Nutrition.!! Importance of dry fruits in our life

Every individual must take care of his health. To attain good health it is essential to follow the rules of good nutrition, regular exercise and regulation in sexual activity. In Ayurveda, it is believed that all living beings are a composite of the five basic elements i.e. Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Sky. In order to keep life going, it is important to replenish these elements through natural foods which are the sources of these elements. To achieve this we must have foods which are naturally available just as nuts, fruits, vegetables, cereals etc.

Dry fruit contain substantial quantities of essential nutrients in a rational proportion. They are excellent source of minerals, vitamins and enzymes. They are easy to digest and clean the blood and the digestive area. Persons who have this natural diet will always enjoy good health. Also the illness caused by the intake of unnatural foods can be successfully treated by fruits. Though nuts and raisins are small in size, amount of power they provide us when consumed make them very big. Fresh and dry fruits are very essential since besides being food for us they also have strong medicinal properties.

Following are some of the main dry fruits:

Raisins

When grapes are dried properly they turn into raisins. They have high nourishing qualities. Raisins have enough sugar content and hence increased food value. Raisins are an excellent food in all cases of debility and wasting diseases. They are also valuable during period of recovery.

Raisins prove very helpful during the treatment of constipation. When soaked in a glassful of drinking water for 24 to 48 hours should be eaten early in the morning, after discarding the stones. This water in which raisins were soaked can also be drunk. If it is followed every morning then it does help to great extent in case of chronic constipation.

Raisins can be regularly given even to babies as an extract in water to help regular bowel action. Six to ten raisins, depending on the child's age, can be soaked in boiling water and kept aside for a while. When cool, the raisins should be powdered to get their juice into the water. Care should be taken to see that the skin of the raisins does not upset the stomach. Raisins enrich blood as it is a rich source of easily iron. They prove helpful in anemia. Raisins also help to gain weight. According to Ayurveda, black raisins are used for re-establishment of sexual vigor.

Cashew Nuts

Cashew nuts have the kidney-shaped seeds that grow at the bottom of the cashew apple, the fruit of the cashew tree, which is native to the coastal areas of northeastern Brazil. Cashew nuts provide protein and fiber to body. They are rich in mono-unsaturated fat that prove helpful to prevent the heart problems. They are also a good source of potassium, B vitamins and folate. Also they possess useful amounts of magnesium, phosphorous, selenium and copper.

Date

The date is a nutritious food. It has natural sugar in the form of glucose and fructose. Grind dates in the same water in which they have been soaked overnight after removing the seeds and have it at least twice a week. This will build up the heart. Dates also help in removing hangover. In such cases, drinking water in which fresh dates have been flooded brings quick relief. The nicotine content in dates is helpful for intestinal disturbances and is a good laxative.

Almond

The almond is also very nutritious food. Almond milk is the most useful preparation of almonds. It is rich in vitamins. It is more advantages as compared to ordinary milk. It is easy to digest than the cow's milk and is helpful for the babies with whom the cow's milk does not agree.

Unsaturated fats found in almonds have good medicinal values. The medicinal qualities of almonds occur from dynamic action of iron, copper, phosphorus and vitamin B1. These provide increased energy due to chemical interaction and help in the creation of new blood cells, hemoglobin and help in proper functioning of brain, heart, nerves, bones and liver. They help in strengthening the muscles and in long life.

Almonds paste with milk cream and fresh paste of rose bud applied regularly over the face increases face beauty. It makes the skin soft and bleaches the skin. If applied from young age it helps avoiding early wrinkles, black heads, dry skin, pimples and enhances freshness on face.

Small amount of almond oil applied over scalp helps to cure the problem of falling hair, thinness of hair, dandruff and early graying of hair. Almonds should be chewed properly and they should be taken after some time interval from meals. They have high calorific value. They help to prevent anemia.

They are also recommended in case of chronic constipation problems. It is also useful in case of loss of sexual energy that happens due to nervous breakdown and brain weakness. Wild almonds also help to cure skin diseases, especially eczema. To achieve this, a few leaves of the wild almond are powdered with water and the cream. It is then applied to the affected parts.

The blend of almonds is helpful in bronchial diseases, hoarseness and cough. Regular intake of the dry fruits results in both mental and physical development of human body.


Fig

Figs are one of the highest plant sources of calcium and fiber.

dried figs are richest in fiber, copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and vitamin K, relative to human needs. They have smaller amounts of many other nutrients. Figs have a laxative effect and contain many antioxidants. They are good source of flavonoids and polyphenols In one study, a 40-gram portion of dried figs (two medium size figs) produced a significant increase in plasma antioxidant capacity

Walnut

Walnuts are also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, and have been shown as helpful in lowering cholesterol.

