After an unexpected social visit or shopping spree I can return home in time for lunch with a smile. “How convenient!” my mother would say. In her times, either she had to prepare the lunch for the entire family or cook it after a hurried outing or even better, she would skip the visit! I would just come home and heat up some ready-to eat delicacies and have a sumptuous meal. Recently, I began to think about the effects of this genre of food on health. This made me think. Are they really bad?

Processed Food : An Observation

In the grocery stores out there, we find a whole section dedicated to processed food. Processed foods have been altered from their natural state to increase their shelf life and for ease. This technique evolved and got promoted as a result of urbanisation and resultant hectic life style. In the present scenario, people like me can’t imagine a week without dried noodles or canned fish.

How it changes the whole of life!

It helps people who can’t get fresh food and refrigerate it. You don’t remember seasonal foods anymore. Any food item is made available all around the year by food processing. Food processing also enables the market to have variety. The grocery shops are not going to look nice if food processing is stopped.

The methods of processing include canning, freezing, refrigeration, dehydration and aseptic processing. The use of preservatives like antioxidants and antimicrobials to increase the store life of food is not uncommon. If you believe that consuming processed is totally unhealthy, then you are mistaken.

Not all kinds of food processing are harmful to health. Some food items gain edibility and nutrition after getting processed while some need processing to retain nutrition. Tinned fish and pasteurized milk are instances. Except for those who prefer raw milk, pasteurization kills bacteria and homogenization prevents the fats from separating.

Vegetables do not lose anything when frozen. The minerals and the vitamins remain fresher in them than in the ones available in the market. The vegetables do not reach the market the day when they are picked and by the time they reach the destination they may end up losing their nutritional content. Through processing, provisions like bread and breakfast cereals can be given more minerals and vitamins. In any case, the human body will not retain any unnecessary vitamin or mineral. Sugar, oil, pulses and grains get their edible form through processing. They are again processed in the making of bakery products, dairy products and packed foods.

Dangers of Processed Food

The tendency to consume these kinds of food is ever on the increase. But one has to know that though they fill the stomach and quench hunger they do not give the body and its immune system their regular share. Processed meats amplify the risk of colorectal, kidney and stomach cancer. They are often simply saturated fats and salt with just preservatives and flavouring agents. They do not contain much of protein, minerals or vitamins.

Carcinogen

Doctors relate the reason for the leaping number of cancer patients to processed foods. Carcinogen is a substance that promotes cancer. It seems to be omnipotent by being present in asbestos, radon, certain pesticides, arsenic, tobacco smoke and food stuffs. Foods cooked at high temperatures are susceptible to carcinogen due to certain chemical reactions. In eatables like fried potatoes carcinogen is found in potential amount. Hence the French fry scare!

Acrylamide

Forms of acrylamide present in heat–processed food is another concern. Acrylamide is a chemical used to make polyacrylamide materials which in turn is utilized for the treatment of drinking water. WHO says that acrylamide, if taken in can cause and damage the nervous system. Acrylamide is born in foods when processed in high temperatures especially for long duration. This is seen in higher levels in potato fries while breakfast cereals, biscuits, cookies and snacks and even pop corn. WHO adds on some more alarming information. Acrylamide is also found in home-made food as well. WHO further warns us that food should in no way get overcooked. (I also read that Acrylamide in these proportions is not dangerous! But I I go with WHO)

Preservatives

I am not sure whether they mean when they say ,“no preservatives”.

Some of the food preservatives used are Sodium acetate, Sodium nitrite and Sodium metabisulphite. Taurine, glucuronolactone and caffeine are introduced in energy drinks and fizzies as stimulants. Lalala! Disodium inosate and disodium 5-ribonucleotide do the flavour part. Needless to say that these chemicals and stuff are not going to be very friendly to the body.

Sodium

Processed food (frozen dinners) and soft drinks contain a good amount of sodium. Sodium chloride (salt) is used for preservation of food as it checks moisture and prevents the growth of bacteria.

We should think healthy first. Let’s look for foods that are free from trans-fat, low in sodium and calories and those made of whole grain.

