Foods to Avoid During Ramadan

Take Healthy Food for Best Performance

Recommended Foods to Eat During the Holy Month of Ramadan

During the month of Ramadan, please avoid the following foods & take their replacements to ensure healthy & enjoyable life with all blessing of Ramadan.

Foods to avoid	Replacement /         Healthy alternative foods
Deep-fried foods, e.g. pakoras, samosas, fried dumplings	Whole grains, e.g. chickpeas (plain, or with potato in yogurt with different Indian spices), samosas baked instead of fried, and boiled dumplings
High-sugar/high-fat foods, e.g. Indian sweets such as Ghulab Jamun, Rasgulla, Balushahi, Baklawa	Milk-based sweets and puddings, e.g. Rasmalai, Barfee
High-fat cooked foods, e.g. parathas, oily curries, greasy pastries	Alternate with chapattis made without oil, and baked or grilled meat and chicken.
Cooking methods to avoid	Replacement / Alternative methods
Deep frying	Shallow frying – usually there is very little difference in taste
Frying	Grilling or baking is healthier and helps retain the taste and original flavor of the food, especially chicken and fish
Curries with excessive oil	Start with measuring the oil used in curry and try to bring the oil content down gradually, e.g. reducing five tablespoons to four. This is a good way of reducing oil without noticing much difference in the taste. A useful tip is to use more onions and tomatoes in the bulk of the curry

Further suggestions:-

Drink sufficient water between Iftar and sleep to avoid dehydration.

Avoid spicy foods.

Consume sufficient vegetables at meals. Eat fruits at the end of the meal.

Avoid intake of high sugar (table sugar, sucrose) foods through sweets or other forms.

Normal or overweight people should not gain weight. For overweight people Ramadan is an excellent opportunity to lose weight. Underweight or marginally normal weight people are discouraged from losing weight. Analyzing a diet's energy and nutritional component, using food composition tables or computer software, will be useful in planning an appropriate diet.

Avoid caffeine drinks. Caffeine is a diuretic.

It is recommended that everyone engage in some kind of light exercise, such as stretching or walking. It's important to follow good time management practices for prayer and other religious activities, sleep, studies, job, and physical activities or exercise.

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Healthy Diet During Ramadan

Health Tips For Ramadan

Intake of a balanced diet is critical to maintain good health, sustain an active lifestyle and attain the full benefits of Ramadan.

Fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan can be good for one's health and personal development. Ramadan fasting is not just about disciplining the body to restrain from eating food and drinking water from predawn until sunset. The eyes, the ears, the tongue, and even the private parts are equally obligated to be restrained if a Muslim wants to gain the total rewards of fasting. Ramadan is also about restraining anger, doing good deeds, exercising personal discipline, and preparing oneself to serve as a good Muslim and a good person during and after Ramadan.

In Ramadan, the health problems can emerge as a result of excess food intake, foods that make the diet unbalanced and insufficient sleep. Ultimately also, such a lifestyle contradicts the essential requirements and spirit of Ramadan.

During Ramadan you need to put extra effort into including foods from all five food groups to ensure variety and a well-balanced diet. These foods include:

Breads, cereals and other grain products

Fruit and vegetables

Milk, cheese and yogurt

Meat, fish and poultry

Fats and sugars (these contain very little nutrients and are high in calories and therefore their intake should be limited).

The most commonly consumed foods by Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) were milk, dates, lamb/mutton and oats. Healthy foods mentioned in the Holy Qur’an are fruit and vegetables, such as olives, onions, cucumber, figs, dates, grapes as well as pulses such as lentils.

Complex carbohydrates are foods that will help release energy slowly during the long hours of fasting and are found in grains and seeds like barley, wheat, oats, millets, semolina, beans, lentils, whole meal flour and basmati rice. Look out for foods labeled Low G.I.

Fibre-rich foods are also digested slowly and include bran, cereals, whole wheat, grains and seeds, potatoes with skin, vegetables such as green beans and almost all fruit, including apricots, prunes and figs.

Foods to avoid are the heavily processed and fast-burning foods that contain refined carbohydrates such as sugar and white flour or fatty food like cakes, biscuits, chocolates and sweets. It may also be worth avoiding the caffeine content in drinks such as tea, coffee and cola (caffeine is a diuretic and stimulates faster water loss through urination).

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Best Foods to Boost Immune System

Health Tips

Five Best Foods to Boost Immune System & Healthy Life

Honey

Daily consumption of honey has been found to strengthen the immune system. Its antioxidant, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties help fight infections from viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

Honey also can improve your digestive system, treat acid reflux, soothe a sore throat, treat a nasty cough, improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity, and heal wounds and scars quickly. Start each day with one teaspoon of honey along with a glass of lukewarm water to enjoy its numerous health benefits.

