ARTICLES ON General Health

Our dadis, nanis, and mums have been cooking with mustard oil or sarson ka tel since forever. But we millennials have our heart set on olive oil, which is often propositioned as the best when it comes to weight loss. The debate over which oil is better has been going on for quite some time. And it looks like this tug of war between olive and mustard oil will never end. Is olive oil healthier than good-ol’ sarson ka tel? This is what a nutritionist has to say – Winning BrainBUSINESS, Accounting, Affiliate, Auto Insurance, B2B Ecommerce, B2B, Biotechnology, Business, Business Management, Business Travel, Construction, Credit Card, Debt, Entertainment, Finance, Human Resources, Insurance Business, Internet Security, Management, Office Supplies, Online Payment Solutions, Software, Startup, Web Hosting, CONSUMER, Art, Automotive, Casino, Cell Phone, Computer, Dating, Ecommerce, Electronics, Email, Fashion, Golf, Hotel, Internet, Jobs, Law, Mortgage, Music, Online Stores, Pest Control, Photography, Plumbing, Real Estate, Restaurants, Shoes, Travel, Wedding, FINANCE, Financial Services, HEALTH & WELLNESS, Acne, Diet, Energy, Fitness, Gardening, Health Care, Health Fitness, Nutrition, Vacations Travel, Weight Loss, MISCELLANEOUS, Aerospace, Agriculture, Best Travel, Coffee, Dog Training Education Environmental Food & Beverage, Forex, Gifts, Home Based Business, Home Improvements, Internet Games, iPhone, Jewelry, Landscaping, Legal, Luggage, Pharmaceutical, Poker, Retail, School Education, Solar Energy, Transporation, Women Fashion, Work From Home, SALES & MARKETING, Advertising, Marketing, Marketing Email, Media, Online Marketing, Sales, SEO, Shopping Cart Solutions, Social Media, Technology, Twitter, Web Design, Web Development, But today we are here to put an end to this olive oil versus mustard oil battle, so that you can make an informed descision. And to help us out, we’ve got Amreen Shaikh, head dietician and nutritionist at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai. So, let’s see what she recommends.  How you cook matters a whole lot when it comes to choosing an oil We’re sure when buying cooking oil, you study the content label looking for things like trans fat. But before you get to this stage, you should first be clear on how you are going to cook with this oil. Are you going to fry, saute, or grill with this oil? Explains Ms Shaikh: Is olive oil healthier than good-ol’ sarson ka tel? This is what a nutritionist has to say – Winning BrainBUSINESS, Accounting, Affiliate, Auto Insurance, B2B Ecommerce, B2B, Biotechnology, Business, Business Management, Business Travel, Construction, Credit Card, Debt, Entertainment, Finance, Human Resources, Insurance Business, Internet Security, Management, Office Supplies, Online Payment Solutions, Software, Startup, Web Hosting, CONSUMER, Art, Automotive, Casino, Cell Phone, Computer, Dating, Ecommerce, Electronics, Email, Fashion, Golf, Hotel, Internet, Jobs, Law, Mortgage, Music, Online Stores, Pest Control, Photography, Plumbing, Real Estate, Restaurants, Shoes, Travel, Wedding, FINANCE, Financial Services, HEALTH & WELLNESS, Acne, Diet, Energy, Fitness, Gardening, Health Care, Health Fitness, Nutrition, Vacations Travel, Weight Loss, MISCELLANEOUS, Aerospace, Agriculture, Best Travel, Coffee, Dog Training Education Environmental Food & Beverage, Forex, Gifts, Home Based Business, Home Improvements, Internet Games, iPhone, Jewelry, Landscaping, Legal, Luggage, Pharmaceutical, Poker, Retail, School Education, Solar Energy, Transporation, Women Fashion, Work From Home, SALES & MARKETING, Advertising, Marketing, Marketing Email, Media, Online Marketing, Sales, SEO, Shopping Cart Solutions, Social Media, Technology, Twitter, Web Design, Web Development, Indian cooking requires a lot of sautéing and frying for which olive oil is not the right choice. According to Shaikh, the smoking point of olive oil is very low and it immediately converts into trans fats or unsaturated fats that are very bad for your overall health. Cooking with olive oil in this way can lead to weight gain. In such cases, mustard oil is what you should prefer as it has a higher smoking point than olive oil. “But if you want to use an oil for dressing or for dips, then you can surely go for olive oil. In case you are grilling your food then extra-virgin olive oil can be used as mustard oil is not great for salad dressings as it has a pungent smell,” she suggests. Are there any nutritional differences between olive oil and mustard oil? MUFA, check. PUFA, check. In fact, you’ll be glad to know that both these oils have almost similar nutrient levels which help in keeping your cholesterol in check.  “Both oils are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help in keeping many health issues at bay,” she explains.MUFA and PUFA are needed for better heart health. Image courtesy: Shutterstock That said, mustard oil has an upper hand when it comes to nutrition. This is because it has the ideal ratio of 1:2 of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, as recommended by the WHO.  Olive oil on the other has a ratio of 12:1 according to Shaikh, which is not good for your heart health.  The verdict? “When it comes to olive oil many people don’t really know how to use it and at times use it as a replacement for regular refined oil which is very, very harmful. So, keeping in mind the Indian scenario i.e. the way we cook and the type of food we eat, mustard oil is the right and a much healthier choice to make. It is inexpensive and is readily available and we all know how to use it,” she concludes. So ladies, the next time you hit the supermarket, you might want to move towards mustard oil leaving that big jar of olive oil behind.