-Aparna K V

Tags: Natural Cures, Ayurvedic Medicine, Herbal Supplements, Kitchen Tips, Natural Remedies

Stress the Stress for a Change!

Frequently we find ourselves saying that we are tensed or stressed out at this or that. The thought of waking up early is stressful, the prospect of a traffic jam makes us nervous and the idea of writing an exam worries us. On the whole, anything in our daily life can offer a significant amount of stress. So let’s relax and think about Stress itself for a while.

Analysing Stress can be interesting.

Stress comes to the scene only when we fail to accept and adapt to a change in a positive way. When we cannot stand up to some physical or psychological stimuli it can be said that we are under Stress. Stress is the result of various circumstances. It can be born out of daily life emotional upheavals in school, work or family or it can turn up due to an emergency in life. At times, Stress can be the by-product of an illness too. It gnaws a person’s ability to face and solve a problem. Stress is a killer of humanity. Nervous people are prone to an ultimate nervous breakdown when they fail to handle stress. In all, it not only affects the individual but also the environment he is in.

How does stress show itself?

Stress can be emotional, mental or physical. The manifestation of stress can be in the form of headache, gas trouble and stomach upset, muscle tension, fatigue or insomnia. Psychological symptoms include loss of temper, loss of enthusiasm, nervousness, difficulty in concentration, depression, anxiety and mood swings.

Stress is impartial and can attack people of any age, sex, class or creed. But it seems to have a soft corner for teens. In teen-agers, Stress can cause depression and bring the idea of suicide.

Identify the Stressors

Something that blows up stress is called a Trigger or a Stressor. This can be external to the body or from within. Events in the daily life, the environmental conditions like noise or heat, behaviour of the people around are called external stressors.

Internal stressors include attitude and thinking like pessimism or perfectionism, a busy and tight lifestyle, lack of sleep and excess intake of caffeine. People also tend to lose interest in sex life, indulge in addictive habits, feel irritable, lose or gain weight or develop pain in different parts of the body.

Stress has a huge network

Stress does not end its job there. It accelerates the process of aging in some. In most of the cases, Stress links the body to many diseases and disorders. The medical conditions caused by Stress cover anxiety disorders, depression, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, certain gastrointestinal diseases and some cancers. Migraine headaches and asthma are also in the network. As a result of being stressed out, we tend to fall sick more often. Mental Stress is able to set off Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a chronic functional disorder in most circumstances or even lead to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a psychiatric illness.

It is also held that the level of snoring is also related to the stress level. The higher the rate of stress level the higher will be the chances of snoring.

Stress it out

It is necessary to hear the Stress alarm at the right time and learn to strain it out. Though Stress is complicated handling it is easy. First deal it at the personal level. Since Stressors are individualized identify them yourself.

· Relax and never fret. Find time for yourself and to please yourself. Keep yourself busy in an unwinding routine including Yoga (Pranayama is great) Meditation and therapies. Listening to music often works. There are music therapies to de-stress the mind and body. Watch TV for sometime, but don’t get addicted!

· Grab some time for yourself in the work place, home or wherever you are in. Find a calm and quiet area and position yourself comfortably. Close your eyes and push away the worries and concentrate on your deep breathing. But do NOT sleep.

· Eat well and sleep tight. Have warm meals at least thrice a day. Include herbs in your diet. Some of the herbs which deal with stress are Ashwagandha , Brahmi and Jatamansi .

· Avoid too much of Caffeine (coffee). It can worsen acidity, gastric problems and sleep disorders.

· Ayurveda recommends at least six hours of sleep every night although the required amount of sleep varies depending on your Dosha . It is said that watching TV just before going to bed interferes with sleep. Use Lavender to aid relaxation and sleep. Add the luxurious lavender oil to a steam or hide a few lavender seeds inside the pillow.

· Learning to adjust, accept and forgive will sooth out anger and ill feelings. Try not to get worked up on arguments. Give in, at times!

· At the same time, never hesitate to set boundary to your work and any stressing factor. Be assertive and voice out your opinions. Saying “yes” always may compromise your health.

· Talk it out with a loved one.

· It is seen that people with a healthy social network often cope up well with Stress. Enjoy comradeship.

· And most importantly, see the lighter side of life too.

