Gym hygiene habits to follow

Public places are full of germs and bacteria that can cause infections.

So are gyms or public parks that have parallel bars and monkey bars. Prevent contagious diseases, infection and skin problems with these gym hygiene tips shared by our Fitness expert and Strength and Conditioning coach, Arnav Sarkar.

Personal care and hygiene habits for public gyms and parks:

"If you are in a public gym, then you should consider using a towel since you will be sharing equipment that others have used," says Arnav Sarkar. Besides carrying a towel here are a few tips you can keep in mind to prevent diseases.

Carry hand sanitiser with you to prevent contracting bacteria at the gym. Also, wash your hands thoroughly before and after your workout. If possible, try and sanitise the gym equipment before using it.

Hygiene habits to follow:

Arnav suggests these healthy habits to follow at the gym or after your home workout, he says, "Take a bath after your workout. Don't let your sweaty clothes stay in the gym bag for days following the workout."

Some general hygiene habits for personal care:

- Do not share your personal care products with others.
- Wear clean clothes every time you hit the gym and wash them after your workout.
- Shower after every workout.
- Take necessary measures to prevent athlete's feet or fungal infection on your feet.
- Avoid going to the gym if you are sick.

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Usher in summer with a zesty diet

With summer almost on us, making a gradual change to our diets is the best way to ease our bodies into the season of the sweltering sun.
February is that time of the year, when pleasant winter mornings give way to the sun stamping its authority on the day. The evenings are breezy and romantic. And barely halfway into the month, Hyderabad has already gotten a taste of what the coming summer is going to be like — hot, hot, hot. It is during this transition period, from winter to spring and summer, when a lot of people fall ill.
With the body trying to adjust itself to varying temperatures, it is best to take it slow and ease yourself into summer by consuming a few, body-cooling food items.
Winters are usually about consuming foods that warm the body. And while they maybe tasty, continuing to eat those items could make one feel uneasy. Sujatha Stephen, chief nutritionist of a popular hospital in the city says to maintain body temperature, it is advisable to go slow while transforming food habits. "We need to shift our consumption of food from those that keep us warm to those that keep our body temperature slightly cooler. But this is not to say that you suddenly gorge on icecreams and sundaes, because that is a sure shot way of falling ill.

If you weren't having curd, now will be a good time to start. And instead of having tea or coffee, as would have become a habit during winter, start drinking coconut water and buttermilk," advises the nutritionist. Dishing out a few more tips on keeping the body temperature normal, she says, "Summer is a good time to gorge on squashes, salads and fruit juices. Also, slowly cut down on fried and spicy food. The metabolic rate too increases during summer, and fruits such as apple, watermelon and papaya help in keeping the metabolism high."
Going the more traditional route in keeping the body cool during the summers is CV Kumar, a former chemist, who recommends sabja seeds (basil seeds) to keep the body cool. "When you soak the sabja seeds overnight, they retain water and swell in size. When these seeds are added to buttermilk and consumed, it helps in keeping you hydrated. Khajoor, or dried dates, too help in retaining moisture in the body. Pound the dates and soak them overnight, and in the morning, drink this extract. Other ways of easing your body into the transition smoothly is to start avoiding oily and fatty food and consuming salads, especially cucumber," he suggests.
Shivaramakrishnan Vaidyanathan, a research and development chef, says it's best to include fruits and vegetables that have water content in our diet. Lauki ( bottle guard), watermelon, cucumber etc., are the best examples. "Consuming cereals like ragi, oats and jowar, which have lots of fibre content, also helps to restore moisture in the body. Basically, consuming anything that has salt and water content, naturally, is a good way to ease the transition," he adds.

TABBOULEH SALAD - BROKEN WHEAT SALAD
Tabbouleh is a Levantine Arab salad, traditionally made of bulgur, tomatoes, cucumbers, finely chopped parsley, mint, onion, and garlic and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt, although there are various other variations such as using cous-cous instead of bulgur.
INGREDIENTS
Tomato - 1 large Chopped onion - 1 large Olive Oil - 4 tbsp Lemon Juice - 3 oz Green Onions - 3 Fresh Mint - 1 bunch Flat-leaf Parsley (chopped) - 2 Bulgur wheat daliya- 85 gms Garlic (chopped) - ½ tsp Cucumber (chopped) - ½ Lettuce - 1 Salt - to taste Crushed pepper - to taste
METHOD
Leave the bulgur in water for about two hours, then wash and squeeze it out. Wash and finely chop the parsley, mint and green onions. Dice the tomato. Combine all ingredients, including bulgur. Add salt to taste, lemon juice, and olive oil and mix well. Serve in a bowl lined with lettuce leaves. This salad can be eaten with a fork, but the traditional way is to scoop up a bite of the mixture in a lettuce leaf and pop it into the mouth.

Recipe given by chef Sanjay Thumma

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She’s sexy in a tux!

Prints, double-breasted, monotone, plunging — when it comes to the tux, women are rocking the long and short of it this red carpet season

Remember Angelina Jolie's headline-grabbing right leg at the 84th Academy Awards?

Well, Angie seems set to outdo herself, if that's possible. Her BAFTA red carpet appearance, where she turned up on partner Brad Pitt's arm, sporting a tuxedo, matching — or dare we say, even going one up on — the dapper Pitt's outfit, already has the Twitterati flying off their handles. Angie's the boldest one yet, but the red carpets this year look set to ditch glam gowns, plunging necklines and sweeping trails.

