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The health benefits of psyllium husk are many and dietary psyllium supplementation has not only been a common home remedy but is often touted by doctors wanting to offer simple, non-prescription solutions to their patients. Psyllium husk is a natural way to add dietary fiber to your diet in to order to manage blood pressure, or other common chronic diet and lifestyle-related issues. What is Psyllium Husk? Psyllium is a highly valuable fiber derived from the seeds of Plantago ovata. This remarkable herb which grows in India contains 70% soluble and 30% insoluble fibers which are incredibly helpful to the human digestive system The soluble fiber provides bulk to our digestive system, creating a sense of fullness and slowing digestion. The insoluble fiber provides a type of bulk which contributes to regularity and provides natural laxative effects. Psyllium husk is the main active ingredient in Metamucil, a fiber supplement often used to reduce constipation. As a result of these benefits, it is highly effective as a dietary supplement and is usually found in the form of husk, granules, capsules or powder. It can also be obtained through fortified breakfast cereals and baked goods that have psyllium as an ingredient. Because of its excellent water solubility, psyllium can absorb water and become a thick, viscous compound that resists digestion in the small intestine. That feeling of fullness it creates can assist in weight loss regimes as it delays feelings of hunger. In addition to aiding in weight management, it can relieve diarrhea and constipation. Psyllium husk is a highly valuable nutritional ingredient which promotes healthy digestion and bowel regularity. More Benefits of Psyllium Husk Todays busy lifestyle and reliance on packaged convenience foods have also seen a rise in an inadequate consumption of fiber. Psyllium husk's natural resistance to digestion allows it to help regulate high cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels. A healthy bowel is a defense against irritable bowel syndrome, heart disease, and bile acid diarrhea - three common, chronic diet-related issues which are all too common nowadays. Moreover, unlike some other potent sources of fiber, psyllium is well tolerated with no side effects. Psyllium husk is an affordable, accessible addition to your diet that serves to maintain regularity, as well as manage weight gain, heart disease, and high cholesterol - common issues related to our diet. There are so many health benefits of psyllium husk!

You’ve likely heard the term “superfood” tossed around quite a bit and have probably heard about all of the benefits offered by these nutrient-rich dietary additions. But what are superfoods? Superfoods do more than just help you meet your daily nutrient requirements or aid in weight loss. In fact, with their medicinal properties, these foods can help you achieve better overall health, prevent chronic disease, and improve the way you feel day in and day out — and they are some of the top anti-aging foods too. When combined with regular exercise and a balanced diet, adding a few of these top superfoods into your day can benefit many different aspects of your health. Superfoods in Ayurveda Although the concept of “superfoods” can be traced back to the start of the 20th century, it has experienced a rise in popularity in more recent years as it became a buzzword for better health. In recent years, several sources have tried to set a more specific definition for superfoods. Superfoods in Ayurveda mean nutrient-rich foods that are especially beneficial for health and overall well-being. Meanwhile, people also consider foods that are rich in compounds like antioxidants, fiber, or fatty acids as Superfoods as they give boost to a person’s health. However, with no real definition and people increasingly referring to the best superfoods or green superfoods, it has caused quite a bit of confusion for consumers. Often the food industry has used “Best superfoods” to market meal plans for extreme weight loss and detox diets that may not in fact be very healthy. Power of Superfoods Today, more and more studies continue to emerge, evaluating the powerful effects that food can have on health and confirming the extensive benefits that superfoods have to offer. Thousands of years ago the Ayurveda described the health benefits of certain foods which we know as Ayurvedic Superfoods. We all know that eating healthy can have a major impact on the way you feel. Load up on the fast food and processed junk and you’ll probably start to feel sluggish, tired and weighed down. Cram tons of nutrient-dense fruits and veggies into your diet and you’ll likely find yourself full of energy and feeling good. Superfoods take it to the next level, helping optimize your body’s ability to function by supplying a megadose of nutrients as well as adding natural immunity boosters to your body. They are known to have a positive effect on the immune system, have anti inflammatory properties, and improve digestion. So finally, do we have the answer to, what are superfoods? Although there are no set criteria as to what defines a superfood, these are foods suggested in Ayurveda which are used in Indian cooking that are jam-packed with nutrients and can help provide your body with the vitamins and minerals you need to thrive, survive, and feel great. Include a few servings of the ingredients on the superfoods list with herbs and spices into your day paired with a balanced diet and regular physical activity and you are bound to feel better than ever.

