Tips to Stay Hydrated This Summers
Summers are here and we are all experiencing serious heat waves. Whenever we talk of dehydrating during summers, the first thing that comes to our mind is the advertisement wherein the blazing sun is zapping off the energy from a man with a straw! In the past few years, summers have been very harsh, all thanks to the rising global warming. Tips to Stay Hydrated This Summers The human body is made up of 70% water; therefore it is important to maintain the right amount of fluid balance in the body. Increased sweating can cause a huge loss of water as well as salts from the body. Dehydration is a huge problem in summers and it can cause health issues like vomiting, headache, heat stroke, heat cramps, and exhaustion. Research shows that even with mild dehydration, our cognitive functions start getting affected. Â It is important to keep one hydrated by drinking lots of water and other fluids like natural juices, coconut water, etc. Adding whole fruits and raw vegetables like cabbage, lettuce, spinach can help us to remain hydrated. Summer fruits like watermelon, musk melon, citrus fruits, etc are beneficial. If one is tired of drinking plain water, flavored water can be prepared very easily at home. Just by adding cucumber, strawberries, mint, or lemon to plain water, your fancy flavored water is ready which can be sipped through the day. Add a piece of two of cinnamon sticks for added flavor and also to accelerate weight loss. It is advisable to stay away from alcohol, drugs, medications, salts, and refined foods as much as we can during summers. All the above items dehydrate our bodies even more. If one gets bored with drinking only water, add on some zing. One can always alternate between a glass of water, and a cool cup of herbal tea, followed by a glass of buttermilk and likewise. The idea is to drink water every 10 minutes without putting extra stress on the kidneys to flush out excess water and keeping the body constantly hydrated. Stimulants like coffee and tea can dehydrate the body due to its diuretic effects. Diuretic effect means that it draws out water from the body which leads to further dehydration. Limiting the consumption of tea and coffee is a must to keep the body hydrated during summers. Maintaining the right amount of salt balance in the body is also necessary along with water. Add some unrefined minerals like raw salt into the water and drinking it helps to increase the absorption of water in the body. It also helps to increase energy levels in the body as the added minerals boost the activity of the thyroid as well as adrenal glands. Apart from feeling thirsty and having a parched mouth, one can also check if an adequate amount of water is being consumed or not by observing the color of the urine. If the urine is dark, then it means that the body is dehydrated and if it is pale yellow then is it fine. Drink the elixir of life called water and stay hydrated and healthy! Happy Summers!
All About the Power of Nuts
We are all living in a time where health is being given the utmost priority. From innumerable books being written on healthy eating to videos of yoga, everyone around seems to be getting more conscious of not just losing weight but living an overall healthy life. One of the food items which is gaining a lot of popularity is nuts. Should we say that everybody is going nuts over nuts! On a serious note, there are many health benefits of nuts that we will be covering in this article. Nuts can be biologically defined as seed kernels. Technically speaking, nuts belong to the family of legumes like peas and beans. They are generally contained inside a hard and inedible shell and need to be cracked to get the kernel. All of them are good sources of fats. Some of the commonly consumed nuts are almonds, walnuts, cashew nuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, peanuts, pine nuts, pecans, etc. Most of them can be eaten as it is after removing from the shell and are also used in cooking a variety of dishes. Why eats Nuts on A Regular Basis? All the nuts are a great source of many nutrients like fats, proteins, fiber, vitamin E, phosphorous, manganese, selenium, magnesium, etc. Regular consumption of nuts can help in weight loss. When trying to lose weight, the best snack is grabbing a handful of nuts. Nuts make one feel full but the body does not absorb all the calories present in the nuts. Nuts are rich in antioxidants. Oxidation is a process in our body which gives rise to many free radicals. These free radicals are proven to be harmful to the body. Nuts reduce the level of oxidation taking place in our body keeping it healthy. Various kinds of nuts also help to reduce the level of inflammation in the body as they are great anti-inflammatory agents. Excessive inflammation is the biggest cause of many ailments in the body like diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease like heart stroke, etc. Being rich in fiber, nuts help to improve gut health, thus further reducing the risk of diabetes and obesity. That is the reason, just a handful of nuts makes us feel full and reduces overall calories consumption. High levels of cholesterol are very detrimental to health. Nuts have the power to reduce the total bad cholesterol by lowering the bad cholesterol and increasing the amount of good cholesterol. This helps in the prevention of various heart diseases and reduces the chances of heart attack, cardiac arrest, etc. How do we get glowing and healthy skin naturally? Well, the answer lies in nuts. The vitamin B content in the nuts helps to prevent premature aging of the skin and the appearance of fine lines too. All the essential fatty acids in nuts help to keep the skin hydrated and also protects the skin against acne, eczema, dark spots, etc. Similarly, the high amount of zinc in nuts helps to keep the hair strong and lustrous. Did you know that nuts are also good for the bones? Nuts are packed with calcium that increases bone density and also helps to prevent osteoporosis. One should be careful before consuming any kind of nuts. While it has multi-health benefits for the majority of people, some people can also get a severe allergic reaction to nuts. If such is the case, one must consult their doctor about the best way to deal with it.
