Notebook Archives

Phytochemicals found in orange peels may help cut LDL (bad) cholesterol levels by up to 40 per cent, according to a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture study. The phytochemicals are believed to inhibit the synthesis of LDL cholesterol in the liver. A long term study is under way.

There is more good news: Topically applied extracts of prillyl alcohol, found in citrus peel and mint, inhibit the growth of melanoma and other skin cancer cells.

Pregnancy is not an illness; it is a natural phenomenon. Contrary to traditional belief, you carry on your daily activities at this time – climbing stairs, bending, light lifting. Activity ups your chances of a trouble-free normal delivery. If there’s cause for concern, your gynae will tell you anyway.

• Good muscle tone is important for easy childbirth. Yoga and stretching exercises are good. Begin with the fingers, go on to wrists, elbows, shoulders; similarly legs; twist and turn, bend from side to side – it is good for your hips too. Walk every day for 40 minutes.

• Breathing exercises are important too. There are two kinds of breathing: that using the abdominal muscles and that using the chest or rib cage. Abdominal breathing is the normal sort, where you can see your belly swell and relax as you breathe. But as the pregnancy advances, abdominal breathing is less effective. So train for chest breathing: Take deep breaths with your stomach pulled in, so that your chest expands.

• Doing these exercises near the sea, in an open park or near greenery is best. Early morning or after sunset is a good time for breathing exercises.

• Gym workouts, as in light cardio or weight training, can be continued. But avoid anything strenuous.

• Work out on a slightly empty stomach – two hours after a light meal is fine.

Here is something that has grabbed the undivided attention of the health conscious. Probiotics are dietary supplements containing potentially beneficial yeast. In simpler words, there is good bacteria, and there is bad bacteria. Probiotics has got the good stuff.
Whether it is a tall glass of pomegranate juice or strawberries dipped champagne, both fruits are packed with antioxidants. And if you haven’t been living under a rock, you will know antioxidants are the key to good health. Finally, some things that taste good are actually good for you.

There comes a time in almost every woman’s life when she banishes black from her wardrobe and creeps about in pale pastels, whatever the time of day or season. Because whenever she moves her hair around – let alone comb or brushes, she sets off a veritable snowstorm of flakes. And that is lesser evil compared to the plight of ladies who lunch in scarves and caps in sweaty summer to hide a peek-a-boo scalp form prying eyes.

Hair problems can be broadly classified into three categories: Hair loss or thinning, scalp-related and hair grooming. The reasons for these problems could range from disease to neglect and remedies are certainly cause specific.

The more you exercise the fitter your heart will be. Actually you get most of your benefit when you go from doing almost nothing to doing just a little bit a week. And no I’m not talking about window shopping around the mall.

However, there are other excellent reasons for exercising more: You will really feel good, energized. You will have body confidence. You will never have to say, “I can’t climb these stairs,” or “I can’t carry this grocery bag.” And you will look better. Your thighs won’t shake when you walk. And lastly, exercise will improve stability and make a bone-breaking fall less likely.