The Beet Treat- Health Book -Day 34

Often my mom prepared vegetable soup with a good amount of beetroot in it. The soup looked red..blood red! I used to be scared of consuming the veg soup thinking that she would mix chicken or some nasty non veg piece in it. Since I am the only vegetarian in my family, they regularly conspired by disguising non veg in veg dishes. However, my fears for the red-blooded soup vanished soon as I learnt about beetroot's properties and later the benefits.

1. My dad had a stroke few years ago. The doctor suggested beetroot soup. Why? because it helps in lowering blood pressure. Beetroot is a great source of nitrates, which is converted to nitrites and a gas called Nitric oxides. These components help to widen the arteries and lower blood pressure!
2. Beetroot contains large amount of soluble fibers, flavanoids and betacyanin. The latter gives beetroot its red color and is a powerful antioxidant thatreduces cholesterol and does not allow it to deposit on the walls of the artery. Hence making your heart stroke proof.
3. Beetroot contains a lot of iron. Iron helps in formation of haemagglutinin, which is a part of the blood that helps transport oxygen and nutrients to various parts of the body. It is the iron content  that helps to treat anaemia as against the popular belief that beetroot treats blood loss.
4. Because of its high soluble fiber content, beetroot is a beats constipation. It cleanses the stomach helping in regularizing your bowel movements.
5. It is packed with mineral silica which is an important component for the body to use calcium efficiently. Calcium makes up our bones and teeth. 300-500 ml of beetroot juice a day can keep brittleness of bones away.
6. Beet root releases sugar in the blood very slowly. Hence it helps to keep a check on diabetes. It fills you and fulfills your sweet craving.

Eat it raw, have it in soup or cook with other vegetables. Have a beetroot and say bye to many problems of your body. Eat healthy, lead a good life. 

10 reasons to have Green Tea- Year Health Book: Day 42

Cuppa Green Tea

Originated in China, Green Tea was used to heal wounds and control bleeding. The practice continued in Chinese medicine and later in traditional Indian medical science too. Just like the difference between white bread and brown bread, green tea happens to be better than black tea pertaining to the processing. Green lea is not fermented unlike black tea hence retaining the antioxidants  and other beneficial properties.

A cup of green tea can give you several benefits like no other thing. For some, green tea tastes bad. However, green tea is a powerhouse for you. 

Sharing 10 reasons why should you have green tea-

1. Prevents Cancer- The natural chemicals of green tea, called polyphenols provide anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects. Research shows that green tea drinkers compared with non-drinkers are less likely to develop pancreatic cancer, particularly in women. 
2. Reduces Cholesterol- Green tea reduces bad cholesterol in the blood and improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol. It also protects against the formation of clots, which are the primary cause of heart attacks.
3. Anti-aging: Green tea's antioxidant (polyphenol) fights against free radicals. Hence it helps you fight against aging and promotes longevity.
4. Skincare. Green tea also helps fight wrinkles on skin.  This is because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Green tea reduces sun damage and helps your skin glow.
5. Controls Diabetes. Green tea regulates glucose levels in blood, thereby slowing the rise of blood sugar after eating. This can prevent high insulin spikes that result in fat storage.
6. Aids in weight Loss. Green tea increases the metabolism of your body. The polyphenol works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which our body turns food into calories. Green tea may promote a small, non-significant weight loss in overweight and obese adults.
7. Regulates Blood Pressure. Regular consumption of green tea is thought to reduce the risk of high blood pressure. It works on the lining of blood vessels, helping keep them to stay relaxed and withstand changes in blood pressure. 
8. Prevents cold and flu: Green tea prevents you from getting a cold or flu. Vitamin C in green tea helps you treat the flu and the common cold.
9. Controls Asthma: The Theophyline in green tea relaxes the muscles which support the bronchial tubes, reducing the severity of asthma.
10. For Bones: The high fluoride content found in green tea helps keep your bones strong. If you drink green tea every day, this will help you preserve your bone density. This is advisable for women in late 30's who lose their bone density.

Green tea of several brands are easily available in market. All you need is a cup of hot water and green tea bag. When we know that prevention is better than cure, then why wait till anything happens wrong? Stay aware, start early and keep the nasty illness away!

Happy healthy brewing!