Is it Safe to use Curcumin During Summers?
Listen To Article [sc_embed_player fileurl=”https://bagdarafarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/using-Curcumin-during-summers.mp3″] Extended winters this year were quite painful mostly for the fever, cough, and cold that it brought along with it. The best home remedy for all the above-stated ailments is undoubtedly curcumin. Curcumin can be taken in any form like smoothies, the all-time favorite haldi dhoodh, or turmeric milk or in tea. What is curcumin that everyone seems to be talking about these days? Curcumin is one of the natural polyphenols obtained from the root of the turmeric plant or Curcuma longa. Turmeric has been known for its amazing medicinal properties since time immemorial due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiseptic properties. Multi-benefits of curcumin for the physical and mental well being of an individual are as follows: Aids in weight loss and weight management Improves the symptoms of any kind of respiratory disorders It is considered to be at par with the regular NSAIDs and painkillers, cures headaches, pain, and swelling Strengthens the joints, natural antiseptic, and antibiotic Excellent blood purifier Takes care of stomach ulcers, cough, and cold Keeps stress and anxiety at bay Prevents various types of cancers and degenerative diseases After knowing all the benefits, there is a minute element of doubt in a lot of people about the use of curcumin during the summer months. It is an absolute myth that one needs to stop the consumption of curcumin during summers because its teaser is hot. In fact, continuing with the regular consumption of curcumin in moderate amounts through the year is seen to have a positive effect on the overall health of an individual. If the idea of taking a hot turmeric drink during summers seems to be unbearable, one can try some of the turmeric cool drinks: Wash turmeric root, lettuce leaves, carrot, and cucumber and juice them one by one or together. Add a dash of black pepper and lemon juice to enhance the taste. Drink it up immediately. Add turmeric in fruit smoothies. Have them as it is or freezes them in popsicles. This is a great way of benefitting kids with the goodness of curcumin. Try the beetroot juice with lemon and curcumin. Beetroot is rich in magnesium, calcium, and iron which keep the blood pressure under control. Black carrot or kanji as it is popularly known can be juiced and mixed with curcumin for a great cooling drink for summer. This combination of kanji and curcumin helps to keep the stomach in a healthy and cool state throughout the hot summer days. A few things have to be kept in mind before consuming curcumin. Please ensure that curcumin is always consumed along with a pinch of black pepper so as to increase its bioavailability to the body. Patients with gall bladder issues and diabetes must use curcumin after proper consultation by the doctor. Pregnant ladies need to be a little careful while consuming turmeric.