Garlic

Garlic is one of best immune-boosting foods. It contains powerful antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal properties that help the body ward off and fight infections.

Regular consumption of garlic helps your body fight infections and inflammatory diseases like the common cold, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and multiple sclerosis. It can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and aid in preventing various types of cancer. To stay healthy, eat one or two raw garlic cloves daily.

Green Tea

Green tea is the best drink known to boost the immune system. It introduces a type of flavonoid called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) into the body that helps fight bacteria and prevent viruses from multiplying.

It also has many powerful antioxidants that help protect against viruses, bacteria and other micro-organisms that can cause health problems. Regular consumption of green tea also will help prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke, periodontal disease, and osteoporosis. Enjoy a soothing cup of green tea several times a day. Do not add milk, as it will make the tea less effective for this purpose.

Ginger

This pungent herb has been used for ages to boost the immune system and treat many health problems. Apart from being a strong antioxidant, ginger has antimicrobial, antiseptic, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties.

This herb helps eliminate congestion, ease throat pain, kill cold viruses, combat fever, inhibit pancreatic cancer cell growth, inhibit growth of peptic ulcer disease, promote gastric mobility, decrease chronic pain and lower high cholesterol. Drink one to two cups of ginger tea daily to keep your immune system functioning properly.

Yogurt

To boost your immune system, include yogurt with active cultures in your diet. The strains of ‘good’ bacteria such as Bifidobacterium lactis in yogurt boost the activity of immune system cells to destroy viruses and ‘bad’ bacteria. The friendly bacteria also help the body absorb many essential nutrients.

Eating yogurt on daily basis can reduce the incidence of intestinal infections, fight different types of viral infections, improve digestion, reduce the length of the common cold, and treat dysentery and various types of diarrhea. For maximum benefits, buy yogurt that has “live and active cultures” printed on the label.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes also are an excellent immunity-boosting food. They are full of the antioxidant beta-carotene, which protects against damaging free radicals and improves immune cell function. Plus, they have a high amount of vitamin A, which is required for the normal functioning of the immune system and helps develop resistance to infection.

Sweet potatoes also help regulate blood sugar and lower insulin resistance; combat inflammatory problems like asthma, arthritis, and gout; relieve constipation and prevent colon cancer; protect against emphysema; and prevent strokes and heart attacks. Eat one-half cup of boiled sweet potatoes daily to improve your immune system and stay healthy.

Chicken Soup

A bowl of homemade chicken soup can boost your immune system and increase your chances of beating a viral infection quickly. Chicken soup provides a strong dose of protein, an important nutrient for immune system maintenance.

Plus, it contains B vitamins, calcium, magnesium and zinc, all of which strengthen your immune system. Chicken soup also helps you stay hydrated, which can speed up the healing process if you do get sick. Have chicken soup several times a day when dealing with symptoms of a cold, including a runny nose, nasal congestion and cough.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms have high antioxidant content and are rich in the essential minerals selenium and copper that are important for the immune system. Research has shown that an increase in selenium intake can help improve the immune function.

Mushrooms also nourish and protect the heart and liver and have the ability to help prevent breast and prostate cancer. They are also known to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke. To boost your immune system, opt for shiitake, reishi or maitake mushrooms.

Adding these superfoods to your diet will boost your immune system and help you remain healthy and free of disease.

Oranges

Oranges are rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps boost your immune system. Vitamin C promotes the production of white blood cells, which are key to fighting infections.

Oranges are also a good source of vitamin A, vitamin B9 or folate, and copper that are important for immune functions. Also, they help lower both cholesterol and blood pressure levels. To improve your immune system, drink a glass of fresh orange juice in the morning and one glass later in the day.

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Honey and Cinnamon Heal Cancer

Health Tips of Daar Cheeni & Shehad

Use Honey with Cinnamon to reduce weight, improve digestion & heal cancer

Treating Cancer

Like many other claims, this is unproven scientifically. It may prove helpful in reducing the chances of cancer by eliminating free radicals. Some people have even reported to have treated breast and colon cancers by using honey and cinnamon.

Bloating, Gas and Acid Reflux

It helps protect the stomach wall by coating it. By cleaning the system of bad bacteria, it helps to heal any infection thereby helping to treat symptoms of bloating, gas and acid reflux.

Weight Loss

There is huge anecdotal evidence that honey and cinnamon works to reduce weight. When taken together, the solution burns the fat faster. It also regulates eating habits by eliminating food cravings.

Helping Digestion

It cleanses the colon by eliminating the toxins. It helps promote good bacteria in the colon resulting in better digestion.

Good for Heart

Healthy diet, active lifestyle and moderate exercise are great ways to maintain a healthy heart. Taking a drink of cinnamon and honey on a regular basis can prevent heart diseases by clearing the clogged arteries.

