How yoga has evolved over the years

The new styles of "yoga" that are gaining popularity around the world are fun, fast and will make you serene while working on a six-pack, it has been claimed.

While acro-yoga "blends the wisdom of yoga, the dynamic power of acrobatics and the loving kindness of healing arts", naked yoga, which many may not deem "fun", is certainly racy.

In hip hop yoga you do sun salutations to the soothing sounds of Eminem and in "Doga" people essentially use their dogs as props to deepen their poses.

Charlotte Piho of Work Out On Water paddled into the middle of a lagoon on her paddleboard to do her daily yoga ritual on a day when she found there were no waves to surf and it was too hot to go inside for a yoga class.

Her lessons in Sydney begin with a gentle paddle, but once you're out on the water it's yoga as usual.Similarly, Gloria Tong found a way to fuse yoga with her other passion - hula hooping.After attending workshops in the United States, where it's a "big scene", she began hooping in Sydney.

Tong felt that traditional yoga moves, or asanas, and the flow of hooping were a natural fit."I think different types of yoga are making yoga more accessible to everyone," Stuff.co.nz quoted Tong as saying.

"On the one hand yoga means 'whole' or 'complete' so you could say that every new style is a valid yoga, and if something is safe and fun then I am all for it," the owner of Bondi's Yoga Synergy said.

"On another level yoga means 'to unify' or 'to join'. The best way to do this on a practical level is improve blood flow because it brings energy, in the form of oxygen, to your cells... But, over-stretching or over-tensing muscles inhibits blood flow and the transfer of oxygen to the cells," he said.

A traditional yogi may sometimes look like they are in very strong or contorted posture, but are not likely to feel like any sense of "stretch" or "tension".

Yet what is mostly taught as yoga these days is actually over-stretching, over-tensing and over-breathing exercises that are physiologically known to reduce the flow of blood and the delivery of oxygen to the cells.

"People are confused as to what yoga is. The ancient system has been significantly altered.. and it's been re-imagined in the last 10 to 15 years. The average teacher has only been teaching for four or five years - so [10 to 15 years is] already ancient history, yet most teachers think they are teaching traditional yoga," Olivier added.

Sleep well, eat well for glowing skin

The summer may have been delayed in large parts of the country but is here finally and so are skin problems such as acne, rashes, sunburn and tanning.

But all it takes to deal with them is a little hygiene, good sleep, lots of water and a healthy diet plan, say experts.

Healthy skin reflects overall health and so it is important to take care of it rather than relying on expensive cosmetics, says clinical nutritionist Ishi Khosla."A clear and glowing skin reflects overall health. This requires a well-balanced fibre- rich diet, plenty of fluids, regular exercise, no smoking and avoiding excessive exposure to sun," Khosla said.

Khosla, who is the director at Whole Foods India and founder-president of Celiac Society for Delhi, also suggests specific nutrients for good skin.

"The important nutrients for skin include proteins, essential fats, vitamin A, E, C, B complex, selenium, zinc and copper," she said.

A regular, sound sleep pattern is also a must, says homeopath Kalyan Banerjee.

"Including natural foods in diet, such as fruits, veggies and a lot of water in one's daily diet, along with uninterrupted sleep automatically brings a glow on the face," Banerjee said.

While a lot of youngsters are opting to go under the knife for achieving flawless skin, it can be achieved without it too, suggests cosmetic surgeon Anup Dhir.

"Saturated fatty, oily food along with caffeine and processed, junk food and cold drinks should be avoided," Dhir said, adding that the "eight glasses of water a day" mantra is indispensable.

"Water not only helps you feel fresh but it also prevents dehydration and will help wash out a lot of toxins," he said.

Dhir says water must also be put to good use for washing the face well!

"Wash your skin twice daily with a chemical free, mild face wash. Sometimes, one should also splash plain water on their skin. Wiping the skin with tissue papers can help reduction of oil. Avoid touching your skin with dirty hands as it leads to more pimples," he said.

And no heavy make-up please as it blocks the pores, leading to more acne.

Salicylic acid/glycolic acid-based creams or cleansers can help in reducing oil secretion and help in keeping acne under control, suggests Madhurima Sharma, cosmetic, plastic and laser surgeon, Atelier Aesthetic Clinic.

"Protection from sun is very important as ultraviolet rays cause damage and can give sun spots, tanning and pre-mature skin ageing.

"Wear a scarf when out in sun, use dark rimmed sunglasses which cover more of your face, carry an umbrella and wear loose cotton clothes... it will be very helpful," Sharma said.

