Healthy Beverages

Though water is considered the healthiest and most refreshing lifesaving drink provided to us by nature, there are few beverages that are quite refreshing and good for our health as well as energy level.

 They are great in providing nutritive elements like vitamins and minerals to our body and elevating our mood.

Green tea

Green tea is composed of tannins, caffeine a bitter ingredient and lots of vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, niacin and vitamin E. Together these vitamins provide antibacterial, antioxidant, detoxificant and anti-aging properties. 

Drinking green tea is good for the liver as vitamin C present in it facilitates the breakdown of alcohol, reduces blood sugar level and help in fighting bad cholesterol. It activates the intestine and helps in relieving chronic constipation. 

It is good for oral hygiene as it acts on germs present in the mouth and prevents bad breath and tooth decay. It has anti-cancer properties as tannins present in it suppress the mutation of cells.

Beet juice

It is a good source of folic acid, magnesium, potassium and nitrates. This drink is typically good for lowering blood pressure as well as cholesterol. 

It is best to take it in the morning one hour before breakfast. It is also helpful in strengthening muscles, especially the heart. 

The potassium present in beet juice relieves fatigue, weakness and muscle cramps. But you may pass colored urine which is harmless.

Lemon water

This is the best thing to start your day with, as it provides you the precious vitamin C that keeps all the daily infections away. It has many other properties that are absolutely essential for you like the acids present in lemons supplement the acids level of our stomach which decline as we age. 

It is weight loss friendly and its antioxidant properties keep the body cells safe from damage. The vitamin C contents of the lemon protect from cell damage and repair injuries. So to stay hydrated and for acne-free skin squeeze half a lemon in a glassful of water and enjoy it.

 Pomegranate juice

Pomegranates are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, iron and potassium. While getting juiced most of the vitamin C gets lost, and mineral like potassium is retained which are good for heart health and keeps the artery wall safe from thickening. 

Pomegranate juice supports joint health and prevents osteoarthritis and inflammation diseases.

 Coconut water

Coconut water has an incredible taste and is termed a powerhouse of nutrients. It is a clear fluid made from young and tender coconut and has 95% of water and a negligible amount of fat. It is best recommended for strengthening immunity and for its soothing effects on the stomach. 

It is an energy booster and provides instant hydration and contains Lauric acid which fights bacterial infection and intestinal parasites. If taken before bedtime it reduces stress and provides relaxation to the body

Orange juice

orange juice is the most significant source of vitamin C. Every single cup of orange juice contains twice the daily recommended value of vitamin C. Orange juice is enriched with potassium, calcium and vitamin D and helps in regulating blood pressure, prevent bone loss and protect against heart disease and stroke.

 But its intake requires portion control as it is high in sugar and may lead to an increase in blood sugar.

Mint tea

Mint tea is often consumed for its amazing flavor and relieving effects from bloating, gas and indigestion. It also soothes the muscles of the intestine to prevent spasms. It has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties which help the opening of blocked sinus cavities. It is also a common remedy for flu and cold symptoms. Excess of it may cause heartburn and nausea.

Fat-free milk

Fat-free milk also called skimmed milk provides protein, calcium all the nutrients that are part of whole milk minus the fat. A reduced amount of fats make the milk healthier and provides fewer calories. It helps in weight loss and is good for bad cholesterol reduction properties.

Black coffee

Black coffee is simply a mixture of boiled water and a tablespoon of coffee powder without the addition of milk, sugar or honey. It is a boon for people who are lactose intolerant. 

A cup of black coffee is a good source It micronutrients such as sodium, manganese and riboflavin.

 It is a great drink to manage weight as it is calorie-free. It has a bitter taste but reduces the risk of cancer, Alzheimer's disease, liver cirrhosis and depression.  Caffeine present in it is known to stimulate the nervous system and improve physical performance.

Soy milk

Soy milk is healthy plant-based milk that supports muscle development and provides healthy fats of omega-3 fatty acids. This is a dairy-free source of milk made of soybeans and is good for vegans and lactose-intolerant people.

 It is good for the heart, and hair and has anti-aging properties.

Fruit smoothies

Smoothies are thick and creamy beverages, made of ingredients that are pureed together in a blender. These ingredients are fruits, vegetables, seeds, yogurt, nuts, juice, protein powder, spices and milk or water.

 It increases the consumption of fruits, vegetables and fibers,  providing nutritional balance and can be a good meal replacement. Smoothies in breakfast should be high in fiber and protein and snack smoothies should be low in sugar and calories.

Cucumber water

It is a healthy and nutritious drink, that is delicious and easy to make. It is good for providing instant hydration and lowering blood pressure. To make this healthy drink leave cucumber slices in water along with herbs like mint and refrigerate it for 5 to 7 hours.

