Hydrate With Watermelons

We’re just a few more weeks away till the weather gets cooler.  But now that it’s still hot outside, having watermelon actually helps the body -

- it’s 92% water, so eating it will help you stay hydrated

- watermelon with seeds is sweeter than without seeds

- having watermelon left at room temperature contains more antioxidants than if it were to be stored in the fridge

- it’s loaded with Vitamin B-6 – which our bodies use to manufacture the mood balancing brain chemical, serotonin and dopamine.

 www.seemasahani.com

Tip Of The Day

According to Ayurveda, drinking water at the end of a meal is wrong.

It destroys the jathar agni (the fire that is present in the stomach and that which facilitates digestion).

When drinking water after a meal, it rots the food inside the system and doesn’t digest.

 www.seemasahani.com

Did You Know

Drinking water at the correct time maximizes its effectiveness on the human body:

1 glass of water after waking up – helps activate internal organs

1 glass of water 30 minutes before a meal – helps digestion

1 glass of water before taking bath – helps lower blood pressure

1 glass of water before going to bed – avoids stroke or heart attack

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Rose Petal Lemonade

It’s summer time!

Is your pitta out of balance?

Are you feeling more hot than usual because of the heat?

Here’s a great Maharishi Ayurvedic Rose Petal Lemonade recipe that’s guaranteed to keep you cool and calm.

Ingredients -

- juice of 8 lemons

- 5 cups of cold water

- 1/2 cup of organic rose petal spread

* Juice all lemons and mix with water.  Melt down the rose petal spread in a saucepan until syrupy.  Mix with lemonade and serve.

Note – rose has a cooling effect on the mind, body and emotions – it’s great during the heat.

www.seemasahani.com

Quinoa Paneer Burgers

Here’s a great Maharishi Ayurveda recipe to try for the summer!

• 1/2 cup quinoa


• 1 cup water


• 1 tablespoon ghee


• 1 teaspoon of Maharishi vata churna


• 1 grated carrot


• 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced


• 6 oz grated paneer


• 1/3 cup minced fresh parsley


• 3 tablespoons Almond Butter


• 2 tablespoons flour


• salt


• pepper

1. Wash quinoa thoroughly, add water and bring to a boil. Simmer on low for 20 minutes then cool.


2. Heat the ghee in a skillet. Add Vata Churna, carrot and celery and sauté over low heat until tender.


3. Mix the sautéed vegetables, quinoa, parsley, almond butter and flour. Season with salt and pepper.


4. Shape the mixture into burgers and fry them in ghee on both sides until they are brown.

Quinoa Paneer Burgers

Why Are Apples So Healthy?

