The Quilling Fairies by Eliane Tanassi @ Ptaa Hai...!!!

Quilling with perfection by Eliane Tanassi @ Ptaa Hai...!!!

Clay Art by Eliane Tanassi @ Ptaa Hai...!!!

Clay art is one of the toughest and beautiful art,, Today we are pleased to share the great work of an clay Artist Eliane Tanassi .. Join us to appreciate the great art . Comments are awaited.. Happy art @ Ptaa Hai...!!!

Threat during pregnancy : Sugar.. Ptaa Hai...!!!

10 reasons to avoid excess sugar during pregnancy

If you’re following a healthy pregnancy eating plan you’ll notice levels of refined sugar are quite low, this is because it’s suggested women avoid too much sugar during pregnancy.

In our current society eating a high sugar diet during pregnancy is really common, in fact, studies show women think pregnancy gives them free rein to eat whatever they feel like.

However, this can have serious consequences for mothers and their babies, and when we talk sugar, we are not just talking about the white powdered stuff, we are talking about most of your white foods such as bread, pasta, cakes, biscuits, and potatoes.

This also includes all of the high GI foods such as flavored and fizzy soft drinks, alcohol, lollies, jam, jelly, sauce and breakfast cereals. You get the idea!

10 Scientifically Researched Reasons To Avoid Excess Sugar During Pregnancy:

1. A higher sugar consumption is linked to a higher pregnancy weight gain.

2. Too much sugar increases glucose and insulin levels. So yes, eating excess sugar, does contribute to gestational diabetes.

3. It can contribute to the development of a fatty liver.

4. The birth weight of your baby may be smaller.

5. By eating a diet high in sugar during pregnancy, we are programming our child’s genes to be a higher risk for metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.

6. Eating high sugar diets alters our children’s blood vessel structure and places them more at risk for heart diseases. These risk factors are found to be present in our children as early as age 7!

7. Eating a diet high in added sugars increases the risk of pre-eclampsia.

8. Drinking both artificially-sweetened soft drinks, and standard soft drinks increases the risk of pre-term delivery.

9. Prenatal and pregnancy consumption of sugar has been linked to having obese children.

10. You increase your likelihood of having nausea and/or vomiting if you eat a diet high in carbohydrates and added sugars.

Health Benefits from Mom's Kitchen : Ajwain ... Ptaa Hai...!!!

It is one of the important herbs for Indian kitchen to make the Indian cuisine tasty. All the parts of this herb have very strong smell; hence it is called Ugragandha in Sanskrit. Ajwain has many health and medicinal values. It is well known seed for Instant Remedy for Stomachache. The seed, oil, flowers and extract are used as medicine for various diseases. It is also one of the potent medicines to kill worms. It is extremely beneficial for Earache, tooth ache, Influenza, Heart problems, Arthritis, Nasal blockage. 

1. Instant Remedy for Stomachache

It has alcoholic qualities in a very mild form; therefore, it may be used as instant stomach pain. Ajwain +small quantity of salt, when sip with warm water is quite beneficial for indigestion and stomach pain. The person suffering from indigestion and anorexia, 1 tsp of Ajwain seed may be taken along with food.

2. Ajwain for cold

For chronic and recurrent cold, it is recommended to take fried seeds of ajwain in the dose of 2 grams for 15-20 days. Inhaling of its grind seed is also beneficial in case of headache, migraine and cold &cough. Chewing Ajwain seeds with lukewarm water is also a good cure for Cough.

3. Ajwain for Asthma

Inhalation of the smoke of Ajwain acts as bronchodialator and makes the breathing pattern easier. The person suffering from Asthma may take the paste of Ajwain + Jaggery, 1 tsp, twice a day. This mixture is helpful in asthma treatment.

4. Ajwain for Diabetes Mellitus

1 tsp of Ajwain seeds + 4 tsp of Bael leave juice if taken 2 to 3 times a day, are effective in polyuria commonly seen in case of Diabetes.

5. How to get rid of Alcohol Addiction

To get rid of Alcohol addiction, decoction of ajwain may be taken in the dose of 30 ml at night for 50 days. Persons, who use alcohol excessively, may experience acute stomach pain. For such patients 1 tsp of ajwain seeds may be consumed along with warm water twice a day.

6. Ajwain in Cholera

It has the ability to minimize the impact of threadworms and intestinal bacterial infection. Hence, it is good to give cholera patients.

