Thursday, September 03, 2026

Horse Gram Health Benefits

 Horse Gram in a wooden spoon 

 Find out everything about horse gram, the miracle pulse. A traditional elixir for ailments like diabetes, heart disease, kidney stones, asthma, obesity, cold and many more, horse gram is highly protein-rich, high in calcium, low in fat and full of antioxidants. Here are 11 horse gram benefits that are sure to convince you to try it out. Plus, there is a recipe in here too!

What is Horse Gram?

Horse gram is the most protein-rich lentil found on the planet. It is very high-powered. That is why race horses are fed with this gram, which is called horse gram in the market.

This important and under-utilized tropical crop is grown mostly in dry agricultural lands and keeps a rather low profile nowadays, but is ready to expand its reputation! Here’s why.

Horse Gram Health Benefits

 Horse Gram health benefits 

 

1 Insulin Resistance

Scientists from the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology have found that unprocessed, raw horse gram seeds have the ability to reduce high blood sugar following a meal, by slowing down carbohydrate digestion and reducing insulin resistance by inhibiting protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1β. This makes it an extra diabetic-friendly food. 

#2 Full of Antioxidants

Horse gram seeds are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids and proteins – the major antioxidants present in fruits that makes them so healthy. In this article published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers from the Department of Grain Science and Technology at the Central Food Technological Research Institute at Mysuru found abundant antioxidant activity in horse gram, in addition to reducing power and ferrous ion-chelating potency. 

#3 Helps Urinary Discharge

In Ayurveda, horse gram is a well-known diuretic and is reputed to be effective in increasing urine flow. For this purpose, horse gram can soup can be consumed twice a day for four weeks to show visible results. 

#4 Prevents Kidney Stones

Due to its diuretic properties, horse gram is very effective in assisting in the removal of kidney stones. In addition, making horse gram a part of your regular diet will aid in avoiding the formation of stones in the kidneys, as horse gram contains certain compounds that make these stones soluble. 

#5 Heals Ulcers

Lipids in horse gram have been shown to have anti-ulcer activity due to the presence of phytosterol esters. Researchers from the Department of Surgery at Royal Free and University College of Medical School, London  found that horse gram is highly beneficial in healing peptic and mouth ulcers. 

#6 Asthma Relief

A common Ayurvedic prescription for asthmatic patients is to consume the paste of boiled horse gram and pepper, which aids in reducing cough, cold and congestion. Although not a cure for asthma, it has been known to provide immediate relief and help manage breathing problems. 

#7 Keeps Heart Disease at Bay

According to established medical science, oxidative damage caused by free radicals plays a causative role in ageing and leads to diseases including several heart diseases. However, the human body is capable of minimizing this damage with the right nutrients and antioxidants. Raw horse gram is particularly rich in polyphenols, flavonoids and proteins, the major antioxidants. It is also low in fat and high in carbohydrate content, making it healthier for the heart. 

#8 Is Horse Gram Good for Weight Loss?

Eating plenty of horse gram can actually help in the management of obesity as it has the ability to attack fatty tissue, thanks to its high phenol content. The effectiveness of horse gram is so well known in Tamil tradition that there is a Tamil saying, “Ellachavanukku Ella Kudu, Kozhuthavanakku Kolla Kudu,” which translates to, “For a frail person, sesame seeds and for an obese person, horse gram.” 

#9 Keeps You Warm in Winter

Horse gram – especially in the form of soup – has the ability to generate heat and energy in the system and therefore keeps you warm on a cold winter day. 

#10 Good for the Bones

Horse gram is high in iron, calcium and protein. In fact, horse gram has the highest calcium content among pulses and is one of the richest vegetarian sources of protein.

#11 Controls Menstrual Problems

Horse gram contains iron in high levels, which helps to cure irregular menstrual cycles. It also increases your blood hemoglobin due to its high iron content.