The walnuts’ nutritional value is comparable to that one of cheeses for the high presence of proteins (14-24%) and fats (52-70%). Walnuts are a high source of essential unsaturated fatty acids such as the alfa-linoleic acid. Their content in proteins and vitamins is good, especially in vitamins of the B group and E, and in minerals, K and Mg are worth mentioning. Very important compounds are amino acids (glutamic acid, arginine and leucine) but particularly a sulfured one: taurine (2-aminoethylsulfon ic acid, presents in variable quantities between 0,2 and 0,6 mg%.), important compound because it is involved in many functions: homeostatic regulation, thermoregulation, nervous conduction, protection against oxidative stress, etc.

Regular consumption of walnuts helps in lowering cholesterol levels, controlling high blood sugars, and improving cardiovascular functions. It is good for various hearth problems. The reason for these benefits of walnuts is that they contain unsaturated fats and little cholesterol, significant amount of omega-3 and antioxidant properties. Walnuts can help prevent gallstones.

Grooming . 22 Tips for slim Look

HOW TO Appear Thinner? - 22 Tips

We all want to appear the best we can no matter what our size. Maybe you have a few extra pounds and want to camouflage them.You do not always have to lose weight in order to appear thinner. Here are some tips that will make you look and feel as if you have experienced weight loss.

Instructions

Step 1 - If you are heavy on the bottom, wear a solid color on your bottom half. Stay away from patterns and bright colors. Wear patterns on top to detract attention from your lower half. You will appear more balanced and look thinner without having to lose weight.

Step 2 - If you are heavy on top, reverse this. Wear bottoms that have more detail, and tops that are simple and plain. Again, this minimizes your top half, and makes you appear thinner all over.

Step 3 - To give yourself the appearance of a waist, wear longer, fitted shirts that come just below the lower belly. Wear a wide belt or scarf around your waist area. You will give the appearance of a slimmer waistline.

Step 4 - Do not wear clothes too loose. This does not camouflage, but only gives the appearance of sloppiness. Wear clothes that are form fitting to appear thinner.

Step 5 - Do not wear clothes that are too tight either. We do not to overly accentuate bumps or bulges. This will only make you appear heavier than you actually are. You will look like you have lost weight if you wear clothes that fit your body.

Step 6 - Wear heels. They make you taller and that makes you appear thinner without having to actually lose weight or diet.

Step 7 - Spanx are great for slimming you down. They are comfortable and can make you appear 3-4 sizes smaller without diet or exercise.

Step 8 - With pants wear a slightly flared leg so that you do not look thigh heavy. This will give your leg a balanced look all the way down which makes you look taller and thinner.

Step 9 - Always choose dark jeans. A cut that goes slightly above the belly button, with a light flare in the leg will be most flattering. Darker jeans are instantly slimming.

Step 10 - Pockets of pants should be high up on the rear to accentuate the buttocks. In order to appear thinner, avoid pockets that are low on the rear.

Step 11 - To hide a variety of sins wear a skirt with a slight flare. Stay away from clingy fabrics which will accentuate areas of heaviness. This will make you appear like you weigh less.

Step 12 - Wear a tank with another shirt on top for a layered effect. Tops that have a cut that tapers toward the waist give an hourglass effect which helps give you a shape.

Step 13 - Wearing pants with vertical stripes are great. This can make you look like you have lost weight without ever having done any exercise or diet.

Step 14 - Fitted suits that have vertical striping and a tapered waist are great. Make sure it fits. Wear a fitted top underneath. This is a very slimming look.

Step 15 - Do not expose too much cleavage. Tops should fit, but not be overly tight. Tight clothing can expose bulges that may make you appear heavier. In order to appear like you have lost weight, be sure your clothes are fitted correctly.

Step 16 - Do wear v-necks and oval shaped tops. These cut into the body to give a slimming effect.

Step 17 - If you wear a baggier top, wear a fitted bottom. This will give you balance and contribute to a slimmer appearance.

Step 18 - Wear half sleeves that are fitted to cover trouble spots such as heavy arms. This can make you look like you have lost 10 pounds.

Step 19 - Shorts should be fitted and slightly flared. They should extend to the knee to create a look of length.

Step 20 - A pencil skirt will work if there is a slight flare on the bottom, and the top is longer, belted and somewhat fitted, or flowy and soft.

Step 21 - Try on many different styles. Be real with yourself. Look in the mirror in the department store and really be critical. Ask yourself if you would like this on someone else of the same size. Follow the guidelines listed above to choose clothes to make you appear thinner.

Step 22 - Do not be afraid to go out of your style zone. Being up to date and stylish will detract from any perceived flaws you may have. Looking thinner without diet or weight loss is possible by using the guidelines listed above. You do not have to lose weight to appear thinner. Dressing the part can make you appear like you have lost 10 pounds overnight.

