Waters Of India
Prasenjit Chowdhury
It is well documented that in 1978, Morarji Desai, then prime minister, spoke at length on CBS 60 Minutes explaining how urine therapy was the perfect medical solution for the millions of Indians unable to afford medical treatment. He claimed drinking his own urine cured his piles. Earlier this year, the RSSs cow protection department invented a new urine-based soft drink it hoped would promote its health-giving properties to a wider market. It was about to be marketed late this year. But with the poll prospects of the NDA drowning in the Ganges, the idea of such a funky drink has gone whiffy in the summer heat. Wikipedia tells us that in Roman times, there was a tradition among the Gauls to use urine to whiten teeth and that in China, the urine of young boys was regarded as a curative. The French customarily soaked stockings in urine and wrapped them around their necks in order to cure strep throat. A religious Sanskrit text in India called the Dhaamara Tantra under the heading of Shivaambu kalpa vidhi is known to contain 107 stanzas on the virtues of urine as a medicament.
We all came upon this earth nourished by the amniotic fluid that bathes the human foetus, of which urine is the main component, in our mothers womb. But, besides inducing a scatological distaste, the very idea of using ones urine as drinkable water must make everybody puke. The idea cant be scoffed at though, as late last year a urine processor was delivered by NASA to allow astronauts to live on the international space station via the space shuttle Endeavour. This equipment converts urine and sweat into drinkable water. Samples of the processed urine, sweat and condensation were to be brought back to earth and to be tested, so that the purified water could be made of use later. Water is such a precious commodity that one cant help thinking about how, back home, we dont care a hoot about making water in public. For India, with the help of the new-fangled urine processor , water conservation has immense possibility. How many gallons of purified water could we recycle had this fabulous contraption been imported or indigenised in India, which, detractors say, happens to be the largest public lavatory in South Asia And for those who earn their living by the sweat of their brow, not a drop of their labour, literally, could have been lost.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
10 superfoods for shedding weight
10 superfoods for shedding weight (Getty Images)
It's time for a new slim-down funda: Eat more to weigh less. Eating the right foods help you shed weight by increasing your calorie burn and cutting down food cravings.
1. Steak : Contrary to popular perception, eating a beef stake may help you drop weight. In a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, women on a diet that included red meat lost more weight than those eating equal calories but little beef. The protein in steak helps you retain muscle mass during weight loss.
2. Eggs : Dig in to eggs, yolks and all: Eggs do not harm your heart, they can help you trim inches. Women on a low-calorie diet who ate an egg with toast and jelly each morning lost twice as much weight as those who had a bagel breakfast with the same number of calories but no eggs, a study from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge reports. Egg protein is filling, so you eat less later in the day.
3. Oats : "Oatmeal has the highest satiety ranking of any food," Grotto says. Unlike many other carbohydrates, oats—even the instant kind—digest slowly, so they have little impact on your blood sugar."
4. Lentils : Lentils are a great tummy flattener. "They're high in protein and soluble fibre, two nutrients that stabilise blood sugar levels," says Tanya Zuckerbrot, R.D., author of The F-Factor Diet (Putnam Adult). Eating them helps prevent insulin spikes that cause your body to create excess fat, especially in the abdominal area."
5. Apples : An apple a day can keep weight gain at bay, finds a study from Penn State University at University Park. People who chomped an apple before a pasta meal ate fewer calories overall than those who had a different snack. Apples are high in fibre—4 to 5 grams each—which makes them filling. Plus, the antioxidants in apples may help prevent metabolic syndrome, a condition marked by excess belly fat or an "apple shape."
6. Chiles : A great reason to spice up your meals: You'll increase your metabolism. A compound in chiles called capsaicin has a thermogenic effect, meaning it causes the body to burn extra calories for 20 minutes after you eat the chiles. Plus, "you can't gulp down spicy food. Eating slowly gives your brain time to register that your stomach is full, so you won't overeat.
7. Yogurt : Dietitians often refer to plain yogurt as the perfect food. With its trifecta of carbs, protein and fat, it can stave off hunger by keeping blood sugar levels steady. In a study from the University of Tennessee, people on a low-calorie diet that included yogurt lost 61 per cent more fat overall and 81 per cent more belly fat than those on a similar plan but without yogurt.