These Unknown Facts About Curcumin About Surprise You-
Listen To Article [sc_embed_player fileurl=”https://bagdarafarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/unknown-facts-about-curcumin.mp3″] Curcumin is one of the best known superfoods of today. It is one of the important components of turmeric or Curcuma longa whose magical health benefits have been in vogue since time immemorial. Turmeric is used as a common spice to give nice golden colour and aromatic flavour to many cuisines in Asian countries. Curcumin is known to take care of various diseases, all thanks to her anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibiotic and anti-cancer properties. Here, we are going to list a few unknown facts about the use of curcumin. Many research studies show that regular intake of curcumin can help to extend one’s lifespan. Along with preventing the occurrence of degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, curcumin can also improve the spatial memory of an individual. Postoperative fatigue can at times slow down the healing process. Curcumin reduces this fatigue and helps in the faster recovery process. They are a good substitute for the harmful steroids while treating a few conditions like chronic eye inflammation. Studies have shown that consumption of curcumin supplements can help in reducing the risk of leukemia in kids. It can be used to treat and even reverse the symptoms of diabetes which is great. Curcumin is known to stimulate the gall bladder to produce bile which in turn aids in better emulsification and digestion of fat. The antiviral activity of curcumin against adenoviruses, influenza viruses, and even HIV, etc is quite potent. Similarly, it also exhibits great antifungal activities against Candida albicans by inhibiting the development of hyphae. In case of a spinal injury, curcumin inhibits cell death and loss of neurons, thus showing improved neurological deficit even after a few days after the injury. Curcumin works wonders in tackling depression by increasing the levels of hippocampal BDNF. It also improves memory and mood in many individuals. Metal poisoning is a serious matter and needs to be attended to immediately. Curcumin protects the DNA from damage by arsenic, selenium, and fluoride toxicity. Curcumin is considered to be very good for eye health. It is shown to delay cataract development in rats. By inhibiting the release of cytokines leading to inflammation, curcumin slows down the process of aging. In patients with arthritis, curcumin intake is shown to regenerate cartilage and also reduces the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Curcumin is also very good for prostate health as it induces cell death in human prostate tumour cells. It protects the liver from aflatoxin which if left untreated can lead to an ugly episode of food poisoning. Curcumin is a great source of antioxidants which optimizes vitality by curbing the formation of free radicals. It reduces the symptoms of bloating and gas related to indigestion and reduces the excess inflammation in the inner gut lining. Hormones are the chemical messengers of our body which are secreted in very small amounts but are very important for the normal functioning of the body. A slight imbalance in the hormonal levels can create havoc in the body. To avoid this hormonal disturbance, regular consumption of curcumin can help in maintaining hormone levels. It cleanses the blood out of toxicity and also supports the health of all the glands and organs concerned with the hormone production. One must incorporate curcumin in their daily diet in the correct manner in order to experience the benefits of curcumin. Happy and healthy living!
Efficacy and Safety of Turmeric and Curcumin in Lowering Blood Lipid Levels In Patients with Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Listen To Article [sc_embed_player fileurl=”https://bagdarafarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/cardiovascular-Risk-Factors.mp3″] Cardiovascular diseases have become the normal killer of people across the world and the blame should go on our entire lifestyle. From the type of food, we eat and high-stress levels to poor weight management. Only a handful of individuals fall prey to this disorder due to their faulty genes. Before we dwell deeper into the disease, let’s understand what the function of the cardiovascular system is. Also known as the circulatory system, the cardiovascular system does an important job of supplying all the parts of the body with blood. This organ system comprises of the heart, blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries). The major cardiovascular disease related to some of the life-threatening events includes stroke, heart attack, and aneurysm. Some of the common symptoms of the cardiovascular disorder are a pain in the chest (angina), nausea, cold sweat, shortness of breath, nausea, and fatigue. Many facts prove that turmeric is a great spice to good health including keeping the cardiovascular system healthy. How does it do that? Turmeric, the golden spice which is very popular in Asian countries has a polyphenolic compound called curcumin in it. All the health benefits of turmeric can be attributed to the presence of curcumin. Curcumin has the ability to lower cholesterol levels and thus help in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Dyslipidemia is the term given to an abnormally high level of triglycerides, cholesterol, and