Hollywood hotties are already giving stiff (pun intended) competition to all that overflowing tulle in their pantsuits. Take a look at these beauties. Hot under the collar yet?

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10 herbs to battle diabetes

Studies have revealed that herbs and supplements have shown promise in lowering blood sugar, boosting insulin sensitivity and reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Along with Dr. Jaishree Bhattacharjee, Ayurvedic consultant with Satvikshop we give you a list of easily available herbs that will help you battle diabetes. But with any herbal treatments, it is also important to continue to closely monitor blood sugar and other results with your doctor.

Saptrangi

Regulates kapha dosha (stability and structure) due to its astringent, heating and dry nature which is the primary cause of diabetes. It also have good effect on functioning of liver and pancreas

Direction of use: Root powder: 1-2 gms, decoction: 10 ml-20 ml

Gurmar

Assist in the regeneration of insulin and producing Beta Cells. It contains Gymnemic Acid whose molecular arrangement is similar to glucose molecules. Gymnemic Acid molecules fill the receptor locations on the taste buds thereby preventing activation of taste buds by sugar molecules present in the food, thus, curbing the sugar craving.

Direction of use: Powder of dried leaves 3-6gms, decoction of roots 50 - 100 ml

Neem

Apart from regulating kapha dosha it also regulates metabolism due to shot potency.Neem enhances insulin receptor sensitivity and are also helpful in reducing the need for hypo-glycaemic drugs.

Direction of use: Dried leaves powder- 3-6 gm

Jamun

Due to its kashay (astringent) taste and absorptive quality it balances kapha and helps control the frequency of urine and lowering the urine and blood sugar level

Direction of use: Powder of dried seeds 3 - 6gms

Vijaysaar

Due to its kashay (astringent) taste and light and drying nature It balances kapha and regulate glucose level and due to katu vipak, balance metabolism in the body. Works also well for diabetic complications

Direction of use: Heart wood as decoction 50- 100 mland 3-6 gm as powder.

Bilva

Bilva is kaphashamak by ruksha, laghu, Kashaya and bitter properties. These properties makes it effective to regulate the blood sugar and combat diabetic complications.

Direction of use: Powder of dried unripe fruit 3-6 gm.

Methi (fenugreek)

Tikta ras (bitter taste) and ushna virya of methi makes it kapha shamak, which fights the root cause of diabetes

Direction of use: Seed and whole plant, Powder - 2 to 6 gm

Haridra

Because of Katu, tikta, ushna properties Haridra balances kapha which is the primary dosha involved in diabetes. Antiseptic properties of haridra makes it useful in curbing the infections in diabetic patients. It also is beneficial in Boils of skin and urinary tract infections which are very common in diabetics

Direction of use: Powder of dried Haridra - 2-4 gm , juice of fresh Haridra rhizome is 10-20 ml.

Karela (Bittergourd)

Tikta, laghu, ruksha gunas of karelapacify aggravation of kapha. It stimulates pancreas, liver and spleen and regulates blood sugar level. Ruksha guna and katu vipak improves absorption of food and better metabolism.

Direction of use: Juice of fresh fruit- 10-20ml, dried fruit powder 3-6 gm

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7 things that ruin a perfectly fine relationship

From obsessing over your career to being the self-appointed change-maker in his life, you might be driving him to call it quits

There are dos and don'ts in a relationship. If you are finding the latter list of conventions more common in your behaviour, then you are most likely to meet a dead-end with your happily-everafter dream soon. Don't ruin your perfectly fine relationship with these repugnant ways.
Stop nitpicking This is the first relationship red flag. If you pick holes about everything from what he wears to how he speaks, bear in mind nobody wants to be around a nag, and not if she is a girlfriend, for sure. You will give him the impression that he winds you up more than soothes your nerves. You may argue that he is nice, but doesn't meet the criterion of the perfect guy you always dreamt of being with. That surely doesn't give you the licence to be the change maker in his life. Preventing him from hanging out with his crazy friends, or stopping his videogame sessions in an attempt to stabilise him will one day get the better of your relationship. We suggest, give him some space and enjoy yours.
Get a life So, your job is important to you. Good for you. However, don't let your business become the centre of all the conversation that you have with your man, unless you're facing a crisis at work and you want him to hear you out. Calling off dinner dates, being on a work call and attending to your mails while you are with your partner is extremely disrespectful. It shows that you probably are having a relationship with your job than with your guy. Relax, once you are through with the day's work, switch off. Enjoy your time with your man and maintain the sanity of your relationship.
Hold your horses It has been a while since the two of you are dating, and you have been waiting for him to propose marriage since the day you met him. Then, you would probably be waiting for the rest of your life. Hold your horses. Learn to go with the flow. Don't go about introducing him to your parents after the second date, and invite him for family dinners after the third. That said, don't be ambiguous too. If you are serious then let him know, or else let him go. Men can gauge the difference easily when the woman is playing hard to get, or when she is playing mean games.
Don't be silly It is okay to speak to yourself, or tell yourself that you are pretty in front of the mirror every day. But don't expose your eccentricities in front of the potential 'to-be' when you are only just six months into the relationship. You may scare him off for good. Give him the awkward gaze, but save those crazy eyes when you know him a lot better.
Learn to trust The basis of any healthy relationship, besides love, is trust. Don't be insecure. If you are constantly wondering whom he is with or speaking to, then you, perhaps, need a reality check. Walking on thin ice is unhealthy, and not when there are feelings involved. At that rate, you will reach the shrink before you make it to the marriage registrar's office.
Stop venting Your boss hates you, your friends envy you, your mum doesn't listen to you, you are fat, and your world is as crappy as it gets. Too bad, learn to deal with it. But don't make your partner your vent hole. No guy wants to sit with a girl and hear how round her tummy is. People want to be around happy and optimistic kinds, not someone who whinges the entire day. Before you know it, your guy will be complaining about you to his folks. And even before you realise, he probably has become the reason you are whining to others about. Stop playing the Moaning Myrtle. Occasionally, give him a patient ear too.
Move on If you are in love with someone else, then you certainly cannot give your new relationship all that it takes. Should you find yourself in a situation like this, step back and reason out. Make it clear to your partner that you are not just that into him. Better to let him go, than cling on to someone only to make yourself feel secure and wanted. It is not fair to your partner. Be true to yourself and your feelings. Move on, and allow him too.