Cholesterol maintain

Regular intake of honey in small amount mixed with ground cinnamon lowers bad cholesterol. It lowers blood pressure and clears the clogs in arteries. Replacing other fat intake with extra virgin olive oil works like a tonic reducing bad cholesterol.

 Treating Excessive Flatulence

There are conflicting reports from users regarding the treatment of flatulence using the cinnamon-honey combination. Some people report increase in wind while others swear by it. Depending upon the individual’s physical health, it may work for some and not for others. Give it a try by eating one tablespoon of honey before each meal and sprinkling one teaspoon of cinnamon on the food to enjoy its perfect taste and reap its true benefits.

Indigestion problems

Sprinkle a small amount of the herb on one teaspoon of honey and eat before meals. It helps digest even the heaviest of meals.

This may be taken either in drink form for internal health benefits or use the paste for external applications. It is simple and easy. Honey and cinnamon can also taking by adding it your fruit juice, smoothie, ice cream, yoghurt, coffee, bread, cereals etc.

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Benefits of Honey with Cinnamon

Amazing Health Tips of Daar Cheeni & Shehad

Use Honey with Cinnamon & Enjoy Happy & Health Life

Treating Arthritis

People report to have significantly improved their conditions in just a few days by drinking the mixture twice a day. For curing arthritis, add a teaspoon of Ceylon cinnamon and a tablespoon of raw or manuka honey. Drink half a glass before breakfast and half before going to bed.

A study was conducted in Copenhagen University in which patients were given honey and cinnamon for treating arthritis. After a week time, it was found that 73 out of 200 patients were relieved of their symptoms. After a month trial, almost all patients were able to walk and work.

Bladder infections

Honey and cinnamon drink is a super anti-bacterial solution for treating bladder infections and bacterial cystitis. The anti-microbial and healing properties of both the ingredients work great to clean the bladder off all the infections.

Treating Gingivitis

Researchers have found Manuka honey effective in fighting against dental plague, itchy gums, infections and bleeding. Apply honey and cinnamon paste to gums every day is an effective treatment for bleeding gums.

Treating Acne and Pimples

Applying the honey and cinnamon paste to acne can rid your skins of the acne and pimple problem. Honey is anti-bacterial and cinnamon is anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. Honey in the paste helps cinnamon stick to skin for longer.

Anti-bacterial paste

Honey possesses anti-bacterial properties. This claim is supported by numerous studies. It fights against external and internal infections. Cinnamon also possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. When combined together, they form a great potion for external infections.

Tooth Decay

This is a bit controversial. Researchers in New York suggested that honey can cause tooth decay. However, it has been suggested by scientists in New Zealand that honey can actually prevent tooth decay on account of its anti-microbial properties. Applying the paste to gums regularly and maintaining oral hygiene treat the infected gums as well as avoid tooth decay.

Mental Alertness

Many people report that honey works great for enhancing memory. When taken with cinnamon, it increases mental alertness and improves memory.

Boosting Energy

Honey is rich in many minerals and vitamins, while cinnamon contains calcium, iron, vitamin c, vitamin K, manganese and fiber. When combined they make a great immune boosting tonic.  Taking honey and cinnamon tea regularly boosts energy levels, physical strength and mental alertness.

Cough remedy

Taking the solution in lukewarm water reduces both dry and phlegmatic cough. It clears the phlegm from the chest and thereby relieving the symptoms of cough.

Insect Bites

Great for itching or pain resulting from insect bites. Take one teaspoon of honey and mix it in two teaspoons of water. Add half a teaspoon of cinnamon and apply it to the affected area. It relives the pain or itching instantly.

Toothache

Mix one teaspoon of cinnamon with 2 tablespoon of honey and apply to the aching tooth several times a day until the pain disappears.

Bad Breath

Mix an equal amount of honey and cinnamon and add some lukewarm water and stir to mix well. Gargle with the solution first thing in the morning and your breath will stay fresh all day long.

Hair Loss

Mix one tablespoon of honey in equal amount of extra virgin organic olive oil. Add one teaspoon of cinnamon powder to the mixture and stir to make a paste. Apply the paste to the bald areas or patches on your head. Leave it for 15 minutes and then wash with lukewarm water with an herbal shampoo.

Boosting Immunity System

Keep you immune system strong and diseases will not touch you. Both the ingredients are anti-bacterial and anti-viral making the body strong enough to fight and kill harmful bacteria and viruses. Honey also contains vitamins and minerals providing the body with essential nutrients.

 Impotency and Sex Boost

Try it and see the difference! Add one teaspoon of the herb in to 300 ml hot water. Leave it for 15 minutes to cool down. Add one tablespoon of raw, manuka or organic honey. Drink half of it before breakfast and the remaining half before going to bed.

