol and for healthy circulation with overall cardiovascular health.

Weight Loss :  Amla has a property of high-fat burning and it is shown in various studies that including amla in your diet can help you with weight loss. It accelerates metabolism, reduces fat deposits, and improves protein synthesis. It is also useful for controlling obesity in people, especially those suffering from diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular problems.

Improve in Digestion : The fruit is fibrous and the fiber content in it reduces the problem of constipation and other digestive discomforts. It is a favored digestion fruit as it increases the action of gastric juice from the food decomposition which is also useful to relieve any stomach heaviness or gas issue.

Anti-inflammatory Properties : The effectiveness of Amla extract for arthritis, joint pain, hay fever, and osteoporosis is very high. The benefits of eating amla are capable at reducing the expression of proinflammatory cells such as cytokines, cox, and other mediators that are present in chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, among others

Helps in Supporting healthy blood glucose : As amla helps in metabolism it promotes the uptake of glucose and helps in maintaining the level of blood glucose. It protects the pancreatic cells from oxidative damage and reduces oxidative stress. Amla also helps in insulin release and preventing post meal sugar spikes.

Support Cancer Treatment : Consumption of Amla does not induce apoptosis but they do can be helpful in stopping the tumor growth rate. Amla has an antitumor effect in it with certain cancers like colon or lung cancer and the extract of this fruit can help induce apoptosis of cancer cells without affecting other healthy body cells.

Amla Health Benefits On The Skin

Amla removes the impurities from the skin and deeply cleanses and purifies the skin which provides luminosity to the face. It is a great astringent power. Amla can be used by all skin types especially for the ones who are suffering from dull or devitalized skin. Amla is considered a great regenerator of skin which helps in fighting against the signs of aging.

Read Also: Amla for Diabetes: Manage Blood Sugar Naturally with Amla

Benefits Of Eating Amla For Hair Growth

Amla helps in stimulating the roots of the hair and strengthens them. The antioxidant power in it combats premature graying and slows down the hair fall. Amla also leaves a conditioning effect that provides softness and shines to the hair while improving its texture of it. It also helps prevent split ends.

Read Also: Triphala Churna Benefits And Its Healing Properties

Amla Juice Benefits

Amla juice is not only delicious but also versatile. It is highly nutritious and associates with various health benefits. 

Here we sharing a few amla juice benefits.

Regular consumption of amla juice reduced cholesterol levels. 

It helps in managing diabetes and respiratory ailments like asthma.

Amla juice helps in clearing the digestive system and strengthens it.

It flushes out toxins from the body.

Alma juice helps in supporting liver function.

Amla juice is rich in iron, calcium, and phosphorous which can be a complete nutritional drink in itself.

The amino acid and protein that is present in amla helps in hair growth, tackles hair fall, and strengthens the roots.

Intake of Amla Juice

Amla juice should be taken first thing in the morning for best results. Have a small portion of 20 to 30 ml of amla juice and dilute it in a glass of water. You can even choose to mix it with lemon juice and honey in it to enhance the palatability. Amla juice if taken right before sleeping can be a great deal; as it helps in detoxifying the ill effects of junk food.

Read Also: Ministry Of AYUSH Ayurveda’s Immunity-Boosting Measures & Guidelines

 Benefits Of Eating Amla

Improves eyesight :  Amla is a good source of fruit that helps in improving vision. The daily consumption of amla can be healthy for your eyes as amla can reduce the cataract problem, itching, or watering of eyes. It is rich in Vitamin A that lowers the risk of age related macular degeneration. 

Helps build immunity : Amla’s antibacterial and astringent properties boost one’s immune system. Health problems including cancer are caused by oxidative damage and they leave behind harmful by-products called free radicals and here amla can help in protecting the cell.

Manages Chronic conditions : Amla juice is loaded with chromium which helps in reducing a bad cholesterol level. It also helps stimulate insulin production, which reduces the blood glucose level of diabetics. Having amla juice every day early in the morning or whenever you feel that your blood pressure is raised will help you in keeping the level of your blood pressure in control.

Pain relief : Arthritis, joint aches, or painful mouth ulcers whatever the pain is the amla can provide relief owing to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Amla treats wounds and researchers say that the extracts of amla are useful in easing postoperative and neuropathic pain. If you are going through ulcers, you have to simply dilute the amla juice in half a cup of water and gargle with it.

