8 Amazing Benefits Of Eating Mangoes

Yayyie!!! It's summer time, and the only reason which makes this season adorable is the "Magic Fruit" or "The King Of Fruits" called Mango. The delicious taste of mangoes is craved by everyone. This magic fruit is called "Aam" in India, although called Aam, this fruit is really special when it comes to its heavenly taste and intoxicating aroma.
There are more than 1000 different varieties of mangoes, available in different shapes and sizes across the globe. Eating seasonal fruits can provide you with numerous benefits and mango being a summer fruit is fully loaded with nutrients, bioactive compounds and fibre. Mangoes are one of the richest source in Vitamin A, C and E as well as minerals including potassium, magnesium, copper, calcium and phosphorus. They are also packed with polyphenolic flavonoid anti-oxidant compounds.

The eight amazing health benefits of Mangoes are as follows:

• Reduces Cholesterol:

 

The high vitamin C, pectin, and fibre content present in mangoes helps in lowering cholesterol levels, especially the "bad" LDL cholesterol as well as triglycerides in the blood. At the same time, they help in increasing the "good" HDL cholesterol. So those who wants to get rid of their cholesterol problem should adhere to eating mangoes to reap its benefit.

• Prevents Heat Stroke:

Mangoes are rich source of potassium and thus helps in maintaining the sodium level, which in turn regulates the body's fluid level and protects you from heat stroke.During the summer days, you can eat raw mangoes daily to keep your body cool and rehydrate your body quickly. You can make a healthy drink with raw mangoes to prevent heat stroke. Boil two raw mangoes in two cups of water until they become soft. When cool, squeeze out the pulp of the boiled mangoes and add it to a glass of cool water. Add rock salt, sugar for taste and you can also add mint leaves to it . Drink it once or twice daily to protect yourself from the harsh effect of sunlight. 

• Improves Your Eye Vision:

Mangoes are also a super food for your eyes. The high amount of vitamin A facilitates good eyesight and prevents various eye-related disorders like night blindness, cataracts, macular degeneration, dry eyes and other ocular discomfort. Also, the flavnoids like beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin present in mangoes are vital for good vision. So just one cup of sliced ripe mangoes compensates for 25 percent of your daily requirement of vitamin A.

•  Makes the body alkaline:
  
  
  

 This magic fruit has an alkalizing effect on the body. The tartaric acid, malic acid as well as the small amount of citric acid found in mangoes help maintain a healthy alkaline level in the body. An alkaline body prevents several health problems like chronic metabolic acidosis, kidney disease, muscle impairment and weakened bones. Consumption of  moderate amount of mangoes on a daily basis helps in maintaining the normal and slightly alkaline pH of the blood between a healthy 7.35 and 7.45. This helps transfer more oxygen throughout the body, increase energy levels, combat weight gain and prevents various digestive problems and osteoporosis.

• Aids In Digestion:

The high fibre content in mangoes helps in digestion and elimination of waste products, as well as normalizes bowel movements. In addition, this fruit can provide relief from constipation and stomach ulcers. Mangoes also have enzymes that increase the breakdown of carbohydrates and protein, thus facilitating conversion of food into energy. Eating both ripe and raw mangoes on a regular basis will improve digestion and reduce risk of different types of gastrointestinal disorders.

• Rejuvenates the skin:
  

 Mangoes can work wonders for your skin, that is the reason why mangoes are used in several face packs and scrubs. Being a great source of antioxidants, vitamin C in particular, mango can impart a healthy glow to your skin. The Vitamin A and beta-carotene present in mangoes can restore, rejuvenate and revive your skin rendering it free from dark spots, blemishes and acne. Mango is very easy to use, do not throw away the skin after peeling a ripe mango, instead rub the skin over your face, and allow it to dry for 10-15 minutes. Then rinse it off with lukewarm water. And here you are ,the proud owner of a glowing, soft and supple skin.  

• Fights Cancer:

The anti-carcinogenic properties of mangoes comes from its high fibre and Vitamin C content, along with the presence of several phenols and enzymes. Several studies have shown that the anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant compounds in mangoes can protect against colon, breast, lung, skin, leukemia and prostate cancers. Some of the antioxidant compounds present in mangoes that help fight cancer are quercetin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, fisetin, gallic acid and methyl gallat. These compounds in mangoes effectively target and eliminate harmful cancer cells.

• Improves Memory:

Mangoes are also known to promote brain health and improve concentration level. As per reports published in the journal Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, there are several components in mangoes that helps in increasing the cholinergic function and decrease oxidative stress. This, consequently, enhances memory.The glutamine acid provided by mangoes is also known to boost memory and promote mental alertness. Apart from this, mangoes also contain Vitamin B6, which is vital for maintaining and improvin brain function. So, include mangoes in your diet for a sharp memory and for the concentration power similar to that of a swan. 