7. Ajwain to dissolve Kidney Stone

When the mix of Ajwain seeds +honey + vinegar is used for 10 days, it helps to dissolve kidney stone that ultimately remove with urine.

8. Ajwain for Weight Loss

Ajwain has appetite stimulating properties and on account of laxative components, it fastens the bowel movement and thus helps in weight loss. Regular taking of ajwain also helps to regulate obesity.

9. Ajwain reduces Gas and Flatulence

Ajwain is one of the best herbal wonder drug for gas, flatulence and indigestion. Distilled water of it is good for the above said problems and also enhances appetite.

10. Ajwain for Acidity and Hyperacidity

Ajwain seeds have anti-hyperacidity properties. A patient of acidity or hyperacidity may consume ajwain along with lukewarm water + salt either in the morning or after meal. When taken for 10-15 days, it shows good result.Read Acidity Control  and Preventionthrough Herbal means.

Ajwain for Culinary Recipes

Ajwain is known for multiple purposes including Curd recipes. It is used as one of the important ingredients for culinary and spice reasons all over the world. It is used to increase the flavour and savoury of cooking recipes. Ajwain is added in cuisine like bread, bean, lentil, snacks, biscuits, soups, sauce, etc. Ajwain is mixed with culinary at the final stage so that its fragrance remain intact. Its flavor and pungent come from thymol, an essential oil.  It gives great aromatic base to the recipes when the roasted are used in culinary.

Ajwain for Spice

Due to its flavour and fragrance as well as medicinal properties, ajwain is used widely as spice. Ajwain is added at the last process of cooking. The pod of ajwain has dominating flavor, so even a small quantity of it is sufficient to give pungent smell to the recipes. This powerful fragrance comes to ajwain due to the presence of Thymol. It is good for digestion and  often mixed with baby milk. Used as dishes Tadka due to its strong flavor.  Due to its multiple  benefits; it is the part and parcel of every Indian kitchen.

Ajwain Tea

Ajwain tea is known for pungent smell.  Ajwain Chai is beneficial for cold treatment. Ajwain is useful for all the seasons, however, it show good result during rainy and winter seasons.  Ajwain seeds are rich in minerals both macro nutrients and micro nutrients. It is used in case of digestion problems, gaseous problems, antiseptic, antipyretic  and expectorant. How to make Ajwain Chai is the  important question? For this take One and half cup of water, mix a teaspoon of black or green tea. Boil it, add some ajwain. Elaichi/Ginger may also be added to enhance the taste. Milk  may also be added along with honey or sugar.   The addition of ginger or Elaichi increases its medicinal benefits.

Ajwain Nutritional Facts and Nutritional Value

Ajwain is the important ingredient in Indian kitchen.  Ajwain or Carom seeds contain nutrients and minerals.  It is having fat, protein, fibre, sugar, minerals, calories, etc. If one take 100 gram of Ajwain;  the carom seeds contain following nutrients: Calories(305), fat(25gram), Saturated Fat (4 gram), Polyunsaturated Fat (15gram), Môn saturated Fat (5 gram), Sodium (10gram), Carbs (43gram), Fibre (39 gram),  and Protein (16 gram). Due to its medicinal value, people like to eat after meal.

Few Steps a day can make a miracle for life .. Ptaa Hai...!!!

Gentle, low-impact exercise that’s easy, free and available to everyone – here’s why walking rocks.

1. Walking strengthens your heart

Reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by walking regularly. It’s great cardio exercise, lowering levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. The Stroke Association says that a brisk 30-minute walk every day helps to prevent and control the high blood pressure that causes strokes, reducing the risk by up to 27 percent.

2. Walking lowers disease risk

A regular walking habit slashes the risk of type 2 diabetes by around 60 percent, and you’re 20 percent less likely to develop cancer of the colon, breast or womb with an active hobby such as walking.

3. Walking helps you lose weight

You’ll burn around 75 calories simply by walking at 2mph for 30 minutes. Up your speed to 3mph and it’s 99 calories, while 4mph is 150 calories (equivalent to three Jaffa cakes and a jam doughnut!). Work that short walk into your daily routine and you’ll shed the pounds in no time.

4. Walking prevents dementia

Older people who walk six miles or more per week are more likely to avoid brain shrinkage and preserve memory as the years pass. Since dementia affects one in 14 people over 65 and one in six over 80, we reckon that’s a pretty great idea.

