Home remedies to improve your appetite and eat more

A poor appetite is not likely to cause any life-threatening situation but it can certainly leave you under-nourished and consequently, tired and irritable. If left untreated, this lack of nourishment can cause your immune system to weaken and may also lead to dehydration. Therefore, it is vital to tackle a poor appetite and to do this, you need to know what is causing it. While there can be several causes of poor appetite, the most common one is problems with digestion. In fact, Ayurveda says that lack of digestive power is one of the main causes of poor appetite. Here are a few home remedies that help with improving digestive power and in turn, improve your appetite.

Ginger Remedies
Ginger contains a volatile oil that has the property of improving digestion; it also helps to remove the intestinal gas that is produced during the process of digestion. Besides, ginger has a strong flavouring action and a refreshing taste. The best way to make use of these benefits of ginger is to include it in your daily cooking. For better and faster results, you could make some ginger tea, by mixing half a teaspoon of ginger powder into a cup of boiling water and straining it after ten minutes. This can be drunk as such or sweetened with a few drops of honey. 

Another way to use ginger is to peel and grate a small piece of the rhizome and mix this with some black pepper powder and a few drops of lemon juice. This paste must be taken on an empty stomach every day for about 15 days to see good results.

Combining ginger with another strong digestive – coriander – also gives good results for a poor appetite. Make a coarse powder of coriander seeds and dried ginger; then mix them in a proportion of 5:1, add into about 100 ml of water and boil till the volume reduces to half and drink the resulting liquid when it is still warm.

Vegetables with appetizer action
Some vegetables are known to contain certain ingredients that have the ability to facilitate digestion and thus, they help to improve the appetite. For example, raw grated radish mixed with a little curd is a strong appetizer. Raw white onion and raw cucumber also have strong appetizing properties. Regular consumption of bitter-tasting foods such as amaranth, fenugreek and bitter gourd also helps to improve the secretion of digestive juices and this helps increase appetite.
Tomato also has the ability to deal with indigestion and can help improve appetite. Add generous amounts of red and juicy tomatoes into your gravies, make a soup with tomato and other spices or just eat the vegetable raw by sprinkling a little pepper powder on it.

Carminative spices
Gas is produced during the process of digestion in the intestine and the presence of this gas is responsible for a heavy feeling.  Besides, it also interferes with the intestines ability to digest the food that enters it and as a result, a person who has abdominal gas will often suffer from a poor appetite. In such cases, it is good to increase the consumption of certain spices that have the property of causing the expulsion of gases – these substances are called as carminatives and they have a powerful digestive action.

Some of the carminative herbs include fennel (saunf), corainder ( dhania), mint ( pudina), black pepper ( kali mirch) and cinnamon ( dalchini).  Include these spices in your regular cooking and you are bound to notice a gradual change in your appetite. You can also sprinkle a little powder of any of these carminatives on vegetables such as tomato or cucumber and consume as a salad for good appetizing action. 

Peppermint is a herb that works wonders on appetite. Whenever you find yourself dreading the thought of food, make a cup of peppermint tea by adding a few peppermint leaves into some boiling water. Steep for a few minutes, strain and drink when still warm.

Fruits to improve appetite
Certain fruits are known to stimulate hunger and these include grapes, apples and black berries. Most of these fruits contain constituents that help to improve digestion and thus, they help to improve appetite.

Often, a poor appetite may be the result of an unhealthy lifestyle. People who lead a very sedentary life and those who smoke heavily are likely to have appetite problems and it is important to tackle these issues for any meaningful results. However, if these don’t apply in your case and even after trying the remedies mentioned here for about a month or so, if you still find that there is no improvement in your appetite, it is good to consult a doctor.

In some people who are on regular medication for some health condition, the drugs they are taking may be responsible for the loss of appetite. If such is the case, the doctor should be able to provide some guidance on how to overcome this problem. In some rare cases, a persistent lack of appetite may point to a grave underlying disease such as cancer. Therefore, if you find yourself suffering from a chronic loss of appetite and none of the remedies mentioned here help, it is good to consult a doctor who can guide you further.

this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
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https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
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Amazing Health Benefits of Guava Seeds

Guava is a nutritious and delicious fruit that tastes like a combination of pear and strawberry. It is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, niacin, thiamine, iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, etc.