-Aparna K V

Tags: Kitchen Tips, Herbal Supplements, Natural Remedies, Ayurvedic Medicine, Natural Cures

How many times did you have to cook without fresh curry leaves or mint?

Did you know that Aloe Vera can prevent hair loss??? Maybe you did. But you could not get pure Aloe Vera juice. Instead you had to go for the costly aloe gels available in the market.

Then why not think of planting them in your own garden, backyard, terrace or patio or even inside your windows??? Or even better, how about a cute little hanging garden?

In the present scenario of booming real estate, gardens or yards are disappearing and diminishing in importance. People are on the look for flats and apartments and the concept of having some soil and nursery of one’s own is nearly extinct.

Let me give a brief insight into the prospect of having a herbal garden within a small area, be it your balcony or indoors. Herbs are hassle free and easy to grow! And they are worth the effort.

About Herbs

Herbs are plants valued for their medicinal properties, flavour or scent. They offer innumerable uses, be it medicinal, culinary or ceremonial. The root, the stem, the bark, the flowers, the seeds, and the fruits of a herb are used along with their leaves.

Herbs can be categorized as annual, perennial, or biennial. Annual plants grow only in one seasaon and will need replanting in each spring. Perennial plants grow for several years and will grow again from the root even when the foliage dies in the fall. Biennial plants grow for two years dying out in the second year.

Herbalism or Botanical Medicine is quite popular in India, China and in Greek and Roman cultures predominantly. In India, the use of herbs is mentioned as early as in Kama Sutra (yet to read). However, herbal remedies are ever growing in popularity in every nook and corner of the world. If not for medicines, some have beautiful flowers and a sweet and tantalising scent that pervades the entire premises.

The Garden Site
It’s quite easy to grow some herbs in your garden. They need good drainage and will grow in neutral to alkaline soil. Some herbs are sun lovers and can be planted in the soil or kept in a pot or container where they can get enough sun. Basil, Chives, Dill, Rosemary, Thyme and the likes enjoy full sun while herbs like mint like only partial sun.

Some plants like those from the mint family and lemon balm may invade their docile companions and kill them. They even throw their off springs out even from a hanging pot. Thus these Invasive Herbs demand a separate container and enjoy a lot of attention to themselves. Some herbs are very small in size and growing in containers will prevent them from getting lost. Aloe Vera also can be in pots or containers. It prefers a dry and sunny climate with a great drainage because 95% of it is water. And the best part is that they need very less of water.

Clay pots with good drainage holes are the preferred containers for herbs. These pots or jars can be easily taken indoors during winter. But remember, plants growing in containers dry out faster than that ones growing in the ground. However, any excess of water can cause the roots to rot!!

Parsley, chives, thyme, coriander, rosemary, and basil are great for a hanging garden. For hanging gardens hanging baskets are available.

Care of the Herbal Garden
The herb garden will need regular watering and weeding depending upon the weather. Different plants will need varying measures of water. Plants in ontainers will need more of watering. Weeds tend to take off the food from the herbs destroying them eventually. They also attract lot many insects.

Prune the herbs once a month to keep them good-looking and healthy. Normally, they do not need any fertilizer and if needed a liquid fertilizier would do the job. For a healthy life, perennial herbs will need to be divided every year or two.

Some Common Herbs for a Home Garden

Aloe Vera
The large number uses of the Aloe plant include the treatment of skin diseases, sun burn, healing of the wounds etc. It is anti-fungal, anti- bacterial and moisturising. If ingested, it can reduce the blood sugar level, obesity, cure digestive diseases, heart burn and so on.

Curry Leaves
Though used a seasoning in Indian cuisine curry leaves are a good source of Vitamin A and Calcium and are beneficial to the skin.

Ginger
For health problems like cough, abdominal problems, vomiting, arthritis and rheumatism ginger serves as a medicine.

Mint Leaves
Mint is an easy to grow perennial herb that brings the images of cold and rejuvenation to the mind. It is great to spice up the palate and fill it with a refreshing aroma. Out of the mint family, peppermint used for headache, irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatism and so on. Menthol in peppermint works well for indigestion.

Neem
A great blood purifier and detoxifier, neem is also a cure for a variety of skin problems.

