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NUTS, NATUROPATHY, NICOTINE, NUTRITION, NERVOUSNESS
NUTS
Nuts are terrific sources of protein, Vitamins, minerals and healthy oils (especially Vitamin E). The protein is important for growth and repair of tissues, and the fat provides the body essential fatty acids, vital to health.
MODERATION IS THE KEY
Nuts can be addictive. Once you start eating them, it’s hard to stop. Think handful, not bowlfuls. Limit your intake; nuts are high in calories so eating too much will result in weight gain.
ALMOND
Nutrients
calcium, fiber, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, folic acid.
Benefits
Almonds help treat skin diseases, constipation and respiratory disorders. In comparison to all nuts, almonds have the highest calcium and fiber content. The almond is called the king of nuts, because of its high nutritional value.
Did you know?
Almonds are used extensively in beauty products. The oil is used to massage babies to keep their skin soft and supple.
PEANUT
Nutrients
Protein, fiber, calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, Vitamins A, B and C.
Benefits
Peanuts are a complete source of protein. They contain a nutrient called resveratol, which helps treat heart disease and improve immunity levels.
WALNUT
Nutrients
Calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, Vitamins A, B and C.
Benefits
Walnuts help nourish the brain and strengthen bones.
PISTACHIO
Nutrients
Phosphorus, potassium, sodium, copper, magnesium, Vitamins A, B, C and E.
Benefits
Pistachios help to purify the blood, and improve functioning of the liver and kidneys.
CASHEW NUT
Nutrients
Iron, potassium, magnesium, Vitamin A.
Benefits
Cashews help treat anemia, improve the quality of complexion and boost the immune system.
NATUROPATHY
Naturopathy is the treatment or prevention of disease without drugs using natural therapies, changes in diet and lifestyle to treat health problems. It is based on the belief that the body is self-healing and has the ability to repair itself and recover from illness.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH
The basic foundation of naturopathy is that the mind, body and soul are interconnected and cannot be treated in isolation. The stresses of modern life take a toll on our health and physical problems are invariably a result of these stress-related emotional imbalances. All aspects of the individual – emotional, physical and mental health are taken into account before deciding on the course of action.
TREATMENT METHODS
Recommendations for treatment may include one or more of the following naturopathic remedies, depending on the symptoms and the practitioner’s philosophy and experience.
- Yoga asanas and pranayama – to keep the body and mind healthy.
- Physical treatment – a wide variety of treatment, such as mud baths, steam baths and massages stimulate blood flow and help eliminate toxins.
- Fresh, healthy, organic foods – eating the right foods gives the system necessary strength, nutrients and roughage.
- Regular detoxification – naturopathy refers to detoxification as ‘nature’s fundamental law of all healing and curing’.
OTHER POPULAR THERAPIES
- Water treatments
- Body wraps
- Steam/sauna
- Application of hot, cold, mud packs
- Acupressure
- Reflexology
- Aromatherapy
- Stress reduction and relaxation techniques
NICOTINE
WHAT IT DOES
Nicotine is found in cigarettes and tobacco. It increases the heart rate, blood pressure and blood lipid levels. In addition, smokers find it more difficult for oxygen to get to the exercising muscle
ATHLETES AND NICOTINE
Some athletes use nicotine as a stimulant or for weight management, while others feel it has a calming effect. Regardless of the reasons, the health risks of nicotine far outweigh any potential short-term benefit. Say NO to nicotine.
NUTRITION
HOW DO YOU AVOID PUTTING ON WEIGHT WHEN YOU EAT OUT?
Does eating out put a detour in your endeavor to make the right food choices? Consider these options before grabbing those empty calories. Make your best choice based on what’s available.
BEST CHOICES WHEN EATING OUT
APPETIZERS AND SOUPS
Choose fresh fruits, fruit juices, broth-based soups or steamed foods.
VEGETABLES
Choose vegetables without sauces or gravy (they are usually loaded with fat). Limit or avoid sour cream or butter.
SALADS
Avoid creamy dressings, croutons, bacon and cheese. Use vinegar or lemon juice instead.
SANDWICHES
Ask for mustard, lettuce, tomato, cucumbers and sprouts. Mayonnaise and other sandwich spreads are usually full of calories.
RESTAURANTS
Avoid the on-the-house buttery breads, fried savories, rich sauces and gravies.
Make better food choices. Ask about ingredients when uncertain about their description on the menu. If you are in the mood to indulge cut back on quantities and savor the food, instead of going on a complete binge.
INDIAN
Choose tandoori foods, raita, lentils, and veggies without the gravy.
THAI
Choose stir-fried veggies, steamed wantons and vegetable based soups and steamed fish.
MEXICAN
Choose tostadas, taco salad with baked shell instead of fried, if available.Or have rice, beans, veggies, grilled meats and salsa without the cream, cheese and dips.
ITALIAN
Choose tomato-based marinara, whole wheat pastas with veggies, grilled meats. Go easy on cheese!
JAPANESE
Choose sushi, tofu dishes and “yakimono”(broiled) dishes. Avoid deep-fried foods such as tempura.
NERVOUSNESS
Constant thoughts of fear, anger, melancholy, discontentment or worry; and lack of fresh air, sunshine, exercise, right eating, happy work environment and a purpose in life, are all causes of nervousness.
If you connect a 120-volt bulb with a 2,000-volt source, it will burn out the bulb. Similarly, the nervous system was not made to withstand the destructive force of intense emotion or persistent negative thoughts or feelings.
As soon as your mind becomes restless, strengthen your will with all your might and order it to be calm.
TECHNIQUE FOR RELAXING THE BODY
Tense all body parts, and then relax the tension. Feel you are not the body; you are the life which sustains the body. Feel the peace, the freedom and the calmness.
A body that is relaxed and calm invites mental peace.
-Paramahansa Yoganada