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06/10/2018

03/02/2017

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus (womb). Another medical term for fibroids is leiomyoma or just "myoma". Fibroids are almost always benign (not cancerous). Fibroids can grow as a single tumor, or there can be many of them in the uterus. They can be as small as an apple seed or as big as a grapefruit. In unusual cases they can become very large.

Why should women know about fibroids?

About 20 percent to 80 percent of women develop fibroids by the time they reach age 50. Fibroids are most common in women in their 40s and early 50s. Not all women with fibroids have symptoms. Women who do have symptoms often find fibroids hard to live with. Some have pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. Fibroids also can put pressure on the bladder, causing frequent urination, or the re**um, causing re**al pressure. Should the fibroids get very large, they can cause the abdomen (stomach area) to enlarge, making a woman look pregnant.

Who gets fibroids?

There are factors that can increase a woman's risk of developing fibroids.

Age. Fibroids become more common as women age, especially during the 30s and 40s through menopause. After menopause, fibroids usually shrink.

Family history. Having a family member with fibroids increases your risk. If a woman's mother had fibroids, her risk of having them is about three times higher than average.

Ethnic origin. African-American women are more likely to develop fibroids than white women.

Obesity. Women who are overweight are at higher risk for fibroids. For very heavy women, the risk is two to three times greater than average.

Eating habits. Eating a lot of red meat (e.g., beef) and ham is linked with a higher risk of fibroids. Eating plenty of green vegetables seems to protect women from developing fibroids.

Where can fibroids grow?

Most fibroids grow in the wall of the uterus. Doctors put them into three groups based on where they grow:

Submucosal fibroids grow into the uterine cavity.Intramural fibroids grow within the wall of the uterus.Subserosal fibroids grow on the outside of the uterus.

Some fibroids grow on stalks that grow out from the surface of the uterus or into the cavity of the uterus. They might look like mushrooms. These are called pedunculated fibroids.

What are symptoms of fibroids?

Most fibroids do not cause any symptoms, but some women with fibroids can have:

Heavy bleeding (which can be heavy enough to cause anemia) or painful periodsFeeling of fullness in the pelvic area (lower stomach area)Enlargement of the lower abdomen Frequent urination Pain during s*x Lower back pain Complications during pregnancy and labor, including a six-time greater risk of cesarean sectionReproductive problems, such asinfertility, which is very rare

What causes fibroids?

No one knows for sure what causes fibroids. Researchers think that more than one factor could play a role. These factors could be:

Hormonal (affected by estrogenand progesterone levels)Genetic (runs in families)

Because no one knows for sure what causes fibroids, we also don't know what causes them to grow or shrink. We do know that they are under hormonal control — both estrogen and progesterone. They grow rapidly during pregnancy, when hormone levels are high. They shrink when anti-hormone medication is used. They also stop growing or shrink once a woman reaches menopause.

21/01/2017

Nutritional Value of Carom Seeds and Its Oil:

Carom seeds contains per 100 gms:

Protein …………………………………..17.1%
Fat …………………………………………21.8%
Minerals ………………………………….7.9%
Fiber ……………………………………….21.2%
Carbohydrates ………………………….24.6%

It also contains calcium, thiamine, riboflavin, phosphorus, iron and niacin. Carom oil is obtained from its seeds that contain 2.5% to 5% of essential oil. Their leaves and flowers are also used to extract oil that contains 35-60% of thymol. This oil is either colourless or pale brown in colour. Carom oil is widely used as germicide and fungicide. Let us quickly go through the health benefits of carom seeds:

Health Benefits Of Carom Seeds:

1. Acidity:
Mix one table spoon of carom seeds with one table spoon of cumin seeds. Consume them on a daily basis with some ginger powder. This natural remedy is a best way to cure indigestion problems . It is also useful in treating acidity and acid reflux problem.