Amla treats wounds and researchers say that the extracts of amla are useful in easing postoperative and neuropathic pain. If you are going through ulcers, you have to simply dilute the amla juice in half a cup of water and gargle with it.

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4 Easy Yoga Asana for Lungs Cleaning: Detox Your Respiratory System with These Easy Poses

Lungs are the largest organ in the body and they detoxify us with every breath that we take. Yes, this is truly yoga poses. They are tasked with absorbing oxygen from the environment and pass it on to our organs to create energy. They also absorb carbon dioxide from our body and exhale it out into the environment. Talk about live detox! But in doing so, lungs also become susceptible to various harmful elements present in the air. Apart from that, if you are an active or passive smoker, you can accumulate harmful particles in your lungs. Well, these days, you don’t even have to be a smoker to do something about cleansing your lungs. If you are living in a city with low air quality index, you are definitely exposing and gathering harmful particles in your lungs. Though for smokers, the best thing to do is to give up smoking. You on the other hand can still do yoga for lungs cleaning. Also, did you know that on an everyday basis we only use 40% capacity of our lungs? Yes, you read it right! We can increase the capacity of our lungs to absorb oxygen.

Here is our list of easy yoga asanas that you can do on daily basis to clean your lungs and increase your breathing capacity. Do these exercises for two minutes each day and notice the difference!

Different types of yoga poses

1. Anulom-Vilom Yoga Poses

Source: Healthline

Practice these yoga postures: One of the easiest exercises that you can do anytime, anywhere; anulom-vilom is a specific controlled breathing exercise with many benefits!

Benefits of Anulom-Vilom Yoga Asana:

It helps in relieving stress and anxiety

It helps you gain patience and focus

it has a positive effect on your cardiovascular system

it helps in lowering the blood pressure

30-minute daily practice of anulom-vilom can help with sinusitis as well

Increases the endurance and capacity of lungs

Also Read: Natural Remedies to Manage Anxiety

Steps to do Anulom-Vilom Yoga Asana:

Find a quiet spot in or around your house and sit in an upright position.

Keep your spine upright and place your left hand on your knee.

Bring your right hand into Vishnu-Mudra: Curl your middle and index finger into the palm and keep the rest of the fingers pointing outward.

Now, using your finger or the thumb, close your right nostril and inhale from the left nostril. Once you have taken a deep breath, close both the nostrils and retain the breath for a few seconds. Then keeping your left nostril closed, exhale from your right nostril.

Perform step 4 while inhaling from the right nostril and exhaling from the left one.

Keep repeating these steps 10-15 times or up to 2 minutes a minimum every day.

2. Kapalbhati Yoga Poses

Source: Yogapedia.com

Another controlled yoga for lungs cleaning, this yoga asanas has numerous benefits for your respiratory system. It oxygenates the ‘dead’ space in your lungs. Now, what does that even mean? When we breathe normally, some oxygen stays at the bottom of the lungs. Why does that happen? Because lungs are a sponge-like structure, and if you are not breathing properly and effectively, they can retain oxygen with other harmful particles. The forced movement of Kapalbhati catapult the stale oxygen and particles from the lungs and thus, in a way, increase your capacity to absorb more oxygen.

Benefits of Kapalbhati Yoga Asana:

The strong abdominal movement of Kapalbhati helps in improving your digestive system.

It strengthens and tones your lower abdominal muscles.

If you are trying to lose a few kilos from around the waist, Kapalbhati can help you do so.

It improves your concentration and memory.

Also Read : Effective Home Remedies for Smooth Bowel Movement

Steps to do Kapalbhati Yoga Asana:

Sit in a comfortable spot in the meditation position. Place your hands on your knees and chin or jnana position.

Now exhale from both the nostrils by forcefully contracting your abdominal muscles.

Inhalation should happen passively while relaxing the abdominal muscles.

Inhale & exhale in quick rhythmic succession for a few minutes every day.

3. Matsyasana Yoga Poses

Source: Stylecraze

Matsyasana, also known as Fish Pose, has been derived from Hindu mythology including Lord Vishnu. As per Vedas, Lord Vishnu was charged with rebalancing the earth which he did by reincarnating himself as a fish and preserved earth by rebalancing the oceans. Thus, Matsyasana is considered to be a way to find resilience and balance in your yoga posture and life. Apart from helping you expand your lungs and increase their capacity, like any other yoga poses, this has innumerous benefits.

