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

Ginger is a spice which has traditional medicinal value. In fact Indian and Chinese civilizations have been taking advantage of ginger since ages. Most of the Indian recipes have ginger in one form or the other. It has long been known as a very healthy food. It has anti-cancer properties and is recognised as healthy by both modern and ancient systems of medicine. Have a read to see why you should start eating more ginger.

What gives Ginger medicinal value?

Ginger is scientifically called Zingiber officinalis and this is a rhizome as discussed in the case of Turmeric earlier. This rhizome has volatile oils and compounds which impart medical properties as well as taste and odor to the rhizome. The aromatic constituents of ginger are zingiberene and bisabolene. The other constituents which give ginger a pungent taste are gingerols and shogaols. These stimulate the digestive system and impart characteristic taste and flavor. These active constituents are in form of phenols and complexes in form of flavanoids which impart their properties.

The other active ingredient in ginger is terpenes and an oleoresin, which is called ginger oil. These active agents are responsible for its antiseptic qualities, lymph-cleansing, circulation-stimulating and mild constipation relief. Research has shown that ginger lowers blood cholesterol by reducing cholesterol absorption in the blood and liver.

Ginger in ayurveda

Ayurveda acts by correcting the energies within the body to suit the environment outside and maintaining this balance. Energies within the body are either hot or cold. When there is excessive heat in the body, the hot energy is provocative and in cases of flu and cough, the cold or cool energies are more dominant. Ginger increases the heat within the body and thus increases the action of the hot energy giving rise to a fruitful balance of energies and correcting the illness.

Medical properties of ginger

1. It helps in improving perspiration, hence is effective in reducing or treating fever.
2. Ginger loosens phlegm and hence is used in the treatment of tough cold. Here it is used as an expectorant.
3. Ginger aids digestion by activating the digestive enzymes.
4. They neutralize stomach acids and hence are effective in digestion.
5. Ginger tones the muscles of the intestine and is thus used in relieving constipation.
6. It reduces inflammation of joints and tissues and hence is used in treatment of arthritis.
7. The circulation increases within the body by consuming ginger.
8. Motion sickness and nausea can be curbed by chewing ginger, swallowing may reduce its effect.
9. Nervousness and sore throats are easily improved by ginger.
10. Ginger has been shown to clean and thin the blood and hence is used as a blood purifier.
11. The ills of LDL or bad cholesterol are curbed by reducing the concentration of LDL.
12. Ginger is also a mood enhancer due the content of cineole , an alcohol.
13. The mouth freshening properties of ginger make it commonly used in tea and after meal refreshers.

As a spice, ground ginger can be quite a valuable substitute when fresh ginger root is not available. But fresh ginger is always preferred, both for its greater health benefits and for its superior taste. Fortunately, in most parts of the United States fresh ginger root is available year round, so finding it shouldn’t be a problem for the majority of shoppers. Ginger may not be the most familiar spice or herb, but it definitely pays to get to know this great root.

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

Healthy and happy looking little ones are a lovely sight. But obesity in those tender years rings an alarm. Children are the future and we look forward to a healthy future, don’t we?

Childhood Obesity-A Global Epidemic

The world is changing. Children do not think or act like children anymore. They are introduced to the rational world quite early and they learn to think, discern and act like adults. Children are changing physically too. The International Journal of Pediatric Obesity observed that at least 46% of the child population in North and South America are going to be overweight by 2010. It is predicted that 25% of Chinese children will be overweight by 2010 while 38% of all children in the European Union are also feared to join the gang. In India, the prevalence of Childhood Obesity has been marked as 22% in 2002. Dr. Anoop Misra, (Director and Dept Head of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Fortis Hospitals, New Delhi) raises his concerns on the rising number of obese Indians. Among Indians, Obesity is often the predecessor of Diabetes, lipid disorders and Heart Diseases. Further, obese children stand the chance of growing up into obese adults.

What is Obesity?

A “complex condition, one with serious social and psychological dimensions, that affects virtually all age and socioeconomic groups and threatens to overwhelm both developed and developing countries”, is what WHO says about obesity. Obesity is not just having a few extra pounds but having a high proportion of body fat. A person is considered obese when his or her weight is 20% or more than the normal weight.

The Risk Factors

1. Hypertension
2. Lipid disorders like Dyslipidemia
3. Heart diseases
4. Some Cancers
5. Stroke
6. Metabolic syndrome especially Hyperinsulinemia
7. Lower chances of recovery especially from cancers
8. Reproductive and gynecological problems in women
9. Fatty liver disease
10. Osteoarthritis
11. Gout
12. Breathing problems in some cases and
13. Sleeping disorders

Reasons for Obesity among Children

Childhood obesity is often the result of an imbalance between the calories taken and the calories burnt. It is highly altered because of the modern life style. Children do not eat, play or participate in activities as before.

1. Poor Food Habits:

Children are introduced and encouraged to have food which were not given to kids a decade ago. Many of them do not get the privilege of home-made food as tiffins. They are free to eat food available in the school or outside. These kinds of food habits deprive children of their required nutrition while earning them those extra calories.

Children by themselves are not aware of the health hazards they are exposed to while doing so. The Indian family represented in the Indian (Hindi) Movie Tara Rum Pum serves as a good example to this.

2. Overeating, Of course!

Among the affluent and the elite section of the society , not only children, but the adults also are exposed to abundance. Many of us do hold obesity as a sign of prosperity.