Apple cider vinegar made by fermenting the sugar from apples. This turns them into acetic acid, which is a main active ingredient in vinegar and may be responsible for its health benefits Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy. People have used it for centuries in cooking and medicine. Some popular benefits include antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. Other benefits, such as aiding weight loss, reducing cholesterol, lowering blood sugar levels, and improving the symptoms of diabetes. Health benefits of apple cider vinegar like increased weight loss, better blood sugar control and a stronger immune system. Preliminary research that suggests ACV might enhance the work of certain immune-system cells, including bacteria-engulfing cells helping the system fight disease Along with a reduced-calorie diet Apple cider vinegar can lower triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and led to improvements in healthy HDL-cholesterol levels. ACV can prevent blood sugar spikes and improve insulin sensitivity, which means that the body may be more sensitive to the way insulin is transporting glucose from the bloodstream into your cells where it can be used for energy. ACV contains gut-friendly probiotic bacteria which can benefit your stomach and improve digestion. The main substance in vinegar — acetic acid — can kill harmful bacteria or prevent them from multiplying. It has a history of use as a disinfectant and natural preservative. It can help in weight loss  by  increasing the feelings of fullness and help you eat fewer calories, which may lead to weight loss.

Many people take pride in their gardens. Gardening is not only enjoying the smell of fresh flowers but can also be an effective way to improve your health. Gardening be an effective form of workout, but it can also benefit your mental health too. Spending time outside can help reduce depression, anger and stress. Furthermore, gardening is good for you as it can help reduce the risk of diseases such as stroke and osteoporosis as well as improving your immune system. 1. Reduced risk of stroke According to research gardening can help reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke. When looking at the age group 60+ gardening can help prolong life by up to as much as 30%. 2. Burns calories Gardening can be a hard workout, depending on what you do and for how long. A simple 1 hour of gardening could help you to burn up to 330 calories. Also, if you garden for three to four hours, you could easily burn as many calories as you would from one hour in the gym. 3. Stress relief Gardening as a form of exercise can be good for you as it helps to release endorphins, the hormone that helps to make people feel satisfied and relaxed. Furthermore, being outside in direct contact with the sunlight could help improve your mood. Stress hormone in your brain called cortisol could be reduced through gardening. 4. Improved immune system Exposure to the sun through gardening can help you absorb plenty of vitamin D. In short, Vitamin D can help your body to absorb calcium, which in turn, can help keep your bones strong and your immune system healthy. Spending more time outside and under the sun helps increase the levels of Vitamin D in your body. In return, it enables you to absorb more calcium, which makes the bones stronger and the immune system healthier. 5. Responsibility Gardening activities provide purpose and a sense of worth. Having a hobby or a profession like gardening makes you feel  responsible as you have to make things grow and you automatically feel responsible for the plants. 6. Live in present Being outside in your garden and experiencing the change of seasons as and when they happen can help you feel connected to the world. Therefore spending the time outside and experiencing the flowers as they bloom can be a great way to keep track of time. 7. Getting rid of negative thoughts If you have experienced a bad day simply grabbing a shovel and doing some heavy digging or drastic pruning could be a great way to rid of your built up of negative feelings. Distracting yourself from your life’s stress through gardening is an excellent technique because this activity is connected to growth and renewal. Your plants will swamp your garden space if you don’t cut them so mow them down whenever you feel troubled. 