10 facts to know about chia seeds 🙌

1.Originally from Guatemala and Mexico, Chia seeds also called Salba seeds are grown from a flowering plant. Its known widely for its medicinal benefits. These seeds are rich sources of antioxidants and polyphenols like quercetin, chlorogenic, kaempferol and caffeic acid. They are plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids, mostly alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) and nutrients rich in calcium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus that support the immune system. Because of its immense health benefits, it has been commercially grown across the globe to meet the demands.


2.Antioxidant-rich chia seeds can remove oxidative stress by destroying the free radicals in the body. Having it regularly can reduce the risk of developing heart disease, lower the risk of diabetes by improving blood sugar, reduce inflammatory diseases and lower blood pressure. Due to its high calcium content, it helps to maintain bone health, and nerve and muscle function.


3.Though it is a rich source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, but eating only chia seeds may not be enough. Other sources of Omega-3 fatty acids like flax seeds, hemp seeds, walnuts etc need to be taken to complete the body’s requirement to prevent developing chronic diseases. Research has shown that having regular Omega-3 fatty acids can maintain heart health, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of inflammation like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and eczema.


4.Chia seeds are used mainly for healthy weight management. Since the seeds are rich in fibres, they absorb plenty of water, and expand in the stomach. They give a sensation of fullness in the stomach making you eat less. Therefore, it is good for weight management and reduces bloating and belly fat. The rich fibres in the seeds are also good for gut health by providing food for the gut microbiome.


5.Medications: People who have already known cases of diabetes and hypertension and have been using medication for the lowering of blood pressure and blood sugar can use chia seeds but with precautions. Having a teaspoon of the seeds with the physician’s supervision can cause no harm. However, having in big amount can further lower the blood pressure and blood sugar leading to complications.


6.In spite of it’s great health benefits, chia seeds can sometimes cause some issues. Eating in big quantities can further complicate certain conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, in some cases, they can cause diarrhoea, constipation and bloating. Due to it’s fibre content, the seeds are difficult to digest when having in large quantities. Like other seeds, it can be allergic to some individuals. So, having 1-2 teaspoonfuls is recommended normally rather than having a big quantity to prevent complications.


7.Chia seeds are tiny seeds which break easily. Many people use them in either whole form or in powdered form. Sprinkling a teaspoon full of chia seeds in your breakfast bowl of oatmeal, smoothies, and soups are common. Soaking them overnight and using them as chia sprouts is very beneficial. Chia pudding is commonly used as well by mixing them with milk or juice. Ideally, chia seeds are soaked in liquid or sprinkled over meal so that the seeds expand before eating is useful rather than having them directly.


8.The consumption of a high-fibre diet which is a healthy requirement of the body can cause dehydration due to the pulling of water from the tissues. So, chia seeds can be added to your drinking water which can help you remain hydrated throughout the day and also along with meals, this way, the nutrient-dense of the seeds can also be received.


9.Another cosmetic benefit of chia seeds that needed to be mention is that these seeds are good for skin maintainence, reducing skin pigmentation and dark spots. Due to the presence of omega-3-fatty acids, polyphenols and other nutrients, it can prevent or lessen the UV damage to skin. They are good for hair as well and can be used as hair mask.

10.Like all other superfoods, chia seeds should be consumed daily, not more than 25-30 grams per day, or 1-2 teaspoonful daily. They are cooling agents as they retain water in the body and keep you hydrated. Ideally, they should be consumed after soaking them overnight in water to get the maximum benefits.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

10 facts to know why cold pressed oil is a healthier option 🙌

Hi everyone !

  1. Any edible oil is cold-pressed oil when it is produced by precipitation, by pressing the seeds at room temperature without using heat for extraction. Unlike refined oil, the process of extraction of cold-pressed oil and filtration is done without using any harmful chemicals and heat. It is produced by the natural method of extraction from seeds by pressing at room temperature so found to be more natural and nutrient-dense.
  2. How the cold-pressed oil is different from other oils? Refined oil extraction involves machinery with different steps of refining, by using chemicals, heat and sometimes bleaching agents so the oil has a high smoking point. Hot-pressed oil involves applying heat during extraction but no chemicals. Vegetable oils are usually hot-pressed oil. Virgin oil involves the extraction of oil from fresh fruits or seeds like virgin olive oil or virgin coconut oil. In some cases, it may differ from cold- pressed oil as the oil is extracted from the fruits or seeds from drying them earlier so the oil retains its nutrients and antioxidants.

