Saturday, December 28, 2013

Have Methi / fenugreek Ladoos in winter and have a best time year round

What is Fenugreek (Hindi:Methi)
Alternate Names
Fenugreek is also known as Methya (in Marathi), menthya (in Kannada), Vendayam (in Tamil), Menthulu (in Telugu), Uluva (in Malayalam) , Uluhaal ( in Sinhalese), Methi ( (In Oriya,Bangla, Punjabi, Urdu and Hindi). In Persian it is Shanbalîleh, and in Arabic its name is Hilbeh.
What is Fenugreek?
Fenugreek belongs to the plant family “Fabaceae”. It is available and used both as a herb (the leaves of the plant) and as spice (the seed). It is cultivated worldwide as a semi-arid crop. It is frequently used in curry and is a very famous Indian leafy vegetable which resembles clover leaves. It has a very light bitter taste (which might require getting used to) and has a spicy taste to it.
How to Prepare Fenugreek Leaves
The fresh leaves undoubtedly have lots of mud and debris in them. Hence cleaning is v essential. Before that, chop off the roots of the leaves.
What is Fenugreek (Hindi:Methi)
Pick the leaves of the stem. Very tender stems can be left in.
What is Fenugreek (Hindi:Methi)
Wash very well in cold water. It might take time but you don’t want mud in your food. Its worth it though.
What is Fenugreek (Hindi:Methi)
Chop it lightly and coarsely. You can now use this in varied recipes.
What is Fenugreek (Hindi:Methi)
These are mostly available in Indian stores. The fresh leaves can be hard to come by in which case try checking the freezer section. Many Indian stores now carry the frozen version of the same. The frozen can be a boon in the sense it cuts out the preparation time (which can be quite time consuming depending in the amount you plan to use). Simply thaw and use it in the recipe.
Different Types and Availibility
Fenugreek is mainly available in 3 forms:
1. Fenugreek leaves
2. Dried Fenugreek leaves (also commonly referred to as Kasuri Methi)
3. Seeds
Almost all Indian stores would definitely carry the dried Fenugreek and the seed since they are essential Indian spices used commonly in the cuisine. The fresh leaves may be hard to come by in which case check for frozen leaves (nowadays quite a common sight in the Indian shops) or substitute with the dried version ( 1/3 rd of the original amount)
What is Fenugreek (Hindi:Methi)
The Fenugreek seeds play a intimate role in so many dishes in the Indian cuisine. Be it from aromatic powders, or simple day to day lentil dishes to the extent of adding a special touch to traditional rice recipes. The seeds can be sprouted and enjoyed in salads, can be seeped in hot water and enjoyed as Tea, so on and so forth,
What is Fenugreek (Hindi:Methi)
Benefits of Fenugreek
The benefits are multitude. The seeds  have been found to contain protein, vitamin C, niacin, potassium, and diosgenin (which is a compound that has properties similar to estrogen). Due to its estrogen-like properties, fenugreek has been found to
- help increase libido and lessen the effect of hot flashes and mood fluctuations that are common symptoms of menopause and PMS.
- to treat arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, improve digestion,
-  maintain a healthy metabolism, increase libido and male potency,
- to cure skin problems (wounds, rashes and boils),
- to treat sore throat, and cure acid reflux.
Fenugreek also has a long history of use for the
- treatment of reproductive disorders,
- to induce labor,
- to treat hormonal disorders,
- to help with breast enlargement, and
- to reduce menstrual pain.
Recent studies have shown that Fenugreek helps lower blood glucose and cholestrol levels, and may be an effective treatment for both type 1 and 2 diabetes. Fenugreek is also being studied for its cardiovascular benefits.
What are the Side Effects of Fenugreek?
It is generally considered safe when used moderately although there have been reports which mention few very minor side effects.
- Nausea
- gastrointestinal discomfort (diarrhea and/or gas)
- Use of fenugreek is not advised if you are pregnant since its known to induce labor. Consult with your doctor.
- If you are consuming any oral medications then it is important to use fenugreek at least 2 hours before or after these drugs since the fiber in Fenugreek has the potential to interfere with the absorption of oral medications due to its mucilaginous fiber (which gives it a moist and sticky texture).
Substitutes for Fenugreek
Dried leaves, either whole or ground are a good substitute for fresh. Replace with half the qty of fresh. If both are not available the one closest would be celery leaves since it also has a slight bitter taste similar to Fenugreek. You can also use chopped watercress leaves. For the seeds, substitute 1 tsp fenugreek seeds with 1 tsp yellow mustard seeds.

