Unbelievable Health Benefits Of Consuming Peanuts In Winter

Peanuts are the favourite of many people. With the onset of winter, we can see the markets flooded with loads of peanuts.

You can consume it in any form, either raw or boiled or roasted; and it just tastes amazing. It is a great pastime to crack the shells of the peanuts and pop the nuts into your mouth, isn't it? They are delicious, nutty and crunchy and make for a fantastic snack.

Peanut is more than a nut and has amazing health benefits, which many of us do not know of.

These nuts are widely used in many cuisines, especially in the Indian cuisine. Since it is quite common in winter, it will be surprising to know the health benefits that these nuts provide during these days.

peanuts health benefits

Peanuts are legumes and provide us with a lot of proteins, like any other legume. It is vital to understand the nutritional benefits that this nut provides, which makes it an ideal snack for winter.

In this article, we shall discuss some of the unbelievable health benefits of consuming peanuts during the winter season, take a look.

1. Prevents Weight Gain:

Peanuts have the capacity to make you feel full after consuming a handful of them, as compared to other high-calorie snacks. This enables you to avoid too much calorie consumption because you will not be tempted to eat other snacks that are loaded with fats and too many calories, thereby peanuts help to keep a check on your weight during winter and prevent you from weight gain.

2. These Nuts Help Balance The Cholesterol Level:

Peanuts contain high levels of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Especially, the oleic acid in peanuts helps to lower the "LDL" level or bad cholesterol and increase the "HDL" or good cholesterol in the blood. Hence, the cholesterol level is balanced and this helps to prevent coronary artery diseases and strokes by promoting a healthy blood lipid profile.

3. Prevents Stroke Risk:

Peanuts are a rich source of antioxidants and minerals, which eventually reduce the risk of strokes and other heart problems. The tryptophan in peanuts fights against depression as well, thereby a handful of peanuts can keep you away from strokes.

4. Prevents Cancer:

Legumes such as peanuts contain a high concentration of a type of phytosterol called beta-sitosterol (SIT). These phytosterols have the capacity to protect you against cancer by inhibiting tumour growth. It is a surprising fact to know that a research conducted in the United States has proven that men and women who consume peanuts at least twice in a week had 27% and 58%, respectively, lower risk of being affected by colon cancer.

5. Prevents Diabetes:

Peanuts are gifted with the presence of manganese, a mineral that plays a vital role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption and blood sugar regulation. Studies have proven that a serving of peanut can lower the risk of diabetes by 21%. This is great news for people suffering from diabetes, and trust us, this is no hoax. So if you have a person at home suffering from diabetes, make him/her consume a handful of peanuts as per the doctor's advice.

6. Increases Fertility:

Peanuts contain high quantities of folic acid, which help to improve fertility in women and also prevent the risk of any birth defects in a newborn baby. So, if you are in the early stage of your pregnancy, start consuming peanuts for a healthy baby. It has been proven that women who consumed at least 400 grams of peanuts before or during pregnancy had up to 70% lower risk of having a newborn baby with neural tube defect. Also, eating peanuts during pregnancy can reduce the risk of allergic diseases like asthma in children.

7. Good for skin:

It is great to know that such a small peanut is really beneficial for your skin. The monounsaturated acids and resveratrol aid in hydrating and replenishing your skin, thereby making it glow.

8. Helps Treat Cold And Cough:

Peanuts are good sources of vitamin C, which make it a good option to treat cold and cough.

7 natural ways to treat cracked heels

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, most of us are on our feet all day, making them prone to skin problems. Direct exposure to dirt and the absence of oil glands make the skin in the foot area much drier than any other part of our body. Dropping temperature in winter adds to the problem, causing flaking of skin. It can also lead to cracked heels that cause pain and discomfort.

Here are seven simple tips that will help you achieve silky, smooth feet.

Moisturise-affected area: One of the major causes of cracked heels is the lack of adequate moisture content in the skin. Constant hydration can prevent the skin from drying out. A gentle moisturiser can help you get rid of this problem. Moisturising the soles of the feet and heels twice every day will prevent the feet from getting rough and dry.