3.From a health point of view, out of all cooking oils, cold-pressed oil and virgin oil have the maximum benefits. Both the oil extraction and filtration processes have been made to preserve the maximum nutrients, antioxidants and healthy fats. Even after extraction, these oils are rich in healthy fats like omega 3 and 6, vitamins, and minerals like zinc, magnesium and potassium. These nutrients are very essential for health as anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties and are good for the cardiovascular system.

4.The cold-pressed oil of any variety, restores the natural flavour and physical characteristics of the oil like colour, taste and smell. Apart from having immense health benefits, the oil is light and good for cooking depending on the variety of oil used as per taste buds. Extra virgin olive oil is considered the healthiest as it is extracted from the freshest olives by cold pressed method.

5.Depending on the cooking culture and taste buds, there are a wide variety of cold pressed oil types in the Supermarket like olive oil, soybean, canola, cottonseed, palm, peanut, coconut, sesame, mustard, sunflower and avocado oil. Out of them all, olive oil and coconut oil are among the healthiest varieties as a cooking medium. Extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil and walnut oil varieties have been used as dressing for salads.

6.The reason of the disadvantage of cold-pressed oil is due to its low yielding while extraction and short shelf life of 3-4 months. To increase the volume of the cold-pressed oil, the raw material has to be crushed several times. The method of extraction is usually manual or simple mechanical tool of crushings used at room temperature. Then, the oil is filtered to remove precipitates or any toxins. Due to low production, the cost is usually high.

7.Nowadays, cold-pressed oil is preferred for its environmentally friendly method of extraction. Moreover, the oil is nutrient-rich with tremendous health benefit properties of lowering the risk of heart disease by reducing bad cholesterol, anti-cancer properties and anti-ageing benefits. These oils are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids which are necessary for brain function and heart health.

8.Another important benefit of cold-pressed oil is that it can aid in the weight loss process. Since it has a high metabolic rate it can facilitate in burning of fat. It is also easier to digest due to its low cholesterol content. But, using excess oil while cooking may overshadow these benefits.

9.Some variety of cold-pressed oil has some special benefits in particular. Like groundnut oil, olive oil improves insulin sensitivity and helps in better control of blood sugar. Lignan is a powerful antioxidant found in cold-pressed sesame oil which helps in lipid peroxidation and thereby lowers blood pressure. There is strong evidence that shows that consumption of olive oil lowers the risk of cancers like breast and GI tracts cancers.

10.It is very essential to switch to a healthy type of cooking medium like cold pressed oil and use them in moderate quantities for cooking daily to lower the health risk. Nutrient-dense, high-calorie- rich oil helps make you feel fuller after eating and reduce your hunger. Together with everyday exercise and considerable hours of fasting between meals can help to maintain overall well-being.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

10 hard facts about Alopecia Areata 🙌

  1. What is Alopecia areata? About 150 million people around the globe suffer from this autoimmune disorder presently. Alopecia Areata is characterized by smaller to wider patches of hair loss in the scalp irrespective of race, gender, or age. Though the exact aetiology is unknown, it tends to be hereditary.
  2. Research believes, most of the cases appear to have a positive family history of this disorder. Families with a positive history of vitiligo, thyroiditis, lupus or other autoimmune disorders have this disorder of alopecia. The exact cause is still not known why the body’s immune system starts attacking the hair follicles causing these patches of baldness. Studies initially showed that all races are equally affected. However, recent studies show that females are more affected than males and African Americans, and Hispanics are more affected than Asians.
  3. Usually, the hair loss patches are involved in smaller areas of the scalp region. But may also include the entire scalp known as alopecia totalis. It may sometimes involve the entire body known as alopecia universalis. Sometimes, the hair loss is prominent in the bottom back of the scalp known as ophiasis alopecia areata.

