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Chia seeds impart many health benefits, some of which include controlling diabetes, lowering cholesterol levels, improving the digestive system, boosting heart health, controlling hypertension, and they even contain anti-inflammatory properties.

Chia seeds come from the chia plant, which is native to Mexico and Guatemala. The scientific names of the plant are salvia hispanica and salvia columbariae. They both belong to the mint family (Lamiaceae). Chia seeds look similar to sesame seeds. They are very small and dark. This plant has been known to humans for a very long time. The chia plant had been cultivated by the Aztecs, Mayans, Incans and other tribes for a very long time. It was a staple food for them and historians considered it an important plant and food source for Native Americans. With the fall of the Aztecs and the general decline in the native population in the North American region, the use of chia seeds also declined.

By the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, wheat and corn had replaced chia seeds as the crop of choice. This change in the staple food can be attributed to the travelers from Europe colonizing the New World and bringing forth their food grains like wheat, rice, corn, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.

Thus, the general preference of food changed over the years. As a result, the remaining Native Americans abandoned their ‘old food’ and took up ‘new food’. Chia seeds had been forgotten for a long time until recently. The beginning of the 20th century saw a revival of chia seeds as more and more people started knowing about chia seeds and their benefits.

Nutritional Value of Chia Seeds

According to the National Nutrition Database for Standard Reference, 100 grams of chia seeds contain 6 grams of moisture, 486 kcal of energy, 16 grams of protein, 30 grams of fat, 42 grams of carbohydrates, 34 grams of dietary fiber, 630 mg of calcium, 7 mg of iron, 335 mg of magnesium, 860 mg of phosphorus, 407 mg of potassium, 16 mg of sodium and 4 mg of zinc. Chia seeds also have vitamins such as vitamin C, thiamin,riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin E. Chia seeds also have no cholesterol!
Chia seeds are good sources of antioxidants as well. Chia seeds reportedly contain very high concentrationsof omega-3 fatty acids, which have many benefits in terms of healthy aging.. The antioxidants present in chia seeds include flavonol glycosides, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin and linolenic acid. These antioxidants help in curbing the levels of free radicals in the body.

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Diabetes Control: The starches and carbohydrates present in chia seeds are released slowly in comparison to conventional diets and are therefore ideal fordiabetics as blood sugar level would not surge soon after having meals. A slower release of sugars into the blood stream can aid in optimum absorption of these sugars by each of the cells in the body. Hence, it is believed that the need for insulin diminishes.

Highest Supply of Omega-3 Fatty Acids:Chia seeds are a goodsource of omega-3 fatty acids, apart from certain types of fish. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids required by the body and help to enable many bodily functions. They also help in controlling arthritis, osteoporosis, age-related dementia, and fatigue, among many other conditions.

High Supply of Calcium: The amount of calcium found in chia seeds is considered to be higher than what is found in skimmed milk. Therefore, having a handful of chia seeds daily is recommended to eliminate calcium deficiency. Calcium is needed for improved bodily functions and for bone and dental health as well, helping to reduce osteoporosis, joint weakness, and general body flexibility.

Improved Gastrointestinal Health: The high dietary fiber content of chia seeds is good for regulating bowel movements and also helps to keep up overall gastrointestinal health. Chia seeds make you feel full for longer, thereby reducing the urge to overeat.

Keeps Your Weight Under Control: Chia seeds have a high amount of dietary fiber, good protein content, moderate levels of carbohydrates, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients, when combined, can play a significant role in keeping a person’s weight under control in the long run.

Heart-Friendly: Chia seeds are considered as heart-friendly food. The reason is that they are the richest source of omega-3 fatty acids in the vegetarian world. Omega-3 fatty acids are the good fats that protect the heart and prevent the onset of heart disease by reducing the levels of omega-6 fatty acids (bad cholesterol) and maintaining a stress-free cardiovascular system.

Lower Cholesterol Levels: Chia seeds are known to be a big source of alpha linolenic acid and omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are indispensible for good health because they significantly reduce cholesterol levels.Studies show that chia seed consumption increased HDL cholesterol or good cholesterol levels but decreased the total cholesterol levels.

Controls Hypertension: The regular consumption of chia seeds is found to have a similar impact as regular medications for hypertension. The results of a study showed that chia seeds controlled systolic blood pressure by 6 ± 4 points. It also attenuates emerging and major cardiovascular risk factors in people with controlled type 2 diabetes.

Anti-inflammatory Properties: Chia seeds have high levels of alpha lenolenic acid, which can be easily converted into omega-3 fatty acids and act as an ideal inflammation controller. These fatty acids control inflammation in the joints and arteries. It is estimated that a daily intake of about 4 grams of alpha lenolenic acid is enough to prevent arthritis.