Apart from using natural methods of skin protection, one should invest in a good and suitable sunscreen, with a high sun protection factor (SPF).

"Applying sunscreen just once in the morning is not enough. Re-application of sunscreen three to four times a day is required. It's important that you apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun. Even water resistant sunscreen needs to be applied more than three or four times a day," said Sharma.

Five steps to stronger bones

The right diet can help in building your bones.

1. Eat properly
Getting 1,000mg of calcium a day is the first step — and you're much better off doing this through diet if you can.The best food sources are low-fat dairy such as semi-skimmed milk and yoghurt, as well as bony fish, such as tinned salmon and sardines.Leafy green veg such as kale, broccoli and spinach are also rich in calcium.Dried fruits such as figs and currants and breakfast cereals fortified with calcium are also good sources.

2. Get more vitamin d
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Although some is found in oily fish,our main source comes from the effect of sunlight on your skin.the National Osteoporosis Society is advising people to catch some rays between May and September to keep their vitamin D levels topped up.Just 10 minutes of sunlight a day on bare arms and your face can cut your risk of bone fractures by a third.

3. The right moves
Another vital way to boost your bones is weight-bearing exercise —basically anything that has you upright and stretching your muscles.Good choices include aerobics, dancing or brisk walking."Research shows that if you don't exercise you end up weeing out all the calcium you take in instead of storing it in your bones," warns Prof Skelton. "Ideally we should aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.

4. Quit the cigs and booze

People who smoke have significantly lower bone density, while drinking more than seven alcoholic drinks a week can prevent your bones from absorbing the maximum nutrients from your food.

5. Watch your stress levels
"High levels of stress make the body produce the hormone cortisol, which causes bone loss," says Prof Skelton."Over a long period this can increase your risk of osteoporosis. Yoga, walking the dog or listening to music can all help bust stress."

Drug-resistant TB treatment at home

The government has launched a new home-based drug-resistant tuberculosis management for what officials say patient compliance and reducing hospital burden.

The new treatment modality was initiated on Tuesday with the introduction of a new WHO-approved diagnostic machine GeneXpert that will identify the multi-drug resistant TB (MDR TB) within two hours.

It now takes two months to diagnose TB that does not respond to any of the most effective antibiotics –Isoniazide and Rifampicin, and a patient has to stay more than six months in hospital in its 20 to 24 months treatment period.

In the new home-based management system, according to National TB Programme (NTP), an MDR TB patient can take drugs at home only after one or two months of hospital stay if the sputum tested negative to the organism. A trained team would ensure the medication at home.

Launching the new initiatives supported by USAID in Dhaka, Health and Family Welfare Minister AFM Ruhal Haque said "it's a milestone" in MDR TB management. USAID Bangladesh Mission Director Richard Greene handed over a GeneXpert machine to the minister.

Tuberculosis, caused by the organism Mycobacterium tuberculosis, can be fatal but is curable with a set of antibiotics, experts say.

Multi-drug resistant forms of TB developed because of inappropriate or incomplete treatment, which is highly fatal and could pass on from one individual to another.

The overall TB prevalence rate is 411 per 100,000 populations in Bangladesh while NTP estimates 3,200 MDR TB with annual 1.56 percent new cases.

The fatality rate of MDR TB is five times higher than the usual forms of TB – lung TB or otherwise.

According to British medical journal The Lancet it is increasing worldwide.

In the new policy, field staff will administer rest of the regimen of drugs at home in a procedure WHO called DOTS (Directly Observed Therapy, Short-course).

NTP's Line Director Dr Md Ashaque Husain said the new system would benefit MDR TB patients as only 162 beds in two infectious diseases hospitals in Dhaka and Chittagong have to grapple to mange patients.

"The two hospitals can only manage 400 such patients a year leaving many waited outside."

He said the new management would reduce hospital stay as well as overall management costs and hospital acquired infections of those immune-compromised TB patients. The rest of the treatment would continue at home under close observation of outpatient MDR TB team and drugs would be ensured by trained healthcare providers.

Husain, however, said it would be a challenge to form the team.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, the health minister asked for close monitoring of the programme and suggested training of doctors for 'effective management' of MDR TB.

Studies show that people with weaker economic background – with a monthly income of less than Tk 3,000 and with no education – are more at risk of getting TB than others.

Dr Akramul Islam, head of Brac's health programme that oversaw government's TB control strategy, told bdnews24.com that socio-economic conditions are directly linked to tuberculosis.

He said England could control TB even 40 years before drugs were invented as its socio-economic condition improved.