Bureau mirrorfeedback@timesgroup.com

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Beauty benefits of buttermilk

Next time when your mother hands over a glass of buttermilk to you and you sneak out to secretly pour it down the balcony, remember, buttermilk is one of the best natural products and provides various benefits to the skin.

Interested already? But the best part is that you need not drink it to reap all these benefits. External use of buttermilk works wonders as well.
Besides being a natural pro-biotic, buttermilk is rich in lactic acid that is found in many expensive beauty products and is one of the best facial peels that doctors choose for softening, brightening and exfoliating skin. Because of it's highly acidic and astringent nature, it treats age spots, freckles and even tightens skin. In fact, legend has it that Cleopatra, the ancient Queen of the Nile whose beauty was said to be astounding, bathed regularly in buttermilk. It was she who popularized the buttermilk treatment, which is followed by women in various countries till date.
You can mix powdered buttermilk with honey and egg, and massage your body with this mixture. It will not only rid you off the stubborn sun tan, but will also give your skin a radiant glow. You can also apply pure buttermilk on your face, leave it on and wash off before going to bed.
You can also use a butttermilk hair mask. Blend one banana, two tablespoons of honey, one avocado and one cup of buttermilk. Apply the mixture as a mask and leave it on for 45 minutes before washing it off. This is the easiest way to get shiny and healthy mane.

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Teen girls too plagued by chronic pain

A new research has found that teenager girls who suffer from depression are plagued by chronic pain.

Researchers studied the kind of physical pain that troubles adolescents with different mental health problems and has alerted medical doctors and psychologists to be aware of the chronic pain that can plague young people with mental health woes.

According to the research, 70 percent of 13 to 18 years olds with conditions ranging from ADHD and depression to anxiety, eating disorders and a range of autistic disorders admitted to suffering from chronic pain.

The research found that girls reported having pain more often than boys irrespective of their mental health diagnosis.

Professor Marit Sabo said that the numbers are so high that the entire support system for children and adolescents needs to be made more aware of the link between physical pain and psychiatric disorders.

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Tips to make kitchen look cool

Spending long hours in a kitchen with basic decor can get boring. Make the walls quirky, paint it black or get saddles to pep up the look of the kitchen.

Here are few options to choose from, reports huffingtonpost.com:

-Get a pizza oven.
-Hang a parachute soldier light fixture.
-Add an outdoor seating or an indoor/outdoor bar.
-Create a pocket library.
-Add a pop-up TV.
-Get a giant chalkboard wall.
-Have a refrigerator dedicated solely to beer.
-Paint your kitchen black.
-Plant a garden on the wall.
-Make everyone sit on saddles.
-Put a couple of Arcade games nearby.

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Lorde makes a gothic style statement

Australian singer Lorde has won heart yet again with her style, and also an award!

It has been her year so far! The new singing sensation, and very young at age too, Lorde has been no top of the charts for her song Royals. The singer, who hails from New Zealand, has struck gold with the awards season in full roll. Lorde, who already has a number of awards in her kitty, scooped yet another award at the recently held BRIT Awards 2014 for Best International Solo Female.

But it was not just music that has kept the singer-songwriter in the news. The 17-year-old has also made her unique style statements during all her red carpet outings. And these awards which were held in London were no exception. Lorde stepped out as a gothic princess, and needless to say, she hit the nail.

Sporting a floor-length, full-sleeved black shimmery dress, Lorde added more gothic to her look by wearing dark crimson lipstick. She accessorized her all-black ensemble with a double-ringlet on one hand. She also rocked the night by a live performance where she sang her hit, Royals.

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Dark chocolate, red wine good for your heart

Do you worry about your health every time you reach out for that bar of dark chocolate?

Well, you could indulge once in a while as a new study has reportedly revealed that dark chocolate and red wine not only taste great, but also have heart-healthy components.

With a cocoa content of 70% or higher, dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which help prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries. It also boosts the immune system and contains cancer-fighting enzymes.

Meanwhile, red wine contains resveratrol, which has been found to lower blood sugar and LDL or 'bad' cholesterol. It is also a source of catechins, which can help improve HDL or 'good' cholesterol and polyphenols, which may prevent the formation of toxic plaque that leads to Alzheimer's disease.