8. Increasing the senses Spending time in the garden is a great way to enhance your sensory system. With all the different smells, colours and textures of plants around you can easily make the most of your body’s abilities. T 9. Growing fruit and vegetables Growing fruit and vegetables in your owngarden can be good for you as you can include your produce in your diet 10. Decreases osteoporisis Osteoporosis is a disease that can weaken bones and therefore increases the likelihood of a broken bone. Therefore, by regularly gardening you will take part in repetitive tasks that can ensure all the major muscle groups are getting a good workout. This can help decrease the risk of osteoporosis. 11. Reduced risk of dement Engaging in a physical activity such as gardening can help lower the risk of developing dementia. 12. Attaining Spirituality Gardening can help enter a zone of peace and you can be in oneness with nature . Similar to what an athlete will enter before and during a competition, or the mood you enter during yoga or medita From health-related benefits  GARDEDNING can help reduce the risk of a heart attack to helping you relax after a stressful .

The following yogic breathing exercises to improve your mood will consciously change/control the breath and to make our mind steady, focused and peaceful. 1. Shapes Breath Sitting in front of one another, one partner guides the other’s breathing by asking them to follow the movements of their hand with their breath. When she raises her hand upward (slowly), it means inhale; when she moves her hand horizontally, it means hold the breath; and when she moves her hand downward, it means exhale. The leading partner can draw an imaginary square with their hand causing their partner to inhale, hold the breath, exhale, hold the breath etc. in a rhythmic way. If you do it for a minute or two, you will feel deeply relaxed. Try with different shapes such as lines, triangles, stairs and circles. Switch roles when ready. The teacher or a student can also lead the whole group in this exercise. 2. Counting the Breath Sit up tall, and as you inhale and exhale, count your breath. It’s hard to count aloud and breathe at the same time, so count using your fingers or have the teacher count aloud for everyone. You can practice any of the following breathing rhythms or invent new ones: ·     Inhale 5, exhale 5 ·     Inhale 4, exhale 8 ·     Inhale 4, hold the breath for 4, exhale 4 3. Diving Breath Stand at one end of the room and take a deep breath. Hold the air in and ‘dive’ under the water, walking and making swimming motions with your arms, hold your breath until you reach the other side of the room. 4. Alternate Nostril Breathing According to yoga, this change between the two nostrils helps to keep the balance in our body. The right nostril, connected to the left-brain, is considered to carry the sun energy; the masculine energy. The left nostril, connected to the right-brain, harnesses the moon energy; the feminine energy. When we breathe through only one nostril for a long time, an imbalance is created and we start feeling either more nervous and angry (if the right nostril is dominant), or more anxious and afraid (if the left nostril is dominant). This exercise is like preventative medicine because it helps to keep a regular and harmonious flow between the two nostrils. To do the full exercise: 1.     Sit up tall and, using your right thumb, block your right nostril. Inhale slowly and deeply 
through your left nostril. 2.     Close both nostrils using your right thumb and index finger and hold your breath for a few seconds or for as long as comfortable. 3.     Open your right nostril, keeping your left nostril closed with your index finger, and exhale slowly and fully. 4.     Inhale through your right nostril slowly and deeply. 5.     Close both nostrils and hold your breath for as long as comfortable. 6.     Open your left nostril, keeping your right nostril closed with your thumb, and exhale slowly. 