Honey and water therapy: These two easily available ingredients can do wonders. Soak your feet in a warm water mixed with honey and gently scrub the affected area. Honey is a natural moisturiser and popular in Ayurveda for its bactericidal and antiseptic properties. Honey with warm water helps gently peel off the dead skin and replenish the moisture content.

Keep area between toes dry: When you dry your feet, ensure the area between your toes is wiped of dampness and dirt. Dampness creates a perfect environment for Athlete’s foot and other fungal infections.

Massage with turmeric and oil: Since the foot area is devoid of oil glands, it is important to apply it externally. Massaging oil and turmeric will help in moisturizing the cracked area as well as reduce any swelling or pain from cracks. Regular massages to the heels can increase blood circulation and rejuvenate the skin. Oil has been used in the bath for centuries to keep skin smooth and nourished, whereas turmeric is known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Wear cotton socks: Walking barefoot exposes them to bacteria and dirt. It’s always better to protect your feet from pollution and dust. Wear cotton socks to aid good air circulation and to keep the feet clean.

Comfortable footwear: Choose your footwear wisely. Tight footwear can lead to sweaty feet, causing fungal infections. Go for footwear that gives your foot some space to breathe.

Apply foot care cream: Foot care creams with natural ingredients are available in the market today. Creams with ingredients like sal tree and fenugreek can help heal cracked heels naturally. Traditionally, fenugreek has been used as an excellent moisturiser and Sal tree is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Wash feet with lukewarm water and pat dry. Apply foot care cream over the affected area twice daily, once in the morning after bathing and again at bedtime.

Follow these simple tips to tackle the issue of cracked heels and to enjoy winter-ready happy feet.

Dr Hariprasad V.R. is a Research Scientist at The Himalaya Drug Company.

Soothe dry skin, control hairfall: The many benefits of using essential oils in winter

Lavender oil relaxes muscles and boosts blood circulation.

Ditch synthetic chemicals-induced skincare products and opt for safe, clean and natural products like essential oils which are full of antioxidants and vitamins vital for healthy skin and hair. Invest in lavender oil for moisturising and ylang ylang to treat a dry scalp, suggest experts. We’ve put together the benefits of different essential oils:

*Lavender essential oil: Known for its cooling and calming effect, it is suitable for all skin types and its anti-inflammatory properties fight acne causing bacteria and inflammations. It moisturises, relieves itching, irritation, lightens scars, marks and soothes insect bites. It also relaxes muscles and boosts blood circulation. Lavender essential oil also strengthens hair roots by improving blood circulation and helps get rid of dry scalp and split ends.

*Ylang ylang essential oil: It is suitable for all skin types and is great for treating oily or acne-prone skin while stimulating cell growth to fight the effects of ageing. It majorly helps in regeneration of skin cells, smoothening of fine lines and improving skin elasticity. It works well in rejuvenating dry scalp, controlling hair fall, strengthening hair roots, balancing sebum secretion and boosting hair growth for a healthier scalp and hair.

*Eucalyptus oil is great to soothe inflamed or sore skin and give relief from insect bites.

Invest in lavender oil for moisturising and ylang ylang to treat a dry scalp, suggest experts.

*Tea tree essential oil: This oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties which are the foremost benefits of using it. It helps ward off acne-causing bacteria and lightens blemishes, pimples and makes the skin soft, supple and glowing. Tea tree as an ingredient also helps in cleansing clogged hair follicles and in giving deep nourishment to both the scalp and strands.

*Rosemary essential oil: Astringent properties of rosemary essential oil cleanse, hydrate and rejuvenate your skin by making it firm and gorgeous. It helps in reducing wrinkles and under-eye bags; conditions damaged skin, lightens scars. It also stimulates hair follicles and makes them strong, healthy and long.

*Patchouli essential oil tones sagging skin and gives effective relief from sunburn.

