E for Evion!

People nowadays are celebrating fitness. Yes! It is new trend because being fit has become so uncommon these days that even kids can be seen suffering from this health problem or that. It has become slightly harder to find people who are completely healthy and thus it calls for a reason to cheer up. However, I have often observed that most people have misconceptions about the very term ‘health’. For most of us being healthy generally means not being dependent on any medications and not having nay major illness. However, the blunder that we all commonly commit is to ignore all minor issues and let them develop over time into something diabolical. 

Good health is not just the absence of major health issues but a complete mental and physical well being. People who are into sports and physical activities develop a good and sometimes enviable health but for most of us who are into office jobs that require long hours of sitting and mental work, maintaining a good health and well being and preventing diseases in future is not a cakewalk. There are many things we need to do such as exercise, proper sleep and some required nutrients. Before I tell you more about the last category, let me share how the World Health Organization has defined Health-

"A resource for everyday life, not the objective of living. Health is a positive concept emphasizing social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities."

This definition was given in the year 1986 but in recent years, many new diseases and virus strains have attacked us and thus now researchers have added more to the definition-

“The ability of a body to adapt to new threats and infirmities.”

Health is not something stationary like a lovely showpiece but is a condition of body which is a kind of complicated machinery that needs regular maintenance. I strongly believe that one is not a body that has a soul but a soul that dwells in this body; this is a house allocated by the Almighty to us in this life and hence just as one cannot stay completely happy in a dirty and debilitated house, one cannot stay healthy and glad in a diseased body. It is imperative that we take care of our bodies because at the end of the day, we have to be there for ourselves first.

The word ‘Health’ must be understood in a whole sense; it depends upon various factors. The WHO suggests more such factors that impact health:

· Social and Economic Environment: Income level affects diet and nutrition

· Physical Environment: Polluted or dingy areas may have parasites that cause diseases

· Behaviors and Characteristics: Including the gene pool and personal lifestyle choices like smoking, late sleeping etc.

We can always choose good health by taking a good diet rich in various types of vitamins. What exactly are ‘Vitamins’ and why they are so important?

The term vitamin was derived from ‘vitamine’, a compound word coined in 1912 by the Polish biochemist Kazimierz Funk of the Lister Institute of Preventive Medicine. The name is from vital and amine, meaning amine of life. Vitamins can be defined as

“Any of a group of organic compounds which are essential for normal growth and nutrition and are required in small quantities in the diet because they cannot be synthesized by the body.”

The bad news is that the human body either does not produce enough of them, or it does not produce any at all. The good news is we can get all the vitamins we need from a well balanced and healthy diet and supplements!

There are 13 known vitamins and these are either water-soluble or fat-soluble. Latter are easier for the body to store. Vitamins are ‘organic compounds’ because they contain carbon. Different vitamins have different roles and they are needed in different quantities. One such amazing vitamin that we require is Vitamin E which along with Vitamin A, D, and K is a fat-soluble vitamin and is not excreted out through urine and can remain stored in body fat in body for months. Vitamin E is also known by its Chemical names Tocopherol or Tocotrienol. Its chemical formula is C₂₉H₅₀O_2.

Benefits of Vitamin E-

1.  Strong Immune System- Vit E strengthens our immune system that in turn prevents us from many diseases. Immunity is one of the most important parameter of good health and a poor immunity indicates deep set weakness.

2.  Good Skin and Strong Hair- It is commonly used in skin and hair products. It makes the skin smooth, shiny and healthy.

3.  Improved Blood Circulation- It helps in proper blood circulation thereby preventing a plethora of brain disorders.

4. Anti Cancer- Vitamin E foods are rich in antioxidants that destroy free radicals. Particularly, Breast, Colon and Prostate Cancer can be avoided by consuming such foods regularly.

5.  Muscle Health- Muscle cramps and pains can be avoided by consuming food rich in this vitamin.

6. Good Vision- Extreme deficiency of this Vitamin can lead to blindness but for an average person, it helps in keeping the eye health and vision good.

7.  Male Fertility- It helps males dealing with fertility issues.

 Vitamin E Deficiency can lead to grave issues such as-

      1.    Weakened immune system.
2.     Nerve damage and weak nervous system
3.     Muscle damage
4.     Pain, fatigue and numbness in limbs.
5.     Poor vision even blindness
6.     Hair loss and scalp problems
7.     Poor fertility in males
8.     Cracked and acne prone skin
9.     Body movement issues like loss of control over limbs

     Its deficiency can be very damaging for good health and hence it becomes necessary to have foods that are rich in Vit E. Consuming it also ensures the supply of antioxidants that kill free radicals that are carcinogenic. You can also consume it in the form of dietary supplements. Evion Supplements (#Evion) is a reputed brand that can be well trusted. If you are a staunch vegetarian like I am, you need to consume the foods listed below regularly to avoid the deficiency of Vit E-

Oils

Some oils are rich in vitamin E and can be used for cooking and/or salad dressing.