Are you planning on changing your regular juice? Want something refreshing on a hot sunny day other than lemonade? Well, try replacing it with a glass of strawberry juice. Trust me. It is the next best thing after chocolates. These sweet, juicy strawberries not only look good and delicious, but they are also loaded with anti-oxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, folic acid, calcium, iodine, magnesium, manganese, potassium and healthy omega-3 fats.

While nobody can resist the charm of the rich red colour of the strawberries and thus they are appropriately known as the fruits of seduction and temptation. Rather than eating it alone, one can prepare their own juice as well. Juicing is a delicious way to enjoy strawberries for all their nutrition.

Below is a breakdown of various nutrients found in a cup and benefits of of strawberry juice. Read on!!

Health Benefits of Strawberry Juice:

1. Strawberry juice is full of antioxidants. One of the primary anti-oxidants present in strawberry is ellagic acid which is known to protect the body against cell damaging free radicals. Studies have found that the high levels of vitamin C and fruit pectin in this juice helps to activate proteins in our bodies that increase internal antioxidant production and also helps in removing toxins from cells.

2. The vitamin C, folates and ellagic acid present in the strawberry juice are known for preventing cancer development. Folates regulate gene methylation while Vitamin C and ellagic acid protect the body against cancer promoting free radicals.

3. If you fall ill very often, treat strawberry juice as your best friend. The high vitamin and anti-oxidant content also promotes immunity and helps to protect the body against infections

4. Adding this delicious juice to your diet would help in promoting tissue strength and enhancing the healing process of the body. Vitamin C boosts collagen production keeps your skin young and healthy, prevents skin tearing and weakening of bones. High manganese content on the other hand supports collagen production and helps the body to heal faster.

5. Strawberry juice being rich in vitamin C is very good for the eyes. Regular intake of vitamin C helps to strengthen the cornea and retina of our eyes which in turn helps in preventing issues like weak eyesight, near sightedness and cataract.

6. During pregnancy, it is essential for the body to remain hydrated especially during the time when women suffer from morning sickness. Strawberry juice has a very high water content which helps the body to remain hydrated without being too heavy on the stomach. It also contains soluble fibre which is good for both the mother and the baby’s heart. The folates, potassium and magnesium content ensure the healthy development of strong bones and teeth.

7. Craving those chocolate covered strawberries but worried about you high blood sugar and high cholesterol level? Well, try replacing it with a glass of strawberry juice. It’s not only as delicious as any other dessert, it also better for your health as it contain less sugar and less carbohydrates and therefore keeps your blood sugar levels stable and healthy. The potassium in it ensures that your cholesterol remains in control and your heart remains healthy.

8.  Strawberry juice is a great source of phytonutrients. These nutrients help in preventing inflammatory diseases such as asthma and arthritis. So make sure you consume this juice regularly to keep these problems at bay.

9. The ellagic acid and vitamin C makes strawberry juice the best friend your skin can have. It delays the process of ageing, keeps wrinkles at bay, reduces blemishes and pigmentation and protects them against the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Apply the juice on its own or mix 2-3 tablespoon with rosewater and use it as a toner. You can also add a few drops to your regular sunscreen and apply it.

10. Facing hair fall issues or scalp problems? Just massage your scalp with fresh strawberry juice before hair wash and after regular usage for a couple of weeks you will notice the change. Not only does this ensures that your scalp remains healthy, it also imparts shine to hair.

Coconut water brings to mind beautiful, sun kissed beaches, lush green coconut trees and refreshment.

After a frustrating long day at household chores and running errands on the hot, dusty road, isn’t it blissful to take refreshing sips of tender coconut water? It is perhaps the second best way (after water) to quench your thirst leaving the sodas, carb loaded energy drinks and calorie laden soft drinks aside.

Apart from being fat-free and having a flavour made in heaven, coconut water does wonders for your body, skin and hair! Coconut water has innumerable health benefits and gives you glowing skin, soft, lustrous hair and a clear digestive system.

HERE ARE BEAUTY BENEFITS OF COCONUT WATER FOR YOUR SKIN

For instant glow: This refreshing, cool drink can bring a surprisingly beautiful and instant glow on your face. Wash your face with coconut water on a daily basis to get smooth, flawless and glowing skin.

Cooling face pack: Make a face pack of turmeric, coconut water and red sandalwood paste (chandan) to help you achieve a smooth, flawless and gorgeous complexion.

Natural moisturizer: The lightness of coconut water makes it a quality natural moisturizer. For people with oily skin, it brings down the grease factor and is highly beneficial.

Beat dehydration: If you are feeling sapped out and dehydrated, then it is sure to show affect on your skin leaving it lifeless and damaged. Coconut water nourishes and hydrates the skin with its natural properties and leaves a glossy, lovely sheen on your face.

Improves blood circulation: The lack of proper oxygen circulation in the body leads to impurities getting deposited on the skin. Coconut water is effective in conducting proper blood circulation in the body and letting the skin breathe oxygen which leads to healthy complexion.