We all know that old saying: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.“ But have you ever wondered why that is? How one apple a day can bring about significant health benefits? If you have, then you’ll be glad to read this article. From strengthening the immune system, through preventing cancerous growths and to losing weight, say hello to your one apple a day!   How do apples do what they do? An important research published in 2008 by the German cancer research center, showed that apples offer a significant health advantage. When comparing between a group that had less than one apple per day and a group that had one or more apples a day, the latter was found to have less risk of mouth cancer, larynx cancer, breast cancer, intestinal cancer, kidney cancer and ovarian cancer. These findings support a new research performed at Cornell university, showing that the peel of the apple has strong anti-oxidant properties, a powerful block against the influences of breast cancer cells. Researchers found that the higher the concentraion of apples, the lower the concentration of cancerous cells. Cancerous growths are uncontrollable growths of cells independently spreading through the body. The growths are based on three principal levels: The first stage causes mutations in cell DNA. The second, when the growth becomes malignant and grows faster, and finally when it metastases and spreads throughout the body. In the case of a cancerous growth, apples aren’t only used as anti-oxidants, but also improve the function of the immune system, which helps clean out the growths at the early stages. In addition to boosting the immune system and fighting cancerous growths, apples also help control the levels of cholesterol and sugars in the blood, prevent heart disease and improve mouth hygiene. The fact that they contain more than 80% water and a long line of essential vitamins, makes them one of the healthiest foods available. The secret is in the nutritional fibers Apples are considered a vital source of nutritional fibers. Eating one apple a day (with peel) can award us about 4.4 grams of nutritional fibers, which is 1/5 of our entire day’s recommended amount. Nutritional fibers are materials found in foods that come from plants, and have a very important role in stimulating the digestive system and encouraging its function. Since they are not digested and taken apart in the body, they sate our hunger for a longer period of time. Extensive research has shown that those that do not get their daily recommended amount (at least 25 grams a day), deny themselves a host of health benefits. In addition, the researchers found that consuming these fibers is quite the effective method of losing weight. The secret is in the chewing. Drinking apple juice will not bring about the same health benefits. We’d be happy to receive the essential sugars and vitamins, but we would not get the fibers. A research conducted in China found that chewing can help the body regulate the amount of calories it absorbs from food. What does this have to do with apples? Everything. Apples are a terrific source of nutritional fibers, especially a group of fibers called Pectin. This is a group of complex carbohydrates that regulate our bowels, improve good cholesterol rates and is a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial. Researchers from UCLA have shown that consuming pectin instead of regular fibers, doubles the time it takes the stomach to empty from one hour to two. Meaning that we don’t feel hungry for a longer time. In fact, a recent research paper entitled: “Weight Loss Associated with a Daily Intake of Three Apples or Three Pears among Overweight Women”, shows that women suffering from overweight and were instructed to eat an apple or pear before each meal, lost significant weight, just for doing so. The women in the experiment were asked to eat regularly and just add the apple before the meal. What happened was that the apples and fibers crowded the stomach, increased the feeling of being full, and made the body absorb less calories. Other sources of nutritional fibers are: Pears, Peaches, peas, carrots, seeds, nuts, peel of fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, oats and whole wheat. But apples offer many more advantages. So if you want to: Lose weight, eat one apple a day. Strengthen your immune system, eat one apple a day. Control the level of cholesterol, eat one apple a day. Prevent the spread of cancerous cells, eat one apple a day. And if you want to keep the doctor away - EAT ONE APPLE A DAY!

5 Golden Health Tips

I was reading an article the other day talking about the 5 golden health tips -

1 - If you have 1 apple a day - you won't be visiting the doctor.

2 - If you have 1 tulsi leaf a day - you'll have no cancer.

3 - If you have 1 lemon a day - you won't have much fat content.

4 - If you have 1 cup of milk a day - you'll have no bone problem.

5 - If you have 3 liters of water a day - you'll have no diseases.

Lets do it!

Water On An Empty Stomach

It's a new week!
For those who haven't tried it yet, do it.
Drinking water on an empty stomach is very important for the body.

Problems such as - headache, body ache, excess fat, bronchitis, kidney problems, urine problems, diarrhea, diabetes, menstrual disorders, asthma, throat infections - all these and more can fixed with just some water on an empty stomach.

Sweet & Spicy Balancing Smoothie

Here's a great Maharishi Ayurvedic recipe for balancing your doshas.

• 1/2 cup of spicy sprouts
• 1 tbsp ginger root
• 1 cup turnip greens 
• 2 lacinato kale leaves
• 1 pear
• 1 apple
• juice from 1/2 a lemon
• 2 pinches of cayenne (optional)
• 1 tsp, raw unheated honey (optional for extra sweetness)
• 1 1/2 - 4 cups filtered water

Place all ingredients into a blender, blend until smooth and enjoy! 

# 1 Valentine's Day Recommendation

Happy Valentine's Day!
Wishing you all a great day with love and happiness.

The main recommendation to help you feel good after the over load of chocolates and dinner -
An hour and a half before bed time, drink 4-5 glasses of hot water AND do the same the next morning as soon as you wake up - this will help with opening and clearing the channels after eating lots of chocolates and a heavy dinner.

