Uncategorized

Being fit and getting the best body is no more a confined concept to a particular profession or passion, rather it has become a way of life for many. With the hype of six packs and bulky bodies, muscle building is gaining popularity among all.

As per experts, muscle building is all about good nutrition. Diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, and fats helps in gaining muscles. Protein provides the amino acids that are used as the building blocks of muscle. While most protein-rich sources come from animal meat, there is a wide range of plant-based foods rich in complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Here is a list of food items that the vegetarians and vegans can swear by.

1. Nuts

Nuts are a rich source of protein, calories, and calcium which makes them one of the best bodybuilding foods. Nuts particularly peanuts, almonds, cashews, and pistachios are loaded with protein, fats, and fiber, which are great energy boosters. 

2. Beans

Beans are the second-richest source of protein after meat. Beans such as kidney beans, pinto beans, etc. are exceptionally low in fat, and are loaded with proteins and fiber. Beans also contribute to muscle growth by enhancing the absorption of nutrients by the body. 

3. Legumes

Legumes are the best option for vegetarians and vegans looking for muscle building foods. They are low in fat, have no cholesterol, and are a great storehouse of protein.

4. Leafy Greens

Green leafy vegetables are brimming with optimal nutrients. Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, lettuce are loaded with calcium; folic acid; vitamins A, B, C, D, and E which are crucial in improving muscle concentration, reducing inflammation and neutralizing the harmful effects of oxidative stress. 

6. Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables are abundant in proteins. Broccoli is blessed with potent antioxidant and possibly anti-inflammatory qualities which aid in reducing muscle damage and helps in muscle building.

7. Quinoa

Quinoa is the traditional go-to carbohydrate for muscle-building diets. It is a complete food for muscle growth as it is bestowed with all the 9 essential amino acids that the body cannot produce by itself. It is also rich in proteins and complex carbohydrates.

8. Seeds

Flax seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds are packed with essential fatty acids, proteins, and fiber. The essential fatty acids in these seeds reduce inflammation and promote the recovery of tissues. 

9. Fruits

Fruits such as bananas, cantaloupes, and apples are extremely beneficial for muscle building. Rich in carbohydrates, fiber, minerals and vitamins, fruits are pivotal in increasing lean muscle mass. 

10. Fermented Dairy Products

Fermented dairy products are wondrous for muscle building. They are rich in calories and the presence of probiotics in these foods improves digestion thereby enhancing the absorption of nutrients in the body. 

11. Protein Shakes

Whey protein shake is the magical ingredient for every bodybuilder. The combination of carbohydrates and protein reduces excessive muscle breakdown, improve protein synthesis in the body, boost up blood flow to the muscles and act a steady supply of energy.

Body odour is disturbing, irritating and a complete turn off! If people are keeping a distance from you or shouting at you for no apparent reason, then my friend it’s time to check your odour. Body odour is an embarrassment and so it’s hardly spoken about openly. But a constant pungent smell sticking up the nose not only causes irritation, but may trigger headache, nausea, anger and several other problems.

Body is the temple where the soul lives. So, it is very important to keep it clean and healthy. A clean body with mild soothing natural fragrance attracts positivity and happiness. It boosts your confidence and makes a good first impression.

The main reason for this nerve-racking situation is some nasty bacteria thriving on your skin. Here are some awesome Ayurvedic tricks that eradicate the issue from the roots.

Incredible herbs

Herbs are just a boon to mankind. Coriander, licorice, rosemary etc. are great for combating body odour. These herbs when rubbed on armpits inhibit the growth of bacteria and remove any nasty smell.

Turmeric

Turmeric is ladened with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Applying a paste of turmeric and besan on the armpits and genitals helps in removing body odour. 

Fenugreek Seeds And Fuller’s Earth

Fenugreek seeds have great antifungal and antibacterial properties, and fuller’s earth helps in controlling sweat whilst leaving a mild fragrance on your body. 

Rose Water

Roses are blessed with an alluring aroma. Rosewater cools down the body, reduces sweating and keeps you refreshed all day long.

Sandalwood

The classic smell of sandalwood soothes all. It has antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties that keep the skin dry and reduces sweat. It also kills the odour causing bacteria. 

Neem Leaves

Neem leaves work wonder for the skin. Its antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties kill the bacteria and make your body odour free. 

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil kills the bacteria on your skin and helps you to get rid of body odour. The amazing smell of lavender also adds a tint of enduring fragrance.

Vinegar

Vinegar is one of the best home remedies to get rid of body odour. It balances the pH value and eliminates body odour.

What else works?

Apply a paste of sandalwood and rose water to your palms, soles, and underarms.

Regular baths are the best way to remove body odour.

Regular body massages with yashtimadhu taila or chandanadi taila.

