Nature’s blessings in honey

The most precious moment in anyone’s life is when she/he hears the first cry of their newborn. A myriad of feelings in form of joy, excitement, responsibility and perhaps even fear enroll the emotions of the new born parents too. It is truly said that child gives birth to a mother. Such a pious and auspicious occasion is marked by a tradition in India…an ancient tradition which is carried forward since decades together. The grandparents or the elder most member of the family puts some honey on the tongue of the new baby as a symbol of health and good fortune. This precious substance has many advantages which enable it to take the form of nature’s blessings.

What is honey?

Honey is formed by honey bees when they rest and suck nectar from the pollen of flowers. It is a natural process where by metabolic processes of the honey bee, honey is formed. It is stored in the bee hives and these are generally broken to extract honey. Since it is a natural product obtained primarily from pollen, it gives rise to anti allergic properties to protect people from pollen allergies.

Honey is a sweet substance and perhaps this is the reason why it easily fits in the daily regimen of most people as a healthy substitute to sugar. In fact almost 70% households in U.S use honey in some form or the other on account of its taste or health benefits. Chemically it is composed of glucose and fructose which are natural mono saccharides easily digested and absorbed in the blood , better and faster than sucrose present in sugar. In fact it is much better for high risk diabetics as metabolism of mono saccharides is faster.

In addition there are several enzymes and hormones present from the bee which secretes the honey making it more adaptable to the human system. A number of vitamins and minerals in form of calcium, zinc, manganese, sodium, potassium, sulfur, chlorine, iron , phosphate, vitamin B1,B2, B3, B5, B6 along with vitamin C make this product efficient in restoring normal health of the body. Since most of these micro nutrients are required in trace amounts within the body, honey suffices the need which is left unmet in most cases, specially in vegetarians.

Some health benefits of honey are listed below:

1. Antiseptic

Honey contains antimicrobial agents, which prevents infections by killing the bacteria in and around your wounds. When using honey it may help to heat it up before putting it on your wound.

1. Moisturizer

Honey may also be good for your skin. It has the ability to attract water. It is also safe for sensitive skin. You can use it as a moisturizing mask for your skin as well as your hair.

1. Source of energy

Energy is released fastest by mono saccharides once they are rapidly absorbed in blood stream. Since both glucose and fructose are supplied by honey, it relieves fatigue and energizes the mind and body.

1. Anti plaque
   

Honey stops the growth of dental plaque bacteria and reduces the amount of acid produced, which stops the bacteria from producing dextran (a component of dental plaque).

1. Anti inflammatory
   

It is used to relieve sore throat pain. Pour a teaspoon of honey into a large serving spoon and then top off the spoon with lemon juice. Swallow the concoction (without water) every few hours until symptoms clear up. Some people add a pinch of black or red pepper to increase blood circulation to the throat.]

1. Relaxant

Honey is a carbohydrate and will increase the level of tryptophan-an amino acid that is used in the production of serotonin-, which is a neurotransmitter in the brain that will induce a sense of calm and drowsiness. That is why some people drink a cup of water with a spoonful of honey before sleep

1. Honey may also be effective in the treatment of your ulcers. In Europe, honey has been used internally to help cure ulcers, particularly stomach ulcers.
2. In treating diarrhea, honey promotes the re hydration of the body and more quickly clears up the diarrhea and any vomiting and stomach upsets

So, next time when you want to take care of your health ask for honey tea and not sugar less tea. Perhaps this sweet is more beneficial !

Bananas claim the title of the world’s best-selling fruit and are more popular around the world than apples and oranges. Though we say “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” a banana is a healthier fruit than an apple. Bananas are available in India in many sizes and colors. In south India, you start a diet of bananas as early as infancy. Babies receive the first solid-food with banana as the primary ingredient. It grows along with you to become a snack and to become a major part in your old age frugal diet.  In America, it is estimated that in a year at least twenty-five pounds of bananas are consumed by a single person. The yellow Cavendish banana is the most favored one in America.

There are over four hundred varieties of banana. Bananas grow in bulk not on a  tree but on a large plant which is known as a plantain. And the best part is that one can find use for each and every part of a plantain.

Banana would stand for instant energy. Even if you skip a meal, having a banana can meet your nutritional requirements. It is rich in iron and potassium while being low in salt. A banana would consist of 4 times the proteins, twice the carbohydrates,3 times the phosphorous,5 times vitamin A than an apple. It also has vitamin B6 and B12, vitamin C and magnesium. Let’s not forget the vital fiber content of bananas too.