Kidney beans: A good source of stress-busting vitamin B, iron, and calcium, kidney beans help maintain a good heart.

Blueberries: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, blueberries contain lesser calories and sugar, so you can eat them to your heart's content. They are also a good source of fiber, which can help relieve the cramps and constipation that can occur when you're under stress.

Salmon: Containing omega-3 fatty acids, having grilled salmon is a good way to keep your heart healthy.

Papaya: Packed with beta-carotene, vitamin C, E, calcium and magnesium, papaya helps improve your blood circulation.
aFlaxseeds: Containing 'good' fats and soluble and insoluble fiber, eating ground flaxseeds can reduce the risk of heart disease.

Asparagus: Easy to cook and low in calories, asparagus has anti-inflammatory nutrients like folate and vitamins C and D and is known to maintain good heart health.

Walnuts: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamin E, and folate, unsalted walnuts can go a long way in protecting your heart. Other nuts like almonds are also good for the heart.

Other heart-healthy foods

Oatmeal: This fiber-rich superfood also comprises omega-3 fatty acids, folate and potassium, which can help reduce your cholesterol levels and maintain healthy arteries.

Broccoli: This green veggie contains essential vitamins and folic acid and said to help relieve stress, anxiety, panic, and in extreme cases, even depression.

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Mills and Boon editor's fav 'steamy lines' revealed

Researchers have found a tattered notebook which reveals the most favourite lines picked out by the editors of Mills and Boon from their steamy romance novels.

The hardback book, which found in the archive acquired by the University of Reading in 2011 comprising close to 60 boxes of documents, has a collection of some of the steamier and bizarre sentences from the novels.

Some of the lines includes "out of the bedroom, like an avenging sitting hen" and "Grant sat down on the edge of the bed, a man with a firm grip on himself," the Independent reported.

Judith Watts, a PhD researcher in the University of Reading's Mills and Boon archive said that the material from the manuscripts was taken rather mischievously by the publishers and editors and the notebook was for their own amusement.

The book titled 'Boon Mots: Anthology of Artless Extracts', which has phrases cut out of submitted manuscripts, offers a unique glimpse into the history and success of one of the most-loved and successful series of romantic fiction books and includes letters between the publisher and its authors.

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Probiotic to effectively treat vaginal infection

In path-breaking research, scientists are developing a vaginal device containing 'good' probiotic bacteria for the treatment of vaginal thrush.

Vaginal thrush is a common condition caused by a yeast infection in the vagina and surrounding area.

This approach is likely to be a viable alternative to using precious antimicrobial drugs.

"We have all heard of using natural yoghurt to manage vaginal thrush as an alternative to antimicrobial medicines, but we wanted to test whether the type of probiotic bacteria found in yoghurt could actually kill or restrict the growth of vaginal infection," explained M. Cristina Verdenelli at Universita di Camerino, Italy.

"The results in the lab have been very good and we have moved on to test our formulation in patients," he added.

The team tested five strains of lactobacilli for their antimicrobial potential against the most common type of vaginal infections, Candida.

The team were looking for two main characteristics of the bacteria: their ability to produce a substances that would likely kill the candida and their ability to grow on human cells alongside the yeast infection.

Of the five strains they tested, the Synbio formulation had the best overall characteristics - adhering well to human cells, growing alongside candida, and producing hydrogen peroxide to kill the yeast cells.

With the increasing problem of antimicrobial resistance, it is vital to consider alternative methods of preventing and control infection, said the research published in the Society for Applied Microbiology's Journal of Applied Microbiology.

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Book review: The Almond Tree

Book Review: The Almond Tree
Author: Michelle Cohen Corasanti
Publisher: Fingerprint/Prakash Books India
Pages: 352

Intolerance is a human being's biggest weakness and finding peace, his greatest strength. This journey from intolerance to peace is the search for freedom. In her debut novel, 'The Almond Tree', Michelle Cohen Corasanti excavates a history that continues to grip the socio-political reality of the Israeli-Palestinian struggle even today.

Birth of 'The Almond Tree'
Michelle is a Jewish-American author who lived in Israel for seven years, during which time she came face-to-face with the sufferings of Palestinians in Israel. After returning to the US, Michelle seemed occupied with thoughts of what she'd left behind in Israel. "I thought, as an American, I would re-acclimate easily into US life, but that wasn't the case. Having witnessed what I had, it was hard to talk about guys, what to wear and what parties to attend," says the author, who could not for long keep these stories buried within herself.

The almond tree: The story-keeper
This is a tale of Ahmed and Abbas, two Palestinian brothers who are on their path to discover hope amid violence, displacement and poverty. In the early chapters, we are confronted with the difficult circumstances of a Palestinian family living under constant fear. Their little daughter has ventured out crawling after a 'big red butterfly'. Her innocent chase proves fatal once she crosses the restricted area and the mines blow off. Ahmed and Abbas are left with the scattered remains of their sister's body for burial. The almond tree that overlooks the village is the brothers' favourite hangout. The tree stands like a witness to the happenings in the Arab world. Be it the 1956 Suez Canal Crisis, the 1967 Six-Day War, condition of refugees, Arab nationalism or the Palestinian cause; the almond tree sees every chapter unfolding before it. Sadly, it fails to avert or prevent these atrocities. When Ahmed's father is imprisoned and reduced to a jobless poor villager, the almond tree is only a mute spectator, as helpless as the victims. Can silence ever be an answer to violence and Michelle explains, "For me, this conflict is not about one's skin colour, nationality, or religion. It's about being human. I am the 'almond tree'. I wrote about the burden that comes with awareness that I carry with me every day. I am a witness and I wrote this novel because silence should never be an answer to violence. I put myself in the shoes of the many Palestinians I grew up with and loved during the years I lived in Israel. I have never forgotten their voices; their stories are a part of my story".