4. The course of the disorder starts with the sudden loss of small patches of hair on the scalp, beard, eyebrows or any part of the body. There is sudden thinning of the hair, followed by broken hair and finally hair falls off in patches. In some cases, the hair regrows. But in most cases, the patches extend and widen affecting bigger areas. Rarely, the progression is a complete loss of hair in the body.

5.The diagnosis is usually by physical examination. However, to confirm the diagnosis, blood tests, and a biopsy of the scalp, and hair for lab analysis. The family history and medical history of autoimmune disorders are to be considered. Once diagnosed, the disorder has no cure but needs to be managed.

6.Various treatment options are available depending upon the progression and uniqueness. Oral and intravenous corticosteroids are used. Phototherapy and immunotherapy are used in more severe cases. Sometimes, platelet-rich plasma is used to replace the blood from the body to stimulate fresh hair growth. Herbal remedies should be used under expert supervision. Treatment may or may not respond depending upon the severity.

7.Whenever you have noticed such symptoms, it is important to confirm the disorder by health care provider. Though the disorder has no cure, it can be managed or in some cases reduced or controlled by various treatment options. Cosmetic techniques are available too to manage hair loss patches.

8.When you have alopecia areata, you should avoid stress as symptoms may aggravate. Sun protection is required as hair naturally protects our skin and eye guard/sunglasses should be used due to lack of eyelashes. Considerable amounts of vitamins and mineral supplements should be taken under physician supervision to minimize hair loss. A well-balanced diet is essential.

Release stress

9.All hair loss doesn’t mean that you are affected by alopecia. Emotional stress or physical stress regularly for prolonged periods leads to hair loss. Menopausal, ageing and poor diet can also lead to hair loss. In most of these cases, the hair loss is temporary.

10.When you have alopecia or hair loss, gentle hair products with no parabens, or silicons should be used. Tightly tied hair or too much hair styling should be avoided. The use of harsh chemicals, hot oil hair treatments, rollers, curlers etc should be avoided. It is also better to avoid smoking as some studies do suggest it.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

‘New Year’ wishes 🙌

First of all, I am incredibly appreciative that I get to celebrate another new year with the Supreme and all of my beautiful bloggers.

Let us hope that this new year, with its 365 fresh days, will bring us growth, positivity, action, hope, and the drive to achieve our objectives. Not to mention to make time for our loved ones and family.

Both failure and success are fleeting. The capacity to continue going forward is most important.

I’m wishing everyone a wonderful and prosperous 2024 New Year !

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

Diwali wishes to all 🙌

Today’s world is full of negativity and uncertainty where change is inevitable. Not all changes are comfortable. But faster, we accept, the sooner is the liberation and reconciliation process. Never lose the sight of hope and faith in the Supreme because it is this light which will lead us through the journey, no matter how hard it may be.

On this auspicious occasion, may the Supreme enlighten our hearts and fill our minds with happiness and positivity by strengthening the human bonds within family, friends and community.

Happy Diwali to all my dear readers with lots of love and luck. God Bless 🙌

10 truthful facts for widely consumed French fries 🍟

  1. French fries have been the most popular and widespread available fast food around the globe. Unlike its name, it was originated in Belgium. Regardless of its popularity, it has been proven time and again as one of the unhealthiest foods on the planet. Deep-fried potatoes are not only rich in starch content but also fatty due to being heavily fried in oil. They are instant sources of starch so are easily available for a quick bite. Frequent eating of this junk food is a potential risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases due to their high glycemic index.
  2. According to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, consuming french fries not only multiplies the health risk but also increases the risk of early death. Adding to that, you start gaining weight and weaken the immune system by destroying your healthy gut microbiome with unhealthy flora.

3. Nutritionally stated, potatoes are a good source of antioxidants, carotenoids, flavonoids and phenolic acid. Also, it is loaded with fibre content, vitamin B6, and minerals and is gluten-free. But, what makes fries calorie-dense is due to the deep frying technique to make them crispy. As a result, the nutritional content is damaged. Due to high calories, obesity is directly linked to consuming fries and junk food.