fat phospholipids in the blood. This is one of the major risk factors for any cardiovascular disorder. Turmeric and curcumin have the following effects on the overall cardiovascular system: The process of oxidative stress is one of the most common causes of many health concerns. Since curcumin is a great antioxidant agent, it attenuates oxidative stress. It has this miraculous property to scavenge all the free radicals in the body which lowers the risk of oxidative stress. Studies also show that curcumin can help in preventing the clogging of arteries. Due to high lipid levels in the blood, plaque formation takes place on the walls of the arteries leading to atherosclerosis; a risk factor for strokes and heart attacks. At the genetic level, curcumin is shown to affect the gene signaling pathways in such a way that plaque buildup at the molecular level is minimum. Curcumin is also a potent agent that inhibits the process of angiogenesis in the adipose or fat tissue. Turmeric seems to prevent cholesterol production in the liver and block cholesterol absorption in the gut. This results in the lowering of LDL or bad cholesterol oxidation in the arterial linings. Turmeric also protects the heart by improving the endothelial function (improving the health of cells that line the blood vessels). The anti-inflammatory action of curcumin helps to suppress the inflammation, thus improving endothelial function. In a study that was done in recent years in which the data showed that the daily intake of curcumin could reduce the lipid indices (non HDL and Lp (a)) which in turn reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It was also proven that the daily intake of curcumin did not have any side effects as such on the majority of the consumers. This is an excellent breakthrough because Statin, the most commonly prescribed drug for dyslipidemia is associated with many dangerous side effects like damage to the digestive system, mental fuzziness, liver damage, muscle pains, and aches, etc. It is advisable to discuss the use of turmeric with your physician if one is under some kind of medication.
Turmeric versus Curcumin
Listen To Article [sc_embed_player fileurl=”https://bagdarafarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/turmeric-vs-curcumin.mp3″] A lot of us are confused between turmeric and curcumin. What is the difference between turmeric and curcumin? Since these two are always mentioned together, many feel that both are the same but that’s not the case. Let us have a look at the difference between turmeric and curcumin. Difference between Turmeric and Curcumin Turmeric is a root vegetable called Curcuma longa and belongs to the ginger family. It has a nice golden hue to it and adds a lot of flavors as well as color to various cuisines. It’s therapeutic properties have been known in Ayurveda for the past 5000 years as it was widely used in Central America and Asia. To obtain this spice, the turmeric plant is dried and ground to a powder. On the other hand, curcumin is a naturally occurring polyphenol which is found in the roots of the turmeric plant. So, we can say that turmeric is the main source of curcumin. Curcumin makes up only 3 % of the weight of the turmeric.  Apart from curcumin, other compounds found in turmeric are demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. For scientists, curcumin is the one with the most interest as it offers bigger health benefits as compared to the other two active compounds found in turmeric. We can say that all the health benefits of turmeric are due to curcumin. As a great anti-inflammatory agent, curcumin can help to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. It also helps to promote good health of the joints and is also popular as a post work out recovery agent for sore muscles and cramps. Curcumin is also a well known antioxidant agent. Oxidation processes in the body can give rise to many free radicals which are damaging to the body. Curcumin acts as a scavenger of free radicals, thus reducing the levels of oxidation in the body. The anticancer action of curcumin is widely known wherein it stops the growth of cancer cells as well as their spread to other parts of the body. In the case of diabetes, curcumin is known to regulate the blood sugar levels so as to prevent their shoot up drastically. It also helps to maintain great mental health and is thus, helpful in cases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia. The strong immunomodulatory functions of curcumin also help to keep the immune system strong to fight off any kind of infections from foreign organisms. So we can say that all in all, curcumin is a great gift from nature and has a remedy for almost every ailment provided it is taken regularly and in the correct manner. Is it ok to take just the plain turmeric off our kitchen shelves to reap its health benefits? As research says, just the plain turmeric does not help too much. As mentioned beforehand, the percentage of curcumin in turmeric is very less. Therefore, if one has to benefit from the regular intake of curcumin, a large amount of turmeric will have to be consumed in such a case. The best solution to this would be to take curcumin supplements. Another thing that one needs to keep in mind while consuming curcumin is its low rate of bioavailability. Curcumin is not absorbed properly into our system. It needs to be consumed with a small amount of black pepper for a better therapeutic effect.