Including bananas in your diet can  boost up your brain power, regulate blood pressure, reduce the risk of stroke, cure psychological problems like depression and irritability, while also dealing with weakness and insomnia. By stimulating the production of hemoglobin bananas can also help with anemia. Experts say the banana’s are great mood enhancers and can enliven your bad mood. Bananas can be taken along with your dinner if you have constipation or any intestinal disorders.

If you are very fond of sweets, replace your sweet with a ripe tasty banana and say  thanks to the natural sugar content in banana: glucose, sucrose and fructose. Add ripe bananas to your pudding or your desert or even better have boiled bananas as an evening time snack. Banana chips cannot substitute for a ripe healthy banana but it may very well replace some potato chips.

Bananas are quite convenient as a refreshment during travel as they provide a perfect fill and would not dirty your hands. They are great after a vigorous physical activity as they boost up your spirits as well as your energy. Bananas can be eaten a few times a week as part of a healthy diet. But it is best to avoid them if you are diabetic or fat.

-Aparna K V

We all know that we are composed of 70% water. The body tissues, cells and reactions carried out within the body are all a failure in absence of water. But this is not a store which can be utilized for ever. There are continuous losses of water from our body. Water is lost in the air exhaled, through sweat on the soles of the feet and other skin areas, tears, and urine, the biggest loss of all. Collectively, this loss could be upto 2 litres every day. In addition to this loss there is a utilization of water in various chemical reactions.

So if we do not replenish enough amount of water back into the body, what would be the result? Dehydration. This is a very crucial problem which could even be life threatening. Shrinkage of body mass, malfunctioning of organ systems, reduced blood volume and cell death are some resultants. Hence it is of utmost importance to resupply 2.5 liters of water every day back to our bodies. This can be done in form of fresh fruits, vegetables, beverages, soft drinks, juices and not to forget pure water at its best. The water content of these sources varies but nothing matches pure water supply. We do take in salts and nutrients in our day to day life but what we are not able to catch on is the water supply. To take more and more plain water is the best idea though you don’t have to cut down upon your regular beverages and drinks.

Water can be available in two types. Mineral water and spring water. Both are reasonably good sources but the purity and assurance against contamination is more for mineral water. However, if you don’t have a choice of any water, your tap water can be boiled to eradicate the impurities. A generous supply of 8-0 glasses a day is a must. Unavailability of water or forgetfulness is not an excuse to compromise your health for long.

Another astonishing fact is that our thirst is not a reliable indicator of dehydration of water needed by the body. A chronically dehydrated patient who has not been drinking enough water for years together develops a faulty reflex and even when he is dehydrated which is always the case, his reflex doesn’t prompt him to drink more water as the body is used to the insufficient water supply. Try this. Drink sumptuous 8-10 glasses of water for a day or two and then on the third day you would be reminded every hour for water by stimulating your thirst.

Some serious illnesses like asthma, hypertension, high cholesterol levels are the resulted in chronic dehydrated patients. Since water also cushions the joints and ligaments by forming a jelly matrix, in its absence there is a greater risk to develop weak bones. Arthritis, spondyloslysis and other such illnesses are thus caused and the misfortune is that we don’t even recognize the fact behind all these happenings which seem irrational to us.

The first ills of dehydration is a pain signal when histamine is released from mast cells to combat the lack of water. But in most cases this becomes subdued and negligible if a corrective action of proper water supply is not provided. Most of us who drink water religiously would experience this subtle pain in our throat if our throat is under a drought. But do the scanty drinkers experience it, No.

So help your body perform well by drinking more water. You would be helping yourselves as
• All your cells, even the most remote among them would be oxygenated.
• Toxins would be excreted well from the body and nutrients would be supplied to each part.
• Vital body reactions in metabolism, immunity and other functional areas would be carried out efficaciously as water is a good solvent.
• Nerve signals would be prompt.
• The circulatory system would be in a bloom giving a pinker tone to the skin.
• The joints and ligaments would be well cushioned.

You can use the following guidelines to improve your water supply.

1. Start your day with a glass full of water.
2. Keep a jar of water handy when you work at your desk so that you can have water periodically.
3. Whenever you travel, carry water with you.

Good Health to all… !