4. Studies show that fries are prepared with saturated fat which is metabolized at a much slower rate than protein and carbohydrate in the body. So, people are most likely to get stomach issues. The saturated fat further increases the bad cholesterol in the body which elevates the risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease and stroke.

5. To pile up the adverse effects of consuming fries regularly can weaken the immune system, and gut health making us vulnerable to diseases and inflammatory conditions including cancers. The hydrogenated fats used in fries can likely lead to foggy brain, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

6.Research studies have found that when potatoes are deep-fried, a compound named acrylamide is formed which can be directly linked to mental health issues like depression and anxiety. In today’s time, fries are consumed more by the younger generation compared to older ones, making them more vulnerable to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

7.Moreover, fries contain a high amount of salt which makes them even worse. The high salt content can lead to a high risk of hypertension, heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. In addition to that, tomato ketchup, different varieties of sauces, and mayonnaise make them even more unhealthy due to artificial flavouring agents and other processed ingredients.

8.According to some studies, are french fries can be label as ‘death food’? No not exactly because most meals in restaurants are still served with fries as a meal accompaniment. Eating them for once a while or once a month in a small portion is not harmful or the effect on health is negligible. But, having them 2-3 times a week in large quantities will most likely lead to chronic diseases like diabetes type 2, heart disease, stroke, and inflammatory conditions which may cause death risk.

Sweet potato fries

9.To make them healthier and still have the experience of having french fries, opt for a healthier version like the baked ones. A thicker version of fries can be opted to reduce the fat content, fried in olive or cannula oil. More over, having them with a healthier meal mate like salad, chicken or soup is another good idea. Sweet potato fries are healthy too.

10. Actually, not just french fries, but all deep-frying foods which are available and widespread have a high risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease and stroke. Frying damages the nutrients, antioxidants and protein naturally available in the food item. Moreover, the frying medium of oil adds to the trans fat, acrylamide which further multiply the health hazard. The best thing to do is to avoid them completely or have them rarely. Once in a while is quite okay.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

Enjoy Life Pain-Free: Improve Your Posture Now

Hello everyone ✋

Bad posture is a real issue not just to the aging population but to people of all age groups. Asymmetry in the bodily posture may not only cause body aches but also shocking symptoms like indigestion, headaches and breathing difficulties.

I am presenting you today a Guest post on this topic written by Jennifer McGregor, a pre-med student, who can help you understand the importance of postural care. You can also check her website https://publichealthlibrary.org

Dr. Juri Sharma of The 3H: Health, Happiness, Healing shares ever-evolving knowledge and research in the health field.

Do you ever find yourself slouching over your keyboard or slumping in your chair? Poor posture isn’t just unattractive, it can also lead to a variety of health issues. Improving your posture can also benefit your overall well-being. Building back muscle strength, improving sleep habits, investing in ergonomics, stretching, and visiting the chiropractor can all contribute to better posture, which can lead to a body that feels better and a more confident you. In this article from The 3H: Health, Happiness, Healing, we’ll discuss some simple ways to start improving your posture, and the many benefits of doing so.

Build Your Back Muscles

In addition to the many other benefits of exercise, strengthening your back also helps to strengthen the muscles that support good posture. Some exercises to consider include pull-ups, presses, and rows. Building a strong back can also help prevent pain and injury that can be caused by poor posture.

Staying active by working in regular walking sessions is also a good way to build up your back. Walking can contribute to the strengthening of back muscles through its low-impact, repetitive motion. When you walk, the muscles in your back are engaged to maintain proper posture and stability. Look for a walkablearea to get in your steps – these areas have high Walk Scores of 70 and above.

Improve Your Sleep Habits

The way you sleep can have a significant impact on your posture. Sleeping on your stomach can place strain on your neck and spine or cause you to twist your spine unnaturally. Switch to sleeping on your back or side, and invest in a firmer mattress to better support your spine. Additionally, as USA Today points out, adding a pillow between your legs while sleeping on your side can alleviate pressure on your lower back.