Where to buy the best turmeric Curcumin extract? A Consumer’s Guide
Listen To Article [sc_embed_player fileurl=”https://bagdarafarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/best-curcumin.mp3″] Turmeric has been regarded as a miracle spice since time immemorial. It has proved its efficacy after being used for various ailments as per Ayurveda. Have we ever wondered what gives turmeric its healing properties? Turmeric has a group of curcuminoids and one of them is curcumin which can be credited for all the health benefits. Curcumin is widely known for its great anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, and anticancer actions. It is very effective in treating many diseases like depression, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, dental plaques, heart attack, and the list goes on. A little flip side to this entire story is that very little percentage of curcumin is present in turmeric. So if one has to benefit from all the good of curcumin, a lot of turmeric will have to be consumed. To overcome this glitch, it is advisable to take curcumin supplements. At the same time, it is important to consume good and pure quality curcumin to reap the maximum health benefits. Presenting to you the best quality of curcumin from Bagdara Farms which lies on the laps of nature in the wilderness of Bandhavgarh, Katni (Madhya Pradesh). It brings the best of turmeric and curcumin obtained from organic farming which has been scientifically proven to be far better for consumption. Bagdara Farms has its own set of people and resources which are used taking utmost care of Mother Nature and the wildlife around. There is in-house processing, manufacturing, packaging and distribution chain that ensures top-notch quality at every step. Since turmeric is farmed organically here, there is absolutely no use of chemical fertilizer and pesticide. Natural methods like biological or natural pest and weed control are used. For better soil fertility, composting and green manuring is used. Also, the soil in Bagdara Farms is highly enriched with minerals which ensure that any product has the best constituent of nutrients. All the products of Bagdara Farms have certain features like: Curcumin obtained from turmeric is non-GMO which means that it is not genetically manipulated. It is 100% vegetarian. Each of the products is manufactured after extensive research into the pharmacological and therapeutic properties of curcumin as per the required dosage for a particular ailment. All the products have very high curcumin content. The supplements have also been enriched with black pepper which ensures better absorption of curcumin. The wild strain is used. Enjoy good health with curcumin-based supplements from Bagdara Farms!
How is Curcumin Extracted From Turmeric?
Listen To Article [sc_embed_player fileurl=”https://bagdarafarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Curcumin-extraction.mp3″] There are many rounds of buzz going around, claiming turmeric to have miraculous healing properties. Well, a lot of research proves it to be true! At the same time, a lot of people get confused between what turmeric and curcumin really are. As the saying goes, half knowledge is dangerous, let us further understand the difference between these two substances and also how curcumin can be extracted from turmeric. Turmeric is the root of a rhizome plant called Curcuma Longa, which is widely used as a very popular golden spice in many Asian countries like India. This root is harvested, cleaned, dried properly, and powdered to be used in cooking as well as medicines. It also has a lot of value as well as a long history in the field of Ayurveda. On the other hand, curcumin is one of the many compounds called curcuminoids which are present in turmeric. In fact, a typical root of turmeric will contain about 2-5 % of curcumin which means that a large amount of turmeric would be required to get a substantial amount of curcumin. If we look into the history, curcumin was first isolated in 1851 but it was done on a larger scale only by 1910. Thereafter, many studies and research work have gone on to prove that curcumin has many health benefits. Curcumin can be used to treat minor problems like healing wounds, treating sprains to preventing Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and heart attacks. It functions in a multi-directional way because of its multi-benefits like anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and antiseptic. Coming back to the topic of how to extract curcumin from turmeric, why do we need to that? Why can’t we just have the plain turmeric? Consuming fresh or powdered turmeric will have good general health benefits but if we are looking at treating a particular disease, regulated dosages of curcumin will be required. Therefore, in order to get pure curcumin in good quantities, it has to be extracted from the turmeric root. Usually, instead of the whole turmeric root, powdered root is used for the extraction process. Since curcumin is insoluble in water and fat-soluble, a fat medium is required to dissolve or absorb it. Solvents like methanol and ethanol will be needed to dissolve the curcumin. The process is given below: Firstly, the powdered turmeric is put into the ethanol solution and allowed to stand still for at least two days. After doing this, the solids need to be removed by using a coffee filter. A liquid solution with curcumin will be left behind. This solution is then further reduced by pouring it into a wide tray and letting it stand until almost all the ethanol is evaporated. It can further be dried by baking it at 200 degrees Celsius until it is completely dry. A gummy mass of curcumin will be obtained as the leftover. If this process is carried out at home, it will not be possible to accurately measure the percentage of curcumin in it. To get a rough idea, one can purchase pure curcumin from any health store and making different solutions to it in different quantities of water. Note and stop adding the water once you get a solution that matches the color of the homemade curcumin. The best way is to buy ready-made curcumin from a reputed and reliable company so that it can be used to derive many health benefits. Be healthy and active with curcumin!