In addition, it has a high fiber and water content. This tropical fruit also has digestive, carminative, antihyperglycemic, antispasmodic, antibiotic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.
It helps treat acne, cure piles, lower the risk of diabetes, promote fertility, and relieve digestive disorders such as constipation, diarrhea, stomach ache, and acidity. Plus, it works as a filling snack and yet aids in weight loss. Regular consumption of this fruit is good for your skin too.

Guava has white or maroon pulp with plenty of small seeds packed within. Although the seeds of most fruits and vegetables are discarded as they cannot be digested, guava seeds need not be treated in the same way as they are edible.

In fact, they are great for your health as they are packed with antioxidants. They are also rich in other nutrients, essential fatty acids, and contain a good amount of iodine. The seeds and skin of this fruit have glycosides, carotenoids, and other phenolic and flavonoid compounds. They also have anti-inflammatory and antibiotic effects.

Discussed below are some health benefits of guava seeds.

Lowers High Blood Pressure

Guava fruits and seeds are good for reducing high blood pressure as they are high in antioxidants and potassium. Due to its high potassium,banana is often considered for high blood pressure, but it is interesting to note that a guava has almost 60 percent more potassium than a medium-sized banana. Studies have shown that intake of potassium helps regulate blood pressure.

The bioactive compounds and antioxidant power of guava seeds also help control body weight, glycemia (concentration of glucose in the blood), dyslipidemia (high amounts of lipids in the blood), triglyceride levels and other factors that contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Relieves Constipation

Guava seeds, especially when ingested whole, are useful for those suffering from constipation because of their stimulant laxative effect. The seeds are also a good source of dietary fiber that aids in digestion. So, eat guavas with seeds to promote bowel movement and relieve constipation.
For best results, it is often suggested not to chew the seeds; rather swallow or gulp the small seeds after chewing the pulp or else it may cause acidity.

Reduces Prostate Cancer Risk

Guava pulp and seeds help restrict the development of cancer cell lines. They are high in an antioxidant called lycopene that fights prostate cancer. It is also suspected to help inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells.

Antioxidants are extremely important in preventing and controlling cancer as they help the body defend itself from the proliferation of free radicals.
Studies have also found guava seed extracts to have anti-cancer effects on hematological and solid neoplasms. In addition to guava seed extracts, studies have also evaluated guava leaf extracts. Leaf oil, and whole plant extracts for chemotherapeutic applications.

Helps Control Cholesterol

Guava seeds contain polyunsaturated fatty acids that help manage high cholesterol by keeping blood cholesterol levels in check. Moreover, the seeds being rich in fiber, interfere with the absorption of bile in the intestines.

As the bile is eliminated in the feces, the liver makes bile salts to make up for the loss of bile. This helps reduce cholesterol in the bloodstream because the body uses it to produce the bile salts by increasing the production of LDL receptors.

If you do not like to eat guava seeds yet want to derive the health benefits of this food then you can get guava seed extract from the market. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids.

Moreover, you can apply guava seed oil on your skin to maintain skin moisture for soft and supple skin. Due to the high antioxidant levels, it will also fight free radicals and prevent premature ageing and wrinkles. 

Being astringent in nature, it will also promote skin tightening. When applied to the scalp, it will help control dandruff, prevent hair loss, and make your hair strong and shiny. When purchasing guava seed oil, make sure you get an organic one.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                                                                                                                                        PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/  

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Several people are moving away from eating traditional Indian food and opting for bland, tasteless meals. But little do they know that the spices added to Indian dishes are in fact a great weight loss booster and can help burn fat effectively. They also add a unique flavour to our meals. So don’t skip these spices from your food even if you are on a weight loss mission.

Cumin or jeera: This spice is often the first thing that is added to any preparation after the oil heats. Cumin has carminative properties which help in better digestion of food and also aid in burning fat from the stomach. So do not skip adding this spice in your meals.

Turmeric or haldi: Added to most our dishes, turmeric has a compound called curcumin which helps prevent fat deposits in the body by reducing insulin and leptin resistance levels that are responsible for it. Adding a pinch of it your food every day will do the trick. You can also add it to milk and drink it before bed.  

Red chili powder: Made by crushing chilies, this powder is effective in helping you losing weight. The presence of capsaicin compound increases the metabolic activity in the body and the heat generated also helps in burning fat. Add a dash of chili powder to curries to reap in its benefits. 