"In the long run, you cannot control TB unless you contain poverty and ensure good living condition," he said.

Islam said they usually suspect a patient MDR TB if they do not improve in two to five months after the treatment start. "Then we go for MDR TB test."

According to a media release, USAID has invested approximately $ 30million in tuberculosis control since 2007.

News Source: 

BDNews24

High blood pressure rampant in US

Nearly 36 million Americans with high blood pressure don’t have their condition under control either with or without medications, and that puts them at a three to four times greater likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke, according to a report released last Tuesday from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure — defined as having a systolic (top reading) of 140 or above or having a diastolic (bottom reading) of 90 or above — is “public health enemy number two” behind smoking, said CDC director Thomas Frieden during a press briefing; it contributes to 1,000 deaths in this country every day and causes $131 billion a year in health care costs.

The study, which reviewed data from more than 22,000 Americans who participated in government surveys from 2003 to 2010, found that more than 85 percent of those with poorly managed high blood pressure have health insurance and went for medical check-ups in the previous year.

“Some of these patients had mediations that weren’t working,” said Frieden, “while some had multiple high blood pressure readings but were never diagnosed with high blood pressure based on their medical records. Clearly we can do better.”

Doctors need to determine why hypertension medications — such as diuretics, beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors — aren’t working: Some patients may not be filling their prescriptions because they can’t afford them. Others need a different combination of drugs. DK

Most couples find love after 14th date

While many people believe in love at first sight and for others it takes a lot of time and patience, but the average time for telling your partner you love them is after 14 dates, a new survey has revealed.

Participants of the survey, conducted on 100,000 members from Britain of a dating site - seekingarrangement.com, revealed that the average number of dates per week with a new partner was two, meaning that couples tend to first say 'I love you' seven weeks after getting into a new relationship.

It has also revealed that kisses tend to take place two dates or one week into the dating process and the first time a couple has sex is, on an average, is after four dates or two weeks.

Liya Step, one of the website's members has contributed her take over the study and nodded to its findings.

"Obviously all relationships are different but these "first" time figures look right for me and my girlfriends," the Daily Mail quoted her as saying.

"None of us is going to jump into bed with a guy the first night we meet him. We may not even be ready to kiss him by then.

"But you can get to know a man fairly well after four dates. You know if you trust him and if you want to do something as intimate as having sex," she said.

The research has shown that most of the partners are introduced to friends for the first time after six dates or three weeks.

"So it is always good to wait until you know you really like guy before introducing him to your pals," Step said.

It has also been found that the people are most likely to introduce their new boy or girlfriend to their parents after 12 dates or six weeks.

Homemade orange chicken recipe

Here is how you can rustle up delicious orange chicken at home.

Ingredients:

½ cup buttermilk, 3 lbs, Skinless chicken breasts, ½ cup flour, ½ tsp pepper, 1 cup water, 12 inch skillet, 2 ½ tsp orange juice, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup rice vinegar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1/3 cup lemon juice, ½ tsp minced garlic, ½ tsp minced ginger root, ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, 3 tbsp cornstarch

Method:

Pour the ½ cup of buttermilk into a large bowl. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl. Stir until all the chicken pieces are coated with buttermilk. Combine the flour, salt and pepper into a separate bowl. One by one, dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture until completely coated with flour. Shake off any excess. Heat oil in a deep fryer to 375 degree F. Add a few pieces of chicken to the oil at a time and fry for 3 -4 minutes until golden crispy. Place the fried chicken on tissue paper to soak up the excess oil. Mix together the water, orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, minced ginger root and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Place the mixture into a saucepan and heat on high until it starts to boil. Combine the cornstarch and about 4 tbsp of water into a small bowl and stir until the cornstarch dissolves. Add this mixture to the boiling saucepan and stir for about 5 more minutes. Reduce the heat to low and before adding the fried chicken pieces to the sauce. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes before serving.

Bengali's most favorite Vapa Ilish

Hilsha or Ilish as it is called in Bengali, is a delicacy to any Bengali. Hilsha fishes are available in the market during the monsoons. Whether guests are invited or there is any festive occasion, an Ilish recipe is a signature to the entire menu.

The combination of Hilsa and mustard paste is always a hit.

Ingredients :
5-7 pieces of Hilsa,
3 green chilies,
½ cup mustard seed,
A pinch of turmeric(optional),
Salt to taste, 2-3 tsp of mustard oil

Method to make the mustard Paste :
Mustard paste or ‘sorshe baata’ is the heart of Bhapa Ilish.
Soak the mustard seed in warm water for 10-15 minutes.
After soaking the seeds in water, add a green chilly,salt and grind them all together.
Make sure that the paste is neither too thick nor too watery. Add 2-3 tsp of water while grinding to make a consistent thickness.

