1. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FASTING?

Fasting can be safe and best if you do it right. It gives your digestive system some rest. It gives the time for the body to heal and repair itself. However fasting should be totally avoided, if you are pregnant or nursing:or if you have diabetes or ulcers: and also if you are weak or underweight. Many experts have suggested that fasting by taking fruits, raw vegetables or juices is more beneficial ,if done once a month. Some foods which can be included in a fasting menuinclude coconut water, fruit juices, pumpkin juice, lime juice, milk, soups etc. They provide plenty of minerals and detoxify the system. Therefore you should fast the healthier way to boost your system and improve your health, than for any religious purposes.

2. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LOSE WEIGHT?

By both reducing your calorie intake a little (ie. for most people reducing around 500 kcal lesser than the present food prescribed by a nutritionist/dietitian) and increasing your energy output (activity) on a regular basis. The most successful long term weight loss programmes involve reduction in total fat, avoidance of simple carbohydrates and eating small frequent meals, containing fewer calories like plenty of fruits and vegetables in each meal. Brisk walking is the most effective way of losing weight.

3. HOW CAN I AVOID REGAINING ALL THE WEIGHT THAT I HAVE LOST?

One should always keep this in mind that weight loss is a lifestyle change and not merely a temporary change in food habits. Post weight loss patients should follow a weight maintenance diet for at least 3-6 months to avoid any rebound of weight. Regular exercise (30 min everyday) and healthier food habits can prevent the regain of weight.

4. HOW DOES ONION HELP TO LOWER THE BLOOD PRESSURE?

Though the onions make you cry, an antioxidant compound called quercetin, which is also found in abundance in some other fruits like apples and berries, reduces blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. It limits the production of a molecule that constricts blood vessels, thereby reducing the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.

5. WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF WHITE OATS?

Oats belong to the category of cereals, the complex carbohydrates with innumerable health benefits. Oats are a great source of dietary fibre-containing approximately 55% soluble fibre and 45% insoluble fibre-which help to reduce the risk of lifestyle disorders like Obesity, Diabetes and Heart disease as well as Cancers of colon, breast, and prostrate. Oats also contain a high Vitamin B 1 content, which is required by the body for carbohydrate metabolism.On a per gram basis, Oats contain a higher concentration of Protein, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc, Copper, Thiamine, Folic Acid, and Vitamin E, than any whole grain. The fats in Oats contain a good balance of essential fatty acids which have been linked with longevity and general good health. This wonderful health product can be consumed daily as a breakfast cereal, as a porridge with low fat milk.

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