*Peppermint essential oil: The refreshing smell of peppermint has the quintessential smell of freshness to it. It is used as a massage oil for aching muscles. Peppermint essential oil works to exfoliate, brighten dull skin, controls excess oil secretion and cleanses pores. It helps with its astringent properties and has a very soothing and refreshing aroma. This essential oil helps control sebum secretion and cools your scalp. It moisturises, helps in hydrating and conditioning a dry scalp for beautiful hair and problem-free scalp. It prevents scalp itching as well.

Essential oils are full of antioxidants and vitamins that are good for your skin and hair.

*Geranium essential oil balances the oil production in the skin.

*Lemongrass essential oil: It works great for toning the skin and in removing body odour by fighting the odour creating bacteria. It is rich in antioxidant properties and helps clear all toxins from the body. It provides deep hydration with greasiness, helps with acne inflammation and other skin irritations while relaxing mind and body. It also helps with any scalp fungal infections.

*Frankincense essential oil is very helpful for tightening skin and regenerating cells and helps reduce micro-wrinkles.

How To Boost Digestion In Winters: 5 Fool Proof Ways

With the winters finally setting in, the need to stay indoors and snuggle up with a cup of chai will only increase as days go by. It's the best time to enjoy all those warming winter comfort foods in the cosy company of your quilt. Given all this, it is but natural for the metabolism to take a hit. When you're continuously exposed to low temperatures, your body takes it as a signal to conserve energy and heat, thus slowing down your metabolism. With this delayed metabolism your digestion is also not at its best. Eating the right kind of foods is very important to keep the digestion smooth and going. Your tendency to shift towards foods like nuts, seeds, grains, soups, stews are signals from your body. Here are some foods that you must load up on for better digestion in winters. 



1. Winter Greens

The tremendous variety of greens the season brings along with itself is mind boggling and also the greatest news for good health and digestion. Mustard greens, fenugreek, spinach, cholai, bathua are all packed with dietary fibre that helps bulk up your stool, thereby regulating your bowel movement and digestion. The high fibre content also keeps you satiated for long, thereby curbing your urge to binge on other fattening foods which can also help you shed a pound or two. Have them as part of your sabzis, soups, stews, broth. You can steam them, use as a part of stuffing mixture in wraps, rolls and parathas too. 

Mustard greens, fenugreek, spinach, cholai, bathua are all packed with dietary fibre

2. Ghee

Ghee is back in vogue and we can't be happier. Ghee or clarified butter is used extensively in the north to prepare many winter delights such as Panjiri, Gondh ka laddoo, Moong dal ka halwa to keep the body warm. In addition to digestive function, ghee or clarified butter also supports the immune system in the nippy weather. Ghee helps aid healthy gut bacteria present in the gastro-intestinal tract which plays a crucial role in smooth digestion. Swapping ghee with refined oils has been one of the biggest blunders of modern cooking, according to Macrobiotic Nutritionist and Health Practitioner Shilpa Arora. According to her, "Ghee consists of fat soluble vitamins, which aid weight loss. Ghee also plays a key role in balancing hormones and maintaining healthy cholesterol. It has led to serious health disorders like diabetes and high blood pressure. 

In addition to digestive function, ghee or clarified butter also supports the immune system

3.Herbs & Spices

Herbs and spices in the food not only help keep the body warm but also boost digestion. Your kitchen pantry is full of them - cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, cardamom, cayenne, nutmeg, and cloves are all known to trigger the digestive fire and lets not forget their contribution in strengthening our immune system. You can infuse them in tea or a warm beverage like kadha, have the in soups and broth or add them to your curries and desserts. 

Herbs and spices in the food not only help keep the body warm but also boost digestion

4. Fibre

High fibre foods regulate the speed of digestion, add bulk to your stool and aid smoother bowel movements. They also keep your blood sugar levels in check. High fibre foods play a crucial part in maintaining good heart-health by reducing the risk of stroke and hypertension. A diet rich in fibre helps you manage your weight by keeping you full for longer and curbing unwanted cravings. Apart from the winter greens, there are many seasonal vegetables and fruits that can help you up your fibre intake. Carrots with both soluble and insoluble fibres make for an excellent vegetable for those looking to increase their fibre intake. Radishes, guava, apples are also high on fibre quotient. 