Benefits of Matsyasana Yoga Asana:

The curved neck in this asana activates the thyroid gland. This helps in the production and effective usage of the thyroid hormone. Thus, if you have a problem with the thyroid gland, you can start practising this yoga poses.

It helps in strengthening the spinal and back muscles.

Matsyasana is also known as the ‘Destroyer of the Diseases’ as it helps in internal healing. On consistently performing this yoga asanas, you will notice improved digestion, lesser pain during menstruation and elevated mood.

Steps to do Matsyasana Yoga Asana:

Find a quiet and comfortable spot and lie down on your back on the floor.

Tuck the palms of your hands underneath your body.

Now raise your chest while keeping the crown of your head on the ground. Use your elbows to maintain balance.

Stay in this easy yoga position for a few minutes and then return to the yoga position in Step1.

Repeat this process 5-10 times per session.

4. Bhujangasana Yoga Poses

Also known as the Cobra pose, Bhujangasana is an immensely effective yoga poses in yoga for lungs cleaning that will help in detoxing your lungs by opening them.

Benefits of Bhujangasana Yoga Asana:

It strengthens your spinal muscles

It opens up your chest, shoulders and abdomen

Tones your buttocks

Improves menstrual cycle and health of reproductive organs

Steps to do Bhujangasana Yoga Asana:

Find a comfortable spot and lie on your stomach.

Now, putting pressure on your hands, raise your upper half of the body and head while arching your chest forward.

Bend your neck backwards slowly and lookup.

Hold the position for a few seconds.

Repeat the steps 5-10 times per session.

The Bottom Line

Create a routine of performing these asanas for 10 minutes a day and you will see improved lung function. These yoga poses are quite effective in flushing out toxins from your lungs and opening them up to increase their capacity. Since most of these depend on putting pressure on your back and abdominal muscles, if you have pain in the back/neck or any other area, please consult a physician.

Source By: https://www.charakveda.com/yoga-for-lungs-cleaning/

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7 Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits You Must Know

Have you been reading a lot about ACV benefits (Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits) and wondering what the buzz is all about? Well, with the increasing popularity of this very common kitchen staple, you must have a friend or a family member who would insist on taking the apple cider vinegar every day. Earlier, it was used to add flavor to salads, but now it is being used in (apple cider vinegar) ACV for weight loss diets as well as treating common problems like bad mouth odour.

Let’s find out all about this sour and salty concoction.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

It is a type of vinegar that is made from fermented apples and is 5% acidic in nature. As per scientists, all kinds of vinegar have an indefinite shelf life and can be consumed even after they have been in your pantry forever.

There are generally two varieties that you might have come across in the groceries section – the clear, filtered version and the unclear, raw and unfiltered version. You might have seen the filtered version more.

The unfiltered version consists of a cloudy substance that floats in the bottle which is also known as ‘mother’. Don’t worry about the presence of ‘mother’ as it generally settles at the bottom of the bottle and is completely safe to consume as well. Studies showcase that the consumption of the ‘mother’ is beneficial to your health in several ways.

What are Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) benefits?

The benefits of consuming ACV are endless. From helping you reduce weight to fighting inflammation to giving you glowing skin, ACV can do wonders for your health.

Lowers Blood Sugar Levels

ACV has proven to be beneficial in regulating type-2 diabetes, which is caused due to the inability of your body to produce insulin or when insulin resistance is developed. Studies have shown that consumption of apple cider vinegar can promote the production of insulin in the body as well as increase your insulin sensitivity. Type-2 diabetes is also characterized by high blood sugar level. Doctors advise that keeping blood sugar levels in control can be beneficial for overall health as well as reducing your risk of heart-related diseases.

Also Read: How Cinnamon Helps in Controlling High Sugar

Aids Weight Loss

So, the major trend that you must have seen is ACV being used for weight loss or in a weight loss diet. Nutrition-wise speaking, one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar consist of zero fat, zero carbohydrates, zero protein and zero fiber, thus adding absolutely no calories to your diet. Due to its sour taste, it can be used to swap salt/sodium from your diet. You can add it to your salads without the worries of adding any extra calories. This is one of the reasons why ACV is added to weight-loss diets.

Another reason for apple cider vinegar benefits for weight loss is that it makes you feel fuller. When you take ACV before a meal, you already have a feeling of fullness due to which you might eat around 200-300 lesser calories throughout the day.