This is one round. 7.     Practice 3-5 rounds. If holding the breath is too difficult for the children, skip stages 2 and 5. 5. Prana Breath Our breath is fundamentally connected to our bodies and our minds. Children breathe and don’t even realize that they are doing it! This exercise helps them become aware of their breath; that it is constantly moving and that no two moments are the same. ‘Prana’ means vital force. We cannot live without our breath; to live is to breathe and to breathe is to live. 6. Bellows  Breath This breath is especially good for depression. The subjective experience is one of mild elation, followed by a feeling of relaxation. During practice, the sympathetic nervous system is briefly stimulated. However, following practice, the parasympathetic system is awakened. Blood pressure and heart rate usually drop to or below the resting rate, and the autonomic nervous system comes back into balance. Source: https://www.doyou.com/5-breathing-exercises-to-improve-your-mood-and-state-of-mind-56061/

Passive smoke is the combination of smoke from a burning cigarette and smoke exhaled by a smoker. There are two types of passive smoke; side stream smoke comes directly from the burning tobacco product, and mainstream smoke is the smoke that the smoker inhales. The smoke that burns off the end of a cigarette or cigar actually contains more harmful substances than the smoke inhaled by the smoker, as there is no filter it must pass through. If you are a non-smoker but are exposed to passive smoke on a regular basis, your body will still absorb nicotine and other harmful substances. Smoke contains more than 4000 chemical compounds, of which 250 are toxic and more than 50 are known cancer-causing agents. These dangerous substances linger in the air for approximately 4 hours and breathing in these particles for only minutes can harm you. Exposure time to passive smoke and its effects: 5 MINS of exposure can stiffen the aorta as much as smoking a cigarette 20-30 minutes – causes excess blood clotting, as well as increases the buildup of fat deposits in blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. ·     2 hours – increases the chance of irregular heart beat (arrhythmia) and can trigger a fatal cardiac event or heart attack. Diseases that arise: ·     Lung cancer and lung disease, including COPD, emphysema, asthma, and chronic bronchitis. Nonsmokers who live with a smoker have a 20% to 30% increased risk for developing lung cancer. ·     Heart disease ·     Eye and nasal irritation; increased risk of sinus and respiratory infections Population greatest risk of being harmed by passive smoking: Although any person who spends time around those who smoke has an increased chance of developing a smoking-related illness, certain people are extremely susceptible to the harmful effects of passive smoke. These include: 1)Service industry workers, such as bartenders and restaurant servers. 2)Pregnant women. Passive-smoke harms not only the mother-to-be, but her unborn child as well. 3)Infants and children (and pets!). Infants and children who are regularly exposed to passive smoke have an increased chance of developing the following conditions: Preventive Measures against passive smoking:

Nuts are considered to be one of the simplest healthy food to eat as they can be easily found in nature. They contain almost all kinds of vitamins, minerals, proteins and healthy fats that are sometimes not found in one source of food alone. Walnut is a  health booster because it can provide your body’s needs even in very little doses. Walnuts are seeds that came from the trees of Juglans genus. Walnut seed has an incredible amount of nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and essential fatty acids. A consumption of walnuts promotes brain function thanks to its omega 3 fatty acids that help increase the activity of the brain. Walnuts are not just a great antioxidant and a high protein source,   it also has a delicious nutty taste that people enjoy. They are perfect to be included in a diet because they’re an awesome food supplement too. With the many health benefits, Walnut offers, it’s just fair for us to call a super food. Understand Benefits Of Walnuts in Diet 1) Healthy for heart It’s advisable for people with heart disease or those who have a high risk of having heart problems because of multiple cardiac risk factors, to eat walnuts because it contains amino acid I-arginine that offers vascular benefits to the heart. Walnuts are also anti-inflammatory and prevent pathological blood clots as it has the plant-based omega 3 far alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). 2) Cancer Prevention: Properties found in Walnuts has the capacity to control the growth of cancer cells in the body. 3) Healthy Skin: Walnuts are rich in gamma-tocopherol,  a great source of Vitamin E which is a strong lipid-soluble antioxidant. It protects the skin from harmful free radicals present in nature. In addition to this, Walnuts also contains B-complex vitamins like folate, niacin, riboflavin and Vitamin B-6. 4) Improves Sleep. If you’re having trouble sleeping, have some Walnuts before sleeping. You can have them as a snack or mix it with your salad. They are a great source of melatonin, a hormone that promotes a good sleep at night. 5) Increases Brain thinking. The neuroprotective compounds found in Walnuts such as Vitamin E, folate, melatonin, omega-3 fats, and antioxidants support brain health and increases  analytical reasoning in young adults. 6) Controls Diabetes. People with Diabetes can enjoy eating Walnuts without having worry about gaining significant weight since they contain a huge amount of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. It improves the metabolic parameters in people with type 2 diabetes. One-quarter cup of Walnuts every day can already control insulin levels in such cases.