Traditional Method to make Bhapa Ilish :
Coat the hilsa pieces with turmeric powder and salt and keep aside for 10-15 minutes.
Place the hilsa pieces in a tiffin box. Spread the mustard paste over the hilsa pieces in such way that it covers the fish pieces.
Slit the remaining 2 pieces of green chilies and place it over the fish pieces.
After spreading the mustard paste over the fish pieces, add the 2-3 tsp of mustard oil over it and then close the lid of the tiffin box.
Put the tiffin box in pressure cooker, add 4 cups of water and steam it for 2-3 whistles.
Serve hot with rice.

Microwave Version of Bhapa Ilish

Microwave Version of Bhapa Ilish:
Take a microwave safe bowl and smear with a 1tbsp of mustard oil. Microwave the oil for 30 sec at 80% power.
Place the fish pieces in the microwave safe bowl and microwave for 1 minutes at 100% power.
Then pour the mustard paste over the fish pieces. Place the slit chilies over the fish pieces and add 2-3 tsp of mustard oil.
Cover the bowl and microwave at 80% power for 20-25 minutes.

Shahjahani Chicken with pulao

Special Shahjahani Chicken with pulao for your family.it is delicious.

Ingredients:
Chicken: 1 kg Ghee: 1 cup Cashew: 1 cup (soaked and grounded) Clove: 10 Green Cardamom: 10 Onion: 3 (chopped, fried and grounded to make the paste) Garlic: 2 tablespoon Ginger: 1 teaspoon Saffron: 1/2 teaspoon dissolved in water Mace (javitri): 1/2 teaspoon Salt: 2 1/2 teaspoons Chilli: As per taste

Method:
Heat the ghee in a small pan. Add cloves and fry until they are crackling. Add green cardamoms. Sprinkle water and cover the utensil and allow it to simmer for one minute. Add salt, garlic, chillies, ginger and meat. Cook the meat till it is half-done. Take the meat out of the stock and keep it aside. Save the stock. Now simmer the stock. Add more green cardamoms, ghee and fried onions. Add the meat and start cooking on low heat. Add mace, saffron and cashew paste. Mix well and bring it to a rapid boil. Put off the flame and when it is ready, take a piece of red hot charcoal in a small katori. Place this katori inside the pan and cover it. The smoke will add a special flavour to the dish. After five minutes, serve with Khamiri Tandoori Roti.

(Provided by Parveen Khan, daughter-in-law of Ustad Vilayat Khan)

Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan's Yakhni Pulao (Serves four)
Ingredients:
Basmati rice: 1 kg Meat: 2 kg Onion: 5 Cardamom: 1 tablespoon Clove: 10 Cinnamon stick: 6 pieces Shah Jeera: 1 1/2 teaspoon Ginger: 2 pieces Garlic: 4 pods Whole Kali Mirch: One tablespoon Red Chilli: As per taste Coriander Seeds: 1 1/2 tablespoon Ghee: 250 gms Salt: To taste

Method:
Fry the onions. Keep them aside. Cook the meat in water along with all the ingredients. Use whole spices only. Once the meat is tender, remove the stock. Crush the spices in a mixer and keep them aside. Immerse the rice in water, 10 minutes before cooking. Fry the crushed spices in ghee. Mix the rice with the meat. Stir and fry it along with the spices. Add the stock. Mash the fried onions and place it on top. Cover the utensil. Once the pulao is ready, serve with coriander, almonds and cashew.

(Provided Samina Khan, granddaughter-in-law of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan saab)

Park Circus Khichdi
Ingredient:
Basmati Rice: 1 cup Masoor Dal: 1/3 cup Moong Dal: 1/3 cup Medium-sized Onion: 1 chopped Grated Ginger: 2 tablespoon Minced Garlic: 1 tablespoon Ground Red Chilli: 1/4 teaspoon Salt: 1 teaspoon Grounded Cumin Seeds: 1 teaspoon Coriander: 1/2 teaspoon Peeled and Crushed Cardamom: 2 Cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon Water

Method:
Wash and rinse rice and dal and soak for at least 1 hour, then drain. In five quarter pot, heat ¼ cup vegetable oil and add one chopped onion until golden brown. Add rice and dal to browned onion and stir for one-two minutes on medium heat until any residual water is dried. Add double measure of water and let rice and dal come to boil when partially covered. When the steam comes out, close the pot completely and turn down heat to low simmer for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare Bhagar by browning onion in ghee/butter with whole jeera and red chilli. For preparing Bhagar, you need one medium onion chopped, ¼ tsp whole jeera, twothree whole red chillies and two-three tablespoon butter/ghee. Finally, pour Bhagar of brown onion, jeera and red chilli over cooked khichdi.