Invest in Ergonomic Furniture

Sitting for long periods in an office can cause back pain and poor posture, making it essential to invest in ergonomic furniture. Ergonomic chairs with lumbar support and adjustable standing desks are two practical options that can help alleviate these problems. By making these investments, you can enhance your overall comfort and well-being throughout the workday.

Stretch and Practice Yoga

Adding stretching and yoga to your daily routine can benefit both your physical and mental well-being. Regular stretching helps to alleviate muscle tension and improve flexibility while practicing yoga enhances mind-body awareness and can improve posture. By incorporating these practices into your day, you can experience greater overall health and wellness.

Mind Your Sitting Posture

Although sitting may seem like a relaxing idea, Medical News Today points out that it can affect your overall posture. Sit with your feet flat on the floor or propped up, with your back straight and your shoulders relaxed. If you notice yourself slouching, remind yourself to maintain good posture by pushing your head and upper back into the backrest of the chair. 

Finally, keep in mind that good posture isn’t just about looking good, it’s about feeling good, too. Poor posture can make you appear shorter and less confident, whereas good posture exudes self-assurance, as evidenced by celebrities and their successful careers (learn more here). So, stand tall and perform your daily tasks intentionally, with your shoulders back and head held high.

Stay Motivated with Visual Cues

Consider making motivational wall art and posting it by your workstation as a reminder to maintain your posture. Motivational posters remind you of your goals, aspirations, and the importance of perseverance. They also have the potential to foster a more positive mindset and contribute to increased productivity and well-being. You can use images to enhance the message, so get started with a free online poster maker that will personalize wall art.

Improving your posture can do more than just make you look better. It can lead to less pain and injury, better sleep, and a boost in overall confidence. Incorporate these tips into your daily routine to achieve a healthier, happier you. Don’t forget to visit your chiropractor regularly, and keep your medical documents organized by converting them into PDFs. You’ll soon see the benefits of good posture in all aspects of your life. So, start today and get ready to stand tall and feel great.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

10 facts about Sixth Sense : Is it real ?

  1. In a normal individual, perception occurs through the five physical senses. Extrasensory perception (ESP) or sixth sense is a perception of the mind, perceived an event, circumstances, or prediction, through telepathy, clairvoyance or precognition. This is independent of the normal five sensory senses so it is regarded a paranormal ability. Through the centuries, from primeval times, many people, including sages, yogis and spiritual practitioners are believed to have mystical powers who have strong sixth sense.
  2. But then, is this real science? As far as science is concerned, there is no evidence of such extra senses in human. Many research projects in the past have been carried out to study if some people actually possess such extra sensory power. Some psychologists and philosophise are still undergoing studies to know more about this concept of extrasensory phenomena.

3. Several researches and authors like Rosalind Heywood, H. Osmond and many more have written several books on this subject with their own understanding of the perception. It is very hard to find scientific validity and physical explanation of such phenomena of extra sensory perception such as telepathy or clairvoyance or even precognition.

4. Sometimes intuition and extra sensory perceptions (ESP) or sixth sense are referred the same meaning. It is the psychological ability to sense something independently of sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste. Maybe, it is the ability of the individual based on deep understanding of the situation, the knowledge stored in the subconscious mind and the past experience.

5. Contrastive of today’s world, the primitive men were more instinctive and tuned with nature. Their level of awareness were as par with other living creatures and animals. It is this intuitive power which is slowly fading away from us. Because, our minds are caught up in this materialistic complexity.

Keeping science aside, most of us, do at sometime or someplace, get an inner sense of knowing of some event or information even before the actual occurrence. This is perhaps the kind of intuitive feeling that we still possess.

6. Different types of ESP experiences have been studied like telepathy, precognition, clairvoyance, psychokinesis, out of the body experiences and hauntings. Parapsychologists have been studying these psychic abilities through different experimental research.


7. The exact definition of each of the term may differ according to the understanding and apprehensions of individual.

Telepathy is sending information through one’s mind to another person.

