Foods to fight immunity in winter

Here are a couple of super-foods that will protect you from cold and flu this winter

A diet rich in a variety of produce like lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy products along with adequate sleep, moderate exercise and minimal stress contribute to a well-functioning immune system and may promote a faster recovery if you come down with a cold or a flu.


Carrots
Packed with beta-carotene carrots make an excellent base for soups, stews and risotto. Rich in vitamin A, carrots help fight cold and flu and also protect you from infections which are very common during the colder months.

Green tea and chamomile tea
Green tea is a powerful antioxidant and has strong antiviral and antibacterial properties. Drinking approximately three to five cups of green tea a day keeps your immune system in check. Chamomile tea is also said to possess antioxidants that help fight against cold and flu during the winters.

Mushrooms
Mushrooms are said to be immunity boosters. Mushrooms protect your system against cold and virus during winter. White mushrooms have significantly increased levels of natural killer cells - a vital component of the immune system.

Garlic
Garlic is known to be the easiest home remedy to cure fever and cold. Western medicine has theorised that garlic has the ability to increase levels of enzymes that help the liver detoxify the blood that gives it special immune powers. Eating raw garlic provides maximum potency but if you cannot stomach the strong taste, you can have that cooked in food.

Honey
Known to be the safest and the easiest way to cure cold and fever during winter. Honey is known for its antibacterial properties that help fight bacteria and virus. You can have honey every night before going to bed, or mix it in a cup of warm milk for added advantage.

Home Remedies for Dark Circles

Dark circles can develop at an early age; they tend to be more common in elderly people. The best way to prevent dark circles is to have a nutritious and balanced diet, fresh fruits, yogurt (curd, or dahi) and sprouts, unprocessed cereals, skimmed milk, cottage cheese (paneer), lentilsand beans.

• Daily exercise and deep breathing sessions augment blood circulation, oxygenation and reduction of stress and anxiety.

• Sleep well, for at least 7 hours at night; and relax for 20 minutes doing meditation or listening to soft, soulful music, everyday.

• Opt for light touch and gentle movements to remove make up or while applying cream. Do not massage the area, because skin may get stretched out. Allow only a professional masseur to give you a healthy massage on the face.

• Apply a specially formulated cream around the eyes. The cream should be removed with a moist cotton wool after 15 minutes. Don't leave the cream during the night. Use an under-eye cream, containing almond; it nourishes the skin and gives it a good colour tone. Don't wear facial masks around the eyes.

• Relieve eye fatigue by washing your eyes with warm water and follow this with cold water. It improves blood circulation to the eyes and soothes them, besides cleaning the eyes and relieving congestion.

Options

• Cucumber juice should be applied daily around eyes and washed off with plain water after 15 minutes.

• A blend of potato juice with cucumber juice in equal quantities works if there is puffiness along with dark circles.

• Mix cucumber juice with lemon juice in equal quantities. Apply daily and wash off with water after 15 minutes.

• Tomato juice is just as good. Apply and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse.

• Apply a compress of iced water or cold milk directly over closed lids for 10 minutes. Rinse.

Cooled tea bags revitalise the area under your eyes and reduce the puffiness of the eyes.

• Almond oil is great for dark circles. Apply a paste of almonds mixed with milk on the dark area around your eyes before going to bed. Wash it off with cold water the next day morning. The 'treatment' lightens up your skin.

• Crushed mint leaves works well too. Apply a paste of crushed mint leaves under your eyes. Leave it for 10-15 minutes. Rinse gently.

• Orange juice: A mixture of orange juice and glycerin, applied thrice a week, for 20 minutes, is effective.

A good night's sleep is a must for everyone, especially for people having dark circles. Sleep is nature's great healer — for the mind, body, and soul. Consult your doctor, if your 'home treatment plan' does not give you the results you expect, or want.

Fruits for Diabetics

If you are diabetic, we are sure that this question has popped up in your head, "is it safe to have fruits?"

Yes, diabetics can have fruits, provided the sugar level of the patient is in control, but these fruits must be consumed in a limited quantity. Diabetics need an equivalent serving of fruits on a day to day basis. One needs to be careful about not going overboard with fruits like bananas, litchis, chickoo, and custard apples."  So here it is - a list of top 15 fruits for diabetics...

Foods for diabetics # 1: Kiwi

Many researchers have shown a positive correlation between kiwi consumption and lowering of blood sugar level

 
Foods for diabetics # 2: Black jamun

Undoubtedly, this is one of the best fruits for diabetics. It is known to improve blood sugar control. Seeds of these fruit can be powdered and consumed by patients to control diabetes.

Foods for diabetics # 3: Starfruit

Similar to jamuns, starfruits are good for diabics too as they help improve blood sugar control. But caution needs to be exercised in case the person has diabetes nephropathy.

Foods for diabetics # 4: Cherries

Their GI value is 20 (or even less in some varieties) which makes it a good healthy snack for diabetes patients at any time of the day.

Foods for diabetics # 5: Peaches

These tasty fruits are a great healthy treat, with a low GI and good for diabetics.

Foods for diabetics # 6: Berries

Numerous variety of berries are available throughout the world and almost all seem to be a rich source of antioxidants. Diabetics can include a serving of different berries to keep their sugars in check. To name a few: Strawberries, blueberries and blackcurrants, raspberries, cranberries, chokeberries, blackberries, and acai berries are good for diabetes patients.

Foods for diabetics # 7: Apples

Apples contain antioxidants, which help to reduce cholesterol levels, cleanse the digestive system, and boost the immune system. Apples also contain nutrients that help in the digestion of fats.

Foods for diabetics # 8: Pineapples

Good for diabetics, pineapples also benefit the body as they are rich in anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

Foods for diabetics # 9: Papaya

They are good for diabetics because they are rich in vitamin and other minerals.

Foods for diabetics # 10: Figs

Their richness in fibre helps with insulin function in diabetes patients.

Foods for diabetics # 11: Oranges

These citrus fruits can be consumed on a daily basis by diabetics, as they are rich in vitamin C.

Foods for diabetics # 12: Watermelon

Although watermelons have a high GI value, their glycemic load is low, making them good fruits for diabetes patients. However, consume in moderation.

Foods for diabetics # 13: Grapefruit

It is a good option for diabetics as it slows down the blood sugar peak.

Foods for diabetics # 14: Jackfruit

Jackfruit contains vitamin A, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, potassium, iron, manganese and magnesium among many other nutrients. Good for diabetes as they improve insulin resistance.

Foods for diabetics # 15: Amla

A fruit loaded with vitamin C and fiber, Amla is a healthy addition to the diabetic diet.