1. Breaking Myths
Honey Can Be Used As A Substitute For Sugar In Hot Drinks.
False. Honey can be used as a substitute for sugar, but not in hot drinks. When you heat honey, it loses its benefits. Excessive heat can have detrimental effects on the nutritional value of honey. Heating up to 37°C (98.6 F) causes the loss of nearly 200 components, parts of which are antibacterial.
Keep using honey in its original form; it is a healthy sugar substitute, is delicious and has many benefits, but try to avoid heating it!
Henna Is Just For Natural Hair Colouring.
False. Henna has immense medicinal value. Ayurveda recommends Henna as a natural remedy for hair fall. Using henna for hair also cures dandruff, and it is also used for accelerating hair growth and improving its texture.
All Milk Is Bad, And Our Bodies Aren't Built To Digest It.
False. Refined milk can be challenging to digest for the body, but pure cow's milk has many benefits which should not be overlooked. It is suitable for healthy bone development in all ages, contains true quality protein, helps lower blood pressure, helps maintain heart health, boosts the immune system, and helps with inflammatory issues.
It also helps prevent weight gain. The most common misconception about milk being a fatty drink is unfounded. Not only does its high-protein content help you feel full for a more extended period, which may prevent overeating, but it also has properties (high levels of dietary calcium) that can promote fat breakdown and inhibit fat production.
Have Sweets Before Meals For Better Digestion
False. Starting a meal with a sweet is healthier than finishing a meal with sweets. Eating sweet things initially speeds up digestion and helps your taste buds. It enables the body to release digestive enzymes in your body and improve digestion. Studies have shown that if you end your meal with sweets, it will react with the acid, and you will start facing digestive obstructions such as bloating, acidity, and gastric obstruction. Eating sweets after your
meal tends to slow your metabolism. A body with a slow metabolism will lead to many problems, such as diabetes, obesity, thyroid disorders, and PCOS.
You can replace sweets or desserts with fennel seeds or buttermilk at the end of the meal, as this helps ease digestion and cleanses the mouth.
2. Nature Tips Of The Month
Benefits Of Fenugreek Seed
Fenugreek seeds possess both medicinal properties and are an integral part of a daily diet. They have a rich history of use dating back to approximately 4,000 B.C., making them one of the oldest plants from the legume family to be utilised for medicinal purposes.
- Fenugreek can be used as a remedy for digestive and stomach-related issues. Its abundant magnesium, iron, and fiber reserves contribute to a healthy gut and promote regular bowel movements.
- These seeds are a valuable source of iron, which plays a pivotal role in maintaining heart health. Iron is essential for transporting oxygen to muscles and the brain, and an inadequate supply can lead to physical and cognitive fatigue.
- Fenugreek boasts a high content of antioxidants, which have the potential to shield the body against persistently elevated levels of inflammation.
- Fenugreek is a key component in formulations aimed at treating type-2 diabetes.
- It has proven effective in addressing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOD) and supporting overall ovarian health.
- Additionally, fenugreek can provide relief from menstrual discomfort, serving as a natural alternative to over-the-counter medications often consumed by women during their monthly cycles. This one is especially beneficial for the ladies!
- Incorporating half a teaspoon of soaked fenugreek into your daily routine can serve as an excellent dietary supplement.
- Directions: Soak a spoonful of Fenugreek seeds overnight and consume the seeds with the water the following day. If you have stomach cramps, swallow a teaspoon of Fenugreek seeds and warm water.
Benefits Of Hibiscus
In Sanskrit, Hibiscus is called "Japa". It is prominent in numerous Ayurvedic formulations, primarily valued for its role as a blood purifier and a cleanser for the skin and hair. Notably, it exhibits antibacterial properties and serves as a regulator of hormonal balance. Furthermore, it demonstrates remarkable benefits for promoting hair growth as a versatile option for hair masks and washes.
Below, you'll find instructions for preparing a highly effective homemade Hibiscus Hair Mask. This natural remedy has garnered praise from our founder, Samyuktha Adityan, as her favorite for maintaining Healthy and Vibrant Hair! Ingredients for a Hibiscus Hair Mask:
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon of mustard seeds (soaked overnight)
- 20 hibiscus leaves
- 20 hibiscus flowers
- 20 curry leaves
- 1 piece of fresh aloe vera (to remove the gel)
Instructions:
- Start by soaking the mustard and fenugreek seeds overnight to soften them.
- In the morning, gather all the ingredients: soaked fenugreek and mustard seeds, hibiscus flowers and leaves, curry leaves, and fresh aloe vera gel.
- Grind all these ingredients into a fine paste using a blender or mortar and pestle. Add a little water if needed to make a smooth paste.
- Apply this paste to your hair, starting from the roots and working down to the tips. Make sure your hair is evenly coated with the mixture.
- Leave the paste on your hair until it dries. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the thickness of the paste and your hair.
- Once the paste is completely dry, wash it off with water. You can use a mild shampoo to help remove any residue, but it's not always necessary.
- Allow your hair to air dry naturally.
Some Potential Benefits Of This Mixture:
- Fenugreek is believed to strengthen hair and promote hair growth.
- Mustard seeds stimulate blood circulation in the scalp, benefiting hair growth.
- Hibiscus is rich in vitamins and antioxidants and is known for promoting hair growth and reducing hair fall.
- Curry leaves are believed to prevent premature greying of hair and strengthen hair roots.
- Aloe vera gel is moisturizing and can soothe the scalp, potentially reducing dandruff and itchiness.
3.Healthy Habits To Incorporate In Your Routine
"Wake Up Before Sunrise; It Offers Many Benefits"
As proclaimed in the Ashtangahrudaya, it is one of Ayurveda's most significant classical texts. The primary advantage of this practice is promoting longevity and well-being. Today, scientific research reveals that the atmosphere contains the highest ozone concentration during this period, making it conducive to maintaining good health.
Additionally, this early hour provides an optimal window for engaging in creative pursuits and practicing yoga, pranayama, and meditation, all of which invigorates and stabilizes the mind.