A deep sleep is essential for perfect health and well-being. From being unable to fall asleep to frequent shoulder pain, we present here how to tackle 9 common sleep problems 

Protein is one of the most important nutrients that our body needs to function. When you are trying to lose weight protein becomes an important nutrient. Protein helps to control hunger by keeping you full for longer. It helps to increase body metabolism.

Here are some vegetarian protein-rich foods that will help you manage weight that you can stock up on: 

 1. Tofu and Soy Products:

Tofu is made of soy milk, which is an excellent alternative to regular milk sourced from animals. You can cook tofu the way you cook paneer. Toss it in salads, use it as fillings in sandwiches, or have it as tikkas. 

2. Beans

Be it kidney beans, black beans or chickpeas, all are an excellent source of protein and essential amino acids. You can experiment with them in form of salads, sprouts and curries.

3. Legumes and Lentils

The range of dals that we Indians use in our desi preparations is worth a chronicle of its own. Legumes are a rich source of digestible fibre. Fibre takes long to break down, which keeps you full for longer and further prevents cravings. 

 4. Chia Seeds

An ounce (28 grams) serving of chia seeds contains about 4 grams of high-quality protein. Chia seeds are also a good source of fibre, which makes it an ideal superfood to cut that bulge. Add chia seeds to your yoghurt or fruit servings

5. Green Peas

Green peas or matar also make for an excellent plant-based source of protein. They are also high in various vitamins, antioxidants and minerals such as thiamine and manganese, which makes it a healthy addition to weight loss diet.

Try including these foods in your diet and see the effect on your waistline. Make sure you supplement your diet with a disciplined fitness regimen too. 

source and excerpt from NDTV

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. HealthCult does not claim responsibility for this information.

 Here are some protein rich snacks that you can stock up on

Gajak/Chikki is a popular winter sweet made from sesame seeds(til) and jaggery(gur), both of which are extremely healthy for consumption during winters. 

Here are some health benefits gajak :

1. Til, jaggery and other healthy foods present in gajak keeps the body warm in winter and help to combat side-effects of winter and cold wave

2. Sesame seeds and jaggery are both great for digestion and ensure regular bowel movements due to fibrous content present in them

3. The presence of jaggery in gajak makes it a great energizer. Even sesame seeds are great for boosting energy levels, due to the presence of high levels of good fats in them. Eating a small piece of gajjak before or after your workout boosts energy levels

4. Sesame seeds have anti-inflammatory properties that are good for the skin, which tends to become dry and flaky during winters.

5. Calcium present in til and jaggery makes the muscles strong. Til and jaggery present in gajak is a good source of iron,it is helpful for anemic persons also. Combination of healthy til and jaggery is rich in minerals like potassium and magnesium keeps the liver healthy.

However make sure you eat small portions of gajak only once or twice a day as excess you anything is bad. So enjoy winters with a healthy dose of gajjak.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. HealthCult does not claim responsibility for this information.

Buy some awesome healthy chikki/gajjak with us 

Don't let diabetes shrink your borders. Diabetes doesn't have to define you; use it to refine yourself. 

Here are some simple tips to manage diabetes :

1. Take control of your plate : 

Jaggery (or gur) is made from unrefined sugar, and is obtained by boiling raw, concentrated sugar cane juice till it solidifies. Although jaggery is also made from the sap of coconut and date palm, the one made from sugar cane is the one that's used most widely.

Not only is gur better than white sugar--which only adds empty calories to your body--it also has a number of health benefits, including its ability to cleanse the body, aid in digestion and provide good amounts of minerals. 

Here are some health benefits that will make you want to adopt jaggery as your go-to sweetener for everyday purposes:

1. It prevents constipation by aiding digestion
2. It activates the digestive enzymes in our body, thus helps in proper digestion of food. That's why many people prefer eating jaggery after a meal
3. Jaggery acts as a detox, as it helps cleanse the liver by flushing out nasty toxins from the body
4. Jaggery is loaded with antioxidants and minerals like zinc and selenium, which help prevent free-radicals (responsible for early ageing)
5. It helps boost resistance against infections, hence building stronger immunity.
6. Eating a piece of jaggery daily can help women combat PMS symptoms including mood swings, menstrual cramps and abdominal pain.
7. Jaggery acts as a natural sweetener and provides energy over an extended period of time. Even factory-made honey has been deemed unhealthy because it gets ripped of its nutrients. That's when jaggery steps in!
It is, however, suggested to consume jaggery in moderation, as it is slightly higher in calories, containing up to 4 kcal/gram.

People who are diabetic or are following a weight loss diet should monitor their consumption of jaggery, as it can lead to weight gain and fluctuations in blood-sugar levels.

source : Indiatoday.in

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. HealthCult does not claim responsibility for this information.

 Check out these amazing healthy food made of gur-

Millets are gluten-free crops that have been used in India since ages. They can play a pivotal role in preventing and curing several health issues. Millets have  incredible nutrient rich composition. Enriched with the goodness of nature, millets are a rich source of fiber, minerals like magnesium, phosphorous, iron, calcium, zinc and potassium.

In fact, it is often advised to prepare millets in the form of porridge for growing kids and aging adults. What’s more, millets are loaded with high amount of starch and proteins, which can be beneficial, if added to the daily diet.’

Millets are not only healthy but at the same time they have a unique taste, which can accentuate the taste quotient of any meal. With various culinary innovations, millets like ragi, jowar and bajra are used to prepare several snacks and dishes like Ragi Idli, Millet Khichidi, Apple Ragi Halwa( healthy for toddlers), Ragi Cookies etc.