5. Walking tones up legs, bums and tums

Give definition to calves, quads and hamstrings while lifting your glutes (bum muscles) with a good, regular walk. Add hill walking into the mix and it’s even more effective. Pay attention to your posture and you’ll also tone your abs and waist.

6. Walking boosts vitamin D

We all need to get outside more. Many people in the UK are vitamin D deficient, affecting important things like bone health and our immune systems. Walking is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors while getting your vitamin D fix.

7. Walking gives you energy

You’ll get more done with more energy, and a brisk walk is one of the best natural energizers around. It boosts circulation and increases oxygen supply to every cell in your body, helping you to feel more alert and alive. Try walking on your lunch break to achieve more in the afternoon.

8. Walking makes you happy

It’s true – exercise boosts your mood. Studies show that a brisk walk is just as effective as antidepressants in mild to moderate cases of depression, releasing feel-good endorphins while reducing stress and anxiety. So for positive mental health, walking’s an absolute must.

Health Benefits of Coconut Water....!!! Ptaa Hai....!!!

For centuries, people from tropical regions have known about the amazing health benefits of tender coconut water, which comes from young green coconuts. Each nut contains about 200 to 1,000 milliliters (approximately 1 to 4 cups) of coconut water.

It is a delicious and refreshing low-calorie natural beverage. Tender coconut water contains more nutrients than mature coconut water.

It’s packed with antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C and minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese and zinc.

The micronutrients in coconut water help boost the immune system. Plus, the plant hormones called cytokinins in this health drink exhibit anti-aging, antithrombotic and anticancer effects

1. Coconut water is mostly just ... water.

I'm sure you already know you need to drink enough fluids so you can keep your body healthy and properly hydrated. Just like its name suggests, coconut water contains about 95% water. This makes it a great hydration drink. Coconut water can hydrate your body just as well as plain water (the mother of all hydrating drinks).

2. It's low in calories.

Unlike plain water, coconut water is not entirely calorie-free, but at 42 calories per serving (240g) it's still a pretty low-calorie drink. This makes it an awesome replacement for any one of your regular, sugar-sweetened drinks and when used like this, coconut water can help you reach your weight loss goals.

3. It contains potassium.

Potassium is a vital mineral in your body. You need enough of it if you want your brain and nervous system to function properly. Coconut water can help provide some of that much needed potassium. One serving of coconut water will cover about 13% of your daily potassium needs.

4. It contains magnesium.

Magnesium is another important component of our diet, yet only 32% of people consume enough magnesium. If your body is running low on magnesium, that could cause low energy levels or even lead to serious health conditions like asthma, diabetes and osteoporosis. A serving of coconut water take care of about 14% of your daily magnesium needs.

5. It contains copper.

Copper is another essential mineral for your health. Without copper, your organs and your metabolism simply can't work like a well-oiled machine. One serving of coconut water will provide about 11% of your daily copper requirements.

6. It contains cytokinins.

Cytokinins are little-known, yet highly beneficial compounds found in coconut water. Science has confirmed cytokinins slow down the development of cancerous cells, plus they slow down the aging process. What's not to love, right?

7. It contains antioxidants.

Coconut water contains a lot of antioxidants, which help prevent the damage to our bodies caused by free radicals. Free radicals are produced by your own metabolism, so there's no other way to neutralize the damage, except making sure you consume enough antioxidants in your diet. And coconut water can help you with that.

Balanced Diet ... Ptaa Hai!!!!

What is a balanced diet?

A balanced diet is a diet that gives your body the nutrients to function correctly. It is not a crash diet but it consists of macronutrients like protein, carbohydrates and fat along with micronutrients which include vitamins and minerals. In order to get a properly balanced nutrition, you should obtain the majority of your daily energy from fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

What is the importance of balanced diet?

A balanced diet is of utmost importance for the body to function properly. It needs the vitamins and minerals to maintain the cells, tissues, and organs. A balanced diet also helps in maintaining a healthy weight, reduces body fat, provides your body with energy, promotes good sleep, and eventually gives a feeling of well-being.

A balanced diet is a combination of five major food groups consisting of vitamins and minerals, protein, carbohydrates, and fats

A balanced diet consists of vitamins and minerals, protein, carbohydrates, and fats

Why do we need to have a healthy balanced diet?