High fibre foods enhance digestion,

5. Stay hydrated

Ever noticed how with the dip in temperatures, there is also a sudden dip in our intake of fluids? Well, this may not be the best idea for your digestion. Not drinking enough water or fluids could make the intestines stiff, thereby making the food passage tougher. For smoother movement through intestines and elimination of waste, it is essential to be hydrated at all time. So keep taking sips of water through the day, warm water is even better. Have stews and soups to increase your fluid intake. Water based vegetables like radishes, and tomatoes are very effective too.
 

Not drinking enough water or fluids could make the intestines stiff
 

Load up on these foods to keep all the digestive problems and tummy woes at bay this winter!

15 Jaggery Benefits: Ever Wondered Why Our Elders End a Meal with Gur?

My earliest memory of winter in Delhi, and perhaps my favourite, dates back to when I was maybe four years old. My mom had asked me to call my brother to the dinner table where laid a plate of Makki ki Roti, gur and a generous dollop of ghee. I remember thinking I would take just one small bite. Needless to say, I never made it to my brother's room... And a few minutes later, he found me polishing off his dinner, and not at all sorry for doing so. Who could blame me? The flavour of gur is just so heavenly. Another of my favourites is my nani's timeless Gur ki Roti loaded with ghee and saunf. To this day, the rustic earthy scent rewinds the clock and takes me back to my playful childhood days.

Jaggery i.e. "Gur" in Hindi is also known as 'Bellam' in Telugu, 'Vellam' in Tamil, 'Sharkara' in Malayalam, 'Bella' in Kannada, and 'Gul' in Marathi. It is basically unrefined sugar which is obtained from raw, concentrated sugarcane juice. Although gur can be made from other sources, namely from date palm (nolen gur) and the sap of coconut, the one made from sugarcane juice is the most commonly used. It is prepared by boiling sugar cane juice till it solidifies and then put into blocks.
 

As I type (and my mouth drools), I can't help but wonder why my grandparents used to eat jaggery post lunch and dinner every winter. Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja, Sukhda Hospital, says "It is best consumed during the winter months because winter is the season of fresh jaggery. Since it is rich in many vital vitamins and minerals, jaggery boosts immunity, keeps the body warm, helps treat cold and cough and controls the temperature of the body. This natural sweetener has been a great go-to ingredient in India since time immemorial."

Here are 15 jaggery benefits everyone should know -

1. Prevents constipation: Jaggery activates the digestive enzymes in the body, stimulates bowel movements and thus helps prevent and relieve constipation.

2. Detoxes the liver: Jaggery helps cleanse the liver by flushing out harmful toxins from the body. So if you want to effectively detox your body, bite into a piece of jaggery.

3. Treats flu-like symptoms: Fight symptoms of a cold and cough with the help of gur. All you need to do is mix it with warm water and drink up, or even add it in your teainstead of sugar to reap the benefits.

4. Blood purifier: One of the most well-known benefits of jaggery is its ability to purify the blood. When consumed on a regular basis and in limited quantities, it cleanses the blood, leaving your body healthy.

5. Boosts immunity: Jaggery is loaded with antioxidants and minerals such as zinc and selenium, which in turn help prevent free-radical damage and also boost resistance against infections. Jaggery also helps increase the total count of haemoglobin in the blood.
 

6. Cleanses the body: Jaggery is one of the best natural cleansing agents for the body, hence it is advised to eat jaggery to remove unwanted particles from the body. It efficiently cleans the respiratory tract, lungs, intestines, stomach and food pipe. Eating jaggery is highly recommended for people working in heavily polluted areas such as factories or coal mines.