P.S. - hope you all are favoring the dark chocolates today! (http://ayurvedanyc.blogspot.com/2013/12/dark-chocolate-lovers.html)

Ginger - The Natural Pain Killer

I recently had someone reach out to me asking what he can do naturally to relive some joint and muscular pain.

Here's what I recommended -

Believe it or not - ginger reduces joint pain and inflammation.  The antioxidants in ginger reduces the production of pro-inflammatory compounds in the joints.

It can be used in different ways - 

- add a good amount of ginger in your meals

- chop 2 inches of fresh ginger - add a quart of water and let boil - add a pinch of sugar if needed and drink 2-3 cups daily

- finely grate ginger and mix about a tablespoon into a small cup of sesame oil (since it's Vata season).  Massage in clockwise motion to the affected area.  Best to do before shower and before bedtime - rinse off lightly if massaging before bed 

- take ginger tablets daily 

- make fresh ginger tea - boil a cup of water and grate some fresh ginger in the water as it boils

A Healthy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is tomorrow.
Here are some tips to follow that will make you feel good -

• have some breakfast before the thanksgiving feast begins - by having breakfast, you'll having some control during the thanksgiving feast
• have fruits instead of pies and ice cream
• drink water instead of sodas and alcohol
• use spices and herbs instead of salt and sugar
• favor milk over heavy cream
• whole wheat flour is better than white flour 
• make sure half of your plate has some vegetables 
• go for a nice walk 2 hours before eating if possible - this will help boost your metabolism and digestion before the big feast
• organic turkey is best
• watch your portions
• drink a few glasses of room temperature water 2 hours before the feast 

What Your Urine Says About Your Health

You would be surprised by how much information can be gleaned from the urine that you produce each day (one to two quarts, on average). For example, the simple “dipstick” urine test that doctors often use to check for a urinary tract infection also can help them diagnose kidney disease, diabetes, cancer and other conditions. But there is more.

What you may not realize: If you know what to look for, you can tell a lot about your health just by being aware of the physical characteristics of your urine—such as color, smell and frequency. What to watch out for…

COLOR

When you’re healthy and drinking enough water, your urine should be mainly clear or straw-colored with just a hint of yellow. The yellow color comes from urochrome, a pigment produced by the breakdown of a protein in red blood cells.

Urine is naturally darker in the morning because you don’t drink water while you sleep. If a color change persists, however, it could be a problem. For example…

Brown or dark brown. Pay attention if your urine is dark for more than a week.

What this usually means: Liver disease. The liver normally breaks down and excretesbilirubin, a pigment that’s produced by the turnover of red blood cells. Patients with liver disease accumulate bilirubin. This initially will cause jaundice, a yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes. As more bilirubin accumulates, it can cause the urine to become brown. A combination of dark-colored urine and jaundice means that liver disease might be getting worse. See your doctor right away.

Dark-colored urine also can be a side effect of some antibiotics, laxatives and muscle relaxants. Eating large amounts of fava beans, rhubarb or aloe can cause brown urine as well. In some cases, dark-colored urine can signal kidney failure.

Red or pink. Urine that’s tinged with red or pink could simply mean that you have been eating beets. (The medical term for beet-induced urine changes is beeturia). Or it could mean that you’re urinating blood.

The amount of blood will affect the color. If the urine resembles cabernet wine, you’re bleeding a lot…urine that’s pinkish or just slightly red contains only traces of blood. A microscopic amount of blood won’t be visible—it can be detected only with a laboratory test.

What this usually means: Blood in the urine is always a problem. Make an appointment to see your doctor. If you see blood and it also hurts when you urinate, you could have an infection—in the urethra, bladder or kidney or even a malignancy in the bladder, for example. Bleeding without pain also can indicate these conditions.

Green. Though rare, a person’s urine can turn a greenish color.