Eating a healthy, balanced diet plays a pivotal role in maintaining radiant health. The most important of all is to have the right balance of vitamins and minerals. Some of them are thiamine (vitamin B1) needed for improving metabolism found in legumes, nuts, and seeds, etc. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) aids in iron absorption and protects the immune system; found in fruits like citrus fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce etc. Cobalamin (vitamin B12) for making new cells, found in meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs, milk and milk products. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin found in foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy greens, bell peppers, fish, liver, and tropical fruits, etc.

What are the components of a healthy balanced diet?

A balanced diet is a combination of five major food groups consisting of vitamins and minerals, protein, carbohydrates, and fats.

Vitamins and Minerals

These micronutrients support metabolism, nerve and muscle function, bone maintenance and cell production. Fruits and vegetables are the primary sources of vitamins and minerals including potassium, dietary fiber, folate (folic acid), vitamin A, and vitamin C. Simple carbohydrates like glucose and fructose are also found in fruits and vegetables. Opt for fresh fruits instead of fruit juices, know why fresh fruits are better than fruit juices?

Similarly, vegetables such as dark green leafy veggies should be included in your meal. Adding a variety of veggies like broccoli, spinach, beans, lettuce, etc to your meal will help you in getting the bountiful nutrients required for the body.

Choose a variety of coloured fruits and vegetables like the colours of the rainbow. Remember fruits and vegetables are low in calories and fat while providing fiber and key nutrients that keep us healthy.

2. Protein

Protein is required to help your body repair cells and make new ones. Protein is also important for growth and development during the early stages of childhood, adolescence, and pregnancy. About 30 to 35% of your daily diet should consist of protein found in pulses like whole grams, dals, chickpeas, peas, lentils, beans, peanuts, milk, eggs, fish, and meat.

3. Carbohydrates

If you have been a health enthusiast, then you have been carefully monitoring or skipping carbs in your diet altogether but, guess what? Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the voluntary as well as involuntary functions of the body. Consume carbohydrates which include whole grains such as brown rice, wheat, ragi, jowar, bajra, oatmeal, quinoa, and potatoes among others. Hence, carbs should not be avoided and it should be a part of your daily diet.

Fats

Fats provide energy, store and provide vitamins, and synthesize hormones. There are three kinds of fats namely, polyunsaturated such as walnuts, flax seeds, etc; monounsaturated fat such as olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil, walnuts, etc.

Oil is one of the main ingredient used in cooking. Vegetable oil is the main villain used in cooking as it contains fat that is harmful for the body. Instead, you can go for unrefined or cold pressed oil which has a higher nutritional value than the unrefined oil.

Cold pressed oil, refined oil, vegetable oil

Cold pressed oil, refined oil, vegetable oil

All said about the importance of balanced diet, you need to maintain it by following a balanced diet chart. A diet chart will give a better understanding of how much food to consume and what type of food you are supposed to eat. A balanced diet chart is a solution to irregular eating habits and dealing with weight gain problems. In order to follow a balanced diet chart one needs to prepare it and stick to it.

Know your correct mealtime

 A diet chart comprises of 5 small meals in a day with a gap of 3 hours between each meal. A gap of more than 3 hours will increase the stress hormones cortisol that will let the body store fat in the belly. If these meals are eaten in a proper time it will keep the cortisol levels in check and thus reducing belly fat. Food eaten at the right time will also help in better digestion.

2. Activities during the day will reduce weight

If you are physically active during the day it will help you in reducing weight and you will feel less lethargic. If you are inactive and lacking in physical activity then your body requires some weight loss exercises to pump you up.

3. Write down the list of healthy foods

Research and gather knowledge about the foods that contain protein or which foods contain carbs, and so on. This will give you an idea of the foods that are nutritious and healthy. 

4. Replace processed foods with fruits and veggies

Fruits and vegetables are the natural foods that will help to maintain the body. Sadly, these foods have been replaced by processed foods for example, tinned vegetables or breakfast cereals being the main culprit for weight gain. Processed foods are unhealthy and contain added sugar, salt, and fat. So, include fruits and vegetables that are low in fat content aiding in weight loss.

5. Proteins and Proteins

If you want to lose weight, add more proteins to your diet as protein takes more time and energy to break down in the body. You can include snacks and seeds instead of chips or you can opt for a healthier source of protein from Truweight’s wide range of products. For example, shake-a-day, a whey protein drink that you can make into a fruit pudding or quinoa can be eaten instead of rice.