7. Eases menstrual pain: Jaggery, due to its richness in many essential nutrients, is an effective natural treatment for menstrual problems, especially providing relief from cramps. In case you experience sudden mood swings just before your period, you should eat a small piece of jaggery daily to combat symptoms of PMS since it leads the release of endorphins. These endorphins relax your body, thereby preventing premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

8. Prevents anaemia: Jaggery is rich in iron and folate which help prevent anaemia by ensuring that a normal level of red blood cells is maintained. This is especially beneficial for pregnant women.

9. Boosts intestinal health: Jaggery also boosts intestinal strength due to its high magnesium content. With every 10 gram of jaggery, you get 16 mg of magnesium, which is 4 percent of the daily requirement of this mineral.

10. Cools the stomach: Jaggery helps in maintaining normal body temperature which helps in keeping your stomach cool. Experts recommend drinking Gur Sharbat (jaggery soaked in ice cold water) during the summer months to cool off.
 

11. Controls blood pressure: Jaggery contains potassium and sodium, which play an important role in the maintenance of acid levels in the body. It makes sure that a normal level of blood pressure is properly maintained.

12. Prevents respiratory problems: By consuming jaggery regularly, you can prevent many respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, etc. Experts recommend eating this natural sweetener with sesame seeds for wonderful benefits for the respiratory system.

13. Relieves joint pain: "If you suffer from aches and pains in your joints, eating jaggery can provide you with much-needed relief", says Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja, Sukhda Hospital. You can eat it with a piece of ginger to alleviate joint pain, or even drink a glass of milk with jaggery every day to help strengthen the bones, thus preventing joint and bone problems such as arthritis.

14. Weight loss: "Jaggery is surprisingly effective as an aid for weight loss. This is because jaggery is a rich source of potassium, which is a mineral that helps in the balance of electrolytes as well as building muscles and boosting metabolism. Potassium also helps in the reduction of water retention, which helps in managing your weight", says Delhi-based Nutritionist Anshul Jaibharat. These factors play an important role in effective weight loss, so if you're looking to lose some unwanted pounds, include this food in your diet.

15. Good source of energy: While sugar is a simple carbohydrate that gets absorbed in the bloodstream instantly and gives instant energy, jaggery is a complex carbohydratethat gives energy to the body gradually and for a longer time. This means that the levels of blood sugar do not get raised immediately. It also helps prevent fatigue and weakness of the body.

Note: It is, however, suggested to consume jaggery in moderation, as it is slightly higher in calories, containing up to 4 kcal/gram.

Believe it or not, a samosa is much healthier than a burger.

Picture courtesy: Instagram/gypsyneel

It might be hard to believe but the truth is that eating a samosa is much healthier than eating a burger.

At least, that's what the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has stated in its new report.

Dieticians have earlier argued that more than the ingredients in a samosa, it's the oil it is cooked in that causes more harm to the body, especially when fried by roadside vendors. Since the vendors repeat the same oil for frying, it gets stale. They also use hydrogenated oil that has transfatty acid, writes Swati Kapoor in an article on practo.com.

As far as the ingredients are concerned, the new CSE report mentioned that a samosa may be calorie-dense, but it is free of additives, preservatives and flavourants. It is made of fresh ingredients like refined wheat flour, cumin, boiled potatoes, peas, salt, chilies, spices, vegetable oil or ghee.

"Fresh food contains none of the chemicals present in ultra-processed food," states the report, titled Body Burden: Lifestyle Diseases.

And that's exactly why eating a burger may not be good for your health, as it contains preservatives, acidity regulators and an emulsifier, along with refined wheat flour, sugar, wheat gluten, edible vegetable oil, yeast, salt, soya flour, sesame seeds, vegetables, mayonnaise, cheese, and meat or potato patty.

Similarly, foods like poha or fresh juice were also termed as better by the report, in comparison to noodles and canned juices that comprise thickeners, humectants, permitted synthetic food colours and added flavours.

So, the next time you crave an evening snack, ditch the burger and pick up a freshly fried samosa instead!