Horse Gram Nutritional Values

100 gm of horse gram contains:

Protein

22 gm

Mineral

3 gm

Fiber

5 gm

Carbohydrates

57 gm

Iron

7 mg

Calcium

287 mg

Phosphorus

311 mg

Horse Gram Side Effects

Horse gram contains phytic acid which is an anti-nutrient – that means it can stop your body from absorbing all that nutrient goodness. But all is not lost because if you soak, sprout or cook horse gram seeds before putting them in your food, the phytic acid content is significantly reduced, according to research.

Here is what Sadhguru has to say about horse gram side effects: “Consuming horse gram generates heat in the body. You know that it is causing excessive heat when you notice that your eyeballs are hot or that you want to pee, your bladder is full but it does not come out and it hurts. That means there is excess heat. If such a thing happens, you just drink some ash gourd juice or take some castor oil and apply it either inside the navel or the Anahata, Vishuddhi, Agna and at two particular spots behind the ears. If you apply castor oil on these points, the system will cool down within five minutes. When you go to the bathroom, everything will happen without effort. You can also balance the excess heat by eating green gram. Sprouted green gram will cool the system.”

For horse gram soups & kheer, please view in my recipe blog. Thanks

 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for food, medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Monday, May 19, 2025

These Pressure Points Will Help Alleviate Allergy Symptoms

Allergies are not a disease, but they do have an adverse effect on the body and bother us no less, as any person who suffers from them can testify. Some people suffer from this phenomenon due to inhalation of certain allergens, while others experience it due to contact with allergens or the ingestion of them. 

During the transition seasons, the chances of exposure to these substances increase, so many people experience headaches, weakness, itching, and a host of similar symptoms. These symptoms are usually treated with different medications, but allergy symptoms can also be treated naturally, with a pressure point massage existing for each individual symptom, which you will get to know all about below.

pressure points for allergies
Pressure points for treating respiratory problems 
An allergy that affects the airways and causes symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing and worse are very dangerous, and it can occur after exposure to the venom of certain insects, with a bee sting allergy being the most common. When you have an allergic reaction, you should quickly seek medical help, but while you wait for medical help to arrive, you can massage the following pressure points to help calm your symptoms. 
 
1. The Elegant Mansion (K-27)
 
pressure points for allergies

You will find these points on both sides of the chest just below the collarbone next to the sternum. Massaging these two points helps prevent respiratory blockage, as well as treats chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, bronchitis, and anxiety. Press the points with your index finger for 3-4 minutes. 
 
 
2. Fish Border (Lu-10)

pressure points for allergies
This pressure point is known to help treat breathing difficulties, and no breathing difficulty treatment is complete without massaging this point. It is located in the fleshy part under the thumb, between the wrist and thumb joint. Massaging it reduces chest pain, shortness of breath, and asthma attacks. Press for 3-4 minutes on both hands.



Pressure points to prevent a runny nose  
Allergic rhinitis is usually caused by exposure to dust or animal fur and is not a response that endangers the body. However, it is unpleasant and harms the quality of life, but with the help of these 4 pressure points in your facial area, you can get rid of the annoyance in your airways. ( see my next post)
 
Pressure points to prevent eczema 
There are allergic reactions that cause us itchiness and redness, pestering and irritating areas of the skin, which after some time will become scaly. This is eczema, most often caused by exposure to allergens found in animal fur. You can prevent it from appearing and soothe it with the following pressure points. 
 
1. Wind Pool (GB-20) pressure points for allergies
 
pressure points for allergies

These points are on the sides of the base of the skull, right in the area where the neck begins. They are often used to release a stiff neck, but they can also help prevent the exacerbation of eczema caused by an allergy. Press the points for 3-4 minutes. 
 
 
2. Great Abyss (LI-4)

pressure points for allergies
This point is between the thumb and forefinger, and it helps open the meridians of the colon and improve the flow of energy in the body, which helps to heal and alleviate allergy symptoms that affect the skin and respiratory system. Press on the point with your thumb for 3-4 minutes on both hands. 
 
Pressure points to prevent urticaria 
Another allergy symptom that affects the skin is urticaria, which is manifested in the form of a rash. In most cases, the rash disappears after exposure to the allergen h,as ended, but this is not always possible, for example, when living with a dog or a cat. Other factors that can cause urticaria are sensitivity to gluten and lactose and these following pressure points will help you get rid of this annoying rash.