As summer is here, the markets can be seen flourishing with seasonal fruits. The energy value per 100 g (3.5 oz) serving of the common mango is 250 kJ (60 kcal), and that of the apple mango is slightly higher (330 kJ (79 kcal) per 100 g). Fresh mango contains a variety of nutrients (right table), but only vitamin C and folate are in significant amounts of the Daily Value as 44% and 11%, respectively Health Benefits of Mango 1.  Lowers Cholesterol: Besides having zero or no cholesterol, mango has high levels of dietary fibre, pectin as well as Vitamin C. The pectin decreases the serum cholesterol levels. Also, mangoes have a compound mangi-ferrin that is responsible for increasing the good cholesterol, High Density Lipoprotein. 2. Helps in Diabetes: Studies show that the presence of fiber and mangiferin can lower the blood glucose level. Also, the mango peels have ant diabetic properties. 3. Helps in Digestion: Again the fibre factor plays a crucial role here. The high-fiber content can reduce the chance of gastrointestinal disorders. Again the presence of soluble fibers in mangoes make the metabolism of lipids more efficient. This can make bowel movements smoother. Fibre is also known to better the gastrointestinal tract environment. 4. Prevents Cancer: It has been found that mangoes are rich in antioxidants which can act as an anticancer agent. Moreover, the mango polyphenol(natural plant substances) extracts were tested in vitro on colon, breast,  lung, leukaemia and prostate cancers. It was found that mango was more effective on the most common colon and breast cancers. Although there were impacts on lung, leukaemia and prostate cancers too. 5. Strengthens the Immune System: Mango contains about 25 kinds of carotenoids, Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Also, there are many potent antioxidants in mangoes like phenolic acids and catechins. All these provide the body strength to fight against infections as well as many diseases like heart problems as well as cancer. This is how it boosts the immune system. 6. Keeps the Eyes Healthy: Vitamin A is an important factor in promoting good eyesight, preventing night blindness as well as prevents drying up eye issues. And Mangoes are rich in vitamin A, which make them ideal for promoting eye health. 7. Improves Skin and Hair: Vitamin A, which is an important nutrient content of Mangoes, is very necessary for serum production. This serum moisturises hair and keeps them smooth. Vitamin A also promotes the growth of hair and skin tissues. It is also found that Mangoes, either eaten or applied as masks, can clear skin by eliminating pimples and clearing out clogged pores. 8. Maintains Alkalinity in the Body:   Mangoes consists of malic acid and tartaric acid. These help mangoes maintain an alkaline nature in the whole body. 9. Helps in Weight Loss: It has been found that the mango peel that we end up throwing away actually contains certain phytochemicals which are responsible for busting fat. Besides that, the mango itself has many factors that aid in weight loss.   There are a few side effects of mango. Let me just give you heads up for those: Diarrhoea: We all know how it becomes difficult to stop at one mango. But overeating mangoes causes diarrhoea. Diabetes: Again due to its high sugar content, overeating mangoes may ring bells for people with diabetes. It will further increase the blood sugar level.  Allergies: Some people might be susceptible to certain allergies like watery eyes, runny nose, problems with breathing etc. Weight gain: Although we have mentioned how mangoes can be good for weight loss, excessive eating can reverse the effects and make you gain more weight. Its high sugar is the primary reason here.  