7 Miraculous Health Benefits Of Ginger Water

Been given very special significance in Ayurveda, Ginger is a spice, widely used in food preparation and also as a medicine. Being rich in natural chemicals, ginger offers some miraculous health benefits. It is known to lower-down cholesterol levels, aid in weight loss, keep you hydrated, among other benefits. There are many a ways in which we consume ginger, as in, a variety of foods and drinks. Ginger water is just another source of ginger consumption. It is prepared by boiling fresh ginger root in water, then cooling and straining the drink. Here are 7 miraculous health benefits of ginger water.
1. Better Digestion
Regular consumption of ginger water has been shown to help in better digestion. Apart from that, it also helps fight nausea and vomiting.
2. Checks Cholesterol
Many a studies and research have proven that ginger could lower-down 'bad' cholesterol levels, and therefore, helps keep your heart health intact.
3. Keeps you hydrated
A lot of people miss out on the daily recommended amount of water intake, which leads to dehydration, that could be very problematic and dangerous for your health. An additional source of water, as in, ginger water could help supplement your fluid intake, and therefore keep you hydrated.
4. Anti-Inflammatory effect
Although a natural bodily process, inflammation (in excess) may end-up harming your body. It has become a common problem these days among a lot of people. Thankfully, ginger is known to have anti-inflammatory effects and therefore helps prevent inflammation.
5. Anti-oxidant Properties
The anti-oxidant features of ginger help keep risk of many diseases as such heart disease, alzheimer's, cancer etc. It also reduces signs of ageing.
6. Controls Blood Sugar
Ginger is known to control the levels of blood sugar in your body, and thus, helps reduce risk of diabetes.
7. Aids in Weight Loss
Accompanied with healthy eating habits and regular exercise, ginger water can also give a boost to your weight-loss plans.

5 Reasons To Do Exercise in The Morning

If you have trouble finding time to exercise during the day, early morning exercise may be the answer. People who exercise in the morning before breakfast may enjoy benefits, such as increased energy throughout the day and greater weight loss. Making morning exercise a habit can improve your performance during the day and help you sleep better at night. People who exercise before breakfast in the morning may also enjoy burning more calories than those who exercise later in the day.

* More Calorie Burning

A study by Belgian researchers published in the “Journal of Physiology” found that male test subjects who ate a diet high in fat and carbohydrates, and engaged in strenuous exercise for 60 to 90 minutes before eating breakfast, gained very little weight despite eating a calorie-rich diet. Morning exercise may not be for everyone, but the benefits may outweigh the inconvenience of getting up earlier for exercise. Your body continues to burn fat and calories after exercise. Working out in the morning when your body -- in a fasting state -- burns fat more efficiently may improve your weight-loss efforts. As you lose fat and gain muscle mass, your body becomes even more efficient at burning fat.

* Better Sleep

Exercising early in the morning may lead to better sleep at night. Researchers at Appalachian State University found that in a small sample of test subjects, those engaged in aerobic exercise for 30 minutes in the morning experienced significantly better sleep compared to those who exercised mid-day or in the evening. The participants in the study who exercised in the morning worked out on a treadmill at 7 a.m. The morning exercisers benefited by spending more time the following night in deep sleep.

* Good Mood

People who exercise in the mornings enjoy increased energy levels throughout the day and improved mood. Exercise stimulates the brain to produce endorphins. Endorphins are often called “feel-good” hormones. They produce a sense of well-being and sometimes cause the exerciser to feel a mild euphoria, such as the “runner's high.” People who engage in 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise in the mornings can benefit from natural endorphins.

* Times For Other Priorities

I may make a living from the gym, but it's still not my number one priority. Nothing is more important than family. Clearly there's a trade-off between the amount of time you spend in the gym and the amount of time you can spend at home. Which is why slicing off a small segment, like you can in the morning, is usually better than in the evening, when you have to fight rush hour, navigate a crowded gym environment, get home to shower, and allot whatever's left for your family. The math simply works better if you get your workout done in the morning.

* More Focused

A bout of exercise increases your focus on the next activity, because your body is aroused. What follows a morning workout? For most people, it's the office or school. Hence, one of the advantages of working out in the morning is that you're more alert during those later hours.