Provided by Ustad Imrat Khan saab

Kosha Mangsho

Among the myriad renowned Bengali dishes is one dish that never fails to impress anyone. It's the Spicy Bengali Mutton Curry aka Kosha Mangsho! It's a known fact that most Bengalis live to eat and not the other way round, and most of them have grown up licking their fingers to Kosha Mangsho's velvety gravy and biting into the juicy pieces of the meat, cooked lovingly by their grandmothers and mothers. Today, we bring you the recipe of this sumptuous dish straight from a Bengali kitchen.

Ingredients
750 grams mutton
3 medium sized potatoes cut into equal halves (Optional)
1-2 tbsp of mustard oil to fry the potatoes
3-4 medium sized onions
1 tsp garam masala
1 ½ tsp meat masala

To marinate the mutton
7-8 cloves of garlic
1 ½ inch thick ginger
2 tsp turmeric powder
1 ½ tsp red pepper powder
1 ½ tsp coriander powder
1 ½ tsp salt
4 heaped tbsp of yogurt

To temper
10 - 12 black peppers (uncrushed)
3 bay leaves
4 whole cardamoms
5 cloves
½ inch long cinnamon stick
1 tsp of sugar
½ cup mustard oil

Method

Marinating the mutton
1. Bring together garlic, ginger and onions. Grind them together in a mixer to make a smooth paste.

2. Wash and clean the mutton. Add to it the ingredients for the marinade - yogurt, turmeric powder, coriander powder, red pepper powder, some mustard oil, and half of the ginger/garlic/onion paste. Let it rest for about 2 hours. If you have time on your hands, let it rest overnight. Ensure that you prick the mutton with a fork so that it absorbs all the flavours.

3. Heat 2 tbsp mustard oil in a wok. Fry the potatoes till they turn golden brown. Keep them aside.

Cooking the mutton
1. Heat the remaining mustard oil in another wok. Add some turmeric to it. Then, temper it with the black pepper, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, cloves, and cardamom. Also add sugar to it. The sugar gives a nice red colour to the gravy and also contributes to the subtle sweetness of the spicy gravy.

2. Add the remaining onion paste along with meat masala and fry for about 5 minutes. You'll notice the oil separating from the mixture.

3. Now add the marinated mutton. Cook at a low flame for about half and hour.

4. Add 2 cups water (depending on how much gravy you want) and cover the wok. Let the mutton cook for at least an hour now till the mutton becomes soft and succulent. All this while, ensure that the flame is at its lowest.

5. Now, add the fried potatoes and garam masala, and give it good stir. Let it cool for sometime and then sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves.

Serve hot with either steamed rice, maida luchi (pooris) or parathas. Follow it up with Bengali desserts like mishti doi or soft roshogullas!

Eggless stick chocolate brownie

Here's an easy recipe to make eggless stick chocolate brownie at home.

Ingredients:

-200 gms of grated dark chocolate,
-6 tbsps unsaltened butter,
-½ cup castor sugar,
-½ cup maida, ½ tsp baking powder,
-½ tsp sodium bi-carbonate,
-½ cup of butter milk or beaten curd.

Method:

Sift the flour, baking powder, sodium bi-carbonate and a small pinch of salt. Keep it aside.
In a pan, boil a cup of water.
In a bowl, have the grated chocolate and make it sit on the pan. See to that, it doesn't get drowned.
Alternatively, you can put the grated chocolate in a glass bowl and microwave it for a minute.
In a bowl, add the butter and castor sugar and stir them, till the mixture gets creamy.
Now add the melted chocolate and mix them.
Add the beaten curd or butter milk and flour to the mixture and mix well.
Grease a glass bowl with butter and pour the flour mixture and microwave it for three minutes.
Remove it and microwave it again at 70 per cent heat for another minute.
Set this aside for five minutes. Preheat the microwave plus grill mode for five minutes at 220 degree Celsius and bake the brownies at 220 degree Celsius for three minutes.
Remove from the microwave and let it cool.

Vitamin C keeps dementia at bay

The levels of antioxidants Vitamin C and beta-carotene in blood are lower in patients with dementia than in people without it, a German study says about the disease which affects millions worldwide.

