Apple Cider Vinegar: 11 Amazing Benefits

1. Aids Weight Loss

ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) is no weight loss miracle on its own, but it can definitely help you on the way. It speeds up metabolism, is low in calories, the acetic acid suppresses your appetite, and reduces water retention.
Some studies even report that ACV interferes with the starch digestion, meaning fewer calories end up in your bloodstream. And it doesn’t stop there, ACV can help your body to break down fat instead of storing it. So if your aim is to lose weight, use ACV instead of dressings or mayonnaise.
Weight loss remedy: add 2 tablespoons of ACV to 16 ounces of water and sip during the day. You could add a little bit of honey for a better taste.
 
2. Reduces the Appearance Of Cellulite

Many woman swear by the use of ACV to reduce cellulite. Add 1 part of ACV to 2 parts of any massage oil of your liking (sweet almond, jojoba, coconut oil). Gently Massage the cellulite affected areas, make circular movements. Repeat this twice a day, preferably in the morning and evening until desired result. It can take a while before any effect is visible. Find here more ways to reduce cellulite naturally.


3. Treats Diabetes

According to webMD website, the effect of ACV on blood sugar levels is one of the best researched and the most promising. Like mentioned above, ACV interferes with starch or carb digestion and slows down absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. This helps to prevent blood sugar spikes. Several studies have found that vinegar may help lower glucose levels. For example, webMD website mentions a small 2007 study with type 2 diabetes found that taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bed lowered glucose levels in the morning by 4%-6%.


4. ACV For a Healthy Heart

ACV’s acetic acid can reduce blood pressure and LDL or bad cholesterol. ACV decreases the levels of triglycerides and low density lipoproteins (LDL) in your blood and increases the levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) or good cholesterol.
If you have heart issues it may be wise to replace sodium and ingredients high in saturated fats or trans fats with ACV to add flavor to your dishes.


5. Can Kill Cancer Cells or Slow Growth

According to webMD website, some studies reported that ACV may kill cancer cells or slow their growth thanks to the high levels of the antioxidant beta-carotene (special form of vitamin A). Antioxidants protect your body against free radicals. Those are highly reactive molecules that can damage your body’s cells and tissues.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are also full of those healing antioxidants, so to enhance their effect add ACV to your salads and fruit to improve taste and health. Also read my article about the best ways to combine antioxidants in your daily nutrition.


6. Prevents premature aging

The same antioxidants that will protect your body from cancer, will help you slow down aging. But not only will they help your body get rid of free radicals, they keep the acid-base balance stable which makes you feel and look better. Find here 5 more anti aging treatments, as well as the best ultimate anti wrinkle and anti aging oil blend.


7. Treats Blemishes and Tone Your Skin

To treat blemishes, apply diluted ACV on a cotton pad and dab on the blemishes to dry them out and speed up the healing process.
If you want to tone your skin, mix ACV with water in a 1:1 ratio and apply on your face. Washing your face regularly with ACV helps to prevent skin infections and balances the pH of your skin. You can also find here a fantastic cleansing homemade face scrub for blemished skin.


8. Prevents Osteoporosis

ACV improves nutrient absorption of calcium and other minerals from the food you eat. Leafy greens are a good source of calcium, but your body isn’t able to absorb the most out of those greens. So including ACV in meals or having a mild tonic just before meals enables your body to absorb more calcium to build stronger bones and prevent osteoporosis.


9. Soothes Sore Throat

ACV has antiviral and antibacterial properties and can be used to soothe a sore throat at the moment you feel a prickle. Use a 1:1 dilution of ACV and water to gargle.
If you can’t bear the taste, try the following remedy: add 1 tablespoon ACV, the juice of half a lemon, and honey to 1 cup of warm water. Drink 3 times a day at first signs until symptoms disappear.


10. Clears Blocked Sinuses

ACV is rich in mucus-clearing potassium and the acetic acids has anti-bacterial properties. Mix one teaspoon (or up to one tablespoon) in a glass of water and drink to drain your sinuses.


11. Stops Hiccups

We all know the annoying feeling of a hiccup. Next time you’ll find yourself in this situation try ACV diluted in a bit of water. It is believed that ACV relaxes the nerves responsible for the muscle spasms that cause a hiccup. ACV also can restore the acid balance in your stomach, another cause of a hiccup.

Why Preventive Healthcare for India?

There is an English proverb that states “Stitch in Time Saves Nine”, which means it is better to take necessary precautions for safety, rather than being sorry. The same applies to the field of healthcare, where it is always advisable to take necessary measures to prevent the occurrence of a disease, rather than taking actions once the disease had already occurred. This is the reason why the focus of healthcare across the world is shifting from curative healthcare to preventive healthcare   In India, the growing population has been plagued with multiple lifestyle diseases. The complexity of the same is increased by the fact that these diseases are chronic in nature, which can only be controlled but can never be fully cured.