Avoid consumption of pitta aggravating foods.

Limiting alcohol and caffeinated drinks rather switch to green tea or tea prepared with coriander seeds which help.

Water is a great detoxifier and it helps to keep the body cool.

Lemon, watermelon, and sariva juice are great coolants.

A decoction prepared of triphala and yashtimadhu works wonder.

Yoga, pranayama, and meditation help in balancing the stress hormones and removing the toxic smell of your body.

Yogurt is a great probiotic that kills unwanted bacteria on the skin.

Cucumber is an excellent astringent and it reduces sweating.

Greying of hair is probably the most painful aspect of aging as you see your lustrous tress thinning and fading. However, with the stress of modern life, poor diet, pollution, dust and dirt, greying of hair is no more limited to old age. Though dying or coloring seems like the only option for grey hair, the chemical reactions create a hesitation. Dying not just deters the quality of hair but its continual application may also cause skin troubles, hair loss, and several other troubles.

Here are a few safe alternatives to address this heart-wrenching problem of grey hair.

Coffee

Coffee is one of the best natural hair dyes as it not only adds hues to the hair but also strengthens the tresses from the roots making the hair soft, smooth and shiny. 

Black Tea 

Black tea helps in combating greying of hair as it darkens the colour and add shine to the hair.

Henna

Henna is probably the most common natural dye as it not only beautifully colours the hair but also strengthens it. It is a natural conditioner that restores the pH balance of the scalp, clears impurities and fights dandruff. Its anti-fungal and antibacterial properties add life to hair. 

Potato Peel Rinse

It might come as a surprise that everyday waste like potato peels have some great benefits for delaying greying of hair. The starchy solution helps mask greys by adding pigment. 

Amla 

Amla is a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants that help to preserve the melanin in hair follicles, thereby slowing down the greying process. Combining amla with coconut oil or almond oil offers more benefits. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a wondrous remedy to maintain healthy scalp and curbing greying. It helps to preserve the melanin in hair follicles.

Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds are bestowed with many perks. Apart from delivering medicinal aid in many conditions they also work well in greying of hair. The lecithin and amino acids content of fenugreek seeds curb premature greying.

Oils For Gray Hair

Oiling of hair is the easiest and most essential technique of addressing hair troubles. Regular oiling helps keep the hair follicles healthy and prevents greying of hair. Some oils like black seed oil can also help in darkening of grey hair. Oil your tresses 2 to 3 times a week.

Kombucha 

The Kombucha mushroom is breakthrough alternative medicine for many diseases. It is hailed for as  the fountain of youth. Kombucha has a phenomenon effect in restoring the melanin in hair follicles and aiding in hair growth. It boosts the growth of healthy and strong hair. Apply Kombucha twice a week to get best results.

Onion Juice 

Onion works miraculous remedy for grey hair and thinning of hair. It is a great scalp cleaner and follicle stimulator. Onion juice has a rich content of Catalase enzyme which helps to reverse the growth of grey hair. It is recommended to follow this regime twice a week to get the best results.

The mesmerizing sight of descending snowflakes, foggy mornings, bond fires, descending leaves, nature playing its cards with festive around the corner, winter is a time to cherish. But the tenderly disguised winter winds can cause a lot of harm to our skin.

Dry – dehydrated skin, hair fall, dandruff, and chapped lips can be really stressful. Winter is the time when our skin craves for our attention and what’s better to do it the ayurvedic way!

The old sages knew the forest’s secrets and they formulated facile natural remedies from the extracts of trees, fruits, flowers, grasses and other elements. Here we share the ayurvedic techniques to armour the winter plight.

Abhyanga 

Religiously following a regime of ayurvedic massage before drenching in the morning shower releases toxins, purifies the body and improves circulation. Abhyanga enhances transdermal absorption of the healing qualities of the oil releasing stress and lending a radiant glow to the skin. 

Fight the dry scalp.

Dandruff is often an indication of dryness caused by the lack of blood flow to the scalp. Let your fingers do the magic by massaging the scalp for a few minutes every evening. This improves blood circulation in the scalp and strengthens the roots combating hair fall and dandruff.

Face masks

Face masks made from natural elements are a good way to keep the skin moisturized and glowing. Rose water, turmeric, aloe vera or amla coupled with milk and cream is generally used to prepare a simple face mask. 

Bath products

Ayurveda suggests avoiding the use of hot water and harsh chemicals in winters; as they steal essential oil and moisture from the skin. A fusion of cream, turmeric, besan and milk will keep the skin soft, supple and glowing.

Healthy eating

The way you eat is the way you look. This is so true when it comes to our skin and body. A healthy diet ladened with a variety of herbs, fruits, vegetables, and spices works like medicine. Ayurvedic herbs like triphala, amla, ashwagandha and shatavari absorb toxins and flushes them out through the natural process. 