Gabriele Nagel and and Christine von Arnim, professors of epidemiology and neurology from the University of Ulm, Germany, have discovered that the concentration of vitamin C and beta-carotene in blood are significantly lower in patients with mild dementia than in people without them.

Forgetfulness, lack of orientation and cognitive decline are all offshoots of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Seventy-four AD-patients and 158 healthy controls (without AD) were examined. Oxidative stress, which constrains the exploitation of oxygen in the human body, is suspected to promote the development of AD. Whereas so called antioxidants might protect against it.

Researchers investigated whether the serum-levels (blood levels) of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene as well as lycopene and coenzyme Q10 are significantly lower in the blood of AD-patients, the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease reports.

"In order to possibly influence the onset and development of Alzheimer's disease, we need to be aware of potential risk factors," says Nagel, according to an Ulm statement.

The 65 to 90 years old seniors from Ulm and the surrounding area underwent neuropsychological testing and answered questions regarding their lifestyle. What is more, their blood has been examined and their body mass index (BMI) was calculated.

The concentration of vitamin C and beta-carotene in the serum of AD-patients was found to be significantly lower than in the blood of control subjects.

Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease: Alterations in the brain caused by amyloid-beta-plaques and loss of synapses connecting the brain cells or neurons are the major factors behind the characteristic symptoms.

Drink tea to shed extra kilos

Want to shed those extra pounds but still eat your favourite junk foods?

Well, drinking tea could be the solution.

Researchers at Kobe University, Japan found that regular consumption of tea also suppressed damaging changes in the blood linked to fatty foods that can lead to type 2 diabetes, reports the Daily Mail.

-In the study some mice were given a high fat diet and others a normal diet. Each of these two groups were then split into smaller groups and given water, black tea or green tea for 14 weeks.

-Both types of tea suppressed body weight gain and the build-up of belly fat linked to a fatty diet.

-But black tea, which is used in most ordinary cuppas, also counteracted the harmful effects on the blood normally associated with a high-fat diet.

-These included increases in cholesterol, high blood glucose and insulin resistance - a precursor to type 2 diabetes where the body does not efficiently use the insulin it produces.

Pumpkin pie recipe - Healthy foodie

A crowd-pleasing family favourite, today's recipe is loved by one and all - a healthy pumpkin pie recipe.

Full of carotenoids and neturalizing-free radicals, pumpkin is great for overall health. With a bit of soaking and rehydrating, the only challenge in a healthy pumpkin pie recipe is to keep the starch content at minimum.

So, let us get started with this creamy and nutritious pumpkin pie recipe.

Ingredients:

For the crust:
2 cups almonds
1 cup dates, pitted
1/2 tsp black sea salt
1/2 tsp coconut oil, melted

For the filling:
2 cups sweet pumpkin
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 cup soaked dates, without the seeds
1/2 cup water
1/4 tsp black sea salt
1/3 cup boiling coconut oil
1/4 tsp vanilla powder
1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled
1 tsp sunflower seeds

Method:
-Take all the crust ingredients and process them at one go, leaving aside coconut oil.
-Now take a pie tray and rub coconut oil on it nicely. Now pour the thick pie crust on the tray evenly.
-Place this tray in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes to set nicely.
-Now take all the filling ingredients and blend them in a processor nicely.
-When done, taste the mixture and adjust the mixture ratio accordingly.
-Add this mixture to the crust and freeze if for next ½ and hour.
-Garnish it with cinnamon and crushed brown sugar, and your raw superfood pumpkin pie is ready.

Home remedies for dry hair

We can do a lot to prevent hair from becoming dry and brittle during rainy and upcoming winter season.

It is a fact that hair becomes dry during the rainy season. While we cannot escape the seasonal vagaries, we can do a lot to prevent our hair from becoming dry and brittle during the season.

Here are a few tips to keep you in good stead

-It is best to avoid hair colouring and ironing during the season. However, if that is next to impossible, at least avoid shampooing during the season.

-Massage the scalp using hot oil. You can either use coconut oil or olive oil for best results

-Do not wash your hair in hot water as it can increase the dryness of the scalp, resulting in flaking and scaling of the skin of the scalp. Use lukewarm water instead and shampoo hair only once or twice a week.

-Use a shampoo and a separate hair conditioner. And leave the conditioner on the tip of the hair avoiding the roots for at least 10 to 15 minutes to moisturise the hair and prevent hair fall.

-The stench apart, beer is a great hair conditioner and so is coconut milk. For a protein packed conditioner, mix eggs and yogurt and rub it into your scalp. Leave on for five or 10 minutes, then wash it off completely.