What this usually means: Green urine can appear when you’ve consumed a chemical dye—from food coloring, for example, or from taking medications such as amitriptyline(Elavil), an antidepressant, or indomethacin (Indocin), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. In some cases, urine with a greenish tint can signal a urinary tract infection with certain bacteria (such as pseudomonas) that affect the color.

If your urine is greenish, increase fluid intake to see if it clears. If it doesn’t in two days, see your doctor or a urologist.

ODOR

If you’re healthy, your urine should be highly diluted, consisting of about 95% water, with only small amounts of dissolved chemical compounds and metabolic by-products. It typically has no—or only a faint—odor.

Of course everyone is familiar with the effect that asparagus and some other foods, such as onions or fish, have on the smell of one’s urine. This strong “rotten” smell is due to the chemical compounds in certain foods, particularly molecules that are not completely broken down by the body. The smell usually disappears within a day or so.

Some other less common urine smells include…

Ammonia-like. If your urine is concentrated, with a larger-than-normal amount of urea (a chemical compound in urine), you might smell an aroma that resembles ammonia. Or you might just notice that it has a stronger smell than usual.

What this usually means: Dehydration. The less water you drink, the higher the concentration of urea and other substances—and the stronger the smell. You can diagnose this yourself by drinking, say, one extra glass of water an hour for several hours to add water to your urine. The strong urine smell will probably disappear within a few hours. If it does not, see your doctor.

Foul-smelling. If your urine smells foul or unusual in any way for more than a few days, pay attention to the odor.

What this usually means: If it’s not caused by a food that you’ve eaten, it could signal an infection in the bladder or kidneys. Less often, it’s due to a metabolic disorder that reduces the body’s ability to fully break down foods during digestion.

Uncontrolled diabetes can cause an abnormally sweet odor, and penicillin can cause a distinctive medicinal odor.

Even if you have no other symptoms, such as pain while urinating, but your urine continues to have an unusually strong smell for more than a couple of days, talk to your doctor.

FOAMY OR BUBBLY

It’s natural to see foam in the toilet when you really have to go and have a heavy stream. But urine that’s consistently foamy or bubbly could mean that you’re losing protein.

What this usually means: Kidney disease. Large amounts of protein in the urine is one of the main signs of chronic kidney disease. See your doctor right away.

MUCUS OR CLOUDY

Mucus in urine could indicate inflammation in the urinary tract.

What this usually means: Urinary tract infection. See your doctor.

Cloudy urine also can be related to infection but often is just an indication that your urine is alkaline, which is harmless at low levels.

VOLUME AND FREQUENCY

The average adult typically urinates four to eight times in 24 hours. A change in the frequency of your urinary habits, including getting up more than twice a night to urinate, or an increase or decrease in the amount that you urinate, warrants attention.

What this usually means: An increase in the frequency of urination, along with an increase in volume, is one of the telltale signs of diabetes.

If the amount of urine seems the same but you’re urinating more often, you could have a urinary tract infection. If this is the case, you’ll probably have very strong urges to urinate even when just a small amount comes out.

Frequency of urination and/or urinary urgency in the absence of a urinary tract infection can indicate an overactive bladder.

In men, enlargement of the prostate gland can trigger urinary urgency. Patients with neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, can also have this symptom.

Don’t worry if there’s been a decrease in the amount or frequency of urination. You probably just need to drink more water. If this doesn’t help, see your doctor.

Source: Jonathan M. Vapnek, MD, a urologist and clinical associate professor of urology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. A member of the American Urological Association, he’s been named by New York Magazine as one of New York City’s best urologists. Dr. Vapnek has authored or coauthored more than 35 papers on urological topics.