Rosemary
In cooking it gets along with non-vegetarian dishes and sauces. As herb-oil it has refreshing qualities while it is also said to aid memory and concentration. It is credited with treating wounds, burns, cold, arthritis and rheumatism. A great perennial herb also for ornamental purposes.

Thyme
Fresh Thyme is used in salad dressings, dried leaves in pot pouris and the essential oil in deodorants. It also aids the treatment of ailments like epilepsy to melancholy. It is a perennial herb.

Tulsi
The most common herb found in India, Tulsi or Holy Basil, is a great healer. An annual help, it helps in conditions like fever, cold, sore throat, mouth infections, skin problems, eye disorders, respiratory disorders and even with heart diseases.

Turmeric
Can aid poor vision, increase milk production, cure diabetes, rheumatic pains, cough and skin disorders.
These are great for a small herbal garden and can serve the entire family for a healthy living. Remember, herbs can cure. Have a fragrant little yard, a healthy life and an aromatic cuisine!!!

-Aparna K V

Disclaimer: The statements here are suggestions and we do not offer any medical advice. You should always consult your doctor or any qualified medical practitioner before buying any of our products.

Tags: Kitchen Tips, Natural Cures, Natural Remedies, Ayurvedic Medicine, Herbal Supplements

What is IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome ?

IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is the result of a relation between an anxious mind and a troubled body. This relation is explained by few while it is inexplicable to some others. Most of the people suffer from IBS at some point of their life time. IBS is also referred to as spastic colon, spastic bowel, mucous colitis, spastic colitis, colitis, intestinal neurosis, and functional bowel disease. It is not a disease or an illness but just a functional disorder within the body. In short, it is just a digestive disorder and does not lead to any serious health condition. Though it is chronic or a long-term disorder with some discomfort. As the name suggests Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a group of symptoms related to the sensitive approach of the bowels to food items in combination with the mental situations. Interestingly, many people have IBS and either they do not know about it or keep silent about it.

I was shocked to learn of my aunt’s sudden death. As the day progressed, I grew restless and uneasy and started burping. I was distressed and had no hunger or sleep for a few days. My stomach felt as if it was full and every time I saw food I felt like throwing up. My doctor told me I have IBS. I grew all the more tense not knowing what IBS was.”

IBS is a functional intestinal disorder habitually associated with panic disorder. Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterised by abdominal stress. A stressed mind is assumed to be the cause of IBS though not proven scientifically. Anxiety and tension, however, are the worsening factors of IBS.

Recognize the Symptoms

• Bloating
• Gas and burping
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain and spasms
• Nausea
• Fatigue

The symptoms appear on and off and are usually not constant. The worst thing is that people suffering from IBS can have malnutrition as they do not take sufficient food. Some others tend to eat less of in fear of abdominal pain.

IBS has no ultimate cure. The condition is recurrant and sporadic. But it is not to be worried over because it does not lead to any othe disease or endanger life. It meddles with regular life and causes discomforts in the life pattern. If you are diagnosed of IBS no need to panic. You are lucky that there are ways to improve your situation.

How to improve the condition by yourself?

Forget tension and stress. Relaxation is the best way to keep IBS at bay. Some people have found positive results with meditation and breathing techniques. Get adequate sleep and approach a counselor in case of emotional problems.

Normally, the treatment of IBS would differ from person to person as the combination of symptoms varies. It is good to be aware of your general constitution so that you can avoid the food which is not comfortable for you. Avoiding animal fat, sweets and fried items often help. It is wise to stay away from cold and carbonated drinks, caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. Nuts, eggs, dairy products etc. are some of the bowel irritants which are not recommended in this condition. Lower the intake of food that is difficult to digest and reduce any gas-triggering food stuff. Drink lots of water and increase the fibre content in your daily diet.

IBS is yet another disorder found more in women than in men. There are many who find relief through peppermint or ginger while some others rely on various kinds of psychotherapies or music therapies. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor if your emotional conflict worsens because it can aggravate your IBS too.

Tags: Natural Remedies, Ayurvedic Medicine, Natural Cures, Herbal Supplements, Kitchen Tips