-A haircut doesn't always have to lead to a new style. Trim off dead ends if your hair is too dry to rejuvenate your hair.

Caviar nails are the new head-turners

The roe-reminiscent Caviar Manicure puts luxury on your fingertips

Giving ombre nails and holographic enamel a run for their money is the Caviar Manicure. The elaborate nails were first seen on the runway at the Cushnie et Ochs Fall 2011 fashion show. Manicurists used beads from the designers' collection directly on the nail, creating a pearlescent, 3-D effect.

The inspiration behind the Caviar Manicure came about when Charlotte Knight, UK-based celebrity manicurist and Ciate creative director, was looking to create 3-dimensional nails for a front cover magazine shoot and wanted to develop something feminine, indulgent yet delicately extravagant.

Her brand recently launched limited-edition Caviar Manicure kits to create decadent nails at home. Each set (available on sephora.com and ciate.co.uk/caviar-manicure contains a Ciate base polish and "caviar" micro pearls in one of three shades — Rainbow, Mother-of-Pearl and Black.

For an inexpensive do-it-yourself manicure, you could grab your favourite nail polish, purchase small beads from the local craft store, and have a field day.

DIY Caviar Manicure
You need: Base coat, opaque nail polish (no shimmer), clear micro beads available at most craft stores, top coat.

Step 1: The Basics
First, apply a clear base coat on completely bare nails. Next, apply one coat of no-shimmer white polish (a thinner formula is best) onto your nails and let them dry.

Step 2: Coat and caviar
Apply a generous second coat of colour to one hand, and let the polish get tacky for 10 seconds. Then, over a sheet of paper, a cup, or a plastic tray, pour the microbeads over your nail bed, ensuring you coat the entire surface of your nail bed like glitter over glue.

Step 3: Im-pressed
When each nail is entirely covered, use the pad of your finger to press and secure the caviar beads. Repeat this on your other hand.

Step 4: The Leftovers
Pour the excess beads back into the jar to save for later, then apply a tiny drop of top coat along your nail tip to seal the caviar. The look should last two or three days before the beads start to fall.

Get glowing skin naturally

We all know that fresh fruits and vegetables are a storehouse of vitamins and minerals that are important for our body.

Yet, most of us prefer opting for creams and other artificial treatments. So instead of splurging money on products that may or may not help you get beautiful skin, why not get better results by simply eating healthy!

1. Eat Vitamin A rich foods like papaya, peaches, carrot, green leafy vegetables etc. They increase resistance and support skin growth.

2. Vitamin C rich foods such as lime, awla, oranges, guava, spinach, etc help in collagen synthesis, which holds skin cells together. They promote clear skin and a fresh complexion. Fresh fruits and vegetables juices are amazing option to provide vitamins and minerals to skin which are directly absorbed through blood stream and keeps you hydrated.

3. Tomatoes are very rich in lycopene - which acts as an antioxidant that protects skin from internal damage.

4. Whole grains, cereals, almonds, walnuts are very rich in Vitamin E, which makes our skin soft, smooth and supple.

5. In winter we don't feel like drinking water but make it a point to drink loads of water as water flushes out toxins and maintains skin elasticity.

6. Avoid intake of excessive tea/coffee as it dehydrates the skin and blocks the absorption of nutrients making the skin look dull and dry. Instead consume green tea which is an excellent skin rejuvenator and antioxidant.

7. Exercise regularly as it improves blood flow throughout the body.

Never skip your breakfast

In spite of health experts going blue in the face trying to get people to understand the importance of having breakfast, there are thousands who skip the first (and most crucial) meal of the day citing a motley of reasons.

Dietician Dr says that having a hearty breakfast helps control excess hunger throughout the day.

"Since we technically fast overnight while sleeping, forgoing breakfast adds to this fasting period and may disrupt blood sugar balance and insulin output.Skipping breakfast also triggers bad eating habits during the day, as cravings ensue and quick-fix fast foods are often eaten. Having breakfast boosts metabolism and increases your energy levels throughout the day. When you miss it, your energy is reduced and physical activity levels decline," reckons Dr.

- An ideal, healthy breakfast A healthy breakfast provides 25 per cent of the total energy and nutrients required by the body. "Ideally, your first meal of the day should comprise a perfect combination of carbohydrates, protein and fibre.

- Make sure you include fruits, whole grains, berries and and good fats. Opt for light and soft idlis with sambhar, plain dosas with green chutney, milk with cornflakes or wheatflakes, vegetable poha or upma with a milkshake and sprouts.

