Health tips for the woman

Health tips for the woman

Whether you're studying or working or just hanging out, city life can take a toll on your health. Here are some easy ways to stay fit and healthy.

Ladies! This one's for you. For all of you living the city life, here's how you can stay fit and healthy and not let the toll of everyday life get to you.

1. Exercise
   

   From autorickshaws who'll take you anywhere to shops and restaurants that'll deliver anything, it's almost like cities are designed to make a person inactive. Plus, it's really easy to just spend all your time in the daily chores of life. That's why it's important to make exercising a priority and take an hour out at least 5 times a week for a workout. Exercising not only keeps you in shape, but it also releases pheromones, which are known to have a positive effect on your mood.

2. Take time out for yourself
   

   From your taskmaster of a boss to your Bollywood-esque romance, and your hectic social life to that to-do list that never gets fully ticked, we get that your life is busy! But don't just spend all your time doing things for others. Make sure you take some time everyday for yourself. Paint, cook or just meditate - just remember to make yourself a priority.
   

3. Health check-ups
   

   Typically, in India we don't take periodic health checks seriously. It's important to realise that one visit a year the doctor can prevent so many visits in the future. This is especially true for women over 30. Speak to your doctor about getting a mammogram, Pap smear and bone density check right now and you'll be ensuring many years of health in the future.
   

4. Sleep
   

   There is no doubt that a productive day is dependent on the quality of sleep you've had. Make sure you get the hours of sleep your body needs.
   

5. Stay hydrated
   

   One thing that often gets missed out in the hustle-bustle of city life is good old water! Carry a bottle with you and try and get at least 2 litres a day. Fresh lime-water or herbal teas are also good substitutes, but avoid sugary aerated drinks.
   

6. Eat well and regularly
   

   You're working late, you're hungry and crabby, the samosa guy comes along and you decide to have one. Heck, you've been working hard, you deserve it. No, you don't! Your body deserves much better than a stale, oily samosa. Make eating regular meals a priority in your life. It'll help you stay healthy and looking slim. Good food with a balance of nutrients also helps to keep your skin glowing and hair shiny. It's a win-win all the way.
   

7. Plan
   

   Women tend to balance many balls in the air on any given day. And this can lead to a lot of stress - one of the biggest causes of many diseases today. One tip to staying stress-free is to plan things in advance. Writing things down will allow you to take only an amount you can handle. Also, don't try to be a superwoman and delegate whenever possible.
   

8. Look after your skin
   

   India tends to be hot and dusty. This coupled with the rising levels of pollution in the city can take quite a toll on our skin. Find skincare products that suit you and a regimen that you can follow with ease. At the very least, make sure you wash your face at least twice a day. This should be followed even if you've been at home all day. Also, don't forget that all-important sunscreen.
   

9. Be responsible for your own sexual health
   

   Whether you're in a long-term relationship or dating sporadically, you have to be responsible for your own health and safety. Don't leave anything to chance and find a contraceptive that works for you. Remember, STIs are very real and can happen to anyone, so make sure you indulge in safe sex using a condom.
   

10. Stay happy
    Mental well-being is as important as physical health. Chat with your girlfriends, go on a vacation or indulge in some retail therapy - make sure you do something that makes you happy!
    

Vendhayam(Fenugreek) Health Benefits

Vendhayam (also known as Greek Hay and Fenigreek), is an herb that is commonly found growing in the Mediterranean region of the world. While the seeds and leaves are primarily used as a culinary spice, it is also used to treat a variety of health problems in Egypt, Greece, Italy, and South Asia.

1. Benefits of Vendhayam
   Due to its estrogen-like properties, Vendhayam has been found to help increase libido and lessen the effect of hot flashes and mood fluctuations that are common symptoms of menopause and PMS. In India and China it has also been used to treat arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, improve digestion, maintain a healthy metabolism, increase libido and male potency, cure skin problems (wounds, rashes and boils), treat sore throat, and cure acid reflux. Vendhayam also has a long history of use for the treatment of reproductive disorders, to induce labor, to treat hormonal disorders, to help with breast enlargement, and to reduce menstrual pain. Recent studies have shown that Vendhayam helps lower blood glucose and cholestrol levels, and may be an effective treatment for both type 1 and 2 diabetes. It is also being studied for its cardiovascular benefits.
2. Uses of Vendhayam
   Studies have found people who took 2 ounces (56g) of Vendhayam seed each day had significantly (around 14 percent) lower cholesterol levels after 24 weeks, and had lowered their risk of heart attack by more than 25 percent. Therefore, a recommended remedy for lowering cholesterol is to take 2 ounces of seeds throughout the day. The seeds can be sprinkled onto prepared food, or they can be consumed with water if they are in capsule form.
   
3. Medcinal properties
   Vendhayam has a long history of medical uses in Ayurvedic medicine, and has been used for numerous indications, including aiding digestion, and as a general tonic to improve metabolism and health. Vendhayam is a practical herb for all mucus conditions of the body, particularly the lungs, by helping to clear congestion. Use Vendhayam for head colds, constipation, bronchial complaints, asthma, and sinusitis.
   
4. Uses
   1. Vendhayamseeds are rich in vitamin E and is one of the earliest spices known to man.
   2. Fresh Vendhayam leaves are beneficial in the treatment of indigestion, flatulence and a sluggish liver.
   3. The dried leaves of the Vendhayam is used as a quality flavour for meat, fish and vegetable dishes.
   4. An infusion of the leaves is used as a gargle for recurrent mouth ulcers. A gargle made from the seeds is best for ordinary sore throat.
   5. Fresh Vendhayam leaves paste applied over the scalp regularly before bath helps hair grow, preserves natural color, keeps hair silky and also cures dandruff.
   6. Topically, the gelatinous texture of Vendhayam seed may have some benefit for soothing skin that is irritated by eczema or other conditions.
   7. It has also been applied as a warm poultice to relieve muscle aches and gout pain.
   8. Vendhayam seeds reduces the amounts of calcium oxalate in the kidneys which often contributes to kidney stones.

Jeera Health Benefits

1. Benefits of Jeera
   Jeera is also referred to as cumin seeds and are of two kinds, black and white. The black type is popularly known as Shahjeera. However, both types are either used in powder or whole form. The flower is native to East India and the east Mediterranean. It is used for a number of purposes, and its benefits include;
2. Better for anemic patients
   There are various reasons why you should include jeera in your nutrition. For starters, it is a vital element for production of hemoglobin in anemic patients, which is essential in transporting oxygen and nutrients to other parts in the body.
   
3. Treats skin problems
   Cumin also helps treat skin diseases such as eczema, dry skin and psoriasis. It works effectively for digestive disorders as it controls stomach pain, morning sickness, diarrhea, and indigestion. On the other hand, it is popularly used to relieve headache, make hair glossy and shinny, and strengthen nails as well.
   
4. Boost metabolism
   Jeera is effective in terms of improving the body’s metabolism, which is essential in regulating normal body activities.
5. Laxative properties
   Cumin is popularly used in treatment of piles and common cold due to its fiber content, carminative and laxative properties. In addition, it aids in reducing symptoms of flus and common cold since it has antiseptic attributes.