Boiled Fruit Smoothies

Boiled fruit smoothies can be a great option for those who have difficulty digesting raw fruits. Cooking the fruits can make them easier on the digestive system while still providing essential nutrients. Here are some boiled fruit smoothie ideas:

1. Apple and Cinnamon Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup plain yogurt or dairy-free alternative
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1.   In a saucepan, combine apples, water, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then simmer until apples are tender.

2.   Allow the mixture to cool slightly.

3.   Blend the boiled apples and cooking liquid until smooth.

4.   Add yogurt and honey or maple syrup if using, and blend again until well combined.

5.   Serve warm or chilled.

2. Pear and Ginger Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup almond milk or preferred milk
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1.   In a saucepan, combine pears, ginger, and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until pears are tender.

2.   Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3.   Blend the boiled pears and ginger with the cooking liquid until smooth.

4.   Add almond milk and sweetener if using, and blend until combined.

5.   Serve warm or chilled.

3. Peach and Vanilla Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup plain yogurt or dairy-free alternative
• 1-2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1.   In a saucepan, combine peaches and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until peaches are soft.

2.   Let the mixture cool slightly.

3.   Blend the boiled peaches with the cooking liquid until smooth.

4.   Add vanilla extract, yogurt, and sweetener if using, and blend until well mixed.

5.   Serve warm or chilled.

4. Berry Medley Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), fresh or frozen
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 cup plain yogurt or dairy-free alternative
• 1-2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1.   In a saucepan, combine berries, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then simmer until berries are soft.

2.   Allow the mixture to cool slightly.

3.   Blend the boiled berries with the cooking liquid until smooth.

4.   Add yogurt and sweetener if using, and blend until well combined.

5.   Serve warm or chilled.

5. Mango and Turmeric Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and sliced
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 cup coconut milk or preferred milk
• 1-2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1.   In a saucepan, combine mangoes, water, and turmeric. Bring to a boil, then simmer until mangoes are tender.

2.   Let the mixture cool slightly.

3.   Blend the boiled mangoes and turmeric with the cooking liquid until smooth.

4.   Add coconut milk and sweetener if using, and blend until well mixed.

5.   Serve warm or chilled.

Here's a recipe for a guava boiled smoothie:

6. Guava and Lime Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe guavas, peeled, seeded, and chopped
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 cup plain yogurt or dairy-free alternative
• 1-2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1.   Prepare the Guavas:

o   Peel and chop the guavas. Removing the seeds can make the smoothie smoother, as guava seeds can be quite hard.

2.   Boil the Guavas:

o   In a saucepan, combine the chopped guavas and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the guavas are soft and tender.

3.   Cool the Mixture:

o   Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the guava mixture to cool slightly.

4.   Blend the Smoothie:

o   Transfer the boiled guavas and the cooking liquid to a blender. Add the lime juice and blend until smooth.

o   Add the yogurt and honey or agave syrup, if using. Blend again until well combined.

5.   Serve:

o   Pour the smoothie into glasses. You can serve it warm or chill it in the refrigerator for a refreshing cool drink.

Tips:

• Seed Removal: If you find the guava seeds to be too hard, you can strain the boiled guava mixture through a fine mesh sieve before blending to remove the seeds.
• Flavor Variation: For an added flavor twist, consider adding a small piece of ginger when boiling the guavas, or garnish the smoothie with fresh mint leaves.
• Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the smoothie by adding more water or yogurt, depending on your preference.

This guava and lime smoothie is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for those with sensitive digestive systems. Enjoy!

 

These boiled fruit smoothies are not only easy on the digestive system but also delicious and nutritious. You can experiment with different fruit combinations and adjust the sweetness to your preference.

 

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The Gut bRain Axis And Gut Micro-Biome

The gut-brain axis is a complex communication system between our gut and brain. It involves a bidirectional link where the gut and the brain communicate with each other through various pathways.

 

When we talk about the maintenance of the gut-brain axis, it means taking care of the connection between our gut and brain to keep it healthy and functioning properly. One important aspect of this maintenance is the role of gut bacteria.

 

Our gut is home to trillions of bacteria, often referred to as gut bacteria or gut microbiota. These bacteria play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our gut-brain axis. They help with digestion, nutrient absorption, and even produce certain vitamins.

 

The gut bacteria also communicate with our brain through different channels. They produce various substances, including neurotransmitters like serotonin, which is often called the "feel-good" chemical. Serotonin affects our mood and emotions, and a significant portion of it is actually produced in our gut. This shows how closely connected our gut and brain are.