1. Great Surge (LIV-3)
 
pressure points for allergies
This point is between the big and second toe, about 2 cm below the base, and it is recommended to breathe deeply while massaging it. In addition to its beneficial effect against rashes, it also helps to calm the mind. 
 
 
2. Curved Pool (LI-11)

pressure points for allergies
This point is on the outside of the elbow, just at the end of the fold created between the two parts of the arm. In addition to soothing the skin rash, massaging this point also helps reduce blood pressure. Massage it on both arms for 3-4 minutes. 
 
 
Pressure points to prevent edema 
Edema is an allergy phenomenon that is difficult to diagnose, as it often accompanies and exacerbates other allergic reactions. The edema is caused by fluid retention and in Chinese medicine, it is linked to weakness in the spleen and kidney meridians. The following pressure points should restore the condition to normal and prevent the build-up of fluids in different parts of the body. 
 
1. Shining Sea (KID-6)
 
pressure points for allergies

This point is a powerful one in the treatment of edema and fluid retention in the body, and it shows good results every time it‘s massaged. You will find it on the inside of the heel, just below the ankle. Press it for a minute on both feet. 
 
2. Sea of Qi (CV-6)
pressure points for allergies
Many people use this point as well when treating edema, and it is located at a distance of 2 fingers below the navel. In addition to edema, massaging it helps to get rid of chronic diarrhea, constipation, and gas, and is especially important for women with menstrual problems. Press the point to a depth of about 5 cm gently and gradually, while taking deep breaths, do this for 2 minutes.



This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Sunday, March 10, 2019

Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is perhaps the most genuine and versatile cure-all plant there is, offering a plethora of health benefits - the word 'vera' after all, does mean true or genuine. In the past, it was considered to be the plant of immortality by the Egyptians, and has been used since time immemorial for its soothing and curing properties.
The Aloe vera plant is luscious with thick, fleshy stems and spiny leaves. The plant's miraculous benefits are located within the stems, which contain aloe juice and gel - a substance that is used in numerous medicinal, cosmetic, and health treatments.
Aloe vera juice can be bought (preferably organic, and pure) from a health shop or a well-stocked supermarket. Alternatively, if you've got a couple of plants at home, you can just as easily make your own juice.
Making Aloe Vera Juice
  1. Cut and open a few stems of the plant from the middle section. Opt for the outer stems as they are the most mature, and have the highest concentration of antioxidants.
  2. Upon squeezing the stem, aloe gel will ooze out. Store it in a bowl, then put the gel in a blender and add 1 cup of water.
  3. To get pure aloe vera juice, blend the ingredients and consume within 3-4 days, before it loses its antioxidants.
 
What Makes Aloe Vera so Nutritious?
Aloe vera (both juice and gel) is packed with antioxidants and antibiotics and works as a stimulator of cell growth. It also has scar and pain inhibitor properties. The entire leaf is at times used to treat ulcerative colitis, metastatic cancer, infectious disease and chemotherapy treatment. The plant is also rich in the following vitamins and minerals, making it a highly nutritious ingredient.
  • Calcium
  • Sodium
  • Iron
  • Potassium
  • Manganese
  • Zinc
  • Folic Acid
  • Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, E
  • Amino Acids




Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
Aloe juice can be consumed internally, or applied to the skin and hair. It is also a general health tonic that you can consume every morning to reap all of its benefits.  
1. Use it to cure bowel problems
Due to its high anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera is just the thing to take if you suffer from bowel problems. It promotes good bacteria in the gut and keeps all digestive disorders at bay.
2. Use it to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis
This auto-immune disease attacks the body tissues, especially the membranes lining the joints, causing inflammation and stiffness. Drinking aloe juice for two weeks however, can help reduce inflammation in the body. Aloe also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that help to reduce the pain and stiffness to a great extent.
3. Use it to treat acid reflux
If you suffer from severe digestive problems, drinking aloe vera juice reduces the symptoms of acid reflux, and stabilizes the alkaline levels of the body. Aloe juice has a soothing effect on stomach walls and reduces heart burn and discomfort. It is also an ideal treatment for constipation, due to its laxative properties.