2. Constipation:
Carom seeds are the best remedy to cure digestion related problems. Hence, it can also help you to get rid of constipation. Carom seeds don’t have any side effects.

3. Kidney disorder:
Carom seeds are very essential to cure kidney stones. They can also be useful to treat and reduce the pain due to kidney disorders .

4. Asthma:
Consuming carom seeds with warm water give instant relief from cold and expel cough and mucus from the body. It is also useful for treating bronchitis and asthma. It can be consumed with jaggery twice a day .

5. Liver and kidney:
Drink ajwain water for curing intestinal pain caused because of indigestion and infection. This herb is also very beneficial for curing liver and kidney malfunctions.

6. Mouth problems:
Carom seeds have been proven to cure tooth pain. Floss your mouth with one part of clove oil, one part of carom oil and water for treating tooth ache, bad odor and decay. It is the best and effective way to maintain oral hygiene.

7. Cold:
This seed is the best natural way to cure cold symptoms such as a blocked nose. Take a steam from ajwain seeds infused in hot water for best relief.

8. Itching, Boils & Eczema:
Grind ajwain seeds with lukewarm water to make its paste. Apply this paste on any affected part of the face or body. Also, try washing the affected part with the ajwain water for best results. In case of swelling due to boils, pimples or eczema, make the paste of ground carom seeds with lemon juice. It will be helpful in removing the swelling.

9. Excessive bleeding and irregular me**es:
Women with this problem can drink ajwain water. Soak handful of carom seeds in earthen vessel filled with water at night. Grind them and drink it in the morning .

10. Digestion:
Carom seeds benefits digestive problems. Chewing 1 tbsp of raw carom seeds with sugar can help you get rid of indigestion. It can also be consumed without sugar.

11. Arthritis:
Carom seed oil is a very useful method to cure arthritis pain. Massage on affected joints regularly with carom seed oil to get relief from rheumatic pain .

12. Diarrhea:
Carom seed is a natural remedy to cure dysentery or diarrhea. Boil a handful of carom seeds in one glass of water. Cool and strain this to consume twice a day. This is an orthodox remedy to cure indigestion and dysentery .

13. Viral Infections:
Combine yogurt with carom seeds powder. Applying this paste on face for a whole night can help to lighten acne scars . Wash it with lukewarm water in the morning for best results.

14. Flu:
Boil carom seeds with cinnamon in water. Strain & drink 4 times in a day to cure flu.

15. Mosquito repellent:
Mix mustard oil with ground carom seeds. Dip cardboard pieces in this mixture and tie in the corners of your room. This will help you get rid of the mosquitoes from the room.

16. Lost appetite:
Mix and grind carom seeds, fennel seeds, dried ginger powder, salt and black cumin seeds. Add hot ghee to that mixture. Mix the mixture with cooked rice. This will surely increase lost appetite .

17. Piles:
Mix dried pomegranate flowers, poppy seeds and dried neem leaves. Consume this mixture with milk twice a day during bleeding piles. Drinking buttermilk with carom seeds powder and rock salt after lunch/dinner is useful for minimizing the condition.

18. Heals pain:
Mix carom seeds, onion seeds, fenugreek seeds with saboot isabgol. Grind them all and consume 1 tbsp of this powder everyday in the morning. Consume this on an empty stomach for best and positive results.

19. Sexual disability:

Roast carom seeds with some tamarind kernels and clarified butter. Grind them well, take 1 tsp of this mixture and add to a glass of milk and honey. This is a proven method to reduce s*xual disability. Consume this regularly at night for effective results.

20. Breastfeeding:
Carom seeds with fennel seeds are used to make ajwain aur saunf ka pani. This is useful to cleanse uterus and increase milk production. Add 1 tbsp of fennel seeds with ½ tbsp carom seeds and 1 litre of water. Boil them for 5 minutes and cool it. Cool and consume this everyday for best results.