Garam masala: This is essentially a mix of several spices such as clove, cumin, cinnamon, etc. Since all these spices are effective for weight loss, garam masala too is beneficial for people on a weight loss diet. Add not more than a teaspoon of it to your meals.  

Curry leaves or kadi patta: Want to get rid of unwanted fat deposits in your body, start eating curry leaves today. These leaves are rich in fibre and other minerals and help flush out toxins from the body. So chew on them as they are not just for garnish but to also help you lose weight. 

Cinnamon or dalchini: It is usually added to dishes as it lends a very aromatic flavour to food but it also has weight loss properties. Cinnamon helps in reducing abdominal fat as it has a fat-burning effect in the body. So if you are someone struggling to lose belly fat, add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to your meals.  

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.    
 
PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG-                      

HTTP:GSEASYRECIPES.BLOGSPOT.COM/
FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                       

HTTP://KNEE REPLACEMENT-STICK CLUB.BLOGSPOT.COM/
FOR CROCHET DESIGNS
HTTP://MY CROCHET CREATIONS.BLOGSPOT.COM

HEALTH BENEFITS OF NUTMEG

Nutmeg is a small oval shaped nut, with a sweet fragrance. It is found in most kitchens of the world, as it is used both in sweets and its oil is also used for its beneficial properties.

Some of its beneficial components include iron, potassium, manganese, folate, magnesium, thiamin, copper, and vitamins B1 and B6. It’s also rich in stimulant, carminative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and aphrodisiac properties. All these factors give this spice its long list of health benefits.

1. Fights Depression and Anxiety
If you have anxiety or depression, nutmeg is a fantastic natural treatment.
The compounds myristicin and elemicin in nutmeg offer mild sedative and anti-anxiety benefits by activating the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine in the brain. This also helps us cope with stress.
Method:
1. Mix a pinch of nutmeg powder with 1 tablespoon of Indian gooseberry juice.
2. Drink twice a day to calm the mind and relive depression.

2. Boosts Brain Power
Nutmeg helps keep your brain sharp and healthy. In fact, ancient Roman and Greek civilizations used nutmeg as a brain tonic. Myristicin helps improve memory by stimulating the nerves in the brain. It also improves concentration and the ability to focus.
Method:
1. To ensure good brain health, add a pinch of nutmeg to a glass of warm water and drink it before going to bed.

 

3. Fights Insomnia

If you find it hard to sleep at night, nutmeg can help you out. Its sedative and calming properties work as a natural sleep aid. Furthermore, this spice is rich in magnesium, which stimulates the release of serotonin, creating a feeling of relaxation and sedation.

• Drink a cup warm milk mixed with a pinch of nutmeg powder before going to bed.
• Alternatively, mix 2 drops of nutmeg essential oil in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and massage it onto your forehead before going to bed.

4. Relieves Joint and Muscle Pain
Nutmeg contains many essential volatile oils that that have anti-inflammatory properties, such as elemicin, eugenol, and myristicin. This makes it very useful for treating joint and muscle pain.
• To get relief from painful joints and muscles, mix some nutmeg oil with coconut or olive oil, and apply to the affected areas a few times a day.
• Adding a little nutmeg to your cooking can help reduce inflammation and pain. 

5. Treats Acne
Nutmeg’s antioxidant nature means that it can help fight free-radical damage, which is important for maintaining acne-free skin. Furthermore, it can help make acne scars a lot less noticeable.
• Prepare a paste with equal amounts of powdered nutmeg and raw honey. Apply it to the affected area, leave it for 20 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. Do this once a day for a few days.
• Alternatively, mix ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg powder with enough milk to make a runny paste. Apply it to the acne-affected area, let it sit for 30 minutes, then wash off with lukewarm water. Do this once a day. 

6. Improves Digestion

Nutmeg is great for the digestive system. In addition to easing indigestion, nausea, vomiting, bloating, gas, and diarrhea, it can also help manage the symptoms of Crohn’s disease.

• When you’re suffering from digestive issues, you should simply add a pinch of nutmeg to your soups and stews. 

 

7. Prevents Tooth Decay and Cavities
Due to its antibacterial properties, nutmeg can effectively destroy harmful bacteria inside the mouth to help prevent cavities and tooth decay. Furthermore, it’s also effective at preventing and treating bad breath, which is usually caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth.
• Simply grate some nutmeg and mix it with some oregano oil. Brush your teeth with it a few times a week.
• To fight bad breath, put a few drops of nutmeg oil in a glass of lukewarm water, and use it as a mouthwash. 