What is Ghee? Ghee is a specialty that hails from India. It is a form of highly clarified butter that is obtained by melting regular unsalted butter at a high temperature until milk solids and liquid fats are separated. Once the separation is done, milk solids are removed by straining the liquid through a muslin/cheesecloth. Let us discover the history, significance and benefits of Ghee in our day to day. Brief History of the Indian Clarified Butter Ghee has been used in tradition Indian cooking for many many years and is a staple in every household till date. Ghee is considered the most precious oils in Ayurveda and is also referred to as “The Golden Goddess”. Ghee is considered sacred in Ayurveda and Hinduism because of its various health benefits and medicinal applications. Ghee is a yogavahi —a catalytic agent that carries the medicinal properties of herbs into the seven dhatus or tissues of the body. Ghee pacifies pitta and vata and is acceptable, in moderation, for kapha. (Read more about Doshas or biological synergies of human body) . It is also believed to help build physical and mental strength and stability or Ojas. When we have healthy ojas, we have a strong immune system and the ability to withstand stress. What are the health benefits of Ghee? I remember my Mother using ghee for us with every opportunity she got – cooking with it, putting it on our roti, massaging our skin with it, applying on burns and scrapes. All of this in addition to lighting a ghee lamp with a cotton wick in our little temple at home. How can something so simple offer so many health benefits if used in moderation? Lets take a look Helps keep you warm from within: According to Ayurveda, ingesting Ghee keeps you warm from within, which explains why every winter all our favorite home-made desserts in India were made with Ghee. Indian winter is not nearly as harsh as winters in Canada so more reasons for us to include a little bit of Ghee in whatever way we can in our diet. Source of good fat : Trying to lose weight? Ghee is a rich source of healthy fats that help you burn fat and weight loss. It helps pull fat-soluble toxins out of the cells and triggers fat metabolism, a process where the body kick-starts to burn its own fat for fuel. Good source of energy Ghee contains medium-chain fatty acids which the liver can absorb directly and burn immediately, promotes heart health, and is a source of energy than most of the carbs we eat today. Nursing mothers are especially given some desserts loaded with Ghee to boost energy levels. Keeping constipation at the bay: It is believed that taking warm milk with 1 to 2 tsp of Ghee before bedtime can gently relieve constipation. Promotes flexibility and reduces inflammation: Ever wonder how Yogis in ancient times were able to do so much with their bodies. That is because Ghee was an essential part of their diet. It lubricates the joints and connective tissues and promotes flexibility. Great for skin: Dry skin is quite common nowadays. A highly effective way to combat dry skin is by massaging it with warm ghee. Its vital fatty acids act as a nourishing agent that can do wonders to infuse life in your dull skin. Promotes positivity: Ghee is sattvic food in Ayurveda. It is believed that sattvic foods are rich in life-force and they promote good health, positivity, and personal growth. As a matter of fact, I have used Ghee on my newborn babies. Everyday massaging their belly buttons with 2 drops of warm ghee, helped keep their skin and lips soft, supple, and moisturized all the time. Another herbal remedy that my mother passed on to me. Every time, my son or daughter had a stomachache, I would warm up Ghee with a pinch of Asafoetida (an Indian spice), massage it on their belly button and stomachache would be cured in no time. Ghee can be stored in a mason jar at room temperature from three months to a year. There is nothing better than a jar of homemade ghee. So, go ahead and make your own bottle of “The Golden Goddess”. I recently bought an Instant pot and could not believe how simple it was to make Ghee in it. Remember, like any other source of fat, it only provides you the above benefits and much more if used in moderation. Using it in excessive quantities may have negative impacts on your health.