 After refrigeration, remove the cucumber slices and have a refreshing drink. It contains vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium that help in rejuvenating yourself.

Water is the life-giving liquid, but to sustain that life beautifully, you need these refreshing beverages that will enrich you and contribute towards a healthy life. Try these beverages and let me know the difference you have felt. Let us share our experiences.

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Food that Increase Metabolism

When we talk about how to boost metabolism then it is important to know that there are certain foods that help in fat loss by stimulating metabolism. Though all types of food stimulate metabolism some of them work better by reducing appetite and leading to the reduction of body fat. 

Role of food in fat burning and metabolism

Protein based food

Some of the fat-burning and metabolism-stimulating foods include eggs, nuts, and oily fish. But the role of proteins in boosting metabolism is especially very important as it requires a large number of calories to digest them compared to other food. Protein also helps the body to build fat-burning lean muscle tissue.

caffeine-based food

Some caffeine-based beverages have appetite-suppressing effects and the ability to increase energy for physical activity. They boost thermogenesis inside the body by producing heat during digestion. Thermogenesis uses up energy, which means it contributes to a higher metabolic rate. It’s highest when eating high-protein foods.

Vitamins and minerals in food

Essential vitamins and minerals as well as foods high in B vitamins, iron and electrolytes, are important for supporting metabolism, energy, endurance and mental health. Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables are all we need to reboot our metabolism.

Food that boosts metabolism

Coffee

Coffee is a joy for many coffee lovers and its added advantages make it a great beverage. For some, it is good as a pre-workout as well as a post-workout drink due to the instant dose of energy that it provides. Besides, it helps accelerate the metabolic rate and leads to the burning of stubborn fat. 

Caffeine present in coffee increases lipase, an enzyme known for breaking down fat during digestion. It also promotes weight loss by boosting metabolism and aiding appetite control. But a controlled consumption of coffee is required as it may interfere with sleep in a few people. Lack of sleep can be a factor in weight gain.

You can have black coffee or green coffee or you may add some milk to it but stick to a maximum of 2-3 cups a day to avoid digestive trouble and other after-effects of having too much caffeine. The benefits of coffee will obviously get doubled if you drink your coffee without any sweeteners.

Green tea

Green tea is rich in antioxidants and caffeine that stimulate fat burning through faster metabolism. Green tea has a flavonoid (natural phenolic compound, beneficial for health) called catechin, which is an antioxidant. Research suggests that both catechin and caffeine can speed up metabolism. Green tea can boost metabolism and help people burn 3–4% more calories and reduction of abdominal fat.

 The best time to drink green tea is in the morning or afternoon 1 to 2 hours after meals, so it does not interrupt your sleep routine. Often lack of sleep can cause increased anxiety and restlessness, so it is best to avoid green tea during the evening.

Green peas

For vegetarians and vegans, plant-based protein-rich meals can be a useful way to help in increasing metabolism and weight loss. Green peas can be a beneficial source of protein. Peas are rich in several B vitamins important for energy metabolism and growth. 

Peas contain complex carbohydrates, which are a good source of energy and are also high in protein which keeps you fuller for longer and boosts your metabolism. 

Green peas can aid both weight loss and weight gain. Since green peas are rich in protein, vitamins, and dietary fibre, they can promote weight loss. But consuming excess green peas can also cause weight gain.

Oats

Starting your morning with a bowl of oatmeal can be super recharging. This superfood is rich in fat-soluble fibre and requires a lot of calories to break down. Eating oatmeal can also help decrease your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease. 

It has positive effects on hyperglycemia (high blood glucose), lowering blood lipid levels and reducing weight. The fibre content of oatmeal makes your tummy full easily and can help with eating fewer calories throughout the day while managing your weight by increasing your metabolism. 

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are high in fibre which can help you lose weight by making you feel fuller for longer. The low carbohydrate content of sweet potatoes combined with high levels of fibre helps your body stay at a healthy weight and keeps your metabolism functioning properly.

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B5, B6 and potassium. Sweet Potatoes' calorie count is 145 kcal per 100 grams which makes them a suitable choice for weight loss. Enriched with dietary fibres, they are low in calories and are great for a healthy diet. 

Eggs

Eggs may help boost your metabolism as your body can easily use the protein in eggs for maintenance and metabolism. A high-protein diet boosts metabolism by up to 80–100 calories a day. Proteins can be more satisfying than fats and carbohydrates as they keep you from feeling hungry for longer. So, eating a high-protein diet is one strategy for losing weight. 

