ESSENTIAL FOODS THAT CUT DOWN FAT

To cut down fat you need not change your food pattern or introduce new things you may not feel like having. Instead look around your kitchen , there are few ingredients in the racks that ensure weight loss by cutting down fat.

Ayurveda recommends to include all tastes – sweet, sour, bitter, salty, astringent, pungent in at least one meal each day  This will help balance unnatural cravings. My earlier article The importance of six tastes in Ayurveda describes this.

Turmeric

Curcumin, the active component of turmeric turn off certain genes that cause scarring and enlargement of the heart. Regular intake of turmeric may help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol and high blood pressure, increase blood circulation and prevent blood clotting, helping to prevent heart attack.

Garlic

It is considered that a garlic a day keeps sickness away. An effective fat-burning food, garlic contains the sulphur compound allicin which has anti-bacterial effects and helps reduce cholesterol and unhealthy fats.

Cardamom

Cardamom is a thermogenic herb that increases metabolism and helps burn body fat. Cardamom is considered one of the best digestive aids and is believed to soothe the digestive system and help the body process other foods more efficiently. Added in spicy dishes , desserts and in many recipes to maximize benefits.

Chillies

Foods containing chillies are said to be as foods that burn fat. Chillies contain capsaicin that helps in increasing the metabolism. Capsaicin is a thermogenic food, so it causes the body to burn calories for 20 minutes after you eat the chillies. Minimize quantity intake to avoid spoiling the day.

Honey

Honey is a home remedy for obesity. Honey mobilizes the extra fat deposits in the body allowing it to be utilized as energy for normal functions. One should start with about 10 grams or a tablespoon, taken with water early in the morning. It boost immune system and contains anti bacterial properties. Be careful to pick the natural variety when you purchase.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk contains just 2.2 grams of fat and about 99 calories, as compared to whole milk that contains 8.9 grams fat and 157 calories. Regular intake provides the body with all essential nutrients and does not add fats and calories to the body. It is thus helpful in weight loss. You can consume this with a little of salt and curry leaves. Relieves tiredness of the scorch heat.

Curry leaves

Incorporating curry leaves into your daily diet can help you lose weight. Curry leaves flush out fat and toxins, reducing fat deposits that are stored in the body, as well as reducing bad cholesterol levels. If you are overweight, incorporate eight to 10 curry leaves into your diet daily. Chop them finely and mix them into a drink, or sprinkle them over a meal.

Moong dhal

The bean sprouts are rich in Vitamin A, B, C and E and many minerals, such as calcium, iron and potassium. Moong dhal is recommended as a food replacement in many slimming programs, as it has a very low fat content. It is a rich source of protein and fiber, which helps lower blood cholesterol level. The high fiber content yields complex carbohydrates, which aid digestion, are effective in stabilizing blood sugar and prevent its rapid rise after meal consumption.

Oatsmeal

Oatmeal is high in soluble fiber and that will reduce cholesterol significantly. It will also help flush many acids and fats out of your body. It is important to eat oatmeal without putting sugar and butter on it to make it more palatable. If you have to sweeten it, do it with fresh fruits or natural honey.

Cabbage

Raw or cooked cabbage inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. Hence, it is of great value in weight reduction. Include it as salads or steamed side dish.

Beans

Cooked beans are very good to cut down fat. You can consume cooked beans like kidney beans, white beans. Include them with breakfast. Makes a good diet for the day. The proteins in the beans will help to burn fats. Beans are high in both fiber and protein and can help in burning down fat while delivering great energy and nutrition. Furthermore, beans are low in calories and saturated fats, though you should avoid consuming refried beans which are actually high in saturated fats.

Eggs

Eggs have a perfect balance of amino acids. These are the protein building blocks your body uses to develop muscle fibers. Eating an egg daily can assist with cutting fat. If you have high cholesterol, you can opt for egg white only.

Be cautious of the food you take . Exercise and maintain good health. You can further follow Simple ways to include Ayurveda in everyday life.

AYURVEDIC TIPS AND DIET FOR PSORIASIS

Ayurveda believes that impurities in the blood associated with emotional factors are the cause of the disease. According to Ayurveda Psoriasis can be considered as the vitiation of Vata and Kapha.

Ayurvedic treatment for Psoriasis

Ayurveda suggests Panchakarma for the treatment of psoriasis. This is because detoxification of the body is very essential for the treatment of psoriasis. Both systemic and topical treatments are used in the treatment.

Ayurvedic Diet

Psoriasis patient is also given a strict diet regime called pathyam or parhes (dietary restrictions)

• Drinking fresh bitter gourd juice mixed with one teaspoon of lime juice on an empty stomach is an effective psoriasis treatment
• Non vegetarian diet is strongly prohibited. Sea food and red meat are not recommended.
• Avoid consuming opposite foods.
• Take care not to consume foods which cause indigestion.
• Do not eat too much salty, sour or acidic foods. Say no to radishes, urad dal, sesame, curds, fish and other sour foods.
• Avoid consumption of Alcohol and Quit Smoking.
• Avoid taking spicy food and consume only easily digestible food.
• Include more fruits, vegetable, fruit juices in your diet. Bitter gourd, curd, boiled vegetables, pumpkin etc… are good psoriasis diet.
• Avoid animal fats, eggs, processed canned foods from your diet.

Ayurvedic Tips for Psoriasis

• Do not control natural urges like vomiting, urination, bowel emptying, etc.
• Exposing to mild sunlight daily for 20 to 30 minutes will improve the texture of the affected area of the skin.
• Avoid consumption of Alcohol and Smoking. It aggravates psoriasis.
• Avoid sleeping in afternoons.
• Avoid using soap while taking bath instead use gram flour ( besan) and use a herbal scrubber.
• After washing, pat the skin dry, don’t irritate it by rubbing vigorously.
• Apply moisturizing creams liberally on affected areas after bathing.
• Apply moisturizing gel or cream at regular intervals to maintain the moisture level of the skin.
• Smear on herbal balm which is infused with vata and kapha balancing herbs.
• Avoid all factors which trigger psoriasis. Reduce stress levels through meditation and yoga.
• Avoid pricking, peeling and scratching skin.
• Opt for cotton clothes over synthetic ones.
• Use separate, clean clothes and towel for your use.
• Do not take a cold water bath immediately after a heavy work out, travelling, a long walk, etc.
• Application of avocado oil gently on the effected part is found to be an effective treatment.
• Cod liver oil, lecithin, linseed oil, vitamin E, and zinc fasten the healing Process.
• Taking bath in sea water is found to be very effective in psoriasis treatment.
• Application of coconut oil, olive oil on the affected areas are extremely relieving. It moisturizes skin.
• Applying aloe vera cream thinly to irritated skin and rubbing lightly is effective. Take gel directly from fresh cut stem and apply.
• Place a cup of chopped cabbage in a bowl containing hot boiled water. When the water has cooled in the external container,  take the cabbage and place it on the infected areas. Press with a soft towel. Minimizes itching and soothes affected areas.
• Mental health is absolutely necessary for an effective treatment of psoriasis. Try deep breathing and relaxation exercise to reduce stress.

Exercise Regularly. Be positive. Activate your energy levels. Keep yourself engrossed by reading to avoid thinking and increasing worries.