21. Menstrual cramps:
Carom seeds acts as a nerve tonic, hence it can lower menstrual cramps during me**es. Thus, the benefits of carom seeds are quite wonderful. You can also apply the oil on your muscles for quick relaxation .

22. Stomach problems:
Soak three teaspoon of carom seeds in lime juice and dry it in shade. Grind this and mix some black salt. Consume this twice a day with lukewarm water. This is a useful method to cure loss of appetite, flatulence and other stomach problems . Do this daily till you get the results.

23. Belching:
Many gas related problems can be cured by a mixture of dried ginger, carom seeds and black salt. This is useful to treat problems like gas, indigestion, and belching. You can also try to add this in warm water with cardamom and drink it.

24. Migraine:
Wrap carom seeds in the tissue paper and smell this. It is useful to reduce migraine headache. Also they can be burnt and inhaled for other problems related to head .

25. Heart health:
Consume one tablespoon of carom seeds with warm water to stimulate the heart. It is also beneficial to cure chest pain. You can mix one teaspoon of jaggery with some carom seeds to get quick relief.

26. Alcoholic:
This herb is also beneficial for the people who want to get rid of alcohol. Chewing carom seeds daily can help to get rid of alcohol craving.

27. S***m count:
Roast ajwain seeds with some tamarind kernels and clarified butter. Grind all of these ingredients. Grind them well, take a tsp of this mixture and add to a glass of milk and honey.This is a proven method to improve s***m count and treat premature ej*******on. Consume this regularly at night for effective results.

28. Insecticide:
They have many therapeutic uses as well as they are used widely in food preparations. Carom seeds are also used as an insecticide. Apart from this, this is an orthodox method for treating poisonous insect bites.

29. Used in cooking:

These seeds are widely used in Indian cooking as a spice. They can be roasted, fried in oil, or added in “panchphoran”. Ajwain is used in small quantity in making biscuits, snacks, sauces, soups, soft drinks and pickles for good digestion.

30. Pimple:
Apply powdered carom seeds with yogurt on your face. Keep it for half an hour and wash off with warm water. This remedy will help to lighten pimple scars.

31. Reduce weight:
Drink half glass of water with soaked carom seeds on an empty stomach. This will dissolve the fats. Consume 1tsp of carom seeds on an empty stomach every morning. It helps to lose about 4 to 5 kg in a month.

32. Bed Wetting:
Take 50 grams black sesame, 25 grams carom seeds and 100 grams of jaggery. Mix them well. Consume this mixture 1tsp twice a day. This will help in treating frequent urination and bedwetting.

33. Ear pain:
Heat 1tsp garlic and 2tsp carom seeds in sesame oil, till they are red in color. Cool it and strain to put some drops into the ears. This is also useful to treat boils in ears.

34. Flatulence:
Soak 3 tbsp of carom seeds in lime juice. Dry this in the shade. Powder and mix it with little black salt and consume 1 tsp twice a day with warm water.

35. Joint pains:
Mix shatavari, black cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds and carom seeds. Powder this and take ½ tsp every morning.

36. Greying of Hair:

Curry leaves – 2 to 3
Dry grapes – 2
Carom seeds – 1 pinch
Sugar– to taste
Method: Add curry leaves, dry grapes, carom seeds in one cup of water and cook. Add sugar if required for taste. Drink 1 glass a day. This will stop greying of hair.

37. Colic:
Boil 1 tsp of fennel seeds and ½ tsp of carom seeds in ½ liter of water. Cook it on a low flame for 5 minutes. Cool and strain it. Drink a cup daily after meals.

38. Diabetes:
Dry few neem leaves in the shade. Powder and store in a jar. At night, mix 1 tsp of the powder in hot milk with ½ tsp of powdered cumin and carom seeds. Consume it for 30 days.

39. Paralysis:
Carom seeds soaked in water and consumed daily can be useful in treating paralysis, trembling and shaking .