8. Boosts Immunity
Nutmeg can enhance your immunity due to the presence of minerals and vitamins that contribute to its antioxidant action. Antioxidants help to protect your body from free-radical damage, which can otherwise have a negative impact on your immunity, making it hard for your body to fight off infections.
• Consume some nutmeg each day by adding it to your milk, tea, or soup. ​

9. Aids Detoxification

Proper detoxification is very important for good health. Nutmeg is very beneficial, as it aids detoxification and improves the function of your liver.

10. Improves Male Libido
Due to its vasodilating and smooth muscle-relaxing properties, the compound eugenol in nutmeg is responsible for its aphrodisiac effect. Plus, it has magnesium and potassium, the essential nutrients required in the production of sex hormones.

Nutmeg helps to cleanse the liver and kidneys of toxins, as well as strengthening their functions. Its high antioxidant content helps activate enzymes in the liver that help to remove toxic compounds. Furthermore, the magnesium in it is required for detoxifying cells.

Caution
• Do not consume too much nutmeg as it can be toxic in large doses – do not take more than ½ a teaspoon a day.
• Store this spice in an airtight container and away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight to avoid loss of flavor. 

this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.                                                                                                             https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations                                   https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes                 https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement           

6 Effective ways to get rid of bloating

Abdominal bloating could be due to-
1) gas buildup
2)constipation
3( anxiety
4)overeating
5) Indigestion
6) IBS
7) trapped air and more

The best way to treat it is to consume foods that activate bowel movement.
1) Fennel seeds( saunf)- have carminative, diuretic, pain-reducing and anti-microbial properties. It can relax muscle spasms in the digestive tract.
Eat a few fennel seeds after a big meal or make a tea by infusing 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds in a cup of water to 3 times a day.

2) Peppermint- it is rich in menthol oil, which is able to relieve spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, bile duct and gall bladder. It is also known to aid digestion and reduce flatulence.
To reap the benefits, chew on a few fresh peppermint leaves or make yourself a soothing peppermint tea.

3) Ginger- it contains active ingredients like gingerols and shogaols, which treat inflammation and relax the intestinal muscles.
Eat 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger before meals to avoid bloating. Or, make a tea by infusing 6 thin slices in hot water together with honey and lemon and drink 3 times a day.

4) Chamomile tea- has properties that are excellent for soothing the stomach, combating heartburn and relieving bloating.
To benefit from these properties, drink chamomile tea between meals 3 times a day.

5) Caraway seeds ( shah jeera)- thanks to the constituent chemicals carvol and carvene, caraway seeds are very effective at preventing gas buildup and releasing tension in the digestive tract.
If you've bloating problems, chew on a pinch of these seeds a few times throughout the day or crush them to make a tea.

6) Pumpkin- contains nutrients such as Vitamin A, potassium and fibre, which greatly promote digestive health. This means that it can help you keep flatulence and bloating at bay.
Think of creative ways of including pumpkin in your meals. Or eat it separately by steaming, baking or broiling it.


Some tips-
1)Allow yourself more time to eat your meals- eating too much in a short time may result in bloating.
2) Stress may be the cause, if this is the case, try some relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises.
3)Drink water regularly. A lack of water may lead to bloating.
get yourself checked for lactose intolerance and look out for milk alternatives.
4) Make sure your medications aren't causing you more bloating.
( these may include aspirin, antacids or supplements).
5)Try cutting down on your consumption of processed foods, cigarettes, soda, artificial sweeteners and chewing gum.

this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   
https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations 
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement   

SIMPLE EASY HOME-MADE MOUTH-WASH

Cinnamon is widely used to calm upset stomachs and treat other gastrointestinal disorders. Cinnamon also contains the carminative herb, which is used as a flavoring agent in the production of toothpaste and mouthwash to kill off bacteria.  