Escape aging: Do you want to escape the adverse affects of aging? Biggest reasons behind the skin aging process are pollution, usage of chemical filled cosmetics and improper diet which play havoc on your beauty and youthful skin. Coconut water has cytokinins that fights aging and makes you look young, fresh, healthy and glowing.

Healing infection: During the monsoon and summer season, the skin is affected with infection which can be combated with the healing effect of coconut water. It has several anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties which fights against skin infections. Either directly apply it on the skin or mix it in the bathing water and drive away the infections!

Bye Bye Suntan: Make a cooling pack of multani mitti and coconut water which is effective in removing sun tan and dark patches. It gives the skin radiant, glowing and fresh. Do this daily to get best results.

Removing acne: Wash your face with cool, comforting coconut water to remove acne, spots, blemishes and wrinkles. For acne which refuses to get cured, use a combination of  turmeric paste and coconut water which should be first left overnight. Then add 3 teaspoons of red sandalwood powder and mix it well. Keep this mixture undisturbed for a period of 3 days. Later, strain this mixture and apply it on the face to get amazing results.

The green-cactus looking plant that sits out in your garden isn't just a plant with its roots in folklore, it's the crux of a million dollar industry that extends from beauty creams to healthy juices and diet supplements. Over time, aloe vera has seamlessly integrated itself into everything we use. But what makes this miracle plant so distinguishable?

The aloe vera plant is about one or two feet tall with prickly and bitter leaves, which act as a defence to keep animals and insects from feeding on the plant. The leaves hold a gooey translucent gel, also extremely bitter, and known all over the world for it's unbelievable healing properties. This translucent gel is made up of around 96% water, some organic and inorganic compounds, a type of protein which contains 18 of the 20 amino acids found in the body and lastly, Vitamin A, B, C and E. Another part of the aloe vera plant which is used is the 'sap', a yellow-coloured liquid stuck to the skin of the plant from the inside. When dried and purified, the powdered aloe is often used as a laxative, though it's effectiveness is questionable.

One of the most crucial elements found in aloe vera gel is a complex carbohydrate known as acemannan. It allows nutrients to reach the cells, nourish them and at the same time relieve them of toxins. Ayurveda, Chinese herbal medicine and British herbal medicine have all advocated aloe vera as a healer, when applied or consumed orally. Let's go over some of its most prominent benefits.

Aloe Vera for Beauty

Bill C. Coats writes, "Since the skin needs nutrition of its own, Aloe Vera, when formulated into a properly designed personal care regimen, can treat, exfoliate, restore, reveal and provide constant, impressive nutrition to the human skin." And we're about to show just how you can do that. Once you move past the slimey texture of natural aloe vera gel and apply it to your skin, you'll notice how soothing and cooling it is. And it's for these exact reasons that Ayurveda refers to aloe vera as the miracle herb that can be used to treat wounds, minor cuts, dry skin and severe burns.

Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj, Delhi-based dermatologist says, "Aloe Vera is rich in Vitamin C, E and beta carotene which gives it its nourishing and anti-ageing qualities. It can moisturise the skin without making it greasy, which makes it a great buy for those with oily skin." She also suggests drinking aloe vera juice early in the morning on an empty stomach because it improves digestion and cures any kind of stomach trouble. And you know that if you've got a healthy inside, it'll give you a glowing outside which in this case is radiant skin.

Aloe vera or aloe vera-based products can be used in the winter as well as in the summer and by people of all skin types. Aloe vera treats the cells on the epithelial level of the skin which is why it's recommended by dermatologists to remove tan, treat sunburn and stretch marks. One way to use aloe vera is to apply the gel directly, another would be to make a pack using aloe vera along with some other special ingredients from your kitchen.

1. Aloe Vera for Dry Skin - Take some aloe vera, a pinch of turmeric, a teaspoon of honey, a teaspoon of milk and a few drops of rose water. Blend this mix till you get a paste. Apply it and leave in for about 20 minutes or so.

2. Aloe Vera Scrub - Grab half a cup of fresh aloe vera gel, a cup of sugar and two tablespoons of lemon juice. The sugar will help exfoliate and scrub off dead skin, the aloe vera will deep clean the skin and the lemon will help fade out scars and tan. Stir the three ingredients together and use it to scrub both face and body.

3. Aloe Vera for Acne - Take some aloe vera gel, blended walnuts with a flour like consistency and honey. Aloe vera's healing properties coupled with the anti-oxidants from honey will leave you with smooth and clear skin.

4. Aloe vera for Sensitive Skin - Grab some aloe vera gel, cucumber juice, yoghurt and rose oil and blend them to a paste. Apply and leave for around 20 minutes, then rinse it off.