6. Going the milky way

Dairy products are the best source of calcium that is essential for healthy bones and is also necessary for regulating muscle contraction. If your calcium intake is inadequate, you might suffer from osteoporosis and various bone diseases. Dairy products that are rich in calcium are low-fat yogurt, cottage cheese, and milk. If you are a person who dislikes dairy products then, have these dairy free calcium supplements for your diet.

7. Carbs for energy

It is wise to choose the required amount of carbs needed for the body. Most of the carbohydrates are present in plant foods like pulses, cereals, and millets. Your diet should mainly consist of complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, brown rice, oats, lentils, fruits, and veggies. They are also rich in fiber which keeps you feeling fuller for a longer period of time.

Too much fat is bad fat

Decrease the intake of fats in your diet as too much of it can lead to weight gain and other related health problems. The required amount of fats needed for the body totally depends on the foods that you are consuming. Know the fats that contain essential fatty acids that protect the heart and improve the functions of the immune system.

 9. Cut down that sugar in your tea/ coffee

Sugar is the lead villain to increase your waistline in the body. Sugar is addictive like a drug to most of the people, who like to add the sweet sugar to their favourite foods. Too much consumption of sugar may cause diabetes, insulin resistance, heart disease, obesity among many lifestyle disorders.

Cut down sugar

Cut down sugar

Remove the ‘Salt’ from your table

Eating too much salt, causes the extra water to store in your body that raises the blood pressure. So, the more salt you eat, the higher your blood pressure and the greater the strain on your heart, arteries, kidneys and brain. This can lead to heart attacks, strokes, dementia, and kidney disease.

Here, we list down the balanced diet chart for women and men. This balanced diet chart will let you understand how much to eat during the day for a better health.

Balanced diet for women

A woman’s nutritional requirements differ from men. For example, a woman requires more iron than man due to her monthly menstrual cycles. Here, is a chart with 5 meals provided for women.

Breakfast – Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Fill up your breakfast meal with protein like 2-3 scrambled egg whites with a whole grain toast and a fruit of your choice or a bowl of fruit oats porridge with sprouts salad. Protein kickstarts your metabolism and keeps you feeling fuller for longer during the day.

Mid-morning Snack – A fistful of dried fruit combined with nuts or seeds, provides protein and healthy fats to keep you satisfied till lunch. Combining the dried fruits with nuts helps in controlling the release of sugars in the body.

Lunch – Choose carb-rich foods that will supply energy and protein like a bowl of dal/chicken/fish curry with brown rice or roti and a veg salad. You could also include beans or chicken sandwich with plenty of veggies.

Snack– Having a snack will keep your energy levels up and you can choose from a variety of nourishing options like Apple cinnamon granola bar or Nature Valley’s granola bar or you can have a fistful of nuts.

Dinner– The supper of the day should be a combination of protein and carbs. You can include oily fish which are rich in omega 3 fatty acids like mackerel, salmon which is beneficial for healthy hair and skin. Fill up your dinner bowl with a variety of colourful veggies. Chicken/fish/paneer with roti /chila/ quinoa preparations and soup or salad with veggies.

Bed time  – A glass of low-fat milk with a pinch of elaichi.

Balanced diet for men

Men should have a proper healthy diet that will help build up their stamina and keep them active throughout the day.

Breakfast – Kickstart your metabolism by starting the day with breakfast filled with protein. If you are a gym person, you should definitely have a protein rich breakfast for muscle repair and recovery. You can include veg poha with eggs or chila with chutney or khichdi /upma with veggies and sprouts salad.

Eggs are the best choice as it will give you energy for the whole day.  Confused about what is better egg whites or whole egg? Know the truth behind egg nutrition.

Snack– Craving for savoury foods? Opt for nuts and seeds or you can have a fruit bowl with nuts. You can have a look at the fruit bowl with nuts recipe here!

Lunch – You can make a mix of foods with carbs and protein. Opt for rice with dal, chicken or paneer. You can also have a sandwich topped with chicken or fish with plenty of salads and boiled veggies.

Snack – You can choose snacks that are vital for satisfying your energy levels. You can have an avocado salad or Apple cinnamon granola bar.

Dinner – Combine carbohydrates with essential fats which your body can use for overnight growth and repair. Have a bowl of cooked quinoa with chicken curry and lightly sauteed veggies. You can also have roti with veggies and a dal soup or chicken soup.