Foot care

Foot care is very essential to avoid the pain of cracked heels. Rejuvenate the feet by soaking them in warm water with any combination of rosemary, eucalyptus, or lavender essential oils. Use a moist pumice stone to remove any dead skin and end the routine by rubbing a few drops of castor oil on the feet. 

Apart from the above, indulging in a few lifestyle adjustments that can make a whole lot of difference to your health and appearance.

• Sleeping well
• Meditating
• Practicing Yoga and exercising
• Drinking enough water
• Eating lots of veggies
• Soaking in the sun
• Applying glycerine and lime juice

Why spend a thousands for something that the nature offers for free. It does not take much to accommodate these little care tips in your daily routine but they can make you a whole new person. 

Every now and then, the ugly face of acidity pays us a visit spoiling our perfect feasts, well-planned carnivals or just a simple day binging on the internet. But with some amazing hacks from the kitchen shelves, you can calm all the clamor of the acids causing wrath in your stomach.

So, next time an acid reflux plans to collapse your day, surprise it with all the easy armaments right from among the kitchen stuffs:

• Cumin Seeds – Cumin is a natural neutralizer that helps you maintain the acid level. Chewing it raw, boil it in water, crushed and powdered, or by roasting it, cumin seeds come handy in calming the cyclone in your intestines.
• Butter Milk – The lactic acid present in buttermilk instantly neutralizes the stomach acid helping you to soothe all the symptoms of hyperacidity. A pinch on hing (asofoetida) added to the drink helps with bloating as well.
• Aloe Vera – The rich cactus stands as a boon for human health. The amazing plant gives you instant relief from hyperacidity. Take the pulp of the leaf or juice in empty stomach to keep things smooth in there.  
• Jaggery – The sweet nectar of Jaggery helps in digestion and makes the digestive system alkaline that helps in relieving acidity. Take it raw the next time you go down with hyperacidity.
• Ginger – Ginger is the healer of many health issues. It’s an excellent digestive and anti-inflammatory properties help in treating acidity. Chew a slice of ginger or gulp down a spoon of fresh ginger juice to take away all the acidity.
• Amalaki – Rich vitamin C levels in amalaki helps in healing of gastric and esophageal mucosa thus relieving all the symptoms of hyperacidity. A teaspoon full of amla powder or amla juice twice a consumed could keep acidity at bay. 
• Mint – Mint leaves are long revered as a natural remedy for acidity. A few mint leaves in empty stomach or a glass of mint juice helps in taking away all the acidic feels from the body. Mints are also known to improve digestion.
• Cinnamon – Cinnamon contains natural antacids which help in neutralizing the acid concentration in the stomach. 
• Tulsi – Tulsi leaves on empty stomach relieves the symptoms of hyperacidity and gas. Chew a few leaves to enthrall the body with all the goodness of the sacred leaves.

An engineer, believer of science and a practical independent girl, I always laughed at those who said ‘Love is blind’, ‘love knows no boundaries’ and other such illogical things.

But guess what, I fell in love!

Two young people falling in love, pretty normal right?

It all happened in a flash that I did not even think about checking his caste or matching our backgrounds. Our hearts matched and that was enough for me!

When we revealed our relation to our parents all these differences started surfacing. I was well expecting a full-on filmy drama, family emotions, fights, separation and reunion, the kind of love stories that makes movies.

But real life is so different! Our parents set have grown beyond these barriers and they fixed our marriage.

Just the way we fell in love in a flash, we got married in a jiffy.

Food, guests, celebrations and gifts! A practical independent girl of the modern century was having her fairy tale wedding!

Maybe that’s how life plays its game!

But the most beautiful thing that happened to me besides my husband is my mother-in-law. Contrary to the popular notion of a jealous, vicious mother-in-law, my husband’s mother was actually sweet.

She not only welcomed me to the family with open arms, but she also made every effort to make me feel like a daughter.

She came to my room and handed me a bottle of Sarsaparilla and said it was the secret that kept her family healthy and away from diseases. Commonly known as a summer coolant, Sarsaparilla actually has some scientific benefits that not only doubles up the immunity but also aids each organ in functioning.

From flawless skin to proper digestion, removal of toxins to extra energy needed after marriage, Sarsaparilla is the dose we all pray for!

My mother-in-law further enlightened me about the quality and efficacy of SN Pandit’s Sarsaparilla specifically, that she brings from Ayurcentral.

It was indeed the best chat that we had! Laughing and giggling like teenage girls. Sarsaparilla not just gifted me a zillion of benefits, it also added colours to my new relations.

You too can enjoy this delicious health booster from SN Pandit. Get it from your nearest Ayurcentral store or just order it online at www.ayurcentralonline.com