 

What you will need:

• 2 lemons
• ½ tablespoon of cinnamon
• ½-1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 ½ teaspoons of honey
• 1 cup of warm water
• A bottle or jar with a tight fitting lid

Directions:

1. Add ½ tablespoon of cinnamon into a bottle or jar with a tight fitting lid.
2. Add the juice of the 2 freshly squeezed lemons along with 1½ teaspoons of honey. 
3. If you’d like you can also add ½-1 teaspoon of baking soda and leave out the honey, or use both. 
4. Pour 1 cup of warm water, which is used to melt the honey, into the jar, and stir well. 
5. When you need to freshen up your breath, give it a quick shake and swish/gargle 1-2 tablespoons for 1 minute.

 this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.
https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations

https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes

https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

MINT/ PUDINA- HEALTH BENEFITS

Our very own humble pudina that we love in our food because of its spunky fragrance and flavour is a little medicine cabinet by itself!

It is an 'astringent, refrigerant (meaning cooling), diuretic stimulant (causes increased passing of urine)' and has 'carminative (one that relieves flatulence) anti-spasmodic' properties.

It is used to control nausea, improve appetite and can be chewed as a natural mouth freshener.

Using a mint poultice (translated as 'lep' in Hindi) around your forehead can get rid of a headache.

Used as tea (with its leaves steeped in hot water), it can help with digestion. It helps control flatulence, either in oil form externally, or taken internally.

It can cool off high fever, relieve stomach ache and aid recovery from jaundice.

It is used to treat menstrual problems.

ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.

ps- those interested in recipes are free to view my blog-

http://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/

for info about knee replacement, you can view my blog-

http://Knee replacement-stick club.blogspot.com/

for crochet designs

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Health benefits of anise/ fennel seeds( saunf)

Health benefits of anise

• Exotic anise spice contains some of the important plants derived chemical compounds that are known to have been anti-oxidant, disease preventing, and health promoting properties.
• The chief component that gives the characteristic sweet, aromatic flavor to anise is anethole, the essential volatile oil present in the seeds. Other important compounds found in these seeds includeestragol, p-anisaldehyde, anise alcohol, acetophenone, pinene and limonene.
• Anise seed oil obtained from extraction of the seeds is found application in many traditional medicines asstomachic, anti-septic, anti-spasmodic, carminative, digestive, expectorant, stimulant and tonic.
• The seeds are an excellent source of many essential B-complex vitamins such as pyridoxine, niacin, riboflavin, and thiamin. Pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) helps increase GABA neuro-chemical levels in the brain.
• The spicy seeds are the great source of minerals like calcium, iron, copper, potassium, manganese, zinc and magnesium. 100 g dry seeds contain 36.96 mg or 462% daily required levels of iron. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure.
• Copper is a cofactor for many vital enzymes, including cytochrome C-oxidase and superoxide dismutase(other minerals function as cofactors for this enzyme are manganese and zinc). Copper is also required in the production of red blood cells.
• The spice also contains good amounts of anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin-C and vitamin-A.
  
  

  Medicinal use

  Anise seed as well its oil have found application in many traditional medicines for their distinctive health promoting and disease preventing roles.
  • Anise preparations are an excellent remedy for asthma, bronchitis cough as well as digestive disorders such as flatulence, bloating, colicky stomach pain, nausea and indigestion.
  • The essential oil comprises 75 - 90% anethole, which has an observed estrogenic effect. The decoction obtained from the seeds oftentimes is prescribed in the nursing mothers to promote breast-milk production.
  • Anise seed water is very helpful in relieving running nose condition in infants.
• The seeds are chewed after a meal in India to refresh the breath.

Culinary uses

Anise seeds, oil as well as fresh young leaves are used in cooking. The flavor is heightened by dry-frying the seeds. Anise is used in savory and sweet dishes to which it imparts sweet-aromatic flavor to variety of cuisines. The whole seeds and often-times freshly grounded powder added to the recipes at the last moment to limit the evaporation of essential volatile oils in them.

• This delicate spice is being used as flavoring base for soups, sauces, breads, cakes, biscuits and confectionary.
• Popular aniseed flavor drinks include prenod, french pastis, spanish ojen etc.
• Anise seeds as well as its oil have been in use in the preparation of sweet dishes in many Asian countries.
• It is used as a flavoring base in the preparation of herbal tea; and a liquor called anisette.
  
  
  
  
  ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.
  ps- those interested in recipes are free to view my blog-
  
  http://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/
  
  for info about knee replacement, you can view my blog-
  
  http://Knee replacement-stick club.blogspot.com/
  
  for crochet designs
  
  http://My Crochet Creations.blogspot.com