'Good' versus 'bad'
At the centre of this process of chronicling narratives of unheard voices is the relationship shared between the brothers- Ahmed and Abbas. The author creates a binary opposition between the two. Ahmed idolises Albert Einstein and is more of a pacifist when it comes to taking a position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Abbas is a rebel and perceives Israel as an oppressor trying to wipe out Palestinians from their own land. For Abbas, Ahmed is no more than a collaborator who has betrayed every Palestinian for a better life in America. Ahmed, on the contrary, fails to find meaning in Abbas' attempts of waging a war against Israelis to reclaim Palestine. The story progresses in a way that we eventually see a celebration of Ahmed's character that wins a Nobel Prize and promises his parents a secure life; while Abbas is condemned to struggle to make ends meet within a war-torn nation. Is the novel then punishing Abbas for being a rebel and not a 'Good Palestinian'? "Abbas is not a bad person. He is a freedom fighter as opposed to Ahmed whose genius opened doors for him. Ahmed chooses another path, partly out of a moral indebtedness to his father, and partly because he naturally possessed something that could act as a bridge between him and the world beyond his Palestinian village," avers Michelle, who feels that the ultimate aim of the novel is to propagate peace and nothing more.

Split and separate?
Is the 'two-state solution' a probable means to restore peace? "In order for there to be peace, there must be awareness of the truth first, because awareness leads to understanding and understanding leads to change. There must be justice for there to be lasting peace. Resolution of the conflict can take the form of the two-state solution or the South African model of a one state solution, with one person, one vote or variants on either model," suggests the author.

'The Almond Tree' is a novel that begins inside a tunnel filled with darkness of violence and bloodshed. Slowly, that tunnel is destroyed and replaced by a bridge with the promise that peace and hope shall prevail. The crux of the novel lies in these words of Ahmed's father: "One cannot live on anger".

About the author
A Jewish American, Michelle Cohen Corasanti has lived in France, Spain, Egypt and England, and spent seven years living in Jerusalem. She currently lives in New York with her family. The Almond Tree is her first novel.

(Originally published on February 13, 2014)

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Try these food pairings for good health

Certain foods have a synergy with others. Here are food duos that work best together to give you an energy boost

Sometimes, the wrong food combinations can leave you feeling bloated and upset. And pairing the right foods together works well. It's said, "You are not what you eat, but what you digest." And research says packing power food pairings together can bring out the best in each other to give better health, induce weight loss, and give you an energy boost. Here are a few of them...

Lemon and spinach leaves
Dark green leaves of spinach have cancer-fighting lutein, niacin, zinc plus vitamins A, C, K, folate, iron and more. It builds a healthy cardiovascular system. Drizzle some lemon juice (which is also rich in vitamin C) over your spinach so as to retrain its iron-rich content. It works well to cleanse the intestinal tract.

Olive oil and tomatoes
Most people love olive oil drizzled over tomatoes. Tomatoes are a major source of beta-carotene, which further strengthens your immune system. And having olive oil with it helps the body absorb the tomato's antioxidants, lycopene and other carotenoids. Next time you have a salad, add just a half teaspoon of good olive oil over it.

Strawberries and yogurt
Yogurt is a powerhouse of calcium that builds bones. It also contains B12. It has been found that it might be able to prevent high blood pressure as it has potassium that can flush out excess sodium in the body. Strawberries are packed with vitamin C, which boosts immunity. Together, they work wonders for the body. Have yogurt with strawberries in the morning for an energy fix.

Broccoli and fish
Fish like mackerel have the cancer-fighting mineral selenium. When paired with broccoli, a veggie that has sulforaphane, both compounds become 10 times more effective in slowing cancer cell growth than when eaten alone. In addition, garlic and fish can also lower LDL (bad) cholesterol effectively together instead of on their own.

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Here's what men really want

What is more important to you from a physical standpoint: a beautiful face or a great body? How much are you willing to give up for the other?

Would you consider long-term dating someone with great looks or a body everyone dies for? Studies reveal that human physical attractiveness appears to be an important signal of mate value. Men who see their relationship to be a short term fling want to get a peek at her body while for someone looking at a long lasting relationship definitely goes in for the face. It might seem a tough call to take for a lot of us while for others its crystal clear. Read on...

Roshni Chopra
It's definitely a tough call. I think guys always go for looks no matter what. It is the face you wake upto and not really the body. There are men who go for curves while there are a lot of them who go for the personality and looks. When you meet a person initially the attraction is bodily, but in the long term it is always the person who is beautiful form inside.

Kashmeera Shah
For anyone it is the smile of a person that attracts you first and that goes for men as well. There are girls with extremely hot bodies with no looks. If it's a one night stand, looks or no looks, it does not matter at all. Bu tin case of a long term relationship a decent face is a pre-requisite. You have to be a complete package. For married women, they need to take care of themselves, whether it is their figure or hair. We cannot take our marriage or our husband for granted.