Also Read: Shed Weight with these 5 Fat Loss Ayurvedic Drinks

Regulates Cholesterol

Due to its high content of antioxidants, regular consumption of ACV can help obese people lower their LDL, also known as the bad cholesterol, and triglycerides in the body.

Helps You Manage Type-2 Diabetes

Studies have revealed that taking two tablespoons of ACV along with a high carbohydrates meal can reduce a sudden spike in blood sugar levels, thus helping you manage diabetes. The apple cider vinegar benefits don’t end there for type-2 diabetes patients. The study also showed that ACV (acetic acid) can also increase your body’s insulin sensitivity.

Cures Yeast Infections

A case study mentioned in the Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine journal mentioned a 32-year old woman who was suffering from tropical yeast infection and none of the treatments were successful. She applied apple cider vinegar topically and was able to get rid of the infection completely. That said, doctors advise you from applying anything on or inside your vagina as it can cause a pH imbalance causing inflammation. Please consult your doctor before trying this home remedy.

Boosts Skin Health

Well, if you are looking to improve your skin, the apple cider vinegar benefits will help! It is known to be beneficial for providing relief from many skin-related diseases.

For people who have Eczema, applying diluted ACV topically on the skin will lead to lesser flares and reduced skin inflammation.

If you are dealing with scalp psoriasis, studies have shown that applying ACV to the affected area can reduce inflammation, help in expedited recovery and cleaning of the scalp. Make sure you apply diluted ACV using cotton balls and not on the areas which might be cracked, cut or bleeding.

Some of the people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis causing pain and inflammation in the joints. Applying diluted ACV to the joints might reduce the inflammation and cause your skin to heal faster.

Quick Home Remedy for Bad Breath

If you have been dealing with the problem of bad breath, using apple cider vinegar can help! All you have to do is mix 2 tablespoons of ACV in a glass of water and swish it around your mouth for 2 minutes, after every major meal. This would help in removing the food that might be stuck in your mouth and also fight the odour producing bacteria.

How to consume Apple Cider Vinegar?

You can easily buy filtered or unfiltered ACV in a bottle from any grocery stores. These are also available in pills and gummies format which can be swallowed or eaten, respectively, as per the instructions. Consult your doctor before using these pills and gummies as the amount of vinegar present in these can be much higher than the daily limit.

While using the ACV in its liquid form, make sure you stay within the daily limit of 15-30mL and not consume it beyond that as it might have certain side effects. Excessive consumption of ACV can lead to erosion of tooth enamel, burns in the oesophagus or maybe some gastrointestinal distress as well.

Also, while applying it topically to your skin, make sure to dilute it before doing so as applying it directly to the skin can cause skin burns.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that the apple cider vinegar benefits are endless but you must consume it within the daily recommended dosage and consult your doctor before including it and its supplements in your diet.

Source By: https://www.charakveda.com/apple-cider-vinegar-benefits/

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Health Benefits of Turmeric: The Magical & Potent Golden Spice of India

Turmeric is truly a golden spice. It might just be the only natural supplement that can help you with almost every problem related to your body. Do you want to boost immunity? Do you want glowing skin? Do you want relief from joint pain? Well, the answer to all of these problems lies with turmeric.

Extensively used in Indian and Asian households for cooking, the benefits of turmeric are now known all over the world. Thanks to moonshine latte being launched in several countries through high-end café chains. But what exactly is moonshine latte? It is just a glass of milk with turmeric in it that we Indians have been drinking at home for ages.

Now, since the world has discovered the health benefits of turmeric, here are the top 10 reasons why you should include this golden spice in your daily diet.

1. Boosts Immunity

Turmeric is known to contain a bio compound called curcumin that boosts the production of infection-fighting T-cells in your body. These T-cells are essential in fighting the alien bacteria and viruses in your body and keeps you healthy. This is exactly the reason many immunity-boosting supplements and ayurvedic tablets have started promoting turmeric or curcumin tablets nowadays. If you do not want to swallow the pills, here’s how to use turmeric to boost immunity:

· Add half tablespoon raw turmeric to a glass of boiling milk.

· Let it boil along with the milk for a few minutes so that it can lose its raw taste.

· Pour into a glass, give it a little stir and drink it before going to bed every night.