1.    Soyabean oil

2.    Wheatgerm oil

3.    Sunflower oil

4.    Corn oil

Nuts

Most nuts contain vitamin E but almonds have high amount of this vitamin. Most nuts are good in fiber content as well. Nuts can be eaten in raw or roasted form. Sesame can be used in salad and in sweets.

1.     Almonds

2.     Peanuts

3.     Hazelnuts

4.     Walnuts

5.     Sunflower seeds

6.     Pistachios

7.     Sesame

Vegetables

Some vegetables are high in Vitamin E content and can be very helpful in making up the deficiency. Carrots and cabbage can be used in salads too.

1.     Spinach

2.     Sweet potato

3.     Broccoli

4.     Kale

5.     Turnips

6.     Carrots

7.     Bell peppers (red and yellow)

8.     Pea

9.     Parsley

10.  Cabbage

11.   Asparagus

Fruits

Most fruits are rich in Vitamin E and can be consumed anytime as fruits are high in fiber and have healthy sugars. Coconut can be eaten with meals in the form of ‘chutney’ with meals while tomatoes are usually an important part of the most Indian meals.

1.     Kiwi fruit

2.     Avocados

3.     Sweet Corn

4.     Papaya

5.     Straw Berries

6.     Coconut

7.     Tomatoes (technically a fruit)

8.     Apple

9.     Mango

If you are a non vegetarian, you can go for these foods-

1.     Eggs

2.     Cod liver oil

3.     Lean Meat

4.     Shrimps

Vitamin E Dose Chart (All values in mg)

Age	Male	Female
1-3 years	6	6
4-8 years	7	7
9-13 years	11	11
14 years +	15	15

 For pregnant women 15mg/day and for lactating women, 19mg/day.

Now, I will share my own experience when around six or seven years back I started suffering from hair fall, morning nausea and acne. Initially I ignored these symptoms as most of us often do. We avoid visiting physicians generally but as I could find no relief by simple hacks and home remedies, I visited a gynecologist, who along with some other simple medicines and precautions prescribed me Vitamin E pills for my hair fall and acne issues. She also told me to stay positive and cheerful as far as possible as stress is very destructive for our physical and mental health. Within a few weeks, I could see improvement in hair fall and acne. Hence, vitamin E has worked for me in the past and now, I always make sure that I consume fruits and vegetable rich in this compound which is so essential for skin, hair and over all immunity.

While it is very important to consume Vitamin E, it is not possible to prepare an elaborate fruit salad or eggs or such vegetables every time. So, for a daily boost of vitamin E and for shiny hair and skin, we have to prepare a simple snack that will give us regular supply of vitamin E even on the go!

A Quick Recipe!

Enjoy and store the rest in an airtight container. This recipe is not only nutritious but storable and handy as well.

Did you know!

1. Unlike humans, dogs can synthesize and even produce vitamin C for their needs! 

2. Vitamin K was found to be very effective in the coagulation of blood and was named after the German word ‘Koagulation’!

3. Vitamin E capsules can be used for hair by mixing in hair oil!

4. Iron cannot be absorbed in human body without Vitamin C!

5. One small cup of Strawberries has more Vitamin C than one big orange!

6. Mushrooms are the only vegetarian natural source of vitamin D!

7.     Vitamin E protects DNA and proteins too!

8.     Evion is the largest selling Vitamin E brand in India! 

Visit http://www.evion.co.in/ to more about Vitamin E and the company’s amazing skin care products!

Evion Supplements  
#Evion

I agree to ensure (to the best of my abilities and circumstances) that this blog post remains accessible in an un-altered state for a minimum of one year. 

Sources- hxbenefit.com, pixabay

  

Catch-Up Kid!

It is no secret that children who are healthy are often the brightest, for a healthy body is the foundation of a healthy mind. A tired body can never make a child participate in activities that develop physical fitness and alertness, like games and other sports. It is now a norm to make a kid a complete bookworm. I agree that studying is indeed a good thing and every parent wants his/her child to be well versed in some foreign language like French, to know beautiful verses by heart and to top in all subjects in school but no one bothers to check what is put up on stake for all this. A stunted physical growth is caused by many factors; it may be a heavy school bag. According to a study done, an average schoolbag weighs around six kilos and we cannot even imagine how a child with a poor health carries it every day. Another thing is too much time spent in studying and that too becomes inevitable sometimes as the exams approach or the child approaches higher classes. However, the good news is that it is not too late, especially when we have something that can revive the growth as well as make up for the lost growth for a child. It is Horlicks Growth +. This product has been designed by specialist doctors for children aged 3-9, a time where most of the growth takes place.

A child with low weigh and height factor will always feel inferior and this complex will definitely spill to other compartments and thus in the long run he will be alone, down with a deep complex. Such children often develop suicidal tendencies; self-torture becomes one of their many behavioral issues. In our efforts to prevent all that the phrase ‘long run’ is rather not appropriate because children grow up really fast and the time we have in their growing up years is short. Here, we can rely upon one thing very easily and that is Horlicks Growth + that has a high protein quality essential to maintain an appropriate height-weight ratio and which gives visible and measurable results in mere six months. Parents who keep very busy can give Horlicks Growth + to their children and ensure that their growth and development takes place according to the standards of a healthy body.