Clairvoyance is an awareness without the physical presence of what’s going on somewhere.

Precognition is like predicting or foreseeing of a future information.

Out of body experience is traveling of the mind to a greater distance without actual movement of the physical self.

8. Though the presence of sixth sense in human has no scientific validation but other living beings like animals, fishes, birds, creatures like sharks, whales, or tiny ants do have sixth sense. Some animals like elephants or even dogs do get a sense in advance before a natural calamity.


9.Perhaps, unlike our ancestors , today human civilisation is more about technological advancement, modernization, stressful lifestyle, that we have moved very far from nature or simple natural occurrences. We hardly have time to observe in nature or the environment around us. Therefore, extrasensory perceptions or inner intuitive power are all vanishing from us slowly.

10. Sixth sense is a real ability or not, is yet to be proved in the scientific world. But as an individual, we all have been gifted with some natural abilities. It’s upto us to be more aware as individual and restore the very essence of being a human being. It’s time for us to let go once a while from this routine hustle bustle and be more calm, meditative to understand our inner self.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

10 facts about Orexin 🧠

Hi everyone ✋

1.The lateral hypothalamus and prefrontal cortex produce a hormone called Orexin, also known as hypocretin. It is produced in two forms like Orexin A and Orexin B. It has various functions related to Central Nervous System. It helps in regulating important functions like sleep-wake cycle, arousal state, energy homeostasis, feeding behaviour, emotions, mood and cognition.


2.Sleep: Orexin is usually released in the daytime and keeps us awake. It stimulates those neurons which in turn help in the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and nor- epinephrine. In case of individuals with orexin deficiency, are usually diagnosed with narcolepsy, insomnia, sleep imbalance, daytime sleepiness and cataplexy.


3.Stress regulator: Orexin is highly responsive to environmental stimuli and our mood. When in stress situations ,the orexin neurons stimulate the body’s response to increase heart rate, blood pressure and disturb the resting state.


4.Obesity: It is a result of the influence of orexin-producing neurons on energy metabolism.Orexin deficiency in the body can lead to slowing down energy metabolism, physical inactivity, and excessive weight gain, even if the calorie intake is low.

5.Mood: Orexin has an influence on mood through its impact on the hippocampus. Abnormal orexin activity has been related to mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, anxiety and addiction. Deficits in orexin influence can result in hippocampus problems such as learning disability and memory deficits, as it also promotes the development of neurons in the hippocampus.


6.Narcolepsy: Orexin helps us stay awake during the day. So, people with orexin deficiency suffer from narcolepsy. They have daytime sleepiness and sleep paralysis. Mostly, these type of individuals can also suffer from cataplexy. The person is unable to move for a short time even if he is awake or about to fall asleep. It is usually occurs in a conscious state of mind and triggered by strong emotions like being angry, or laughing.

7.Alzheimer’s Disease: Several studies show that orexin has direct connection with sleep, cognition and as a stress regular. So it does play a significant impact on Alzheimer’s disease pathology. An increase level of orexin has been found in cerebrospinal fluid of people with Alzheimer’s. So, they usually have circadian cycle disorders, daytime sleepiness and cognition problems. However, researches are still going on for further prospectives of using orexin antagonist receptors as a potential treatment alternative.

8.Heart: Lack of sleep and insomnia have a direct impact on cardiovascular health and hypertension. Studies show that increased levels of orexin stimulation can elevate blood pressure and heart rate. Both orexin A and B receptors have a direct role in the regulation of sympathetic nervous system. Therefore orexin antagonist receptors might be a therapeutic option for hypertension.

9.Orexin levels: High levels of orexin may lead to sleep disorders, stress prone and eating disorders. But lack of orexin or loss of orexin in brain injury may lead to narcolepsy or other sleep disorders. The normal level of orexin found in cerebrospinal fluid in a healthy individual is around 250 – 500 pg/ml.

10.Food: Optimal level of orexin can be provided in a healthy individual by regular intake of fermented food like pickles or sauerkraut. Having excessive sugar or carbohydrate rich food can inhibit orexing production.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

Wordless Wednesday 🍃