2. Provides Relief from Joint Pain

Turmeric is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which means that it can provide relief from joint and muscle pain. When consumed regularly, it helps in building and increasing your body’s threshold to handle the amount of pain. As a long-term pain relief remedy, you can include turmeric as mentioned in the steps above. To get immediate pain relief, follow these steps:

Take one tablespoon turmeric powder and mix water into it to create a thick paste.

Mix one teaspoon camphor powder to it. Blend it well.

Apply this mixture to the affected area and cover it with a cloth.

Apply warm compression on to the affected area.

Repeat this twice a day or as long as it is necessary.

3. Reduces the Signs of Ageing

One of the main causes of the appearance of ageing signs is the increasing amount of free radicals and your body’s decreasing strength to fight them. Curcumin present in turmeric, due to its chemical structure, neutralizes these free radicals that are causing wear and tear of your cells and tissues, thus reducing the signs of ageing. Apart from that, it also boosts the production of antioxidants in your body that increases your own supply of antioxidants naturally.

4. Boosts Brain Function

Earlier it was believed that neurons couldn’t form new connections or multiply in numbers in adults. But new studies have proven that to be a wrong belief. In some of the parts of our brain, neurons have the capability to multiply in numbers and form new connections and synapses. One of the key drivers needed for this phenomenon is BNDF (brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor) hormone. Many brain-related diseases like depression and Alzheimer's are associated with a decrease in this hormone. It is interesting to note that curcumin can boost the production of BDNF and lower the risk of many brain-related diseases. It also helps in improving brain function and can make you smarter.

5. Reduces Risk of Heart Diseases

Most of the heart diseases are associated with the reduced capability of endothelial which is the inner lining of the blood vessels. When this inner lining goes through wear and tear, it decreases its ability to regulate and maintain proper blood pressure, blood clotting and other factors leading to many heart-related diseases. Many studies show that curcumin can help in improving endothelial function. Many studies found the effectiveness of curcumin in equivalence to exercising.

6. Gives You Good Skin

The health benefits of turmeric are not limited to improving many essential functions in the brain. It can give you healthy and glowing skin as well. Due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, there are several benefits of turmeric for the face that can be reaped. It heals your wounds and scars, prevents acne and pimple breakout, detoxifies your skin and gives you a glow. It also manages the sebum secretion and cleanses your pores. Here are some of the DIY turmeric masks that you can try at home.

a) Turmeric Hydrating Skin DIY Mask: Mix half teaspoon lemon juice, 3 tablespoon milk and 1 tablespoon turmeric into a thick paste. Apply it on your face for 20 minutes and clean with tepid water.

b) Turmeric Skin Exfoliation DIY Mask: To create a turmeric face scrub, mix 1 tablespoon turmeric with 3 tablespoon milk and half tablespoon baking soda into a thick paste. Use this as a scrub to cleanse your pores. This mask would prove to you the benefits of turmeric for the face as it uses the goodness of milk and baking soda to create the perfect DIY scrub.

c) Turmeric Acne Fighting DIY Mask: Apply apple cider vinegar to your face evenly using a cotton ball. Now apply a thick mixture of turmeric and honey on your face and let it sit for 20 minutes. Repeat the mask twice a week to get acne and pimple-free skin. If turmeric leaves a yellow stain, use a milk-dipped cotton ball to remove the stains.

To know more about the health benefits of turmeric and many home remedies associated with this golden spice, visit my website here.

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Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease which affects millions of people across the globe. Asthma leads to the inflammation of the respiratory tract, narrowing the airways making it difficult to breathe. With the rapidly changing environment that we live in, increasing levels of pollution have been contributing towards expediting the number of cases as well. Increasing air pollutants are becoming one of the major reasons for triggering asthma attacks.

https://www.charakveda.com/what-foods-to-avoid-for-asthma-patients/

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Covid-19 has changed our lives in ways which are still not discovered but the vaccine isn’t in our sights yet. Coronavirus is a disease for which ‘prevention is better than cure’ seems quite true and taking nutritious diet to boost your immunity is something that you can do to fight against this terrible pandemic.

https://www.charakveda.com/these-immunity-boosting-foods-will-help-you-fight-coronavirus/

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Another Indian superfood – Indian Gooseberry or commonly known as Amla or Amalki, one can argue that it is a powerhouse of nutrients. Rich in Vitamin C, iron and calcium Amla has a host of benefits which makes it a health treasure. Somewhat sweet, bitter and pungent, amla surely is a treat that can be enjoyed in quite many forms.