4. Use it to reduce cholesterol levels
To keep your cholesterol levels in check, as well as increase levels of good cholesterol, include fresh aloe juice in your daily diet.
5. Use it to regulate blood sugar levels
When consumed regularly, aloe vera helps regulate blood sugar levels. On this note though, it is important to consult with your doctor for the correct dosage. Often times, aloe can interfere with the medicines that you take to curb blood sugar.
6. Use it to relieve sinus and chest congestion
If you tend to suffer from constant sinus problems, opt for aloe vera. It's rich in magnesium lactate that works as an antihistamine, which helps in reducing the problems of sinus and chest inflammation due to various allergies.
7. Use it to help fight cancer
Aloe juice contains high levels of anti-carcinogenic properties that hinder the growth of tumors.Aloe vera contains some effective macrophages that produce huge volumes of nitric oxide, which has antitumor potential. In naturopathy, there are innumerable methods of cancer prevention and the aloe vera-based has proven to be one of the most successful ones. Many studies have shown that these antitumor and immunomodulatory properties are due to the presence of polysaccharides in aloe vera. However, some experts say that, when used alone, it may not be very effective in advanced cases, so a combination of herbs like spirulina, cat’s claw, and therapies like intravenous Vitamin C should also be included. It is always advisable to start any kind of cancer treatment after consulting a physician.
8. Use it to build immunity
Consuming aloe juice on a regular basis, replenishes the amino acid deficiency in your body. Due to its high vitamin content, aloe boosts your body's immune system and self-defense mechanism.
9. Use it to fight the common cold and cough
Aloe juice is the best natural solution for anyone who suffers regularly from colds, coughs, flu, stuffy nose, bronchitis and other respiratory disorders. Aloe contains a good dose of Vitamin C, which ensures protection from common colds that occur with environmental changes.
10. Use it to combat signs of aging
Aloe contains anti-aging properties, keeping the skin supple and rejuvenated. It also lightens blemishes. The gel can be rubbed directly on your face.
11. Use it to remove dead cells and stretch marks
Aloe vera moisturizes the skin, and helps to remove dead cells, wrinkles and fine lines. The juice may also be used to remove stretch marks.
12. Use it to heal wounds
The blend may be used to heal cuts and wounds. It can also be used for dermatitis and insect bites when applied externally.
If used externally, it is the best option for dressing wounds. In fact, in many cases, it is seen that aloe vera works like magic, even in the most serious of emergency room wound cases. The juice instantly seals the wound by drawing the flow of blood to the wound, thus enhancing the process of wound healing. In many studies, it has been proven that aloe effectively treats third-degree burn victims and it restores the burned skin faster. It is also known that a large amount of aloe vera gel can heal wounds of gunshots and tissue injuries.
13. Use it to reduce eye irritation
It's easy to create your own natural eye wash with aloe vera gel - just mix 2 teaspoons of aloe gel in a cup of water. You can also add a teaspoon of boric acid. It's also the perfect remedy to reduce reddening and irritation in the eyes.
14. Use it to maintain gum health
Dental and gum diseases can also be cured by aloe vera. You can try out this natural remedy at home; put some aloe vera powder on your toothbrush, then brush normally. The aloe vera powder will soothe your gums and cure any kind of infection or bruises. Aloe vera juice can also help in keeping the gums healthy. Just gargle the liquid around your mouth before swallowing. Also, try to increase your intake of Vitamin D. Both these measures will be enough to get your gums back in shape within a few months. A study confirms its use as an effective mouthwash and its ability to cure dental plaque.

15. Use it to promote healthy weight loss
If you'd like to lose weight naturally, try aloe vera - an easy and natural weight loss solution that reduces weight by stabilizing the metabolic rate, reducing the lipid levels, and helping burn fat.

16. Heals Side Effects of Radiotherapy

During a cancer treatment, radiotherapy is inevitable in most cases. Cancer patients often experience uncomfortable side effects due to radiotherapy. According to a study, aloe vera application helps prevent the acute skin side effects in patients treated with radiotherapy for breast cancer. It also accelerates healing. If you drink aloe juice in such conditions, it will also help you in healing the radiation burns.