Beat the Exam Blues With Curcumin
Listen To Article [sc_embed_player fileurl=”https://bagdarafarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Curcumin-For-Exams.mp3″] We are almost around the time of the year when the exams are starting. Times are so, that students of any class are experiencing a tremendous amount of pressure to do well. All thanks to parental pressure, peer pressure and the fear of not doing well in life. The saddest scenario is that these days, students don’t study to gain knowledge but just to score marks which results in high-stress levels. In the same breath, I would also like to add that not at times, this exam pressure can also help you keep focussed and most of the other times it makes the stress skyrocketing high! What do the common signs and symptoms of exam stress look like? Mood swings Feeling low and overwhelmed Lack of motivation Headaches and tensed muscles Feeling sick and having an upset stomach Losing touch with friends Some of the reasons that can be responsible for the stress build-up which adds up to the above symptoms can be that the students feel that they are underprepared for an exam. They at times also feel the need to compete with others and get a certain percentage. It can also happen that they don’t have adequate time to prepare for the exam. Few students also feel the pressure as they find it hard to understand what they have been taught e.g. a particular topic or a subject. A lot of suggestions are given to deal with the stress and anxiety related to exams. Some work and some don’t. Some work for a few people and not for everyone. One natural remedy which will also benefit students who are dealing with high-stress levels due to exams is the regular intake of curcumin. What is curcumin? It is a naturally yellow compound and a component of an Asian spice called turmeric. Apart from helping to manage stress, curcumin also has many other medicinal benefits as stated in Ayurveda. DHA or docosahexaenoic acid dip in the brain can lead to high-stress levels along with anxiety. Curcumin increases the levels of DHA in the brain as well as liver tissues which in turn helps to improve the cognitive functions of an individual. This can lower the stress levels considerably. The cell regulatory effect of curcumin is well known for repairing the process of neurodegeneration. Neurodegeneration can cause stress, worry as well as depression. A rich antioxidant, curcumin helps to protect the proper functioning of the brain. A good night’s sleep is an essential element before writing an exam or even for a fruitful study session. Many studies have proven that curcumin can help an individual to achieve better quality sleep. Having a good mood helps an individual to have a positive frame of mind. Curcumin helps to enhance brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine. This results in good memory and better learning. Please note that it is advisable to take good quality curcumin. The correct way of taking curcumin is along with a pinch of pepper for better bioabsorption of curcumin. Last but not the least, try and keep a positive frame of mind and calm for better performance in the exam. Wishing all the students the very best of luck for all their future endeavors!