https://www.charakveda.com/10-reasons-why-you-should-eat-amla-every-day-superfood-for-super-living/

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Internet, laptops, computers were invented to help us do our work faster. But these modern inventions have also forced us into a sedentary lifestyle as we have started spending most of our time sitting while working.

https://www.charakveda.com/ayurvedic-home-remedies-to-reduce-belly-fat/

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This creeper plant has a number of health benefits and is full of nutritious alkaloids and triterpene saponins that aids your cognitive abilities. At the same time Brahmi benefits of hair are innumerable and it revitalizes your hair. The amazing benefits of this herb are as follows:

https://www.charakveda.com/brahmi-benefits-for-hair/

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Want to eat healthy? Here are the tips to kick start your Indian diet plan for weight loss and muscle gain

If you are one of many people who have been struggling with losing weight and have tried many diets, well, an Indian diet plan for weight loss and muscle gain might just be the answer for you.

With crazily uptight work hours and an inactive lifestyle, those kilos can pile on way too quickly. I know because that actually happened to me. As soon as I joined a high salary but very stressful job, it became difficult to eat healthily and stay active. I was running from one meeting to another, eating junk food all the time and went home just to sleep. Even though I was busy, I was inactive physically and eating junk food was definitely not helping.

Even though many people had started noticing the weight that I had put on, I was still okay till my high-paying job kept paying for new clothes, until one day I looked at myself in the mirror and didn’t like the way clothes from my favourite brand looked on me. This had never happened earlier. The clothes that I had loved buying made me feel uncomfortable about my body. Wearing new clothes always boosted my confidence, but today, I just couldn’t ignore the fact that I had gained more than 15kgs over the last 2 years.

This was the moment when I decided to try dieting and exercising. I started putting in hours and hours researching what was best for my body, what to eat and what to avoid, how-to-create a sustainable diet plan that would work for me. Even though there are many diets available, trust me that there is no one-single-diet-that-fits-all. You have to start by taking smaller steps and find the right balance for yourself. Being a vegetarian it was all the more difficult to find an Indian diet plan for weight loss and muscle gain. Everything that I could find had chicken, bacon and eggs and I didn’t want to break my vow to vegetarianism. So, what did I do? I created a list of foods that I could eat and the nutrition it provided. Following this list, I would create my weekly meal plan, search for recipes, create my recipe book and do my grocery shopping accordingly to eat in a healthy manner.

I know all this seems overwhelming but the first step is always the hardest. If you want to do right by yourself, eating healthy is the only way to go. I know you must be thinking, how to take that first step. Well, here I am to help!

Also Read: 5 Fat Loss Ayurvedic Drinks

Your First Step Towards Eating Healthy

STEP 1: Get Yourself Checked For Any Underlying Medical Condition

Before you get on any kind of diet, I suggest you go to your doctor and get yourself checked. This step is taken as a precaution to make sure that there is no underlying condition that might be the root cause of your weight gain. Many Indian women don’t realize that they might have PCOD (Poly-Cystic Ovarian Disorder), hyperthyroidism, diabetes or hormonal imbalance. All of these are fairly common lifestyle diseases these days, but moving on to an Indian diet plan for weight loss and muscle gain might work or might worsen your condition. Thus, get yourself checked to find out if you have any of these. Ask your doctor to help you understand what you can eat and what you’ll have to avoid.

STEP 2: Check Your BMI

Well, if you have gotten the clearance from your health physician, then the only way to say goodbye to those fat pockets is to change your lifestyle and bring in some major changes. Step two comprises of using your height, weight and age to find out your BMI. It would help you understand that based on your age and height what should be your weight. A quick online BMI checker can help you understand your body composition and the number of calories you would require every day to manage or lose your weight. This is an essential step towards creating a diet plan that is right for you.

STEP 3: Start by taking small steps

Step three is all about finding what works for you. When I was a beginner, I started by cutting off things like rice, sugar, salt, junk and processed food, candies and carbonated beverages. Sounds easy, right? Give a few days to your body to adjust to this. With time, you will learn how-to control your cravings and follow the Indian diet plan for weight loss and muscle gain to the tee.