Other Benefits

The above list is by no means exhaustive and people have been using it for several other conditions such as diabetes, leg cramps, general weakness, memory loss, ulcers, wound healing, herpes, anal itching etc.

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Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

Fruit Health Tips of Sweet Potatoes

How to protect cigarette smokers from emphysema

• Sweet potatoes are regarded as one of the healthiest foods to eat due to the presence of vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, fiber, B vitamins, potassium and iron.
• The major benefits of this root vegetable are that it used to protect cigarette smokers from emphysema. This reason behind this is that smoking leads to a deficiency of vitamin A, which is provided when consuming sweet potatoes.
• Due to anti-inflammatory properties, sweet potatoes make an excellent food for people suffering with arthritis.
• By clearing congestions in the nose, bronchus and lungs, sweet potatoes are effective in providing relief to asthma patients.
• Beta carotene is responsible for the colour of the sweet potato peel, which is useful for curing various types of cancers particularly those of the colon, intestines, prostate, kidneys and other internal organs. Also, this vegetable is necessary for normal vision, proper bone growth, healthy skin and protection of the mucus membranes of the digestive, respiratory and urinary tracts.
• These vegetables with their skin intact has fibre equivalent to half a cup of oatmeal. If you are not a fan of the taste, you can either roast the whole sweet potato or cut into oven fries and consume. Fiber, when combined with magnesium, works as a great facilitator for digestion. Since they contain starch, sweet potatoes are light on the stomach and intestines.
• People suffering from type 2 diabetes are recommended to consume the white-skinned sweet potato due to its ability of improving insulin sensitivity.
• Enriched with potassium, sweet potatoes help in preventing heart attacks and strokes. By maintaining fluid and electrolytic balance of body cells, this nutritious root promotes regular functioning of the heart. Deficiency of potassium leads to muscular cramps and an increased susceptibility to injuries. Therefore, including these root vegetables in your daily diet reduces the risk of injury.
• Apart from being tasty, sweet potatoes contain plenty of complex starch, healthy vitamins, minerals and proteins which are required for individuals who are extremely lean and bony, as these vegetables form excellent sources of energy.
• Antioxidants are found in abundance in sweet potatoes. Vitamins A and C combine together to get rid of cancer-friendly free radicals that damage reactions with DNA.

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Health Benefits of Cardamom

Green Cardamom | Choti Sabz Elaichi ke faide

Nutritional facts of Green Cardamom

• Due to its natural anti-bacterial property, cardamom helps in neutralizing dental bacteria, thereby fighting bad breath and other oral health issues.
• An infusion of cardamom and cinnamon is used for curing pharyngitis, sore throat, uvula relaxation and hoarseness during the infective stage of influenza.
• The high concentration of lanolin acid improves blood circulation in the lungs by the blood thinning action; hence cardamom is beneficial for relieving the symptoms of asthma and bronchitis.
• Sexual dysfunctions, like impotency and premature ejaculation, are successfully treated with cardamom, particularly when consumed with milk and honey.
• Cardamom has been highly effective in treating gastrointestinal problems, like indigestion, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, upset stomachs and flatulence.
• Due to its anti-spasmodic properties, cardamom helps in preventing spasms and convulsions.
• Cardamom stimulates the natural process of detoxification through sweating and urination, thereby purifying the entire body and strengthening the kidneys and urinary system.
• By reducing the air and water elements, cardamom relieves stomach dyspepsia, cures indigestion and soothes the mucus membrane. As such, the gas and heartburn caused by garlic and onion is effectively relieved by cardamom.
• Oral administration of cardamom seeds is known for inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, with rare cases of completely destroying the cells.
• Regular consumption of cardamom treats high cholesterol levels and reduces high blood pressure; thus, lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Inflamed nerves and backaches have been known to be successfully treated with the application of cardamom oil or consuming cardamom seeds.
• Cardamom boosts appetite in anorexic patients, a disorder characterized by excessive weight loss. Consuming cardamom increases hunger pangs, thereby helping in the recovery process.
• It has stimulating effects that secretes various enzymes and hormones, gastric juices, peristaltic motion, circulation and excretion; thereby maintaining proper metabolism.
•  When combined with honey and other spices, cardamom acts as an effective cure for laryngitis and tuberculosis.
• Cardamom acts as a natural health tonic, when taken at bedtime, diluted with milk and honey. Besides, it is effective in preventing memory loss.
• Cardamom, when mixed with banana leaf powder and amla juice, is an excellent diuretic for treating gonorrhea (inflammation of the urethra or vagina), cystitis (inflammation of the urinary bladder), nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys) and burning or infrequent urination.
• Cardamom, when added to tea, gives a pleasant aroma, which serves as an effective remedy for depression.

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