It is Safe to Take Curcumin Supplements for High Cholesterol Patients
Listen To Article [sc_embed_player fileurl=”https://bagdarafarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/high-cholesterol.mp3″] Lifestyle disease was the new term that gained popularity in the late 90s when a lot of people across the age groups started getting affected by diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. They were named so as these health conditions arise from an unhealthy lifestyle, many times accompanied by some other factors too. High cholesterol was found to be the main culprit which led not only to lifestyle diseases but also to heart conditions like heart attack, cardiac arrest, blocked arteries, etc. What do you Mean by Cholesterol? In medical terms, cholesterol in humans can be described as the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HPL) as well as triglycerides in a person’s blood. An increase in the LDL levels causes blockages in the arteries and thus, is considered to be the bad cholesterol. HDL is the good cholesterol is the one that counters the activity of LDL to prevent damage to the arteries. The normal levels of cholesterol in healthy individuals measure anything less than 200 mg/dL while 200 to 280 mg/dl is considered to be borderline. Cholesterol levels which are over 240 mg/dL are unhealthy and turn out to be dangerous. High cholesterol levels or hypercholesterolemia can lead to obstruction of steady blood flow due to plaque accumulation (atherosclerosis) which in turn increases the chances of a heart attack. The sad part is that high cholesterol is not detected on time till it gets very high and damages the major organs. Doctors suggest that keeping the weight under control, eating a balanced diet and a regular routine of physical activities can help keep high cholesterol levels under check. Apart from this, regular intake of curcumin supplements is proving to be quite effective in checking high cholesterol levels. Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound is one of the major components of the golden spice turmeric. Wondering how Curcumin can help to manage high cholesterol levels? Read on further Curcumin is a natural anti-atherosclerotic agent which means that it can naturally help to prevent the plaque formation and cholesterol deposits on the walls of the artery. It helps in eliminating cholesterol molecules to a large extent. Free radicals in the body help LDL and cholesterol molecules in adhering to the walls of the artery, thus increasing their chances of clogging the arteries. Since curcumin is a natural antioxidant agent, it has the ability to bind to and thus eliminate the free radicals. Slow or no metabolism of LDL molecules in the body leads to their accumulation in the bloodstream. Curcumin helps in modulating the metabolism of lipids in the body by regulating the levels of leptin which in turn helps in the breakdown of fats. This also helps to keep the lipid levels in the blood under the normal levels. Many studies have also shown that curcumin is helpful in regulating certain genes that can help to lower cholesterol levels. What it does is that it suppresses the activity of the genes responsible for promoting LDL. Inflammation is an enemy that can lead to the damage of blood vessels and also causes build-up of plaque. The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin are known to be good for patients suffering from high blood pressure too. Curcumin is also proven to be effective in preventing the liver from producing high levels of cholesterol and also prevents the intestines from absorbing excess cholesterol. Having stated all the good things about the efficacy of curcumin in helping to lower high cholesterol levels, it is very important to note that curcumin supplements need to be from a reliable source so that it provides the maximum benefits. Supplements are an easier form to consume curcumin as one saves time and effort. A few points to be kept in mind before using Curcumin Supplements are: Start taking curcumin supplements in small dosages and then gradually increase the dosage. Since curcumin has antiplatelet properties, it should not be consumed by individuals who are suffering from bleeding risks. At times, curcumin can interfere with the metabolism of drugs; therefore a gap of few hours needs to be kept between the intake of medicines and curcumin supplement. One must start taking the curcumin supplements in order to believe in its magical properties. Give some time for it to show the positive results.