Healing Qualities of Water

When water is properly absorbed by the body, the healing qualities are very positive- 

• enhances glow of skin
• increases stamina
• helps with digestion
• prevents constipation
• releases fatigue
• cooling
• antioxidant
• easy to assimilate
• life giving
• provides satisfaction to all organs
• always helping to fulfill the body

Healing Water for Doshas

Water represents soma, the nourishing, cooling quality that is associated with the lunar energy.  Water helps with digestion, cools and balances the pitta dosha, supports kapha and counteracts the dryness of vata.

The council of Maharishi Ayurveda Physicians explains how the healing effects of water can be enhanced using Ayurvedic methods.

Vata Balancing Water -

• boil 2 quarts of water for 5 minutes
• take it off the heat and add 3 mint leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon of fennel seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon of marshmallow root
• place the water in a thermos
• sip it throughout the day at a warm but not hot temperature

Pitta Balancing Water - 

• boil 2 quarts of water for 2 minutes
• take it off the heat and add 1/4 teaspoon of fennel seed
• 2 rose buds
• 1 clove
• store it hot inside a thermos
• before drinking pour it into a cup and let it cool to room temperature in summer
• in winter, it can be slightly warmer

Kapha Balancing Water - 

• boil 2 quarts of water for 5 minutes
• take it off the heat and add 3 holy basil leaves
• 2 thin slices of fresh ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon of cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon of fennel
• place the water and spices in a thermos
• sip the water at a hot or warm temperature throughout the day 

Drinking Water Can Help Shed Pounds

Since the last couple of blogs have been about water, I found this great read for you all. 

A pint before the meal keeps the portions down. 
In what could fairly be called a watershed moment, scientists have confirmed that drinking water before a meal helps shed the pounds. 

Yup, it's that simple. And you don't even have to buy the book. In clinical trials, US researchers found that drinking a pint of water before a meal leads to weight loss. 

Dr Brenda Davy, an associate professor in human nutrition, who led the study said: "We found in earlier studies that middle aged and older people who drank two cups of water right before eating a meal ate between 75 and 90 fewer calories during that meal. 

"In this recent study, we found that over the course of 12 weeks, dieters who drank water before meals, three times per day, lost about 5 pounds more than dieters who did not increase their water intake." 

"People should drink more water and less sugary, high-calorie drinks. It's a simple way to facilitate weight management," Dr. Davy added. 
While drinking water to lose weight is very much common sense, Dr. Davy said that there has been little scientific information on this topic. 

Previous studies have suggested that drinking water before meals reduces calorie intake, but according to Dr. Davy this is the first randomised controlled clinica trial to show that increasing the amount of water that you drink water is an effective way to lose weight. 

The study tracked the weight of 48 adults aged 55 to 75, who were separated into two groups. The first group drank two cups of water before meals and the second group did not. All of the subjects ate a low-calorie diet during the study. 

Over the course of 12 weeks, the water drinkers lost around 15.5 pounds, while the non-water drinkers lost around 11 pounds.Dr. Davy said water may be so effective simply because it fills up the stomach and has no calories, so that people feel full quicker and eat less during meals. 

She also added that replacing diet colas and other artificially sweetened drinks with water also helps to cut calories, and aids weight loss.

Water

We wouldn't be able to live or exist on this planet without water.  Something so simple and essential like water … it is the miracle, natural drug.  

Here is a list of diseases that can be cured by just drinking 6 glasses of water (1.5 liters) everyday:

• blood pressure/hypertension
• anemia
• rheumatism
• general paralysis
• obesity
• arthritis
• sinusitis
• giddiness
• cough
• leukemia
• asthma
• bronchitis
• pulmonary tuberculosis
• meningitis
• kidney stones
• hyper acidity
• dysentery
• gastroenteritis
• constipation
• diabetes
• eye diseases
• redness of the eye
• headaches
• laryngitis
• headaches 

General Principles Regarding Diet

• Eat in a settled and quiet atmosphere 

• Do not work, read or watch television during meals

• Always sit to eat

• Eat at roughly the same time each day 

• Do not eat too quickly or too slowly

• Eat to about 3/4 of your capacity

• Do not leave the table very hungry or very full

• Avoid taking a meal until the previous meal has been digested

• Allow approximately 3 to 6 hours between meals

• Water or juice are fine to sip during meals

• Milk should not be taken with meals having mixed tastes (for example - with vegetables, meats etc.).  Milk can be taken with toast, cereals, or sweet tasting foods, or separated from a meal by at least 20 minutes. 