It is however a problem that children are often moody and choosy in matters of food, especially health drinks and supplements. But there is nothing to worry as this drink comes in two delicious flavors of chocolate and vanilla that are commonly liked by all children. Those who have no time or no good shops in their vicinity, can order this online too with a click! There are few things that should not be compromised and the growth of your child is one of them. After all, what can be a greater gift parents can give than a good health & fitness? It is the best gift indeed sans an iota of doubt!

Please visit the website for much more info and height-weight calculator @ https://growthplus.horlicks.in/

I agree that this blog post will remain accessible in an un-altered state for a minimum of one year.

Capsicorn Craving!

My Pasta Story

Most of the foods carry a certain image that can be difficult to shed off sometimes. For example, most people consider the South Indian cuisine as very spicy. Similarly, Chinese food is often perceived to be full of cabbage and carrots. Pasta too carried such a notion for my cousin who had always discarded it as ‘junk’ and in the category of shunned foods. “You see, this pasta-wasta does not appeal to me,” he would say, till I prepared a dish with some of my own improvisations that he liked immensely. Del Monte Pasta is made up of high quality Durum wheat (also known as Macroni Wheat) and is nutritious. The sauce also contains veggies and tomato and hence nutrition is not lost like in other western foods. So here I gladly present the dish that helped me change the perception of my cousin and now he does not stop his kids from enjoying this wonderful Italian snack.

Pasta-Points  

I have Farfalle Pasta that looks like a bow-tie. The ‘Farfalle’ is an Italian word for ‘butterfly’ as it also resembles a butterfly’s wings.

However, before we begin, I would like to present some info regarding Pasta:

•          Pasta is eaten as a staple food in Italy.
•          It dates back to the year 1154 AD.
•          Pasta comes in more than 300 specific forms and shapes.
•          The word ‘Pasta’ comes from the Greek word ‘Pestos’ that means ‘salted’.
•          Pasta comes in two major varieties- fresh (fresca) and dried (secca).

So let’s go!

These were some interesting tidbits and now presented is the dish I have named ‘Pasta Capsicorn ’ for I just love corns! This makes Pasta not only different but healthy as well.

  This preparation of Pasta Capsicorn -

1.      Serves three
2.      Preparation time is around 10 minutes
3.      Cooking time is around 15 minutes
4.      Utensils (main) needed are a non-stick heating pan, a boiling pan, a strainer and a serving dish.

Ingredients	Quantity
Del Monte Pasta Water (for boiling) Finely chopped onions Tomatoes Garlic cloves Finely chopped Green chilies Boiled Corns Chopped Capsicum Chili powder Processed Cheese Corn flour Olive/ groundnut Oil Salt Lemon and Coriander Garlic butter /Plain butter	150 gms 3-4 cups 1 or 2 3 5 2 2 Tablespoons 1 Half Teaspoon/2.5 gms 1 or 2 slices/cubes 1 small teaspoon/4 gms 1 tablespoon As per taste For garnishing Half a teaspoon

Method

1.  Boil pasta for around 15 minutes on a high flame. Add a few oil drops to keep pasta flakes from sticking together.  Also add half of teaspoonful of salt. When soft, drain and keep aside. 

2.   Heat oil in a pan and sauté chopped garlic, onions and green chilies along with salt (to taste).

3.  When the onions are translucent, add chopped capsicum and salt to taste and sauté some more till the capsicum is free of its ‘rawness’.

4.  Meanwhile, put tomatoes in boiling water for a few minutes, cool them and peel off the skins and mash them finely.

5.   Add chili powder and tomatoes to the mixture in the pan.

6.   After a few minutes, add boiled corns and mix well.

7.   Now add corn flour (mixed with very little water) to hold or bind the sauce together.

8.   Heat the mixture over the flame for some more time while stirring continuously. Add some water if the mixture is thick.

9.   Finally, add boiled pasta and mix well and stir for a minute or two.

10.   Remove from flame and mix lemon juice and processed cheese. Garnish with coriander and a dash of garlic butter.

‘Pasta Capsicorn ’ is ready to be served and enjoyed!

After I prepared this dish, my cousin who is quite stingy with compliments, showered many upon me and his delusion that Pasta was unhealthy was also broken. Pasta is an immensely enjoyable dish and comes in many varieties. If you are too busy to prepare the sauce, Del Monte ready-made sauces can also be used. My favorite of all the sauces is ‘Arrabbiata’ which is a slightly tangy tomato-onion Pasta sauce.

I hope you will enjoy the dish as well. Thank you and all the best!

Cheers!

For more do visit- www.facebook.com/DelMonteIndia

Entry for indiblogger.in