8. Parmesan : Women who had one serving of whole milk or cheese daily were less likely to gain weight over time, a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds. Lowfat-dairy fans didn't experience the same benefit. Whole dairy may have more conjugated linoleic acid, which might help your body burn fat.
9. Avocado : Don't let the fat content of an avocado (29 grams) scare you—that's what makes it a top weight loss food. The heart-healthy monounsaturated fat it contains increases satiety.
10. Olive oil : Like avocados, olive oil has healthy fat that increases satiety, taming your appetite. But that's hardly its only slimming feature. Research shows it has anti-inflammatory properties.
1. Steak : Contrary to popular perception, eating a beef stake may help you drop weight. In a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, women on a diet that included red meat lost more weight than those eating equal calories but little beef. The protein in steak helps you retain muscle mass during weight loss.
2. Eggs : Dig in to eggs, yolks and all: Eggs do not harm your heart, they can help you trim inches. Women on a low-calorie diet who ate an egg with toast and jelly each morning lost twice as much weight as those who had a bagel breakfast with the same number of calories but no eggs, a study from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge reports. Egg protein is filling, so you eat less later in the day.
3. Oats : "Oatmeal has the highest satiety ranking of any food," Grotto says. Unlike many other carbohydrates, oats—even the instant kind—digest slowly, so they have little impact on your blood sugar."
4. Lentils : Lentils are a great tummy flattener. "They're high in protein and soluble fibre, two nutrients that stabilise blood sugar levels," says Tanya Zuckerbrot, R.D., author of The F-Factor Diet (Putnam Adult). Eating them helps prevent insulin spikes that cause your body to create excess fat, especially in the abdominal area."
5. Apples : An apple a day can keep weight gain at bay, finds a study from Penn State University at University Park. People who chomped an apple before a pasta meal ate fewer calories overall than those who had a different snack. Apples are high in fibre—4 to 5 grams each—which makes them filling. Plus, the antioxidants in apples may help prevent metabolic syndrome, a condition marked by excess belly fat or an "apple shape."
6. Chiles : A great reason to spice up your meals: You'll increase your metabolism. A compound in chiles called capsaicin has a thermogenic effect, meaning it causes the body to burn extra calories for 20 minutes after you eat the chiles. Plus, "you can't gulp down spicy food. Eating slowly gives your brain time to register that your stomach is full, so you won't overeat.
7. Yogurt : Dietitians often refer to plain yogurt as the perfect food. With its trifecta of carbs, protein and fat, it can stave off hunger by keeping blood sugar levels steady. In a study from the University of Tennessee, people on a low-calorie diet that included yogurt lost 61 per cent more fat overall and 81 per cent more belly fat than those on a similar plan but without yogurt.
8. Parmesan : Women who had one serving of whole milk or cheese daily were less likely to gain weight over time, a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds. Lowfat-dairy fans didn't experience the same benefit. Whole dairy may have more conjugated linoleic acid, which might help your body burn fat.
9. Avocado : Don't let the fat content of an avocado (29 grams) scare you—that's what makes it a top weight loss food. The heart-healthy monounsaturated fat it contains increases satiety.
10. Olive oil : Like avocados, olive oil has healthy fat that increases satiety, taming your appetite. But that's hardly its only slimming feature. Research shows it has anti-inflammatory properties.
Choose your own workout
Choose your own workout
Yoga is a fantastic way to improve suppleness, strength and de-stress the mind. Use the following information to select the best option suited to your body needs, suggests Namita Jain
Confused about which type of exercise is right for you This exercise directory tells you what to expect from different workout trends.
Spinning
Burns fat
Builds aerobic stamina A spinning class gives your heart and lungs an intense workout while also building strength in the legs. It is an excellent for fat burning. But you do need to feel confident on a bike. The instructor takes you through hill climbs, sprint races, time trials and group races.
Step/floor aerobics
Burns fat
Builds stamina This workout improves cardiovascular stamina and burns fat. Hand and leg coordination is required.
Boot camp
Burns fat Builds muscle Tones the body Builds aerobic strength This workout is derived from the tough physical training of the army. This workout involves squat thrusts, sit-ups , sprinting and other intense exercises.