• Diet should be balanced and including all 6 tastes - sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, astringent - specific recommendations are given according to your constitution and needs

• Yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese and cultured buttermilk should be avoided at night

• Best not to heat or cook with honey

• Avoid ice cold beverages or food as they interfere with digestion 

• Take a few minutes to sit quietly after eating before returning to your activity 

Feedback!

Greetings.

Someone had reached out to me recently asking for a recommendation as to how she can help with the reddish, small acne type bumps on her face.

The best cure - turmeric.

I told her to make a paste out of turmeric -
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- Mixed with water
- Mix till there is a good consistency
- Apply on affected area
- Best to do morning and night

After a few weeks, we got in touch and she said there's a big difference and the affected area is so much better!

Here is some general information about turmeric -

• can be used internally and externally
• dry and light in quality
• taste is pungent, bitter and astringent
• golden in color which gives a golden like complexion
• the oil from the turmeric contains a lot of vitamin A, proteins, carbohydrates
• decreases cholesterol level
• often used as cream component for skin
• reduces pain and swelling
• good for dry eczema and wounds
• fumes of turmeric is used for breathing problems - hiccups
• stimulates process of digestion
• facilitates downward movement of vata
• purifies the blood
• helps to stop bleeding
• reduces urinary frequency
• helps reduce fever
• good to have if diabetic
• has a purifying effect on lactating mothers
• good for anemia 
• recent studies shows it to have anti cancer properties 

Dinacharya - Daily Routine

If we adhere to the rules of a healthy lifestyle, our doshas will establish a sense of  balance and we will maintain perfect health and happiness.  In Ayurveda, Dinacharya or daily routine is important because it brings the body, mind and consciousness in a state of balance and regulates all functions of the body.

I’m sure we all have a tendency to fall off the track when we’re not supposed to, but I personally feel that is all right to do.  And speaking as an Ayurvedic practitioner, falling off the map or taking the wrong turn or learning from mistakes and even the findings of your own self through sometimes the wrong will help you in gaining the knowledge you need to learn and grow from.

Those that have a typical 9-5 job might be able to adapt to this type of lifestyle because it’s the basic up in the morning, get ready, grab a coffee and you’re out the door.  Those that have a more easy and subdued lifestyle may find it harder as you’re more casual and laid back when performing your activities.  Whatever lifestyle you live by, following certain remedies will benefit you by maintaining that balance in your mind and body. 

Below is a daily routine that we all must try.  I recommend you all to give this a shot and see how aligned your body and mind will become and the sense of balance you will feel. 

Ayurvedic Daily Routine - 

Morning:

• arise early in the morning
• evacuate bowels and bladder
• brush teeth
• scrape tongue
• self body massage with oil to head, body and soles of feet for about 10 minutes
• shave and cut nails
• gargle with sesame oil
• bathe or shower
• drink 2-3, 12-14 oz glasses of room temperature or warm water on an empty stomach
• Transcendental Meditation or any other meditation technique you practice 
• exercise according to individual recommendations
• wear clean and comfortable clothing suitable to season and activity
• light breakfast (optional), depending upon your dosha 
• work or study

Afternoon:

• lunch: a balanced diet according to your dosha 
• brief rest after lunch
• work or study
• Transcendental Meditation or any other meditation technique you practice

Evening:

• dinner: (optional), a balanced diet according to your dosha 
• pleasant, relaxing activity, (for example - an evening walk) or according to your dosha some exercise
• self body massage with oil to head, body and soles of feet for about 10 minutes
• bed time