- Also, include high fibre fruits like apples, papayas, muskmelons, oranges or watermelons," says dietician and sports nutritionist.

- Disadvantages of skipping breakfast Experts say that skipping breakfast may put you on the fast track to weight gain, heart disease, osteoporosis, irritability or mood swings, menstrual irregularity, low energy levels, low memory and hormonal stress.

"A study shows that people who skipped breakfast developed higher bad LDL cholesterol levels, and were less sensitive to insulin than people who ate breakfast every day," says Dr. And for those who skip breakfast in a bid to lose weight, you ought to read this.

"People who miss breakfast tend to feel fatigued early on in the day and have low concentration levels, affecting their efficiency. Skipping breakfast also decreases metabolic rate making weight loss difficult. Research proves that people who skip breakfast tend to be heavier than people who eat a healthy breakfast.

So, if you're looking forward to losing weight, have a nutritious breakfast to get a healthy start to the day," suggests Dr.

Make sure that no one in the house skips breakfast. A glass of milk along with a boiled egg, idli, dosa, a grilled vegetable sandwich, porridge, fresh fruit or a paneer sandwich is good for tweens and teens, says Clinical Nutritionist Dr Nupur.

youthful skin, Tomatoes for a sunburn-free

Ladies, you don't need to waste money on expensive skin creams.Scientists say tomatoes may provide the best defence to the skin from sun damage and help you look young.

Tests have shown that eating tomato paste could help protect against sunburn and skin ageing caused by sunlight exposure.

-The age-defying ingredient is lycopene - the natural pigment that makes tomatoes red - with highest levels found in processed or cooked tomatoes used in ketchup, paste, soup and juice.

-In the study, women eating a diet rich in processed tomatoes had increased skin protection, as seen by a reduction in skin redness and less DNA damage from ultraviolet (UV) exposure.

-Researchers compared the skin of 20 women, half of whom were given five tablespoons (55g) of standard tomato paste with 10g of olive oil every day for 12 weeks.

-The effects on their skin were compared with the remaining volunteers, aged between 21 and 47, eating just olive oil for the same span of time.

-The volunteers were exposed to UV rays found in sunlight at the beginning and end of the trial.

-The researchers found significant improvement in the skin's ability to protect itself against UV among those eating tomato paste.

-Compared with the other women, the tomato-eating group had 33 per cent more protection against sunburn in the form of less redness.

-The researchers calculated that protection offered by the tomato paste to be equivalent to a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 1.3.

-Skin samples taken from groups before and after the trial showed an increase in levels of procollagen, a molecule which gives skin its structure and loss of which leads to skin ageing and lack of elasticity.

-There was also less damage to mitochondrial DNA in the skin, which is also linked to skin ageing.

-Dermatology scientist Prof Mark Birch-Machin from Newcastle University said the tomato paste eaten was not overly excessive, but the amount that would be consumed from a lot of tomato-based meals.

"Eating tomatoes will not make you invincible in the sun but it may be a useful addition to sun protection along with sunscreen, shade and clothing", he said.

"The protective effect of eating tomatoes on our mitochondria is important as they are the energy producers in all our body cells including skin. Therefore being kind to our mitochondria is likely to contribute to improved skin health, which in turn may have an anti-ageing effect",he added.

Sip on some collagen to look younger

Check out the new anti ageing remedies out there today.

Forget botox, the new buzz word is "collagen", and this skin friendly protein that was being marketed in the form of supplements and as an important ingredient in creams and serums.

The latest entrant in the anti aging arena, however, is the collagen drink that is apparently a huge hit already. This drink claims to bring about a dramatic reduction in lines and wrinkles in a matter of days, so much so that women are already queuing up for this magic potion.

Collagen supplements have been around for a while and though these claim to erase fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks and cellulite and improve hair and nails, it is the drink that is big news now. As you drink it, the protein that gives the skin strength and elasticity, watch yourself grow younger, say those who swear by the power of collagen.

According to reports many celebrities are opting for the collagen drink now, which also claims to be many times more effective than supplements when it comes to replacing the skin's protein stores, since it gets directly absorbed into the blood stream.

So it is perhaps time to bid goodbye to collagen marshmallows, tablets and supplements, as the drink which promises to plump up wrinkles in three days and wipe out all the sallowness that comes with age, is in many stores internationally.

Many people are also trying out the Marine collagen drinks that contain 1000 mg of low molecular fish collagen and is designed to be knocked back like a shot.

Will these collagen drinks work? Well, the jury is still out on whether you can sip your way to younger skin for the rest of your life.