Kick-boxing
Burns fat and builds muscle Builds aerobic stamina Kickboxing involves kicking and punching moves. This exercise needs great coordination and power to keep up with the fast changing drills and routines. As the routine picks up speed, the heart rate rises and workout becomes cardiovascular.
Yoga/pilates/tai chi
Increases flexibility
Tones muscles
Is therapeutic Yoga is a fantastic way to improve suppleness and destress the mind. Pilates concentrates on developing strong stomach and back muscles. Tai chi is almost like a meditative exercise form. In Chinese philosophy, Chi is the energy force that gives the body vitality
Aqua-aerobics
Burns fat
Builds aerobic stamina
Tones muscle
Increases flexibility The resistance of water makes this workout effective. The body is lighter in water so there is less stress on joints. The aerobics involves dynamic movements against the water to increase the heart rate. Floats and paddle are added to increase resistance.
Yoga is a fantastic way to improve suppleness, strength and de-stress the mind. Use the following information to select the best option suited to your body needs, suggests Namita Jain
Confused about which type of exercise is right for you This exercise directory tells you what to expect from different workout trends.
Spinning
Burns fat
Builds aerobic stamina A spinning class gives your heart and lungs an intense workout while also building strength in the legs. It is an excellent for fat burning. But you do need to feel confident on a bike. The instructor takes you through hill climbs, sprint races, time trials and group races.
Step/floor aerobics
Burns fat
Builds stamina This workout improves cardiovascular stamina and burns fat. Hand and leg coordination is required.
Boot camp
Burns fat Builds muscle Tones the body Builds aerobic strength This workout is derived from the tough physical training of the army. This workout involves squat thrusts, sit-ups , sprinting and other intense exercises.
Kick-boxing
Burns fat and builds muscle Builds aerobic stamina Kickboxing involves kicking and punching moves. This exercise needs great coordination and power to keep up with the fast changing drills and routines. As the routine picks up speed, the heart rate rises and workout becomes cardiovascular.
Yoga/pilates/tai chi
Increases flexibility
Tones muscles
Is therapeutic Yoga is a fantastic way to improve suppleness and destress the mind. Pilates concentrates on developing strong stomach and back muscles. Tai chi is almost like a meditative exercise form. In Chinese philosophy, Chi is the energy force that gives the body vitality
Aqua-aerobics
Burns fat
Builds aerobic stamina
Tones muscle
Increases flexibility The resistance of water makes this workout effective. The body is lighter in water so there is less stress on joints. The aerobics involves dynamic movements against the water to increase the heart rate. Floats and paddle are added to increase resistance.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Beat fatigue and feel fresh
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Tips to beat fatigue and feel fresh (Getty Images)
Fatigue is a common fall-out of urban living. If you are also feeling bogged down with this ugly consequence of modern and busy lifestyle, we bring expert advice to help you beat fatigue and feel fresh...
Music director Pritam has been so fatigued lately, that he had to take time out and go to Kolkata. Such has been the pressure on the composer that his smoking habit spiralled out of control and he’s been advised a prolonged holiday.
If you thought stress was bad, meet its extreme cousin – fatigue.
WHAT’S FATIGUE?
“Fatigue is another word for extreme exhaustion of both mental and physical strength,” says psycho-therapist Salma Prabhu. “You feel you can’t...
- go on or even talk to anyone,
- short breaks don’t help and
- you need to take a longer break to relax.”
Mental fatigue is caused by any prolonged activity along with high level of stress and emotions. It’s seen among individuals who work on tight deadlines for long duration and carry out tasks that require continuous attention and effort. It results in mistakes, affects decision making skills and drops performance drastically. One can prevent fatigue by defining limits and sticking to them. If you know the physical and mental threshold of work is say, eight hours, and include music, a walk or reading, then fatigue will rarely set in. People who exercise regularly, meditate, practice yoga and pranayam hardly experience fatigue. Many offices have soft music in the background, gym or cafeteria, all of which help alleviate stress.
SURE-FIRE CURES
Do this once a week
- get a massage & listen to soothing music
- eat light and go for a brisk walk to pump up blood circulation.
- avoid phone calls.
Scent for help
- Cut open, peel or deeply smell citrus fruits such as lemon, orange or lime between tasks.
- Carry rosemary, lavender, tulsi or lemon grass in cloth sachets or crush them and inhale deeply.