It ain’t an ordinary headache. It’s the kind that refuses to leave and sure makes a weekly visit. We are talking about the unwelcome guest–migraine, the worst of all kinds. No amount of balm, vapor or painkillers is ever enough. Your nerves will stop throbbing when they have to, no medicine helps. However, making lifestyle and dietary adjustments can help one in reducing the frequency and intensity of the pain.  We got in touch with Dr Prashant Makhija, Consultant Neurologist, at Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central to guide you on everything you need to know about migraines.  Food that triggers migraines If you’re suffering from migraines you already know that skipping meals and fasting makes it even worse. Dr Makhija explains, “Aged cheeses, salty and processed foods can trigger a migraine. Likewise, food additives such as sweetener aspartame and even the preservative monosodium glutamate (MSG), that is present in many foods also trigger it.” To your surprise, red wine and dark chocolate also do. So keep your intake in check. Environmental triggers  Yes, direct sunlight and sleep deprivation do trigger chronic headaches. But did you know that change in weather (humidity in particular,) change in altitude or barometric pressure, flickering lights, loud noise, strong smell, and stress can cause migraines? These are factors beyond your control, but play a major role in inducing pain. Foods that help to battle migraine “Foods rich in Vitamin B-2(Riboflavin) and Magnesium are particularly helpful. Eating fruits, vegetables and legumes can be beneficial. Also, eat fewer fatty foods”, suggests Dr Makhija. Here’s what you need to include in your diet to avoid frequent migraine attacks. Foods to avoid:  Dr Makhija said, “It’s hard but try to avoid chocolates. Other than that, preservatives, additives, cheese, red wine, smoking, alcohol, citrus, and processed foods are better to avoid.” How to cure migraine if one doesn’t have medicine handy You may not like the taste of ginger, but it works wonders. Dr Makhija explains, “It can help you manage nausea, vomiting, and migraine. Drink ginger tea or include ginger in the diet. Coriander seeds added to the hot water can also be used for inhalation. It relieves pain. Or one can also have coriander tea too.” And lastly, adopt a healthy lifestyle. Follow a regular schedule, eat, sleep and exercise on time. Adequate sleep for 7-8 hours will help you get rid of the headache. Avoid stress, and opt for relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation. Avoid triggers, if weather conditions are unfavourable, avoid going out. And more importantly, avoid fasting and skipping meals. Source: https://www.idiva.com/health-wellness/well-being/how-to-cure-chronic-migraines/18008565

Growing up in Indian household, we need no introduction to mustard oil aka Sarson ka tel. From making our aam ka achaar all-the-more delicious to enhancing the flavour of our mutton curry and fish fry, mustard oil has given us several memories. Remember those childhood days, when every Sunday during winters, as you watched your favourite television shows, your mother would make you sit and massage your head with oodles of oil. From boosting immunity to protecting your body from cold and cough, and to strengthening hair roots and nourishing skin, mustard oil is loaded with several beneficial properties. As we grow up, not many of us follow the same Sunday hair care routine our mothers encouraged. However, if you feel that the city life and a busy schedule, pollution and lack of appropriate care have made your lovely tresses limp and lifeless, Femina Wellness Expert would recommend using mustard oil. Need some more reasons to switch to this home remedy? Here you can read more about the benefits of mustard oil for hair. Scroll below: Even as mustard oil is used in several food items, some people get put off by its thick consistency and pungent smell. However, if you move away from these drawbacks, mustard oil is great for your lustrous locks. “These properties of mustard oil make it a very popular and in-demand ingredient in hair care. You can safely use mustard oil on your hair to deep condition your hair, fight dandruff, help in hair growth and prevent premature greying,” says Dr Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist & Dermato-Surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics. Benefits Of Mustard Oil For Hair Facing hair issues? Then mustard oil is the just the elixir that you have been waiting for. It has numerous benefits for hair and scalp health. “Mustard oil has the right balance of omega 3 acids and omega 6 fatty acids and is enriched with Vitamin E and rich in antioxidants which increased its benefits to multifold. Mustard oil is used as a sunscreen, a cure for chapped lips, a natural stimulant for the body, whitening teeth, fighting cold and flu, helping ease muscle tension, removing tan and dark spots and lightening the skin tone etc,” Dr Rinky Kapoor explains. 1. Natural Conditioner Enriched with alpha fatty acids, which helps in keeping the moisture of your hair intact, and keeps hair fresh and bouncy, mustard oil is a natural conditioner that tends your hair soft, smooth, silky and voluminous. 2. Nourishes Hair Several people, in today’s time, face the issues of hair fall and hair thinning, which usually happens when our hair follicles are under-nourished and are not damaged. However, if you massage your hair follicles regularly with mustard oil, you can gain back your hair’s strength and shine. 