The seriousness of the matter is evident from the following statistics in India:  

1. Four people die of heart attack every minute
2. Two people die of diabetes every minute
3. One people die of cancer and stroke every minute
4. 35% of deaths due to heart attack, cancer or diabetes have occurred to the population with an age group of 35 to 60  

The onslaught of these diseases can only be curbed if they are detected early. A study indicates that 40% of the cancer cases can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle of the patient and by early diagnosis of the disease. Although the Indian population has been primarily surviving on a curative healthcare so far, the following factors are pushing the same towards a preventive healthcare:

1. Increasing awareness about diseases in both rural and urban areas
2. Increase in disposable income, which allows the population to take pro-active steps in their personal healthcare
3. Increase in lifestyle diseases, which can only be curbed through preventive healthcare than curative healthcare  

But we have only walked a few steps in adopting a preventive healthcare system, as the challenges that lay in our paths are multiple with varying complexity. One of these challenges is the lack of an ecosystem that will allow the individual to make some changes in their daily lifestyle, which will allow them to adopt preventive healthcare.

Coconut Water: Health Benefits

Regulates blood pressure
According to research, coconut water helps improve blood circulation, lowers high blood pressure levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues. It is also said to control your blood sugar levels.



Help lose weight
If you are on a weight loss spree, coconut water should be a must-have in your diet chart. Low in fat, drinking this beverage can help one feel full and reduce cravings.



Increases immunity
Rich in nutrients and vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, thiamin and pyridoxine, and folates, coconut water has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties that can help increase your body's immune system and fight viral infections like flu.



For pregnant womenDoctors often recommend coconut water during pregnancy as it helps fight constipation, heart burn and slow digestion.



Improves kidney functionDue to its minerals, potassium and magnesium content, coconut water is beneficial to a person suffering from any kidney disease. This water also acts as a diuretic and increases the flow and production of urine.



For your skinIf you have acne or pimple problems or want to retain its youthfulness, apply coconut water on your face and leave it overnight. Due to its repairing properties, it can even be applied to hands and nails.

Breast Cancer in India: Symptoms, Facts & Myths

India is facing a growing cancer epidemic, with a large increase in the number of women with breast cancer. By the year 2020 nearly 70 percent of the world’s cancer cases will come from developing countries, with a fifth of those cases coming from India.

Much of the sudden increase in breast cancer cases is attributed to the rise in Westernization of the country. This includes, but is not limited to, westernized diet, greater urban concentrations of women, and later child bearing. Additionally, problems with India’s health care infrastructure prevent adequate screenings and access for women, ultimately leading to lower health outcomes compared to more developed countries.[22] As of 2012, India has a shortage of trained oncologists and cancer
centres, further straining the health care system.

Symptoms of Breast cancer

The following are some of the commonest symptoms in the breast that a woman may have. More than 90% of such symptoms may be due of benign breast disease, but many of them need to be evaluated by a doctor, for treatment as well as there is a small chance that some of these symptoms could be the first sign of an underlying cancer. So, be alert!

Appearance: Any change in the appearance of breasts should be noticed. Usually in a woman, the two breasts are symmetrical.

Bumps: Any contoural change in the breast or any lump/ bump noticed needs immediate doctor's consultation. Lumps may be benign or malignant i.e cancerous.

Color and texture: Discoloration of skin over the breast or changes in texture, making it thick, may be due to infection/ inflammatory condition and very rarely due a so called 'inflammatory breast cancer'.

Discharge from the nipple: Discharge from the nipple may also occur in benign conditions, but a blood stained discharge from the nipple is not a good sign, and may be an indicator of an underlying cancer.

Excoriations: Excoriations are seen as erosion occurring in nipple and are commonly seen during lactation. If they occur in older age group, they must be brought to a doctor's attention. They can occur in a form of cancer called as 'Paget's' disease of the breast

Feeling of discomfort: Discomfort or pain in one breast that is different to what is normal for you.

Gynecomastia: This is an enlargement of male breasts. It occurs because of hormonal imbalance and is seen during puberty with second peak after 50yrs.

HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy): Women taking a HRT are at a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer, and must visit doctor regularly.

Lump: During breast self examination, regularly assess and feel for any new lump or a nodule.

Mastalgia: Mastalgia is pain in the breasts. This is more a symptom of young and adolescent women, occurs before the periods. Mastalgia does not usually occur in a cancer.

Nipple: Nipple may be a source of symptoms for some women. Like for example, a nipple discharge which is new and not milky, needs to be evaluated by a doctor.

Bleeding or moist red areas around the nipple which don't heal easily may be a sign of an underlying cancer. Watch out for the direction of the nipple. Normally, in a women's upright position with hands by the side, the nipple points downwards and outwards. Any change in the position of the nipple, like if it is being pulled 'in' or points in a different direction, must promptly be reported to a doctor.