40. Eye cleanser:
Boil handful of carom seeds in a water. Cool and strain. Wash your eyes with this water to clean it.

41. Deafness:
Carom seeds have been used in ancient times to cure deafness. Put few drops of this oil in your ears to get rid of this condition.

42. Body cleanser:
Consumption of carom seeds tea can help in cleansing body toxins. Thus, this can reduce many skin and health related problems. This helps to purify blood and improve the blood flow in body .

Facts About Carom Seeds:

1. Keep them away from humidity and also from direct sunlight.
2. Carom seeds cannot be stored for a long time.
3. Avoid over consumption. It can lead to nausea, vomiting, skin irritation, allergy and headache in some people.
4. Proper intake doesn’t have any side effects.
5. Store them in air-tight bottle in a cool and dry place.
6. People with liver disease and hyperacidity should avoid this herb.

10/01/2017

Stay Healthy, Stay fit... Happy Dietetics Day..

02/01/2017

Breast cancer might be a common form of cancer but it can also take on a deadly form. It has been predicted by the World Health Organization that by 2020 the incidence of breast cancer cases will be higher than what it is today. It is believed that one in every eight women runs the risk of developing breast cancer during her lifetime. Such an ailment is a complex one. There are many factors that play a role in it such as dietary and lifestyle factors as well. Breast cancer can be prevented as well as controlled by taking on healthy habits like reducing alcohol consumption, controlling the weight, breast feeding, avoiding exposure to polluting and radical elements as well as following a healthy diet plan.

Top 15 Super Foods That Help To Fight Breast Cancer

1. Spinach
Spinach is a vegetable that contains many properties which help it to fortify the system against breast cancer.
Benefits
• It consists of an antioxidant which is lutien that has a major role to play in guarding the breast cancer cells and to stop it from spreading to other areas of the body
• It consists of carotenoids and zeaxanthin which can help to remove unstable molecules from the body
Preparation
• Spinach can be enjoyed in the form of a salad ingredient
• It can be steamed, stirred and sauteed and added to any dish
• Other cruciferous vegetables like Swiss chard, romaine lettuce and kale are known to have similar properties

2. Tomatoes
One should try and include tomatoes highly in their diet as this vegetable item is known to have beneficial properties
Benefits
• Tomatoes are known to contain lycopene which is a powerful antioxidant that can help to prevent breast cancer development
• It can assist in stopping the cancerous cell growth
• Lycopene can also stop other cancerous cells from growing in other organs like the lungs or the endometrial
The best way to gain its benefits is to enjoy a glass of tomato juice in its fresh form. One can also enjoy it in their meals in the raw, boiled, cooked or pureed form.

3. Turmeric
It is known to contain a substance known as curcumin which can help to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells such as skin cancer, lung, breast and gastrointestinal cancer.
Benefits
• Curcumin in turmeric helps to stop the spreading of breast cancer to other areas
• It can help to repair DNA which is damaged by radiation
One can consume turmeric powder in their food or consume a pinch of raw turmeric with water on an empty stomach every morning. This is a root that finds place in daily cooking of many Indian meals. That is surely a great way to protect the system from the onset of cancer.

4. Pomegranate Juice
Research shows that pomegranate can help to destroy cancer cells without affecting the cells which are healthy.
Benefits
• It is known to contain polyphenol which is a form of ellagic acid and is known for its antioxidant properties
• It will prevent the formation of cancer cells in the breast region
Pomegranate can be consumed as a fruit juice or as a fruit based dessert. One needs to include it in their diet to prevent breast cancer, either as a fruit or as its juice.