Monday, December 16, 2013

Depression will make you old much before time

अक्सर माना जाता है कि डिप्रेशन इंसान को मानसिक और भावनात्मक रूप से कमजोर बना देता है। मगर अब वैज्ञानिकों का कहना है कि इन समस्याओं के साथ ही डिप्रेशन बुढ़ापा भी जल्दी लाता है। नीदरलैंड्स के वैज्ञानिकों ने एक स्टडी में पाया है कि डिप्रेशन के कारण शारीरिक क्षमताओं पर भी बुरा असर पड़ता है और यह सेल्स में एजिंग की प्रक्रिया को तेज कर देता है। जो लोग गंभीर किस्म के डिप्रेशन का शिकार होते हैं, वे बाकी लोगों के मुकाबले जल्दी बूढ़े हो जाते हैं। यह नतीजा 2407 लोगों पर की गई एक स्टडी में निकाला गया।

Testosterone deficiency may be striking early.....TOI

Testosterone deficiency may be striking early

Dipping testosterone threw Vipul Khanna's work and family life out of gear two years ago. "I had problems like tiredness, insomnia and low libido. I even had difficulty in concentrating and remembering things," says Khanna, now 38. Diagnostic tests revealed that his testosterone level had plunged down to below 200; normal range is 400-450. "Immediately, he was put on testosterone shots, to be taken once in 21 days in addition to a B12 supplement, as he was also deficient in this vitamin," says Dr Deepak Chaturvedi, his endocrinologist based in Mumbai. Gradually, his levels became normal. 

Like Khanna, 32-year-old Nishant Srivastava from Allahabad is being treated for low testosterone. He suffers from obesity and type 2 diabetes — risk factors for low testosterone. "He was prescribed T gel and now his symptoms have eased," says Dr Suneet Jha of Max hospital, Delhi, who says the number of younger men with this complaint has swelled in last 2-3 years mostly because of lifestyle reasons — smoking, obesity, stress and lack of sleep. 

Testosterone is dubbed as the sex hormone but it is also responsible for a strong heart and bones, muscle mass, sharp cognition and general well-being. Its deficiency can cause irritability, tiredness and slow cognition. With age, T levels tend to decline. According to a small 2009 study — the only such available right now — done by researchers at Lucknow's King George Medical College, testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) is present in 26.1% of Indian males aged between 40 to 60 years. 

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is the standard treatment for deficiency of this hormone, however, in certain cases it can lead to complications. A major study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in November this year showed a 29% increase in the risk of heart attack in older men, many of who had heart disease, when administered testosterone. Therefore, it is best to take testosterone supplements under medical supervision. 

In India, it seems lifestyle factors are leaving younger men testosterone challenged. Dr Prakash Kothari, well-known sexual health expert based in Mumbai, says that he regularly sees men in their 20s with this condition. Dr Chaturvedi claims that if anyone were to take a random sample of 1,000 men in the age group of 20 to 30 years, almost 10% would have T deficieny. 

Dr SK Wangnoo, a senior endocrinologist with Apollo hospital in Delhi, too, gets 3-4 patients in this age group every day. "The number is much higher than what it was a decade ago. I see many working couples with high levels of stress-induced prolactin," says Dr Wangnoo, who has been treating hormonal disorders for 25 years. Prolactin is a hormone present in both the sexes and its high levels inhibit testosterone. 

Strenuous exercise with no or little rest and extreme dieting too impact hormone levels. The standard treatment in such cases involves testosterone injections, transdermal gels, patches and oral tablets. Dr Kothari says that in certain cases he first puts the patient on a diet of urad dal (rich source of plant-based testosterone). "I advise consumption thrice a week. If the levels don't increase then I prescribe injectibles and gels," he says. 