Shruti Seth
Most men who have gone for me are bacause I am a fun person. Guess I stimulate them intellectually than physically! It usually depends from person to person, but of what I have gathered guys go in for presentable looks. I mean there is no problem for a guy to go in for a woman with a voluptuous body. But they usually prefer a nicer face.

Vidya Malvade
In love the body or the face hardly matter. You fall in love with a person for what they are and not how they look. You are so taken in with their personality that everything else just fades away. Men looking for a short term relation just want to score. A lot of men want their partners to be fit and presentable. For that matter I too would want to look attractive for my husband everyday.

Luke Kenny
I feel both the curves and the face are equally important. They should compliment each other. I really cant decide, but its a visual world so looks do matter a lot. The first thing a person notices about a women is her looks. But every body is different with different dimensions and contours. If you get a woman who has the curves and the looks it's like a cake with icing and a cherry on top!

Ronit Roy
I think for me it has to be both - a combination of looks and body. That's because you cannot have a great body without a good face and a good looking face without a great body. And if you cannot find one, then perhaps you should wait!

Karanvir Bohra
I am a long term kind of a guy and in such a case it doesn't really matter if you want the body or the looks. What really matters is the chemistry between the two people. if given the choice between the two i would go in for a good body. You are born with a face which you really cannot change but you can definitely sculpt your body. A woman who works on her body is a sure shot thumbs up for me.

Ashmit Patel
For me there is no long term or there is no short term relationships. I have got to have a connect with that person, be it intellectually, spiritually or emotionally. Like when you enter a room, the first thing you notice about a women are her looks. So for me looks are always a first preferance.

Akashdeep Saigal
I agree with the statement that men do go in for the curves if they want a short affair. But when you are looking at a person in terms of long term, her being fat or thin does not seem to matter. There is a connect with the soul of a person. But I am sure every man out there is looking at a good package. But guys who don't get one end up looking everywhere!

Expert talk
Dr. Madhuri Singh, psychiatrist and marriage counsellor, "This choice hugely depends upon the personality of a man — one who goes for the body and the other who goes for the looks. The former category basically is interested in the physical pleasure of the relationship, which can be termed as a one night stand or a fling. While the latter is more interested in he emotional factor. The face or the looks come into play when the when the man wants to be with the woman for a longer time. But things are changing now. The younger generation does not bother about this a clear cut distinction unlike 20 years back. These days when people ge into a relationship they don't think about it in terms of short or long. It is jus that circumstances crop up that they end up parting ways. It is the inborn personality of a man what makes the man he is."

Dr. Rahul Gadge, psychiatrist, "When a guy is looking at a long term relationship the woman's personality — looks, behaviour etc, come into play. He has to be with her in the society and therefore it becomes necessary for a woman to have good looks. But in case of a short affair, a guy just goes for the body of a woman. He does not bother about how she looks, her emotions, her needs. All this becomes secondary to him."

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10 Things women want from men

Here's what women want from men

1. When we talk 'listen', it shows us that you care about our feelings.

2. Men should be smart enough and understand that not all our bad moods are connected to PMS-ing.

3. Guys, developing an EQ (Emotional quotient) would help. That however, does not mean that they need to cry at the drop of a hat, it just means you need to be more sensitive towards us.

4. With women communication is the key, so try and talk to us often.

5. Here are some traits we wish men would display - chivalry, making an extra effort with our friends and family, because we do the same!

6. Cook for us once in a while - this one may sound like a cliche, but we love surprises so an occasional effort wouldn't hurt, would it?

7. Your machoism is not directly proportional to the speed at which you drive your car. Rash driving is so uncool.

8. Be protective, not possessive, hear that?

9. We need our man to proclaim love all the time and we leave it to you as to how you wish to show it.

10. Remember the quickest way to lose a woman is to lie to her; so be honest.

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Bollywood celebs on their love of dogs

Stars talk about what their dogs mean to them

Dogs give you unconditional love: Hrithik Roshan
His dog's name: Puggy
"He passed away last year. And lived eight years with me. It was heartbreaking, but you have to accept the truth and remember the good times that you gave the dog and those that he was there to contribute to in your life. It gives you unconditional love. Language forms only 5% of the communication with another being. 95% is what we are unaware of and is the body language that will tell you more than what you can ever get with words. Dogs are a great example for human beings. What do they ask for? They only give. You can live even with a strange dog and give it love by being around him for just two days and that dog will not leave your side. So you can learn to give and receive from dogs. The lesson to be learnt from them is that to get love, you have to give it first."

We both bark a lot: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
His dog's name: Happiness (pet name POPO)
"She was gifted to me by my assistants on one of my birthdays on February 24 and from that time every year, we celebrate our birthday together. I cut my birthday cake with her. She is the love of my life and comes with me to my shoots. If I am doing an item song with PC, then she wears a frock for the item song that day. She has to come to office when I am editing the film and will sit on my lap throughout. Emotionally, she gives you complete peace and child-like joy. In other relationships, you have to think what you are saying and pretend, and there is constant pressure. With her, it's pure love and she will look at you and just wag her tail, or lick you or come and sleep in the same room. In the morning when I am watching television, she has to come there and sit on a sofa next to me. She is constantly following me, but needs nothing. When I am leaving, she will come to the window and bark so that I have to wave her good bye. And then the bark changes to 'you are not taking me.' So I will tell her, 'Ya you will come to the office.' All my neighbours know my conversation with her. We both bark a lot. If I raise my voice above a certain decibel, she will come next to me and start pawing me. I have calmed down to a great extent because of her. In my anger, she will start licking my face. If I shout then she gets upset and will not eat her food, so I have stopped getting angry by nature due to the habit of being with her. Also, we are both very loving."