Jokes apart, the western diet is high in fructose and low in fibre. This diet affects the insulin in the body which in turn acts on the brain leading to overeating. Insulin also suppresses leptin, another hormone that increases physical activity and well-being and reduces appetite.

3. Lack of Physical Activities

Children do not have any compulsory physical activity in schools. People with the habit of sitting for hours on demand of school or work without any regular exercise can gain weight. They need not do any overeating. Some people have the habit of eating while watching TV or during work. The practice of eating when not hungry is another cause for Obesity.

4. Family and Genes !

Obesity can be hereditary. The lifestyle and food habits followed by a particular family can be a contributing factor. But it can be kept in check through diet and exercise.

5. Medical Conditions

Illnesses like neurological problems plays a major role in increasing body weight.

6. Medications

Steroids, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, insulin and certain psychiatric medicines like some antidepressants may cause appetite stimulation and consequent weight gain.

7. E motional Problems and Events Causing Mental Stress

Those with psychological problems like depression or low morale tend to eat more. It is an interesting fact that you tend to eat less or more in response to your emotions. In most of these cases, there are no physiological factors leading to weight loss or weight gain.

Fat people go though a phase of low self-esteem, depression, shame, rejection and isolation. And children facing this kind of social discrimination end up with psychological problems.

Put an End to those Increasing Waistlines

The awareness should be brought on the public level. Children cannot be blamed alone for this as it is the responsibility of the whole society to build up a healthy generation. Parents as well as teachers need to work together for effective remedies. Only a balanced diet with sufficient physical activity can limit obesity among children.

For this, children have to be aware of the health problems they are prone to. Depriving the littles ones from their favorite food stuffs is both insensitive and injudicious. On the other hand, children need to be taught the values of quantity and quality. Parents and teachers share the responsibility of encouraging them for physical activities. Swimming and jogging can be real fun if the whole family gets into it. Parents need to spend some quality time with their children sharing their little joys and worries. A listening parent gives the child the confidence to face the world.

-Aparna K V

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

The Powers of Water - Unraveled…

We know that we can live without food for a while but not water. The most essential thing to sustain life is oxygen and water comes second. On an average an adult human body is made of 55 to 75% water whereas 80% of a human embryo is water. And only fresh water taken daily in the adequate amount can keep one fit and fine. Though water looks simple and naive once it enters the body it works hard to keep it healthy.

Eating habits are associated with our body weight. But in fact, it is not only what eat but also what we drink . Most of the posts on health would say ‘Drink enough water’. What does water do?

Water regulates body temperature, helps with blood circulation , takes the nutrients and oxygen to cells and cleans the body of its waste. Water plays a major role in digestion, in aiding weight loss and even in enhancing beauty!

Water itself is nutrition

Water is the most vital nutrient for good health and yet, we hardly come across the name in this context. WHO, in its detailed report on the nutrients in water acknowledges that drinking water may contain many of the 21 minerals essential to body.

Water keeps the fat off and clears the system

Water is devoid of any calorie in itself. And water helps the body by removing those extra calories which can build up in the body. Drinking water during the meal would avoid the accumulation of calories. It suppresses any excess of appetite and controls the diet. Water also accelerates the metabolism of body by 3%. Studies show that an additional glass of water can check your weight.

Water acts as the medium to move the nutrients, the antibodies and the hormones through the bloodstream. Thus it helps with blood circulation. Finally, it cleans the system by flushing away the unnecessary.

Prevents Dehydration and Water Retention

For the healthy functioning of the body at least 8-12 glasses of water a day is a must. And the quantity ought to be increased during periods of physical activity or hot weather.

Lack of sufficient water can lead to dehydration. As a result, the fat level increases and illnesses like asthma, allergies, migraine, gastritis and hypertension appear. Joint pain, stomach pain and ulcers, back pain, low energy level etc. can also be due to dehydration. The efficiency of the digestive system decreases for want of water and the body starts conserving water (water retention).

Water the Brain

Studies show that dehydration can affect one mentally contributing to mental confusions and disorientation. Water is also essential for nerve impulse conduction, sensory awareness and perceptive thinking. It contrains stress and depression.

Plays its role in Digestion

Plenty of water is needed for proper digestion and a dehydrated body will suffer from constipation. In many cases, heartburn is also due to lack of enough water.

Did you know?

· Water has the duty of moistening our lungs and aids breathing. Deficit of water can thus cause respiratory problems like asthma.

· Water helps in removing toxins and waste products. If the water intake is less kidney stones may develop.

· Water in the body safeguards the joints and tissues from shock and injury. Hence joint pains can be a result of lack of water.

· Urinary tract can be infected due to insufficient water.

· Inadequate intake of water during pregnancy affects the supply of nutrients to the fetus, breast milk production etc.

· Water plays the role of toning the skin and the muscles. Adult acne can be a result of reduced water intake.

Do not replace water with soft drink or juices. The caffeine or sodium present in the former is not body-friendly. Alcohol causes fluid loss and calorie increase as per experts. Hence, water means pure uncontaminated drinking water. However, the concept of mineral water is still arbitrary.

An exception

Certain medical conditions may demand an increased or restricted quantity of water. Therefore, if you have any disorders or ailments it is advised that you consult your doctor before changing the amount of water intake.

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