- Dab eucalyptus oil on a handkerchief, or crush leaves by hand and inhale.
- Keep a bunch of jasmine, desi roses and champa near your workspace.
Music director Pritam has been so fatigued lately, that he had to take time out and go to Kolkata. Such has been the pressure on the composer that his smoking habit spiralled out of control and he’s been advised a prolonged holiday.
If you thought stress was bad, meet its extreme cousin – fatigue.
WHAT’S FATIGUE?
“Fatigue is another word for extreme exhaustion of both mental and physical strength,” says psycho-therapist Salma Prabhu. “You feel you can’t...
- go on or even talk to anyone,
- short breaks don’t help and
- you need to take a longer break to relax.”
Mental fatigue is caused by any prolonged activity along with high level of stress and emotions. It’s seen among individuals who work on tight deadlines for long duration and carry out tasks that require continuous attention and effort. It results in mistakes, affects decision making skills and drops performance drastically. One can prevent fatigue by defining limits and sticking to them. If you know the physical and mental threshold of work is say, eight hours, and include music, a walk or reading, then fatigue will rarely set in. People who exercise regularly, meditate, practice yoga and pranayam hardly experience fatigue. Many offices have soft music in the background, gym or cafeteria, all of which help alleviate stress.
SURE-FIRE CURES
Do this once a week
- get a massage & listen to soothing music
- eat light and go for a brisk walk to pump up blood circulation.
- avoid phone calls.
Scent for help
- Cut open, peel or deeply smell citrus fruits such as lemon, orange or lime between tasks.
- Carry rosemary, lavender, tulsi or lemon grass in cloth sachets or crush them and inhale deeply.
- Dab eucalyptus oil on a handkerchief, or crush leaves by hand and inhale.
- Keep a bunch of jasmine, desi roses and champa near your workspace.
YOGA TO THE RESCUE
YOGA TO THE RESCUE
Is the daily routine of juggling a busy day at work and a demanding family getting to you Feeling exhausted Body aching This could help...
MITALI PAREKH
Yoga can relax your mind and body, ease stiff joints and muscles and make you feel good. It can also tone up your body and help you look great. Yoga trainer Yogesh Chavan prescribes the following asanas to handle everyday pressures on the body...
JALANDHAR SHUDDHI KRIYA
Under pressure, lactic acid accumulates around our neck. Exercising it frees up the nervous system since all the nerves branch out from the base of the neck.
Rotate your neck clockwise and then anti-clockwise . Sit cross-legged on the floor. Drop the neck forward , chin should touch the chest, roll your face to your left, then drop your head back, roll to the right and come back to the starting position. Repeat in anticlockwise . Repeat five to six times in each direction.
To relieve tired collar muscles, rest your hands on your thighs and roll your shoulders front to back and then back to front. Repeat five to six times.
JATHAR PARIVARTANASAN
The lower back feels the strain if you are on your feet, or sitting in the same posture for too long. Twisting it flexes the spine. Lie on your back and pull your knees up. Drop your knees to the left such that the left knee touches the floor and the right thigh and knee rests on it. Twist your head to your right side and your hands should be near your ears, and your mouth should be as if youve just yawned. Hold for a count of seven and then change directions . Repeat three times for each side. Then sit up for a short session of Pranayam
PRESSURE POINT
The energy regeneration point is located on the middle of the inside of the right forearm. Press, roll and pump it with your left thumb to energise it.
Is the daily routine of juggling a busy day at work and a demanding family getting to you Feeling exhausted Body aching This could help...
MITALI PAREKH
Yoga can relax your mind and body, ease stiff joints and muscles and make you feel good. It can also tone up your body and help you look great. Yoga trainer Yogesh Chavan prescribes the following asanas to handle everyday pressures on the body...
JALANDHAR SHUDDHI KRIYA
Under pressure, lactic acid accumulates around our neck. Exercising it frees up the nervous system since all the nerves branch out from the base of the neck.
Rotate your neck clockwise and then anti-clockwise . Sit cross-legged on the floor. Drop the neck forward , chin should touch the chest, roll your face to your left, then drop your head back, roll to the right and come back to the starting position. Repeat in anticlockwise . Repeat five to six times in each direction.
To relieve tired collar muscles, rest your hands on your thighs and roll your shoulders front to back and then back to front. Repeat five to six times.