RISK FACTORS 

Prostate cancer | TRT carries an inherent but low risk of prostate cancer. That's why it is very important to take testosterone medication/supplements only under medical supervision 

Liver damage | Testosterone supplements are often misused to bulk up. This can have adverse effects on the liver. Abuse of T supplements is rampant in India, say doctors. Gym trainers, reportedly, often give supplements sourced from grey market to aspiring bodybuilders 

Cardiac disease | Studies have shown an increased risk of heart attack in older men who are on TRT, especially if they already suffer from heart diseas
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Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Children enjoying B'day cake may catch infection

Alok adds: Instead of Ban social media and organisations must create awareness that by coughing /blowing at candle if one is carrier of any infection then he may be spreading that....specially to children who mostly attend B'day parties and relish cakes..

केक पर लगीं मोमबत्तियां बुझाने पर लगेगा बैन!

नवभारतटाइम्स.कॉम | Dec 11, 2013, 08.47AM IST

नई दिल्ली

बर्थडे या किसी दूसरे मौके पर काटे जाने वाले केक पर सजीं कैंडल्स को फूंक मारकर बुझाना आपको भारी पड़ सकता है। हैरान न होइए, सरकार इस पर पाबंदी लगाने के बारे में सोच रही है। मकसद है इसके कारण फैलने वाले इन्फेक्शन को रोकना।

राज्यसभा में मंगलवार को एक सवाल के जवाब में स्वास्थ्य मंत्री गुलाम नबी आजाद ने बताया कि ऑस्ट्रेलिया ने साझे केक पर जलाई जाने वालीं कैंडल्स को फूंक मारकर बुझाने पर रोक लगा दी है। अब भारत सरकार भी इस विकल्प पर विचार कर रही है।

आजाद ने अविनाश राय खन्ना के सवाल के लिखित जवाब में यह जानकारी दी। उन्होंने बताया कि इंडियन मेडिकल काउंसिल ने बताया है कि ऑस्ट्रेलिया के राष्ट्रीय स्वास्थ्य एवं चिकित्सा अनुसंधान परिषद (एनएचएमआरसी) ने साझे केक पर जलाई जाने वालीं कैंडल्स को फूंक मारकर बुझाने पर रोक लगा दी है।

आजाद ने बताया कि एनएचएमआरसी ने डे केयर सेंटर्स को निर्देश दिया है कि वे इन्फेक्शन से बचाव के लिए बर्थडे मनाने वाले लोगों को अपना व्यक्तिगत 'कप केक' मुहैया कराए।

आजाद ने कहा कि इंडियन मेडिकल काउंसिल ने इस बारे में खुद कोई रिसर्च नहीं की है। उन्होंने कहा कि केक पर मोमबत्ती जलाने की रस्म जारी रखी जाए या इसे बैन किया जाए, इस पर विचार हो रहा है

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Are you drinking enough water

Are you drinking enough water ?

How important is drinking enough water or with some individuals, any
water? These 8 facts are presented to heighten your awareness.

1. 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.
2. In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is
often mistaken for hunger.
3. Even mild dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as much as
3%.
4. One glass of water shuts down midnight hunger pangs for almost
100% of the dieters studied in a U-Washington study.
5. Lack of water, the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.
6. Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day
could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of
sufferers.
7. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term
memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the
computer screen or on a printed page.
8. Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon
cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%,
and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.

So, please try and drink at-least 8 glasses of water every day.
Space them out, so that it is easy for you.


www.Nirogam.com 

Walking bare foot can prove sweeter...

Walking bare foot can prove sweeter...

Many Ayurvedic experts claim that when we walk bare foot,
back pressure develops due to our own body-weight,
simultaneously & alternately in each & every portion of the
sole, from heel to toe. This pressure helps to regulate the
functioning of endocrine glands and sends message to remove
hindrances & obstructions. This pressure also helps to raise
blood against gravity. (More can be found in Accupressure
Therapy Guides). Due to foot-wear, the volume of back pressure
diffuses and remains almost in-effective.