Few More Ayurvedic Herbs

Pippali

Latin Name
Piper longum

Sanskrit Name
Pippali

Hindi Name
Pippali

English Name
Long Pepper, Dried Catkins

Parts Used

Fruit. Indigenous to north-eastern and southern India and Sri Lanka. Cultivated throughout India, especially in Bengal.

Traditional Ayurvedic Uses

• Pippali is certainly one of the most widely used of all Ayurvedic herbs. It is one of the best herbs for enhancing digestion, assimilation and metabolism of the foods we eat. It is also highly prized for its ability to enhance assimilation and potency of herbs in a synergistic formula (this is called the Yogavahi effect). You will find it in most of our formulas because of these and other benefits.
• The Ayurvedic texts list Pippali as one of the most powerful Rasayana herbs, meaning it is a longevity enhancer. It also cleans the shrotas that transport nutrients and remove wastes, so it is considered important for purification. It balances two of the three laws of nature at work in the mind and body (Vata and Kapha). It also soothes the nerves to improve the quality of sleep at night.
• Pippali enhances all 13 of the metabolic processes (Agnis) that create the 7 categories of bodily tissues (Dhatus).
• Along with Black Pepper and Ginger, Pippali is part of the famous digestive formula known as Trikatu (Three Spices).

Lal Punarnava

Latin Name
Boerhavia diffusa

Sanskrit Name
Punarnava

Hindi Name
Lal Punarnava

English Name
Spreading Hogweed

Parts Used

Whole herb, root. Each part has a different therapeutic value and must be prepared in its own way for maximum benefits. Found throughout India, especially during the rainy season.

Traditional Ayurvedic Uses

• The root of this plant is a powerful Rasayana (longevity enhancer). It is good for the kidneys, especially the nephron cells which are damaged by long-term hyperglycemia (diabetes). And it pacifies two of the main laws of physiology (Vata and Kapha).
• Punarnava enhances the quality of six of the seven categories of bodily tissues, including nutrient plasma (Rasa Dhatu), blood (Rakta Dhatu), muscle (Mamsa Dhatu), fat (Meda Dhatu), bone marrow and nerves (Majja Dhatu), and reproductive fluids (Shukra Dhatu).

Shankhini

Latin Name
Evolvolus alsinoides, Convolvolus pluricalis

Sanskrit Name
Shankapushpi

Hindi Name
Shankhini

English Name
Aloeweed

Parts Used

Entire plant, juice. Each part has a different therapeutic value and must be prepared in its own way for maximum benefits.

Traditional Ayurvedic Uses

• Shankapushpi is quoted in Charaka to be the single greatest herb for enhancing all three aspects of mind power -- learning (Dhi), memory (Driti), and recall (Smriti). Thus it is called the greatest Medhya Rasayana (that which enhances the mind). It helps the quality of sleep by improving mind-body coordination.
• It is also praised as the best herb for beauty, stating that it achieves the goal of beauty, which is auspiciousness in all parts of the body (Subhanga Karanam). It also helps to nourish all layers of the skin (Twachya effect). It enhances all three pillars of Ayurvedic beauty, known as outer beauty, inner beauty, and lasting beauty.
• Shankapushpi is very beneficial for the nervous system, enhancing the quality of bone marrow and nerve tissue (Majja Dhatu).

Combinations are Best

The ayurvedic physicians of Maharishi Ayurveda do not recommend the use of single herbs for self-care due to several important reasons.

One of the specialties of ayurveda is the science of herb combining that has been perfected over thousands of years of clinical practice. From this ayurvedic perspective, the study of herbs from scientific research which is based on single ingredient formulas is not very practical. This is because an herb can give a number of different effects depending on the other herbs it is combined with as well as a number of other factors such as dosage, how the herb was processed, etc. If one focuses just on the results of a study based on one ingredient, while it may be interesting, it does not give the full insight into the complete range of effects available from that particular herb.


Shatavari

Latin Name
Asparagus racemosus

Sanskrit Name
Shatavari

Hindi Name
Shatavari

English Name
Indian Asparagus, Hundred Roots

Parts Used

Roots and leaves. Each part has a different therapeutic value and must be prepared in its own way for maximum benefits. This climber growing in the low jungles is found all over India, especially northern India.

Traditional Ayurvedic Uses

• Shatavari is one of the most important of all herbs for female reproductive health, and it especially improves the quality and quantity of reproductive fluids in men and women (Shukra Dhatu). It is also used to improve the quality and quantity of mother's milk when breastfeeding. This herb is known to increase Sattwa, or positivity and healing power. It also enhances the feelings of spiritual love, and increases Ojas (that through which consciousness enters the physiology).
• Shatavari supports all the metabolic processes (Agnis) to create good quality in all seven categories of bodily tissues (Dhatus).
• Should be used with other herbs to avoid aggravation of any congestion.