17. Skin Care

Aloe has been used for skin ailments since ancient times. The pure inner gel extracted from the aloe leaf is the best natural remedy for skin abrasions and it also helps diminish the symptoms of aging skin conditions. Many skin care and personal care products, toiletries, and cosmetics include aloe extracts. In fact, if you have its plant at home, simply tear a small part of the leaf, take the gel and apply it in the raw form on your face. This therapy will prove to be far better and more effective than many expensive skin creams on the market. Most people prefer drinking its juice, which also enhances skin health, as the properties of the plant work internally. It also helps in curing stings, rashes, and psoriasis. Doctor says that the topical application of aloe vera gel combined with tretinoin is extremely useful in the treatment of mild and moderate acne vulgaris. Another study has also proved the ability of aloe vera to cure suntan and sunburn.

18. Hair Care

Aloe vera has proven to be an excellent option for promoting hair growth naturally. The hair products that contain it are essential to retain voluminous and healthy hair. You can apply its gel to the entire scalp and hair to treat hair loss as it has an enzyme that is beneficial for stimulating hair growth. Aloe vera shampoo improves blood circulation and keeps you away from stress and mental strain. In fact, it has anti-inflammatory properties that effectively treat androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness. If you use it regularly as a shampoo and conditioner, you are sure to prevent premature hair loss.

19. Relieves Joint & Muscle Pain
The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera help it to work efficiently on joint and muscle pains. Applying aloe gel topically eases inflammation of the joints. Eating aloe vera, its capsules, or drinking its juice can reduce inflammation throughout the body, thus proving to be revitalizing. In some studies, it has been reported that people who regularly consume aloe vera juice for at least two weeks experience a significant improvement in inflammation issues. However, it works efficiently when your diet contains less intake of red meat, sugar, milk, fried foods, and white flour.
 
20. Cures Menstrual Problems
The extract of aloe vera has shown to be an excellent stimulant of the uterus and eating aloe vera or drinking its juice is very beneficial during painful menstruation.

21. Alleviates Nausea
Nausea can occur due to a host of reasons, including consuming contaminated food, having a virus or flu, or even due to chemotherapy treatments. Oftentimes, feelings of nausea originate from disorders in the stomach or in the digestive tract. Aloe vera juice is excellent for a sick stomach and makes you feel better by bringing a calm feeling throughout the body.

22. Prevents Oxidative Stress
Aloe vera gel is rich in vitamins like Vitamin B12, B1, B2, B6, and Vitamin A, E, C, niacin, and folic acid. These vitamins are required for the proper functioning of the human body. The body’s defense system is thus kept intact by regularly eating aloe vera capsules or drinking its juice.

23. Preserves Food
A thin layer of aloe vera gel can act as a natural food preservative. In an experiment, aloe preservative was able to keep grapes fresh for more than 35 days. Furthermore, a 2014 study cited shows that the pure aqueous extract of aloe vera can inhibit the growth of certain microbes. This extract when coated on tomatoes helped delay ripening and was effective in increasing its overall shelf-life.
Many scientists say that this benefit of aloe can bring a new dimension to food safety regulations around the world. Further experiments showed that dipping fruits and vegetables in aloe vera gel effectively eliminated E.coli, retained freshness, and also extended their shelf life. The FDA has also approved it as a natural food flavoring agent.

24. Boosts Blood Oxygenation
Blood oxygenation benefits the supply of CO2 (carbon dioxide) to vital organs. In some studies, it has been reported that aloe vera aids in blood oxygenation.

 
Disclaimer: You should not consume more than 4 ounces of aloe vera juice per day. Excess intake of aloe vera can cause nausea and liver inflammation. It should also be taken with caution when combined with water pills, diuretics, and blood sugar lowering drugs. If any feelings of discomfort arise upon taking aloe vera, report to your doctor - some people may face allergic reactions.
 
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/                                                                                                                                                         FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/           

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