Buy some millet-based snacks and seeds-mix that are super-healthy

Here are types of millets and their benefits :

1. Jowar (Sorghum): Sorghum is commonly known as Jowar in India. Traditionally, jowar was used as a grain to make flat breads/ rotis. Enriched with the goodness of iron, protein and fibre, jowar can help in reducing cholesterol level as it has a component called policosanols (a part of sorghum wax). It is good for people who have wheat intolerance.

2. Ragi (Finger Millet): Ragi is used as a healthy substitute for rice and wheat. Ragi is undoubtedly a powerhouse of nutrition. Loaded with protein and amino acids, this gluten-free millet is good for brain development in growing kids.

3. Kakum/Kangni (Foxtail millet): Foxtail millet has healthy blood sugar balancing carbohydrates, and it is popularly available in the form of semolina and rice flour. The presence of iron and calcium in this millet helps in strengthening immunity.

4. Bajra (Pearl millet): Bajra is known for its umpteen health benefits. Bajra is packed with the goodness of iron,protein, fibre, and minerals such as calcium and magnesium; the daily consumption or inclusion of this millet can work wonders.

5. Sanwa(Barnyard millet) : This nutrient dense millet has high fiber content, which can effectively help in losing weight. It is a rich source of calicum and phosphorius, which helps in bone building and its daily caonsumption helps infighting bone diseases.

6. Chena(Proso/Broomcorn millet): This millet can effectively help in balancing blood sugar level. Its low glycemic index has made it a fad among weight watchers. In India is has been a commonly bird feed.

7. Moraiyo/ Kutki/ Shavan/ Sama(Little millet): Packed with the goodness of B-vitamins, minerals like calcium, iron, zinc and potassium, little millets can provide essential nutrients, which further help in weight loss. It is a part of many traditional dishes in south India. What's more, more than anything its high fiber content makes it a healthy replacement for rice.

8. Rajgira/Ramdana/Chola (Amaranth): Amaranth has a great protein content. It helps with hair loss and greying. It lowers cholesterol and risk of cardiovascular disease. It's High In Calcium. Amaranth Is Full Of Antioxidants And Minerals.

9. Kuttu (Buckwheat): Whole-grain buckwheat can be very helpful in weight loss. It is Diabetic friendly Reduces Blood Pressure: and promotes good cardiovascular health. Buckwheat or Kuttu provides protection against breast cancer. It also provides protection against childhood asthma. Kuttu or buckwheat also prevents gallstones

10. Kodon (Kodu millet): Kodo millet is very easy to digest, it contains a high amount of lecithin and is excellent for strengthening the nervous system. Kodo
millets are rich in B vitamins, especially niacin, B6 and folic acid, as well as the minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and zinc. Kodo millets contain no gluten and is good for people who are gluten intolerant.Regular consumption of kodo millet is very beneficial for postmenopausal women suffering from signs of cardiovascular disease,like high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. HealthCult does not claim responsibility for this information.

Staying healthy is not difficult. Watch out what Akshay Kumar asks to follow few basic things each day with consistency.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. HealthCult does not claim responsibility for this information.

Check out some foods that help to boost metabolism and also help you get fitter and leaner by helping to loose weight and unnecessary fat

* Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds is a superfood loaded with Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acid. It also adds fibre to your meal and makes you feel full for longer. Plus, it increases your metabolism rate and makes sure that you don’t pile on unnecessary calories

* Berries: Eating berries can help you boost metabolism as well as regulate your blood sugar. They are also rich sources of antioxidants and fibre.

* Tofu: Along with other sources of protein, tofu can also boost metabolism. 

* Mushrooms: It is rich in Vitamin D. A deficiency of this vitamin can cause a slowdown of your metabolism. Get sufficient sunlight and then top it off with foods rich in vitamin A.

* Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is useful in increasing the amount of fat that you burn. It also enhances feelings of satiation.

* Green tea: The caffeine and catechins found in tea can boost your metabolism. Oolong and green tea are the best options, as they also increase your fat-burning ability.

* Whole grains: These are tougher to digest which keeps your metabolic rate higher. Opt for brown rice, oatmeal and quinoa over processed grains and flour.

* Avoid artificial sweeteners: Diet soda can mess with your body’s metabolic reaction to sugar and make you eat more.

* Nuts: Almonds and walnuts are loaded with monounsaturated fats which can make you feel satiated and less likely to overeat or snack later.

Here are some more ways to boost your metabolism:

credits for food sources: Hindustantimes.com

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. HealthCult does not claim responsibility for this information.

Here are some herbal remedies that you can bring in to use to burn belly fat:

1. Dandelion

Dandelion tea is said to benefit your body in more ways than one. It is diuretic in nature and is responsible for flushing out toxins from your body. Detoxification process helps in reducing water weight and eases bloating.

2. Gurmar

An ayurvedic herb, gurmar helps in suppressing your appetite. Fresh leaves of gurmar can be chewed and are known to slow down the absorption of sugar into bloodstream.

3. Coriander

Drinking coriander juice is known to help you shed kilos. It is said to boost your metabolism rate, further helping you burn calories. If you don't like the taste of the juice, add a dash of lemon juice to make it better and effective.

4. Guggul

Guggul promotes the utilisation of fat as fuel to provide energy and boost your metabolism. You can have this herb with a glass of water or milk or a teaspoon of honey.

5. Triphala

Triphala is one of the best remedies for your stomach issues. So, if you suffer from constipation or other tummy issues, it can help manage them better. Take a glassful of warm water and a teaspoon of triphala and drink one hour after dinner to get effective results.

6. Peppermint

Peppermint is known to support good digestion and keeps your metabolism rate in check. These two factors are key to weight loss. So sip on a cupful of peppermint tea with a dash of lemon juice every day.

Don't forget to team them with at least 30 minutes of exercise or any physical activity and a balanced and healthy diet.

Source : NDTV  

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. HealthCult does not claim responsibility for this information.

Some great snacks to stay fit