The Power of Eating Whole Grains – I Bet You Didn’t Know
Right across the globe, the variety of grain products available in the market is simply mind-boggling. World Health Organisation stresses the nutritional importance of grains as a foundation for a good and wholesome diet. This miracle food can be easily stored and transported without getting damaged and spoilt. Grains contain the majority of basic nutrients essential for survival and good health, i.e., water carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and are thus, humbly known as the ‘Cinderella of Nutrition.’ About seventy percent of the energy content of an Indian diet is derived from grains since they are an important source of fiber, B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folate), and minerals (iron, magnesium, and selenium). More often than not, they are looked down upon as a necessary evil. The kinds of grains that are available today are wheat, corn, barley, rice, rye, buckwheat, amaranth, sorghum, and quinoa. For a healthy Heart – Two to four servings of whole grains a day reduce the risk of heart disease by as much as forty percent and also protects from hypertension. Not known to many, it provides a similar effect as to the impact of ‘statin’ drugs. Ten gms of cereal fiber in the diet dramatically reduces the risk of coronary heart diseases. Consuming more oats and rye flour is always beneficial. Fiber is plentiful in unrefined grains, fruits, and vegetables. Tackle Cancer – Intake of whole grains provides significant protection from cancer especially collateral, gastric, ovarian, prostate, breast, and uterine cancer. Control Diabetes – By virtue of the fact that whole grains are packed with fiber, it slows digestion and the absorption of carbohydrates. This may not raise our blood sugar as quickly as in the case of refined grains. Since whole grains help to feel fuller for a longer time, they inherently assist in managing weight. For people with Type 2 diabetes, whole grains make a better choice as compared to refined carbohydrates since they are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Few Myths About Eating Whole Grains It is universally felt that eating grains lead to inflammation in the body. On the contrary, it is vice versa. Consuming a cup of whole grains daily for a month increases the good bacteria in our gut thereby decreasing inflammation and improving gut health. As widely believed, eating grains does not lead to obesity. Increased weight is attributable to unhealthy food habits wherein, even the pattern of lifestyle matters. If a diet contains the right amount of whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, and good oils in the right proportion, one need not worry about weight gain. Eliminating grains from the diet will cause more harm to our health. Fruits and vegetables though healthy, are not nutrient-dense as in the case of whole grains as these provide energy along with satiety to the body.
Mushrooms – These Buttons Are Much Healthier Than You Thought
Listen To Article [sc_embed_player fileurl=”https://bagdarafarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/apoorva-mushrooms.mp3″] “food be your medicine, let medicine be thy food”  – Hippocrates –  The often-repeated adage that food is the fuel for a living cannot be more apt. However, what should not be lost sight of is the fact that the right food acts as a medicine for our systems. It would be an incorrect perspective to state that healthy food is the most powerful tool to create as well as maintain optimal health. Mushrooms have proved to be one such superfood. They contain an extremely rich reservoir of vitamin D, selenium, riboflavin, and copper. Moreover, all essential amino acids are also present in this functional fungi. A generous serving of fresh mushrooms provides approximately 70 kcal to our bodies. Though there are a variety of mushrooms which occur abundantly, the most commonly used areas brought out:- Button Mushrooms – This variety of mushroom is the most common throughout the globe and are abundantly available in grocery stores. By virtue of having an inherent ability to suppress markers that lead to a reoccurrence of cancers especially prostrate cancer, button mushrooms are also known to boost the immune system effectively. Oyster Mushrooms – These mushrooms are a very rich source of antioxidants and moreover, also produce statins which facilitate lowering cholesterol as well as the increased triglycerides levels in our system. Further, oyster mushrooms are an excellent source of proteins and the presence of folic acid helps to address the issue of anaemia. As a matter of caution, it is advised that a small amount be tried first since they may cause indigestion in some people or some might even be allergic to it. Shitake Mushrooms – Due to its immense medicinal properties coupled with the nutritional value that it inherently possesses, shitake is a very popular variety of edible mushrooms and second to button mushrooms in terms of the vastness of cultivation. It contains a high percentage of dietary fibers and the health benefits include antimicrobial, anticancer, hypocholesterolemic as well as antidiabetic activities. They have always been an automatic alternative to vegetarians for the ‘protein option’. It should always be kept in mind that mushrooms should be cooked well due to the fact that the cooking heat softens the wall of mushrooms and even the medicinal benefits get enhanced substantially once heated. It is indeed ironic that inspite of being aware of the health benefits of mushrooms, a majority of us still do not include these fungi in our routine diets. An alternative way to intake mushrooms in our diets is by having dried mushrooms and mushroom powders. Though fresh mushrooms offer the maximal health benefits, mushroom powders make it convenient to have them frequently especially for those who have not taken to their taste. To enhance the proportion of vitamin D in mushrooms, they could be exposed to sunlight for twenty to thirty minutes and more importantly, they should be placed ‘bottoms up’ so that the undersize of caps get exposed to valuable sunlight.