Each dog has his individuality: Arjun Rampal
His dogs' names: Gangsta, Muscles
"They are both different individuals. The best thing about them is their unconditional love and whether you go for five days or months, when you come back, they jump on you at the door and love you as they missed you
completely."

My dogs like to chill with me when I read the morning papers: Ajay Devgn
His dogs' names: Koko and Koki
Ajay Devgn wasn't a committed dog lover until June 2010, when he got himself an English Mastiff called Sher Khan. Once this pet came into his life, he was converted. Unfortunately, Sher Khan suffered a cardiac arrest and died when Ajay was shooting for Singham. The actor was devastated. Instead of promising himself that he would never get a pet again to avoid heartbreak, he went ahead and got two German Shepherds — Koko and Koki — soon after. The dogs are very striking and Ajay says, "They like to chill with me when I read the morning papers." You will see Ajay subconsciously patting them occasionally with one hand as he leafs through the papers with the other.

He insists on sitting through meetings: Tusshar Kapoor
His dog's name: Poshto
Tusshar Kapoor's tiny little bundle Poshto is the owner's pride, but a terror for guests. He barks at everyone who enters the Kapoor household and is extremely jealous of anyone who attempts a conversation with Jeetendra or Tusshar. In fact, he is notorious for trying to snap at guests' ankles. Hence, friends are warned to keep a safe distance from Poshto. Spoilt to the core, he has his dinner with Jeetuji and keeps guard outside the bathroom door when the veteran enters it, even if it is 4 am in the morning. Of late, he has been transferring a lot of his attention and affection to Tusshar. The moment the actor starts to tie his shoe-laces to leave home for the office, Poshto promptly gets into the car. "He insists on sitting through meetings," says Tusshar. The other high points of Poshto's life are a drive in the car to drop off his masters at the gymnasium or then to fetch them from the airport.

The dogs always remained a bond between Anu and me even when we had divorced:
Sanjay Gupta
His dogs' names: Buddy (was called Budweiser earlier) and Yoda (the wise one from Star Wars)
"They give you unconditional love. It's wonderful to have them around the house, especially when your kids are growing up. My son Shivansh was just four months old when we took him to Khandala, where my dogs usually stay. He took an instant liking to them and is the happiest when they are around. The best thing about dogs is that irrespective of what mood you are in, they are always there to welcome you. They will never sulk when you enter the house, though, of course, they may sulk later. When Anu and I divorced, they were our bond as she was so attached to them that she would continue visiting them in Khandala."

Dogs continue to sit in your lap even when they are 16: Abhijeet Bhattacharya
His dogs' names: KOKO and Junior
"They are closest to me. They will come and sit with me every morning, when I am having my morning tea. I sleep at night with the thrill that they will come and have their biscuits with me when im having my tea. Till a child is three years, you take your child in your lap and play. But dogs, even when they are 16 years, are kids for you. They surrender themselves to you and even if you tell them to jump in the fire, they will."

Dogs are stressbusters and great companions for kids: Farhan Aktar
His dogs' Names: Bonny and Bella
"Dogs are great companions for kids in the house. Children learn how to take care of someone and about unconditional love. They learn what friendship can be like, without demanding any other thing but time from the other. And of course they are loyal and save you from the evil eye when they are there. They are stressbusters. You come back and share a relationship with another entity that is only about sharing love and happiness. If you treat them like a family member, the relationship is phenomenal. Each dog has its distinct personality and you can tell how they will behave and what they will like and not like. They teach you to become more compassionate. They also teach you about space. If the dog does not want to be with you, it's not going to be politically correct but will just get up and go. And you let it go. And yet it continues to love you and when it needs love it will come back. The average life of a dog is not much as your own life span. So losing a dog also teaches you about dealing with loss."

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Top 10 fat-releasing foods

If losing weight is on your mind, then running the whole day on the treadmill after over-eating unhealthy food won't work.

Without making some changes in your lifestyle, your goal to lose weight will not be achieved. Though there are many hoax assurances available in the market for fast weight loss, most of them are dangerous and unreal. The key to weight loss, besides exercise and diet changes is boosting your metabolism. The best way to kickstart your metabolism is by including some fat burning foods in your regular diet. Today, Priya Kathpal - Nutritionist, Mumbai, shares a list of fat burning food items to make your weight loss program more simple and effective.

No #1 Fat-releasing food: Calcium

You must have heard that calcium helps to strengthen bones and teeth, but you will be amazed to hear that calcium also helps to control hunger pangs. Consumption of dairy products and other calcium rich products have low fat mass in their body and have more control over appetite. Hence, consume more of calcium rich products, if you want to shift your body to a fat burning mode.