Eating eggs will not magically help you lose weight, but contribute to your weight loss success. Adding eggs to your diet may be one of the easiest things to do if you're trying to lose weight. They can make you feel more full and help you eat fewer calories throughout the day. Besides, eggs are a great source of many vitamins and minerals that are commonly lacking in the diet.

Fatty fish

Fatty fish like tuna and salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and are a low-calorie source of non-vegetarian protein. This protein-rich food can help you feel full, stimulate metabolism and help in weight loss. Your body burns slightly more calories digesting protein than fat and carbohydrates. 

The omega-3 fatty acids in fish can help prevent obesity. Fish is filled with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins such as D and B2 (riboflavin). Fish is also rich in calcium and phosphorus and is a great source of minerals, such as iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and potassium.  

Greek yoghurt

Yoghurt is one of the most common dairy products due to its creamy taste. Greek yoghurt is now becoming more popular than traditional yoghurt thanks to its rich flavour and thick texture.

Greek yoghurt is prepared by straining to remove extra liquid and whey. The result is a thick and dense yoghurt with high protein and probiotics. The vitamins, minerals, and probiotics in Greek yoghurt can provide important health benefits. 

Better metabolism is required for healthy and energetic life which is free from any lifestyle problems. When a person adds metabolism-stimulating food to the diet, they can burn fat and lose weight over time. This will help them stay away from various other lifestyle diseases like hypertension and diabetes.

Laughter & its Benefits

Laughter Benefits

You don’t stop laughing as you grow older. You grow older because you stop laughing

Laughter is something that is full of positive energy and conveys your emotions as well as a true expression of the heart.  Laughter is known to activate your mind, body, and soul. Laughter conveys immense happiness in the heart that’s why the world celebrates World Laughter Day on 1st May.

Why we need laughter in our life

Stress Relief

Laughter is an excellent remedy to get instant relief from stress. In fact, laughter is a strong medicine that triggers positive and healthy, physical and emotional changes. Humour lowers the burden on the heart, inspires hope, and lets you connect with people better. At the same time, it keeps you grounded, focused, and alert.

 It first increases the heart rate and blood pressure, then decreases them giving a calm and relaxed feeling. 

Laughter increases the amount of oxygen in the body. Laughter reduces the level of stress hormones like cortisol, epinephrine and dopamine and increases the level of health-enhancing hormones like endorphins.

 Stimulates Organs

Laughter involving a good belly laugh gives exercise to organs like the shoulders, abs and diaphragm. Whenever we are having a good laugh each and every organ of the body sways to the tune of the laughter beats.

  It is quite infectious given that it quickly involves everyone around. You will feel a great feel-good sensation going through your body, exercising and energizing each and every part of your body. 

Laughter enhances the intake of oxygen-rich air and improves breathing function. It is good for the heart and the circulation of blood. A good laughing session involves the face, chest, abs and belly and it relaxes the tensed muscles of the body.

Burns calories

Laughter has a great role in improving metabolism naturally. It influences the body to burn more calories and lose weight. Researchers believe that 15 minutes of laughter a day can make you lose 10 to 50 calories. 

Keeping statistics aside we use up more energy during the bouts of laughter while watching a comedy show. Laughter charges up our body, making it energized and ready to burn a few more calories afterwards.

Lift up the mood

 Laughter makes you feel happy and lifts up the mood. It is generally said that life is better when you are laughing. Many people feel depression sometimes during chronic illness, and laughter can help to reduce depression and anxiety. 

Laughter therapies are also suggested to reduce anxiety, depression and stress which puts you in a better mood. There is nothing that can't be improved or remain untouched by laughter. Whether young or old, it is an effective charging mechanism for the whole body.

Relief from pain

Laughter, as well as good humour, are called natural painkillers as they can increase pain tolerance because of the release of endorphins which helps in relieving muscular tension. 

 Healing from trauma can be achieved by distracting yourself from pain and this can be achieved through laughter therapy.

Boost immunity

 Laughter strengthens our immune system, boosts mood, relieves pains and protects us from the damaging effects of stress. 

 Laughter increases the number of antibodies-producing cells and enhances the effectiveness of T cells. T cells are immune cells that protect the body from pathogens and cancer cells.

Therapy for mental health treatment

Many positive psychological effects of laughter can be used in mental health. Laughter therapy is considered an alternative treatment (non-pharmacological) that has a positive effect on mental health and the immune system.

 In such cases, laughter is divided into certain categories like genuine laughter, simulated laughter and stimulated laughter. It does not require specialized preparation or suitable facilities.

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Laughter is called the best medicine as it leads you to intake fresh oxygen, stimulates the heart, lungs and muscles, increases the endorphins released by the brain as well as activates your stress response. 

So laugh out loud, forget all the misery and pain of your life, fill happiness around yourself and you will love being healthy, happy and cheerful.