 

To maintain a healthy gut-brain axis, it is important to support a diverse and balanced gut microbiota. This can be done through a few simple steps:

 

Eating a balanced diet: Consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps provide the necessary nutrients for both our gut bacteria and brain.

 

Probiotics and prebiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can be found in certain foods like yogurt or taken as supplements. They can help replenish and support the diversity of gut bacteria. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are dietary fibers that serve as food for the good bacteria in our gut. Foods rich in prebiotics include garlic, onions, bananas, and oats.

 

Avoiding excessive use of antibiotics: Antibiotics are important for treating infections, but they can also disrupt the balance of gut bacteria. It's crucial to use antibiotics only when necessary and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

 

Managing stress: Stress can have a negative impact on our gut microbiota. Engaging in stress-reducing activities like exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones can help maintain a healthy gut-brain axis.

 

Remember, the gut-brain axis is a dynamic and intricate system, and the maintenance of gut bacteria is just one aspect of it. Taking care of our overall well-being, both physically and mentally, is essential for a healthy gut-brain connection.

For those interested in understanding it more scientifically ( Click here)

https://www.delhiconnections.club/2023/07/gut-brain-relation-explored.html

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Hair Care For Above Fifty Women

Growing hair can be a slow process, but there are several tips that can help women over 50 promote hair growth and maintain healthy hair. Here are some recommendations:

 

Balanced diet: Eat a well-rounded diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, as well as biotin and omega-3 fatty acids, are essential for hair health.

Here are some Doctor recommended , tried and tested supplements

HAIRBLESS TABLETS 

PRIMOSA ( Omega 3 supplements) 

Stay hydrated: Drink an adequate amount of water daily to keep your body and hair hydrated. Hydration is crucial for healthy hair growth.

 

Gentle hair care routine: Use gentle hair care products suitable for your hair type. Avoid harsh chemicals, excessive heat styling, and tight hairstyles that can cause hair breakage and damage.

A Tried and tested Good Hair Oil  

Regular scalp massage: Massage your scalp regularly to stimulate blood flow and promote hair growth. You can use your fingertips or a soft brush to gently massage your scalp in circular motions.

 

Avoid excessive heat and styling: Minimize the use of heated styling tools like hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. Heat can damage hair and make it prone to breakage. If you must use heat styling tools, use a heat protectant spray beforehand and set them to a low or medium temperature.

 

Protect from the sun: When spending time outdoors, protect your hair from harmful UV rays by wearing a hat or using hair products that contain SPF.

Try this Hat

Trim regularly: Regular hair trims help to get rid of split ends and prevent further damage. Aim to trim your hair every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain healthy ends.

 

Avoid excessive brushing: Brushing your hair too vigorously or too often can lead to breakage. Use a wide-toothed comb or a brush with soft bristles to detangle your hair gently.

 

Avoid over-washing: Washing your hair too frequently can strip away natural oils that are essential for hair health. Aim to wash your hair every 2 to 3 days or as needed, using a mild shampoo and conditioner.

 

Consider supplements: Consult with a healthcare professional to determine if any nutritional supplements, such as biotin or vitamin D, may be beneficial for your hair health.

 

Remember that hair growth is a gradual process, and individual results may vary. It's important to be patient and consistent with your hair care routine to see improvements over time. 

India has a rich tradition of using natural ingredients for hair care. Here are a few homemade hair masks popular in India that you can try:

 

Amla (Indian Gooseberry) and Coconut Oil Mask:

Mix 2 tablespoons of amla powder with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.

Heat the mixture until it becomes warm.

Apply it to your scalp and hair, massaging gently.

Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour.

Rinse with a mild shampoo.

Amla is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, promoting hair growth and preventing premature graying.

Fenugreek (Methi) and Yogurt Mask:

Soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds overnight.

Grind them into a fine paste the next morning.

Mix the paste with 4 tablespoons of plain yogurt.

Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair.

Leave it on for 30-45 minutes.

Rinse thoroughly with water and a mild shampoo.

Fenugreek seeds are believed to strengthen hair follicles and prevent hair loss.

Hibiscus and Coconut Oil Mask:

Grind a handful of hibiscus petals into a paste.

Mix the paste with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.

Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair, focusing on the roots.

Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour.

Rinse with a gentle shampoo and lukewarm water.

Hibiscus helps nourish the hair, promote growth, and prevent dandruff.

Curry Leaves and Coconut Oil Mask:

Heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a pan.

Add a handful of curry leaves to the oil and let them sizzle for a few minutes.

Remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool.

Strain the oil and apply it to your scalp and hair.

Leave it on for at least an hour or overnight.

Wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

Curry leaves are believed to strengthen hair follicles and prevent hair fall.