JATHAR PARIVARTANASAN
The lower back feels the strain if you are on your feet, or sitting in the same posture for too long. Twisting it flexes the spine. Lie on your back and pull your knees up. Drop your knees to the left such that the left knee touches the floor and the right thigh and knee rests on it. Twist your head to your right side and your hands should be near your ears, and your mouth should be as if youve just yawned. Hold for a count of seven and then change directions . Repeat three times for each side. Then sit up for a short session of Pranayam
PRESSURE POINT
The energy regeneration point is located on the middle of the inside of the right forearm. Press, roll and pump it with your left thumb to energise it.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
MOUTH ULCERS
How to ease mouth ulcers
Gargle with a solution made from salt mixed in warm water. A saline mixture has a sterilising effect on mouth blisters and sores.
Avoid caffeinated drinks and hot foods that contain sodium or spices.
Rubbing garlic directly onto the ulcer also helps. It may sting initially, but the ulcer will be gone before you know it.
Add a tsp of honey to a glass of water and use it to gargle or gargle with coconut oil.
Mouth ulcers can be the result of a lack of vitamin C. Drink plenty of orange juice or take a supplement.
Raw onions are good for ulcers as they contain sulphur. Munch on them alone or eat them in salads.
Take a glass of chilled water and one glass of hot water and gargle alternately with both.
Gargle with a solution made from salt mixed in warm water. A saline mixture has a sterilising effect on mouth blisters and sores.
Avoid caffeinated drinks and hot foods that contain sodium or spices.
Rubbing garlic directly onto the ulcer also helps. It may sting initially, but the ulcer will be gone before you know it.
Add a tsp of honey to a glass of water and use it to gargle or gargle with coconut oil.
Mouth ulcers can be the result of a lack of vitamin C. Drink plenty of orange juice or take a supplement.
Raw onions are good for ulcers as they contain sulphur. Munch on them alone or eat them in salads.
Take a glass of chilled water and one glass of hot water and gargle alternately with both.
DENTAL CARE
Happy smiles
A perfect smile makes the best first impression at your workplace. iDiva tells you how you can get happy, healthy teeth
Avoid sticky foods and drinks like tea, coffee, red wine and colas.
Flossing is as important as brushing and should be done at least once a day.
Clean your tongue regularly to avoid bad breath.
Use a mouthwash after every meal.
Chewing gum cannot be a substitute for brushing or teeth whitening.
Chewing sugar-free gum can help teeth by stimulating saliva. Saliva neutralises acids that contribute to tooth decay .
Tooth whitening gums contain bicarb soda, also found in tooth-whitening toothpastes. To maximise the benefits of chewing gum, chew after meals or after eating something sweet, if you cant find a brush.
Visit your dentist every six months for routine cleaning and check ups to ensure oral health.
Myth:
Teeth get loose after professional teeth cleaning.
Fact:
Regular cleaning helps maintain good oral health and also controls inflammatory respiratory disorders.
Myth:
Using toothpicks after meals can widen gaps between teeth.
Fact:
Toothpicks do not cause gaps between teeth, but be careful when using toothpicks because they can damage your gums and other soft tissues.
A perfect smile makes the best first impression at your workplace. iDiva tells you how you can get happy, healthy teeth
Avoid sticky foods and drinks like tea, coffee, red wine and colas.
Flossing is as important as brushing and should be done at least once a day.
Clean your tongue regularly to avoid bad breath.
Use a mouthwash after every meal.
Chewing gum cannot be a substitute for brushing or teeth whitening.
Chewing sugar-free gum can help teeth by stimulating saliva. Saliva neutralises acids that contribute to tooth decay .
Tooth whitening gums contain bicarb soda, also found in tooth-whitening toothpastes. To maximise the benefits of chewing gum, chew after meals or after eating something sweet, if you cant find a brush.
Visit your dentist every six months for routine cleaning and check ups to ensure oral health.
Myth:
Teeth get loose after professional teeth cleaning.
Fact:
Regular cleaning helps maintain good oral health and also controls inflammatory respiratory disorders.
Myth:
Using toothpicks after meals can widen gaps between teeth.
Fact:
Toothpicks do not cause gaps between teeth, but be careful when using toothpicks because they can damage your gums and other soft tissues.
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