3. Full Of Minerals, Vitamins And Antioxidants Do you know mustard oil is a great source of iron, magnesium, calcium and vitamins like A, D, E and K, along with antioxidants? This pungent hair oil is also loaded with the goodness of zinc, beta-carotene and selenium, which encourage hair growth and helps in keeping untimely grey hair at bay.>/p> 4. Boosts Blood Circulation Several hair experts claim that the main reason behind hair fall and hair thinning is under-nourished roots. If you want your limp tresses to gain life again, try using mustard oil for hair massage. “It is a natural stimulant. When massaged onto scalp, it stimulates the circulatory system, improves blood circulation,” says Amreen Shaikh, Head dietician and nutritionist, Wockhardt Hospital Mumbai Central. The best way to implement this is by heating the oil with some cloves and massaging your hair gently using fingers. Do this twice a week for better results. 5. Promotes Hair Growth Regular hair massage using mustard oil will render your hair soft, shiny and healthy. Since it is rich in antioxidants and several other nutrients, mustard oil stimulates faster hair growth 6. Anti-Fungal Properties Mustard oil has high erucic acid content, and it also has ALA content, which helps in cleansing your scalp and eradicating bacteria and fungus that block hair follicles and lead to building upon the scalp. 7. Prevents Dandruff Since mustard oil is rich in antioxidants and anti-bacterial in nature, regular use of it can help in keeping the scalp clean and free from dandruff. Expert Tips On Mustard Oil Uses Mustard oil is completely safe to use, however you must do a light patch test at least 24 hours before you use the oil on your scalp. Some commons side effects of mustard oil are allergic reactions like rashes on the skin in the form of lesions and blisters; it can also cause eye irritation and can cause clogged pores if not washed properly. You can use mustard oil as a standalone ingredient in hair care by simply massaging it on the scalp to improve the circulation. Massage well and cover your hair with a shower cap. Wash normally after 30 minutes and use a mild shampoo and conditioner. -Do a patch test before using it -Do not use it daily -Heat it slightly for better result -Can be made into hair masks with different ingredients

A month back, if someone told us that the bustling streets of the world would be deserted, world economies would plummet, and we all would lock ourselves inside our homes for safety, we would have laughed, and laughed hard on that! As necessary as social distancing and staying home have become for us, being cooped up inside has its side effects, especially on our physical health. From jagged appetite to lower metabolism, there can be some ill effects on your body due to lack of physical activity. Here’s what experts have to say. Read on. Watch That Pose! From sofa to bed and balcony to floor, work from home has made us squat and work from corners of our home we never imagined. As comfortable as it sounds, it is not all that good for your body. Without a steady and balanced posture, occupying spaces without back or butt support long may cause spine issues. “You can walk around your home instead of continuously sitting. Stand up and stretch. You can do Zumba, yoga or aerobics, isometric exercises and skipping at home. But, avoid going overboard. People who have any comorbidities must consult their doctor before undertaking any fitness routine,” Dr Vikrant Shah, consulting physician, intensivist and infection disease specialist, Zen Multispeciality Hospital Chembur. Watch Your Metabolism! For most of us, who follow a sedentary lifestyle, it is imperative to keep the engines rolling. As lockdown and quarantine have restricted the physical movements to just our homes, make sure to keep your bodily cycles active by doing some physical exercise. Take the stairs in the house and follow a fitness routine to keep your metabolism rate stable. “Staying inside the home for a long time can reduce metabolism. It can also cause muscle loss especially if a person is used to working out,” says Amreen Shaikh, Head dietician and nutritionist, Wockhardt Hospital Mumbai Central. Also Read: 5 Healthy Snacks To Much On During The Quarantine Watch That Weight! Reduction in physical activity causes weight gain, explains Dr Shaikh. While we stay put in the house, our appetite goes for a toss. Owing to lack of movement, and all thanks to quarantine cooking wave on social media, eating has become a favourite pastime. “Staying at home may make you gain weight if you fail to exercise at home and follow a well-balanced diet. The sedentary lifestyle and low levels of physical activity can also invite other problems such as heart issues or diabetes. Also, in the current context of COVID-19, staying home is the only key to flatten the viral curve and to avoid community spread,” says Dr Shah. Also Read: Watch: Ways To Work From Home Efficiently Watch What You Watching! As the world outside has shut down, people are finding the comfort of socialising and entertainment in their phone and laptops. However, if you keep your eyes glued to the screen for long hours, chances of getting eye infection are high. Make sure you keep the brightness of your devices low and keep a dedicated off-time to help you switch off and get your eyes the much-needed rest. Why Staying Active Physically Is Important Also Read: Here’s How I Stay Motivated To Work From Home In Midst Of A Pandemic Best Ways To Keep Fit During The Lockdown