Remember to perform a patch test before applying any homemade mask to ensure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients.

 Additionally, maintain consistency and use these masks regularly for the best results.

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Living With Diabetes

Living with diabetes does not mean living in deprivation.... it just means living with caution....

DIABETES...the dreaded word... has become almost a common household name nowadays.  The numbers of diabetics are dramatically increasing in our society. Always be on a look out for the following symptoms...

Frequent urination,increased thirst, increased hunger, weight loss,delayed healing of wounds, pain in calves, burning feet, tiredness, itching especially in the genital area ,numbness , blurred vision etc. are some initial symptoms to be noticed.

Lifestyle disease as it is called, so it needs changes in the lifestyle of the diabetic patient ...patient ...ahhhh....no .... the person isn't a patient until he/she thinks so .. In fact diabetes can easily be managed and the person can live a long and healthy life if he wants to.

Some easy and quick lifestyle changes advised to such people are as follows-

1)DO SOME PHYSICAL ACTIVITY DAILY-
Two and half hours of moderate intensity physical activity or one and half hours of intense exercise per week is to be done . These can include brisk walking , cycling, jogging , swimming, skipping , any outdoor games etc.

2)MANAGE YOUR STRESS LEVELS-
Be mindful of your stress. Constant stress can elevate your blood sugar levels. Stress management techniques like meditation , yoga , reiki etc should be religiously followed.

If stress levels are reduced to a certain degree then there are less chances of developing diabetes related complications such as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety etc.

3)CATCH UP WITH YOUR ZZZZZZZ-
Sleep deprivation tends to increase blood sugar level. So it is advised to have a sound sleep at least for eight hours in a day.

4)LOOSE THAT EXTRA WEIGHT-
Shed those extra kilos off your body and lo and behold your diabetes will be checked . Join an aerobic class or a zumba group or else dance madly and alone for sometime on a rocking music in the confines of your room.

5)HYDRATE YOURSELF- 
Just quenching your thirst is not enough. You have to stay well hydrated and drink plenty of water and other fluids. Remaining dehydrated is harmful for your kidneys and increases your risk of nerve damage. 

6) FOOD & DRINK-
A big no to ‘Drinks’… And ‘Food’ should be in moderation.... chosen wisely will help you wade off diabetes. Prepare a diet chart for a week and try to stick to it. Simple carbohydrates are not good for you, so stay away from them .Try to have low glycemic index foods with a GI of 55 or less. You can have beans and legumes like chickpeas, kidney-beans, green moong etc to your fill. Use whole grains to make your roti and brown rice is always a better option than its white brethren. Steel cut oats, dalia, ragi are good for you. The market is flooded with low GI Indian veggies like leafy greens, eggplant, cauliflower, drumsticks, cucumber, various gourds, broccoli etc. Also regularly have nuts like almonds, walnut etc. but soak it overnight before consuming them. Some fruits can be had but in moderation. Apples, guavas, oranges are good but grapes , bananas, chikoos, mangoes  etc have much sugar in them. 

7) A FEW GRANNY'S TIPS-
*A teaspoon of cinnamon powder with warm water on an empty stomach
*A teaspoon of fenugreek seed powder in the morning 
*A green cup of the tasty karela juice will certainly help you
*Indrajau is also helpful to cure diabetes 

By Dr Suranjana Ghosh (drsuranjanaghosh@gmail.com)

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Hello Summers...

Ahhhh summer !!!..what power you have …to make us suffer and like it …..

A permission slip to be lazy… it’s the summers … the most trying … yet the most entertaining and interesting season …it’s the summers …. the summers  which is approaching  at a galloping speed.. 

Although different people would sum up the summer season and its experiences in myriads of  different manners  for example its fun time, no school - holiday time for children , it’s a pain in the neck for mothers of such fun loving children. The sultry heat takes its toll on the office goers and people tend to fall sick with heat stroke, dehydration etc…but nonetheless everyone would agree that our body needs to be pampered the most in this season. … well..lets have a demo on how we should protect ourselves from the scorching  heat  of the Indian summers.

1)Hydrate yourself-

The most important thing to be done in summers is drink plenty of  liquids to replenish our body fluids. You can choose according to your wish but water is no doubt the best. Apart from water one can gorge on tender coconut water , fresh fruit juices like watermelon, orange etc, lassi (namken or sweet), buttermilk etc… these tend to hydrate the body as well as keep the stomach cool .Sattu ka ghol (a bihari speciality ) which is ground gram flour to be mixed with water , salt , lemon and spices is the biggest hit in the sultry summers for its soothing properties. But please… a big no to processed and packaged juices and a very big no to cold drinks although I do understand that cold drinks tend to catch our eyes only too much .