Aloe Vera for Weight-Loss

It's not just the beauty industry that's obsessing over the benefits of aloe vera, the health industry can't stop raving about it either. According to Britt Brandon, the author of The Everything Guide to Aloe Vera for Health, "Aloe vera can improve the effectiveness of your diet and maximise your weight-loss potential. With ample amounts of vitamins and minerals that contribute to weight-loss, as well as amino acids, enzymes and sterols, aloe vera ensures your diet is not only supportive of weight-loss, but also improves the body's absorption and utilisation, improving overall health as well as weight-loss success."

Aloe vera is used in a wide range of health products, like diet supplements, juices etc. It's rich in anti-oxidants which means it helps cut out free radicals in the body and boost your immunity. It's also a good source of protein so it helps muscle development and gives you copious amounts of energy. There are countless studies that prove how effective aloe vera is for weight-loss, but it should be consumed regularly and over a long period of time for it to really work.

How to drink aloe vera juice: The natural taste of aloe vera is so bitter that you wouldn't think of consuming it as is. Take the gel, dice it into small pieces and blend. Now mix a bit of this with some other fruit or vegetable juice that's preferably sweet. You can also use the leaves of aloe vera, blend them, strain and drink. If you find it too bitter then mix it up with honey and drink. You can also add some lemon to this mix.

Pineapple is the king of tropical fruits. It’s no doubt a really tasty fruit but did you know that it is full of vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and C, manganese, copper, potassium, beta-carotene, folic acid and dietary fibers? And you know what is the best way is to get all these nutrients? Well it’s consuming it in the juice form because it helps in delivering the nutrients faster. Though pineapple juice is not everyone’s first choice, I am sure you will consider it as an option once you read about all the health and beauty benefits it has to offer.

Pineapple Juice Health Benefits

1. Effective Arthritis Solution:

Pineapples juice is loaded with an enzyme known as Bromelain. Many scientific studies show that bromelain is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. It is particularly effective against arthritis so if you have arthritis then you should add it to your diet immediately. Bromelain also has healing properties which get accentuated when it’s used with turmeric.

2. Treats Indigestion & Digestion Related Problems:

Bromelain helps to break down proteins. Proteins are hard to digest and often act as a cause of indigestion and digestion related problems. It also contains small bits of fibre that can help to de-clog the digestive and intestinal tracts so instead of your favourite digestive aid or antacid, drink a glass of pineapple juice.

3. Natural Diuretic:

While we all know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but not everyone loves an apple and might not like having it every day. If you bored of apple but want the health benefits it offers, try pineapple juice. Pineapple juice is a natural diuretic helps in maintaining the health of your kidney which is the organ responsible to get rid of the toxins in the body.

4. Maintains Cardiovascular Health:

The vitamin C, beta carotene and antioxidants in pineapple juice help your body to maintain cardiovascular health. It also helps to reduce blood pressure and is very effective to counter hypertension, which in turn contributes to reducing your risk for heart disease.

5. Remedy for Menstrual Disorders:

Pineapple juice is a very effective remedy when it comes to menstrual disorders. Bromelain has analgesic properties that can help women who suffer from uncomfortable or painful periods.

6. Promotes Bone Health:

The manganese present in the pineapple is good as it helps in the development and maintenance of strong and healthy bones. When you juice up a pineapple, the juice contains almost 73 per cent of the manganese that the body requires. It is especially beneficial for growing kids as it helps in the growth and development of bones while for adults; it prevents bone related problems like osteoporosis by strengthening them.

7. Maintains Eyesight:

Beta-carotene and vitamin A help in maintaining eyesight as they prevent macular degeneration which is the primary reason behind loss of vision at the old age.

8. Promotes Oral Health:

If you want to ensure good health of your teeth and prevent the frequent trips to the dentist then add pineapple juice to your diet. Pineapple juice contains high amount of vitamin C which help in strengthening the gums and keeping your teeth healthy and strong. Vitamin C also helps in preventing plaque formation and reduces the risk of periodontal diseases and gingivitis as they restrict bacterial activities.

Pineapple Benefits for Skin

9. Makes Skin Clear:

The vitamin C in pineapple juice is a very effective acne treatment. You can get rid of acne and acne marks by using this as a toner or applying and letting it dry and then washing it with cold water. Thus, pineapple for skin is one of the perfect remedies to make skin clear.

10. Best Source of Anti-Oxidants:

As pineapple juice is full of Vitamin C and potassium, it is one of the best sources of anti-oxidants out there. The anti-oxidants not only boost your immunity but also help to keep your skin and body feel and look younger.

So don’t just use the pineapple to beautify your glass of juice or cocktails but also consume its juice. It’s particularly refreshing in summers. Here’s a small tip – add few drops of lemon. This will not only enhance the taste but also increase the Vitamin C content which as I mentioned has numerous benefits for your body.