STEP 4: Create a list of foods you love to eat and find out their nutritional value

Make a list of foods you like to eat and what you like to avoid. A low carbohydrate and high protein diet is what you should vouch for. When you include a lower amount of carbohydrates in your diet, your body would be forced to use the already accumulated fats in your body to produce energy. A high protein diet would make you achieve your daily calorie target without including extra fats. But this doesn’t mean that you would avoid eating fats altogether. Remember that there are good fats and then there are bad fats, and including good fats in your diet is always a good idea.

If you want to find out the list of what to eat and what to avoid, check out this article here. It also has a sample menu for you to follow the Indian diet plan for weight loss and muscle gain.

Conclusion

Taking that first step towards eating healthy to lose weight might be hard but it is worth it. When I had gained those extra pounds, it made me feel uncomfortable in the way people looked at me, but since I decided to lose weight and really lost it all, I have been getting nothing but compliments all day long. Honestly, I didn’t do it for anyone. I started to look good for myself and balance the hormones in my body. Find out your reason to stay on track, and I am sure you would love the process.

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Effective Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Back Pain

Do you know what causes the maximum absences from work across the globe? It is back pain, lower back pain to be specific. There is not an adult on this Earth who hasn’t been affected by back pain in his/her life. There is an 84% chance of you developing back pain at least once in your life. A majority of the population has been suffering from chronic back pain ailment, negatively affecting their ability to participate in daily activities. It is not something that you can ignore and let it resolve itself. You have to take steps to make sure to make your back happy. Here are some of the ayurvedic home remedies for back pain you can supplement your medicine course to find a road to a speedy recovery. 1. Garlic Oil Massage Garlic has an active compound called allicin that is known to reduce inflammation and pain. One of the ways to use garlic for backache is as follows: • Take 5-tablespoons of mustard oil and add 10-mashed garlic cloves. • Now heat the mixture on a low flame until you see it turning to a golden brown colour. • Remove the mixture from the stove and let it cool on till it becomes tolerable to be applied directly on the affected area. • Massage gently and let the mixture sit on the affected area till you can feel the heat coming out of it. • Afterwards, take a bath in warm water. 2. Turmeric Paste Turmeric has been used for centuries to relieve pain because of its anti-inflammatory properties. • Mix turmeric with warm water to create a thick paste. • Apply this paste to the affected area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. • Remove it with a washcloth and follow it up with a hot pack. • Applying this mixture reduces inflammation and stiffness. • Another way to use turmeric is by adding crushes garlic cloves and turmeric powder to a glass of warm water and drinking it regularly. The antioxidant properties of turmeric build immunity and garlic reduce inflammation of the joints and muscles, thus reducing pain. 3. Camphor Camphor is a natural analgesic and is used as an active ingredient in many pain-relieving medicines. It can be easily absorbed through the skin and provides a dual hot and cold effect. It cools down the affected area and reduces pain and inflammation following up with a hot sensation that relaxes the muscles and improves blood circulation by interacting with the sensory nerves. • Take a few drops of camphor oil and gently massage the affected area for a few minutes. • You can also add a few drops of coconut oil to the camphor oil to massage the back. 4. Hot & Warm Therapy One of the easiest and probably the quickest back pain treatment at home is using hot and cold therapy. Applying a cold pack on the affected area about two to three times a day followed by a hot pack at least once a day can do wonders for that stiff muscle. Cold compress or cryotherapy makes your muscles go numb with the coldness and reduce inflammation and swelling. The hot pack will relax your muscles, reducing the stiffness and increasing the blood circulation. 5. Spiced Herbal Tea Consuming herbal tea full of spices that are packed with anti-inflammatory agents can help in reducing the inflammation of the muscles relieving you of pain. To prepare spiced herbal tea, follow these steps: • Boil a cup of water in a pan. • Now add five cloves, five peppercorns and one teaspoon of dry ginger powder (saunth) to the boiling water. • Let all the ingredients simmer together for 3-5 minutes. • Sieve the tea and drink it while it is hot. • Drinking this herbal tea regularly can reduce inflammation in muscles and joints. 6. Epsom Salt Known as ‘Sendha Namak’ in Hindi, Epsom Salt is rich in magnesium sulphate and it works its way through your skin to sore muscles. Soaking in warm water with Epsom salt can help in reducing pain and inflammation. You can add a tennis ball to the back and move side to side while taking the bath. This will gently massage your affected area as Epsom salt performs its magic on the sore muscles. 7. Eucalyptus Oil An essential oil that can not only reduce backache but also relaxes your mind is eucal