It is believed that one should always eat local and seasonal fruits, to stay fit and healthy, so since summer is around, why not make the most of it. Indulge yourself in a guilt-free summer treat and dig your tooth deep inside that very pulpy & juicy ripe mangoes to see the magic happen this summer. Enjoy!! Happy Summer :)

7 Simple Habits To Keep Your Eye Problems At Bay

Eyes are our window to the world and it empowers us to be independent and get the sight of this beautiful earth. It is indeed one of the strongest and most vital sense organ of our body that equips us to bring a vision and stability in our life. But not to be forgotten, that we often tend to take things for granted and the case is no different here. We do become negligent and not bother enough to take care of our eyes. According to a report issued by WHO more than 285 million people are visually impaired worldwide and of these cases, about 80 per cent of them could have been avoided or cured.

 

Being careful and a little conscious effort from your side can keep all your eye problems at bay. Lets look how a few simple habits of yours can help you protect your eyes and keep it healthy.

• Wear Shades-Protection shield for your eyes is necessary:

 Whether you are travelling, driving car, riding bike or enjoying on the beach, you should always wear your shades. Ultraviolet rays are sharp and they can burn your eyes. Red, itchy or gritty feeling eyes are the symptoms, although these kind of discomfort are short lived but continuous exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause cataracts and irreversible damage to the retina. So always make sure to wear your sun glasses whenever you are stepping out in the sun. Invest in good shades, its important. As per The American Optometric Association sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB radiation, screen out 75 to 90 per cent of visible light, are free of imperfections and distortion, are ideal & they also have grey lenses for proper colour recognition.

• Eat healthy diet:

 Remember, since childhood days our grandmothers have always emphasised on eating carrots saying that they are good for eyes. Yes, they are, because carrots are rich in carotenoids lutein and Zeaxanthin that can help fight cataracts and macular degeneration. Carotenoids can be found plentiful in leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale and also in broccoli, turnip.So involve these healthy foods in your diet to protect your eyes naturally.

• Regular eye check-up:

 Several eye diseases and disorders can be easily taken care of if one comes to know about it in the early stage. Regular visits to your eye doctor ensure an early diagnosis, and you can also get an up-to-date prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. The American Optometric Association suggests that children  should have their eyes examined at six months old, three years old, before the first grade, and then every two years until their eighteenth birthday. Adults between the ages of 18 and 40 should have their eyes checked every two to three years, 41- to 60-year-old require an exam every two years, and adults over 60 should have an annual eye exam. If you're at higher risk for eye diseases, because of diabetes, hypertension, a family history of ocular disease, or daily use of contact lenses, then a regular visit to doctor should not be ignored at any cost.

• Cleanse your eyes:

 Regular cleansing of your eyes will help you to keep your eyes clean, moist and cool. At regular intervals, you should rinse your eyes thoroughly with tap water and wipe it with soft towel. This allows the tired eyes to relax and get rid of the dirt and germ accumulated. Before going off to sleep, you should also pour 2-3 drops of rose water in your eyes to keep it hydrated and cool. Covering your eyes with cucumber slices or potato slices frequently can also be one of the options to keep your eyes cool and healthy. Also if your eyes are really tired because of excessive work, or due to continuous staring at the laptop screen then try and blink your eyes several times to let it calm down and this leads to secretion of natural fluid from the eyes which makes the eyes moist and wipe out the impurities with the fluid. 

• Eat Foods rich in anti-oxidants:

Increase the in- take of foods rich in anti-oxidants, as this can reduce the risk of developing age related eye diseases and cataracts. So consume foods with a combination of vitamin C and vitamin E as this can give a boost to your anti-oxidants. Fruits like papaya, strawberries, green peppers, berries, oranges, grapefruit etc are excellent source of vitamin c and vitamin E is found in foods like almonds, sunflower seeds, peanuts. Omega 3 supplements also work wonders for your eye.

• Preventive measures to save your eyes from computer:

 If your work demands you to spend non-stop several hours in front of your desktop or your laptop screen then you should take several preventive measures to protect your eyes otherwise you will be at risk of developing Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).The symptoms include headache, blurred vision, eye strain and dry eyes. To avoid this, following measures should be taken: Set the center of your computer screen 4-5 inches below eye level and 20 to 28 inches away from your eyes. Reduce glare by using lower wattage light bulbs overhead and closing curtains. Lastly, blink more often and rest for 15 minutes after every 2 hours of computer use.

• Maintenance of clean and protective contact lenses:

 Contact lenses, no doubt is the need of the hour and it does enhances your look. But one should be pretty careful while wearing lenses because it requires certain degree of maintenance. To avoid dryness, irritated eyes, blurred vision, pain and other discomfort, always wash your hands before handling your contact lenses. Clean and store your lenses only in fresh solutions, remove your contacts before sleeping, or going inside water.

These simple and easy habits can help you a lot in protecting your eyes and avoiding several eye-related issues that you may be facing in your day to day life. It just take three weeks to make it a habit, so come over of all your laziness and work towards the health of your eyes because they deserve all your attention and care.

8 Health Benefits Of Coconut Water

Summer is here and you are leaving no stone unturned in keeping yourself cool and hydrated. Coconut water can be rightfully called a magical drink that has several health benefits. Apart from a natural cooling agent, coconut water has such properties that can work wonders for your skin and health.

So now you know, what benefits you can reap from drinking coconut water. Therefore, this summer, say good bye to all aerated drinks that are loaded with empty calories and heaps of sugar instead resort to cool coconut water to completely rejuvenate yourself. Cheers!!