What is Maca powder? What are the benefits of Maca powder? Is Maca powder only good for sexual health? What is the difference between red, yellow and black Maca? What is Maca powder good for? Maca is energetic and warm in nature cruciferous vegetable which tends to ground the human mind, body, and spirit. Maca balances Vata dosha in Ayurveda and excessive intake can increase Pitta and Kapha. So, where did Maca originate? Maca is a Peruvian plant native to the Central Andes mountains for more than 2000 years. In the central region of Andes, it has been used since the pre-Incan age where it is considered a gift from the gods and is offered in many of their traditional ceremonies. It is believed that people indigenous to the area began using Maca themselves after they saw the positive effect it had on their livestock especially for energy and fertility. Maca is a very tolerant plant and grows in intense cold, extremely intense sunlight and strong winds. The natural habitat of Maca is 12,500-14,400 ft above sea level. It is the world’s highest growing vegetable that responds well to temperature extremities, subpar soil conditions, strong winds and intense sunlight. It is a cruciferous vegetable, making it a close relative of cabbage, turnip, mustard etc. Gerhard Walpers , a German botanist, names the species Lepidium meyenii in 1843 which was later also recognized by USDA. What is in Maca? Maca is one of the few foods to be considered an adaptogen. Adaptogen is a plant extract that helps the body to fight the damaging effects of stress. It also promotes and restores physiological functions of the body. In today’s day and age, that effect alone justifies the inclusion of Maca in our health routine! In addition to the above, dried maca powder consists of 13-16% protein, 8.5% fiber, 19 essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals, iron, and calcium along with free fatty acids and unique compounds called macaenes and macamides. What is the difference between Red, Yellow, or Black Maca? Despite coming from the same seed, growing in the same soil, and belonging to the same species, maca roots grow in a variety of colors. The color of Maca root is limited to the skin only. They are all off-white from inside, similar to a radish or turnip. When Maca roots are harvested, farmers dig them out and place them in burlap bags for transport. At a central location, all roots are then sorted , immediately separated by color and then dried. Until late 1990s the color of the maca root was not an issue, they were all combined together at harvest and then consumed as a mixture for their various health benefits. It is only when researchers began to discover that different colors of the root presented slightly different nutritional profiles, they were separated into red, yellow and black maca. Many studies and analysis have confirmed that there is a little-to-no difference between the nutritional profile of each color. Red Maca, however, has gained slightly more popularity based on 2 reasons: It has shown to be higher in certain compounds that support the body in antioxidant and antitumoral activity. It also contains slightly higher level of phytonutrients. Maca’s flavour in general is similar to a malty caramel flavour. Red Maca is milder and the sweetest of all colours making it most palatable. You can sprinkle this Maca over oatmeal or smoothie bowl to add a bit of sweetness. Health Benefits of Maca Powder Boosts Libido in both Men and Women Low sex drive can be attributed to so many factors in our life including stress, food habits, living conditions, etc., making it a quite common problem in adults. The most well-known benefit of Maca root is its potential to boost libido. There are several studies that associated intake of Maca with improvements in sexual functioning among men as well as women. Improves Fertility Due to its adaptogenic properties, Maca works on the endocrine system to balance and regulate hormone levels in both men and women. Scientific studies have found that maca boosts sperm production and increases sperm activity in men . In women, it increases regularity in their cycles with easier ovulation. May help relieve the symptoms of Menopause During menopause, female hormonal system undergoes a great deal of change which can lead to a variety of symptoms including stress, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, vaginal dryness, anxiety, mood swings, weight gain… seems like a never ending list. Doesn’t it? Maca contains nutrients to stimulate the body to produce balanced levels of hormones, particularly estrogen. Maca helps alleviate menopausal symptoms if used consistently and regularly. The benefits are also noticed in postmenopausal women. Boosts energy and endurance It is a very popular supplement among body builders and athletes. It is believed to help you gain muscle mass, increase strength, boost energy and improve performance. There has not been many studies around this yet so more scientific evidence is needed to confirm this benefit. Mood improvement As of 2017, 300 million people around the world have depression, according to the World Health Organization. It affects people from all walks of life irrespective of their background or age. Several studies have been conducted so far to confirm that maca can enhance your mood, reduce anxiety and symptoms of depression. Maca contains flavonoids which are believed to improve mood and reduce anxiety. May Enhance Memory and Learning Maca has been traditionally used by natives in Peru to improve children’s performance in school. It is believed to improve brain function in children as well as adults. Apart from the above benefits, Maca is also recognized for improving acne, maintaining strong teeth and bones, enhancing hair growth, stimulate thyroid function , sun protection when applied to the skin and fighting free radicals in our body. All of these benefits are due to the fact that Maca helps in hormonal balancing of our bodies. Difference between Raw and Gelatinized Maca Raw Maca powder is made from roots that have never been heated above 100F , preserving their enzymes and nutrients at peak levels . Gelatinized Maca powder is made from roots that are heated to remove starch content. The heat removes enzymes and vitamin C but preserves other major nutrients. They are great for anyone with a sensitive digestive system. Best ways to incorporate Maca in your diet Maca is easy to incorporate into your diet. It can be taken as a supplement or added to your smoothies, smoothie bowls, oatmeal or baked goods. Remember to speak to an expert about dosage before incorporating it in your diet. You can find Rootalive Organic Maca powder here! To wrap up, although there are few health risks associated with taking maca, most people can try a dose of maca without experiencing any adverse side effects. Maca and its extract show a lot of promise but still needs to be studied more extensively.