[charakveda]

10 Proven Health and Medicinal Benefits of Ginger

Ginger or known as adrak in Hindi is one of the most used herbs in Asian culture. You might remember that whenever you suffered from seasonal cold, cough or stomach upset, your mother and grandmother would have prescribed a cup of hot ginger tea for these common problems. Our families have been using ginger in various home remedies for health problem since ages.  Known as Zingiber Officinale, ginger is an ancient herb native to India and China. Indians have been using ginger in various culinary preparations for over four thousand years. But apart from providing flavour to the culinary dishes, there are umpteen medicinal benefits of ginger.

Provides Relief from Cold & Flu

Ginger has been used as a traditional remedy to treat seasonal cold and flu. The antimicrobial properties of ginger help in fighting the viral infection and helps in loosening chest and nasal congestion as well. Drinking a cup of ginger tea can provide quick relief to running nose.

Grate one-inch ginger and add it to one cup of boiling water. Add a pinch of cinnamon, a few drops of lemon and one teaspoon honey to the mixture. This ginger tea would provide relief to sore throat and cold symptoms.

Treats Nausea and Vomiting

It was during the 16th century that ginger caught the attention of a European doctor who suggested that sea soldiers use ginger to get rid of nausea and vomiting caused due to seasickness. Later, many studies proved that ginger is beneficial in treating nausea and vomiting caused due to various reasons like pregnancy-related morning sickness, chemo-therapy related nausea or motion sickness. You can simply consume ginger in whatever form you like.

You can chew and let the ginger juice flow to your stomach r drink a cup of hot ginger tea, be assured to get rid of nausea and vomiting.

Ginger Reduces Menstrual Pain

Menstrual pain is something that ladies have to go through every month. If you have painful menstruation and menstrual cramps have made you resort to your bed, drinking ginger tea can effectively alleviate menstrual pain and help you resume your daily routine.

Treats Indigestion and Chronic Constipation

If you have made the mistake of not emptying your stomach over a stretched period, it can cause severe indigestion and can upset your stomach. While you might be dealing with this pretty painful situation, ginger comes to your aid. A cup of hot and soothing ginger soup can do wonders in case of severe and chronic indigestion. It can trick your stomach into emptying within 20 minutes of consumption. Well, talk about a quick home remedy!

Relieves Muscle Pain

Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties as well. When consumed daily, you can feel the reduction in muscle pain as ginger treat the inflammation inside your body effectively. Consume 2gms of ginger in either a powder or paste form and start seeing the results as early as 2-weeks. It is advisable that you couple this home remedy with easy exercises to see a quick recovery.

Helps in Managing Blood Sugar Level

Recent studies have shown that ginger is packed with anti-diabetic properties. It helps in managing blood sugar levels and is a tonic for people suffering from diabetes. It can stimulate insulin-producing cells and regulate blood sugar. Consuming 2gms of powdered ginger every day can reduce fasting blood sugar by 12% in type-2 diabetics.

Reduces Risks of Heart Diseases

Consuming foods rich in LDL or bad cholesterol has been associated with many heart-related diseases. Ginger is known to reduce the cholesterol levels in your body and reduce any risks of blood clots formations in your circulatory system, thus reducing the risk of any heart diseases.  A study done on 30 people who received a dose of 5gm ginger powder every day saw a reduction int heir cholesterol level by 17% within 3 months.

Improves Brain Function

The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger help in improving the cognitive function of the brain making your focused and sharper every day. It increases your presence of mind and can be called as a preventive agent against Alzheimer's disease.

Health Benefits for Skin

·         A cup of ginger tea helps in reducing wrinkles which are the early signs of ageing.

·         Applying ginger juice to your skin twice or thrice every week can remove extra radical from the skin and provide you with glowing skin. Ginger juice tones your skin and makes softer and younger.

Health Benefits of Ginger for Hair

·         Massaging your hair by mixing a few drops of ginger to hair oil can improve blood circulation in your head and promote hair growth.

·         Ginger juice is also an effective remedy to get rid of dandruff. Its antimicrobial properties help you get rid of the bacteria present on your scalp that causing dandruff.

The Takeaway

Ginger is an ancient root that has been in use in many medicinal preparations. To find out more natural and ayurvedic home remedies for health problems, check out our website.