5. Salmon
It is a fish that contains types of omega-3 fatty acids and other nutritional ingredients which can help to slow down the growth of cancerous tumors.
Benefits
• It contains omega-3 fatty acids which can help to slow down the growth of cancerous tumors
• It helps to boost the immune system as it contains vitamins B complex and D
• It is a source of lean protein
Such elements will help to regulate cell growth and prevent the onset or progress of cancer. Salmon can be consumed by baking or grilling it than deep frying it. One can try and consume three portions of the fresh fish every week. Other similar fishes with preventative properties:
• Trout
• Sea bass
• Tuna

6. Garlic
Garlic is seen to help prevent breast cancer in different ways.
Benefits
• Sulfur compounds are present in the garlic which can help to speed up the repair of DNA
• It can help to kill the cancerous cells that cause breast cancer as well as stomach, colon, mouth and other forms of cancer
The maximum benefit is derived from the garlic by peeling and chopping the garlic cloves and allowing them to sit for some time before they are cooked. One could also crush or swallow a piece of garlic every morning if one wishes to lead a cancer free life.

7. Blueberries
This wondrous berry is known to have many properties which can help to avert ailments like cancer.
Benefits
• These berries are known to be rich in vitamins, antioxidants and minerals
• The phytochemicals that are present in the blueberries prevent the spread of breast cancer
• Antioxidants like ellagic acid is known to have anti cancer properties which can slow down the growth of tumor as well as helps to destroy substances which cause cancer
• It is best to try and eat fresh blueberries instead of the packed version
The other berries of the same family and with similar benefit are:
• Strawberries
• Blackberries
• Cranberries

8. Flaxseed
Flax seed is known to contain many beneficial properties that will help to prevent and control the growth of breast cancer.
Benefits
• Flaxseed is known to contain high levels of lignin which in turn protects the cells which are affected by the cancer causing estrogen cells
• The flaxseed oil contains omega-3 fatty acids which can help to form a protective shield from cancer
Preparation
• Powdered flaxseed can be added to yoghurt or made a smoothie to produce a nutty or richer flavor
• Flaxseed oil can be used to make salad dressings
• It can be used or added as an ingredient in cookies or muffins

9. Broccoli
Broccoli is a vegetable that is known to contain certain unique ingredients which can help to fight this ailment.
Benefits
• It contains compounds such as indole-3-carbinol that help fight cancer. This chemical is known to convert the cancer causing estrogen into an estrogen which helps to protect the body from cancer.
• It will help to reduce risk of other types of cancer such as prostate, lymphoma, bladder and even lung cancer
• Other cruciferous vegetables can be included such as cauliflower, kale and cabbage which help to reduce the risk of breast cancer
It is best to have the vegetables in the cooked form.

10. Walnuts
Walnuts are known to be good for those who are suffering from breast cancer.
Benefits
• Walnuts contain healthy fatty acids like omega-3 which can help the body to fight the inflammation and reduce the growth of cancerous tumors
• Walnut and their daily consumption will help to keep at bay all risks of breast cancer
Those who are suffering from breast cancer can consume two ounces of walnuts which will slow down the growth and development of the cancerous tumors.

11. Grape seed extract
Such an extract might be harder to find as many of the grapes sold in stores are nowadays of the seedless variety.
Benefits
• The extract of the grape seeds is known to help inhibit aromatase
• This in turn helps to prevent the formation of cancer
• Grape seed extract also helps to prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells

12. Beans
Beans, especially of the black and navy variety have been tested to help reduce colon cancer in rats.
Benefits
• When one consumes a diet rich in legumes it increases the level of fatty acid butyrate in them
• That in turn helps to reduce and prevent cancer growth
• Dried beans are found to be effective in preventing breast cancer in rats

13. Mushrooms
Mushrooms have been identified to have cancer fighting abilities.
Benefits
• The white button mushrooms are capable in slowing down the growth of breast cancer tumor cells by controlling aromatase
• This protein enzyme is known to biosynthesize estrogen in the body and is linked in helping to spur breast cancer tumors
• These are even linked in helping to control and prevent the growth of prostate cancer
Mushrooms can be consumed in boiled or cooked form to enjoy its many health benefits.

14. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is used as a medicine as well as a spice. It offers many powerful benefits.
Benefits
• It is known to block a protein which gives blood supply to the cancer cells
• Angiogenesis is prompted by cinnamon which can help to prevent the tumors from growing as well as spreading.

31/12/2016

5 habits worth cultivating in 2017

Whether you make formal New Year’s resolutions or not, the changing of the calendar often leads to contemplating what changes we might like to see in our lives. On the nutrition front, these are top five picks for habits worth cultivating in 2017.

- Cook more
Creating and serving even the simplest of meals is a profound way of caring for yourself and your loved ones. Homemade meals tend to be more healthful than ones you purchase, because when you cook from scratch, you know exactly what you’re eating. That makes it much easier to eat in a way that aligns with your health goals.
Think that cooking is difficult or time-consuming? It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. Even inexperienced home cooks can do wonderful things when they learn a few core skills: A few ways to cook vegetables; the ingredients for simple vinaigrette; how to cook a pot of beans or whole grains; what to do with a piece of meat or fish, or a block of tofu.

Nail down a few basics, assemble a small collection of condiments and seasonings that appeal to your taste buds and you’re set. For inspiration, look for cookbooks and food blogs that embrace real-world “let’s get dinner on the table” cooking with short ingredient lists that emphasize easily available fresh foods and pantry staples. Save any “project” cooking for the weekends.
Sure, you eat when you’re hungry, but what are the other reasons you eat? Boredom? Stress? Loneliness? Anxiety? Many people use food to meet needs that food simply wasn’t meant to meet. When you find yourself reaching for food or mindlessly browsing the contents of your refrigerator, get in the habit of asking yourself, “Am I hungry?” If the answer is “No,” ask yourself what you are expecting food to do for you in that moment. Usually, there are better, more meaningful ways of entertaining or soothing yourself.

- Reduce added sugars
According to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines, it’s difficult to get enough of the nutrients we need for good health without exceeding our calorie needs if we get more than 10 percent of our total daily calories from added sugar. The average people do get more than that, especially children, teens and young adults.
Added sugars are different from the natural sugars found in vegetables, fruits, grains, beans and dairy products. Added sugars, which include white sugar or other calorie-containing sweeteners, are highly refined from their original source and add calories without nutrients. Beverages are the biggest source of added sugars, followed by desserts and snack foods, but sugar is added to many prepared foods — including salad dressings and frozen meals — another reason home cooking is better for health.

- Eat more plants
If you make one change to your eating habits for 2017, a great choice would be to eat more whole plant foods: vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds, herbs and spices. Simply put, adopting a plant-based diet is one of the best moves you can make for your health if you want to make your meals more nutrient-rich and reduce your risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, cancer and other chronic diseases.
The good news is that plant-based diets can take many forms, from vegan to vegetarian to flexitarian to omnivore. The common denominator is that they put plant foods at the center of your plate. If you also choose to eat animal-based foods (meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy), they play smaller, supporting roles. While the benefits of a plant-based diet come from eating a variety of plant foods, you can’t go wrong by making vegetables the star. They are packed with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients — compounds that reduce chronic inflammation and disease risk — while being lower in calories than other foods.

- Let go of rigid rules
Although it’s hard to go wrong with eating plenty of plants and minimizing a reliance on highly processed foods, the fact is that there’s no single perfect eating plan. A nutritious diet allows for flexibility and shifts over time to suit your tastes and nutritional needs. Trying to find and follow a “perfect” eating plan is not only an exercise in futility, but it also often leads to all-or-nothing thinking: You’re either perfect or you’re a failure. This can lead to feelings of shame, and shame is a lousy motivator for positive change. Perfection is the enemy of progress.
If you have a history of all-or-nothingism, why not try something new this year: Start small, start today and keep moving forward. Pick one or two areas to focus on — adding more vegetables to lunch and dinner, bumping up protein at breakfast, eating regularly instead of skipping meals and curbing mindless snacking are a few favorites — then add another only when you feel solid in your new habits.