Skin: During regular examination, the skin over the breast must be paid special attention to. In some advanced cancers, the skin over the breast becomes like the 'peel' of the fruit orange. Sometimes, if the skin is tethered to the underlying cancer, there will be 'puckering' of the skin.

Breast cancer Facts

Breast cancer is the MOST COMMON CANCER in women all over India and accounts for 25% to 31% of all cancers in women in Indian cities. (Source: PBCR 2009 - 2011 )

We are witnessing an AGE SHIFT, and the average age of developing breast cancer has shifted from 50 - 70 years to 30 - 50 years; and cancers in the young tend to be more aggressive.

Awareness and understanding of this disease is half the war won already; and will help in making correct decisions and selecting correct doctor for the treatment.

According to GLOBOCAN (WHO), for the year 2012, an estimated 70218 women died in India due to breast cancer, more than any other country in the world (second: China - 47984 deaths and third: US - 43909 deaths ). Notice the difference in numbers!

In India, many non oncology medical professionals (General Surgeons, Gynecologists etc.) tend to treat breast cancer themselves, there are a lot of incorrect decisions, unwanted investigations, and inadequate surgeries, and this directly affects the outcome and longevity of the patient.

Common Myths

I do not have any habits, do not take alcohol or tobacco. Why did I get breast cancer then?

Technically, breast cancer is NOT a 'disease'. It is a 'condition'. It can happen to anyone, even the healthiest of individuals. In breast cancer, one single cell has gone haywire and out of control of normal body mechanisms and starts multiplying without any control. There are many factors in our routine lifestyle, which can trigger formation of such naughty cells. Breast cancer crosses all boundaries, it occurs in old as well as young, in the rich as well as poor, in women of all religions. Those suffering from breast cancer should never ever feel, that they have had something wrong in them so as to have developed this. If breast cancer has to happen, it will happen; no one can stop it. But we can surely detect it early.

Wearing a tight brassiere or using heavy perfumes causes breast cancer

Breast cancer occurs only in families

Breast cancer cannot occur at young age

All lumps in the breast are cancerous

Alternate treatment can cure breast cancer

ANEMIA (रक्ताल्पता या खून की कमी)

हमारे खून में दो तरह की कोशिका होती हैं -लाल व सफ़ेद | लाल रक्त कोशिका की कमी से शरीर में खून की कमी हो जाती है जिसे रक्ताल्पता या अनीमिया कहा जाता है | लाल रक्त कोशिका के लिए लौहतत्व (iron) आवश्यक है अतः हमारे हीमोग्लोबिन में लौह तत्व की कमी के कारण भी रक्ताल्पता होती है | 

रक्ताल्पता या खून की कमी होने से शरीर में कमज़ोरी उत्पन्न होना,काम में मन नहीं लगना,भूख न लगना,चेहरे की चमक ख़त्म होना,शरीर थका-थका लगना आदि इस रोग के मुख्य लक्षण हैं | स्त्रियों में खून की कमी के कारण 'मासिक धर्म' समय से नहीं होता है | खून की कमी बच्चों में हो जाने से बच्चे शारीरिक रूप से कमज़ोर हो जाते हैं जिसके कारण उनका विकास नहीं हो पाता तथा दिमाग कमज़ोर होने के कारण याद्दाश्त पर भी असर पढता है | इस वजह से बच्चे पढाई में पिछड़ने लगते हैं | 
आइये जानते हैं रक्ताल्पता के कुछ उपचार -

१- खून की कमी को दूर करने के लिए,अनार के रस में थोड़ी सी काली मिर्च और सेंधा नमक मिलाकर पीने से लाभ होता है | 
 

२- मेथी,पालक और बथुआ आदि का प्रतिदिन सेवन करने से खून की कमी दूर हो जाती है | मेथी की सब्ज़ी खाने से भी बहुत लाभ होता है क्यूंकि मेथी में आयरन प्रचुर मात्रा में होता है |
 

३- गिलोय का रस सेवन करने से खून की कमी दूर हो जाती है | आप यह अपने निकटवर्ती पतंजलि चिकित्सालय से प्राप्त कर सकते हैं | 
 

४- रक्ताल्पता से पीड़ित रोगियों को २०० मिली गाजर के रस में १०० मिली पालक का रस मिलाकर पीने से बहुत लाभ होता है
 

५- प्रतिदिन लगभग २००-२५० ग्राम पपीते के सेवन से खून की कमी दूर होती है | यह प्रयोग लगभग बीस दिन तक लगातार करना चाहिए | 
 

६- दो टमाटर काट कर उस पर काली मिर्च और सेंधा नमक डालकर सेवन करना रक्ताल्पता में बहुत लाभकारी होता है | 
 

७- उबले हुए काले चनों के प्रतिदिन सेवन से भी बहुत लाभ होता है | 
 

८- गुड़ में भी लौह तत्व प्रचुर मात्रा में होता है अतः भोजन के बाद एक डली गुड़ अवश्य खाएं लाभ होगा |