2)Skin care –

Our face is our identity and warrants a special care routine .During summers  it tends to become  sweaty and dark and oily depending upon the skin type. Face should be kept clean of dust and sweat. Lemon and tomato are good to keep face clean. Too much sun is bad for the skin as more melanin gets produced which often tans the skin . Use a good sun screen before going out into the sun and it must be applied 10 minutes before you step out in the sun. Exfoliate you skin at least once a week to keep away the dust , oil, grime that has accumulated in the skin . Aloe vera gel , curd , rose water etc. works wonders to cool  our skin during the summers .

But you need not fear the sun too much  because it helps to produce more serotonin which is a mood enhancer.

3)Maintain hygiene-

Taking bath twice a day would keep you fresh and help combat lethargy. Make sure you bathe after a swim to take off the chlorine from your body .Soaking  hands and feet in salt water also enhances blood circulation and thereafter apply a vitamin C rich cream.

4)Wear breatheable  clothes –

Light fabrics like cotton should be used more and more . It helps our skin to breathe. Tight and synthetic clothes can cause itching and produce rashes.

5)Eating habits-

With the mercury rising higher and higher we often feel totally drained out . The power packed foods to be eaten in summers to stabilize our energy levels are as follows:

Curd is a delicious coolant. It can be had in various forms.Coconut water, lime water , cucumber , watermelon, mint , green veggies should be included to combat the decreasing energy levels. Mangoes and lichis in limited amount is good for health.Onion provides protection against sunstroke.

Last but not the least you can have icecreams to combat the heat . To make it less sinful add some fresh fruits or dry fruits to the icecream so that you do not feel guilty after having it.

Happy summers …one and all….

by  Dr Suranjana Ghosh

EcoHabitat.times@gmail.com

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New Hope for Cancer Patients

World Famous LANEX-DC^® Immunotherapy, now in India

Immunotherapy with dendritic cells is a combination therapy that helps body’s own defences fight cancer cells introduced by LDG India in Country

One of the most innovative and advanced cancer treatments, Immunotherapy with dendritic cells infuses a new ray of hope for the cancer patients in India​.

Countless research and treatment facilities worldwide have increasingly turned towards this dendritic cell therapy; many modern nations like USA have well accepted and approved this treatment.

India is not far behind as this treatment has already been in use for a while. And now with more advancement where the treatment will be done in one cycle will be provided byGermany based doctor “Dr. Frank Gansauge” in India.

Treatment with dendtritic cells is often used when conventional therapies have not been successful. This treatment has been recently introduced in India and many patients have been cured with encouraging results under the supervision of renowned Oncologist.

For most types of cancer, however, there exist standard treatments which have been developed over decades. It is recommended to make use of these treatments and supplement them with immune therapy, since it is known that tumour cells damaged by chemotherapy or radiation are much easier to destroy with immune cells than undamaged tumour cells.

In India LDG India has initiated this medical facility in collaboration with the renowned Germany based laboratory “Dr. Gansuage”.

“We are proud of the medical advancements and with Immunotherapy cancer patients are surely going to benefit as this treatment has largely proven its effectiveness worldwide.” says Mr. Tapesh Singhal, Director, LDG INDIA who has taken the baton forward to introduce this medical facility in India and Indian Subcontinents (except China).

At present Cancer is taking thousands of lives every year worldwide including India. About one hundred different types of cancer are known in humans, and all are different from one another such as the average age at which they appear, the growth rate and the tendency to metastasize. Therefore, it is rather questionable whether a single main cause for the development of cancer will ever be identified.

Scientists working on immunotherapy have basically taken a diverse route by tricking the body’s own defences into combating the rival cancer within. For centuries, this has been an aspiration of medical scientist which has become a reality.

The effectiveness of a treatment with dendritic cells could be proven in the case of skin, kidney, breast, pancreatic, colon, ovarian and prostate cancer, and other cancers.​

SPOTLIGHT ON THE TREATMENT

   The facility provides a special type of vaccination, required to treat any type of cancer (except-blood cancer), at any stage.

   A unique vaccination is made from patient’s blood and infused in the body which boost their immunity and help in curing the disease naturally.

   LDG India provides the cancer treatment through only 1 dendritic cell rich dose which takes a total of one week to process.

   A patient can take the vaccination while taking chemotherapy, it will averse the side effects and help a patient live a routine life.

Disclaimer : The above information has been provided by LDG India for publication for information purpose only. Habitat Times does not endorse the treatment and requests readers to do their own research regarding the effectiveness and safety of the offered treatment . 

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