No #2 Fat-releasing food: Apples

Besides keeping the doctor visits away, consumption of apple everyday also assists in reducing fat cells in the body. The skin of the apple possesses great magical properties towards fulfilling your goal of weight reduction. The presence of pectin limits the absorption of fat by the cells and also releases fat deposits through its water binding property.

No #3 Fat-releasing food: Walnuts

Walnuts possess a healthy dose of omega-3 fat alpha-linolenic acid and mono-unsaturated fats. The presence of mono-unsaturated fat helps to burn a large amount of fat and boosts the metabolism at the same time. Just a handful of walnuts are needed to reduce weight in a healthy way. It is also one of the healthiest nuts available.

No #4 Fat-releasing food: Beans

Beans are low-fat, low glycemic index and high - fiber and protein. This is the best food for protein intake for vegetarians. Besides, it is the best fat burning food as it provides great a metabolic environment for releasing and metabolizing fatty acids.

No #5 Fat-releasing food: Ginger

Ginger possesses many magical properties. It helps to relieve digestive problems, reduces inflammation, increases blood flow and aids muscle recovery. If you are on a weight loss program, include ginger in your diet as it helps to boost calories and fats.

No #6 Fat-releasing food: Oatmeal

Include oatmeal in the morning after a workout or after a normal morning walk. Oatmeal is a slow-digesting carb which helps to keep blood sugar and insulin level at its minimum whilst fastening the fat burning process. Due to its slow-digesting carb property it is a must have food for every individual who wants to reduce some pounds.

No #7 Fat-releasing food: Green tea

The presence of anti-oxidants EGCG creates a suitable environment for metabolism in healthy people. Besides, it also possesses anti cancer and cholesterol maintenance properties.

No #8 Fat-releasing food: Hot peppers

Consuming hot peppers will help to speed up your metabolism by burning fat and calories at a faster rate, albeit for a short duration after meals. The presence of capsaicin helps to provide short-term stimulus to your body by releasing stress hormones. This process helps to boost your metabolism and hence burns calories and fats.

No #9 Fat-releasing food: Water

Though it's not a food, drinking enough water is essential - says Priya. This is the most important element needed by your body. If you don't drink much water, within minutes you will feel dehydrated. At times we also mistake thirst pangs for hunger pangs and end up eating instead of drinking. Hence, it is essential to drink adequate amounts of water as it is helpful for fat loss.

No #10 Fat-releasing food: Eggs

Eggs are one of the best fat burning foods available. The yolk present inside is very essential to burn fat and calories. Presence of dietary cholesterol has very little effect on blood cholesterol levels. Besides, eggs are packed with essential fatty acids and protein, which definitely makes it a great combination for fat burning.

Read more Personal Health, Diet & Fitness stories on www.healthmeup.com

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Almonds for weight loss

If you are trying to lose weight and have no time to hit the gym, try munching on a handful of almonds. According to a new study published in the International Journal of Obesity, 'Almonds may help you shed those unwanted pounds'.

These nuts are healthy and are rich in healthy fats which offer a high level of satiety. Besides, they are also loaded with numerous nutrients like vitamins and minerals, which will help you to lower your carbohydrate cravings and so, help you lose weight.

Almonds are also rich in minerals like manganese, copper and magnesium and B-complex vitamins like niacin and biotin, which help to activate the energy production in our bodies. So, the more active your body is, the more it will burn calories.

This nut is also good for your overall health, because of its heart healthy property also known as monounsaturated fatty acids. These acids help in lowering the bad cholesterol levels in your body and reduce the risk of various heart ailments.

Besides, it is also rich in vitamin E, which helps in protecting your cardiovascular health from damage by free radicals.

So, if you are hungry in the evening and are trying to lose weight, grab a handful of these nuts, because they will not only help you maintain a healthy weight but also boost your heart health.

Read more Personal Health, Diet & Fitness stories on www.healthmeup.com

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Tips to renovate your home

Renovating your home has never been an easy task. Here gives some tips that you should keep in mind while renovating your home

It always starts with a small change in the house and then it's just a cascading effect. While getting your kitchen painted, it might just strike you that why not renovate the whole house? But it's easier said than done. It might take good three to four months for your whole house to be re-done. Here are some important points you should take care of.

Do your homework
As rightly said, grass is always greener on the other side. You may want the same wall colour as what you saw in one of those magazines, but do you actually think you can stay with it for a considerable amount of time? Mark the key zones in the house you want to work on. If its the door and cabinet knobs you want to change, choose one from a store or order them before you start off with renovating.

Hire professionals or 'Self-help' yourself?
It is always advisable that you decide whether you want professionals helping you or are you competent enough to handle the whole change on your own. You can always combine the two as well.

Where's the moolah?
Renovating your den is not a joke. If you've decided to go ahead with your plans, then why not put in some decent amount of money and get the desired results, rather than being unhappy about the outcome for years to come. And for this you need to check your liquid cash. Moreover, do have a rough calculation for the amount you want to spend. This regardless of the fact that you will overspend from what you have decided.

One of the most important thing to keep in mind while renovating is the electrical wiring and the switch boards. Preferably you should have them behind furniture or cabinets so that it does not look bad. Do not forget to ask the workers to leave behind a can or two of the same paint just in case you have to do some touch ups.

Comfort zone with the workers
With so many people coming in and out of your place, you might just lose your cool for some reason. Try not to. They are there to work for what you have wanted, so be patient.

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