Try out natural remedies to cure skin problems

Are you looking for some natural remedies to get rid of skin related problems. Try out rose water as it helps in removing skin clogs and blackheads or you can also opt for aloe vera pack for glowing skin.

Navin Sharma, head of research and Development at Cholayil Private Limited shares some useful tips that can help in attaining a "healthy" skin.

Pearl pack: It improves the skin texture, balances moisture and makes the skin glow. It helps reduce dark marks, pimples and acne. It can be used both in form of paste and powder. Pearl helps in minimising the large pores on the skin and therefore reduces redness.


Rose water pack: Wash your face regularly with rose water for softer skin. It effectively removes skin clogs, blackheads and reduces stickiness from the face. It helps clear all the impurities and dust. Rose oil contains anti-inflammatory properties.

Proper face massage with rose water will remove excess oil in the skin, keeping it evenly moisturised and exfoliated, thus restoring the lost pH balance and skin texture, preventing acne and pimples, removing the dirt that gets accumulated in the skin pores.

Neem pack: It is an ideal solution to all your summer-related skin problems. Neem benefits can be utilized the most during this season. Neem juice helps in purification of skin and blood. You can use facewashes that contain neem leaves as an ingredient.

Aloe Vera pack: It helps cure acne problems. It contains medicinal properties that help protect the skin's natural beauty. It also works as a moisturizer and provides oxygen to the body cells which strengthen the skin tissues and help to keep the skin healthy.

New gene therapy trials aim to mend broken hearts

LONDON (Reuters) - British scientists are stepping up clinical tests of gene therapy in a bid to help people with advanced heart failure pump blood more efficiently.

Researchers said on Tuesday they planned to enrol patients into two new clinical trials using Mydicar, a gene therapy treatment made by privately held U.S. biotech company Celladon.

After more than 20 years of research, the ground-breaking method for fixing faulty genes is starting to deliver, with European authorities approving the first gene therapy for an rare metabolic disease last November.


In the case of heart failure, the aim is to insert a gene called SERCA2a directly into heart cells using a modified virus, delivered via a catheter infusion. Lack of SERCA2a leads to ever weaker pumping in people with heart failure.

Although drugs offer some relief, there is currently no way of restoring heart function and the prognosis for those with advanced disease is worse than for many cancers.

One of the studies, led by scientists at Imperial College London, is part of a wider mid-stage Phase II project sponsored by Celladon that involves 200 patients worldwide, some of whom have already been treated in the United States and Denmark.

The second trial, which is due to start in the summer, will test the same treatment in 24 British patients already fitted with mechanical heart pumps to see how the approach may help in this particular setting.

It promises to be a long haul, with extensive Phase III studies still needed once results of the current mid-stage tests are received, which Celladon expects in the first half of 2015.

Gene therapy has experienced a series of advances and setbacks over the decades. The most notable blow came in 1999 when an Arizona teenager died in a gene therapy experiment. More recent results, however, have been promising in fields ranging from immune system diseases to blindness.

"It is a great example of the slow burn of good laboratory science translating into a potential clinical treatment," said Peter Weissberg, medical director of the British Heart Foundation, which is co-funding the second trial.

Because gene therapy replaces or boosts the activity of a faulty gene, it offers the possibility of a one-time "fix" - and that creates an economic challenge.

Any gene therapy is bound to be expensive, since a single dose could last a lifetime and the manufacturer will have just one shot at recouping its investment.

But Alexander Lyon of Imperial College, lead investigator on both studies, said it could be a cost-effective solution in heart failure if it avoided the need for interventions such as heart transplants at 200,000 pounds each.

Types of Shoes to Consider For Running

Running shoes manufactured by high-end brands usually cost a fortune which is why you must make sure that the shoes you want are the shoes you need.

If you are passionate about running and are willing to shell a huge amount for a certain brand of shoe, you should know which kind will be the most suitable for you:

Motion Control Running Shoes

These types of running shoes are for people who don’t have an arch on their feet. Even if there is, it is very low and such folks are said to have flat feet. Motion Control Running Shoes help their feet so that they don’t rotate inward and thus avoid over-pronation. Flat feet are a cause for injuries, especially while dancing or running. Motion Control Running Shoes provide stability and help people with flat feet put their best foot forward. The sole is made broader and a little heavier.

Stability Running Shoes

As the name suggests, Stability Running Shoes are for people with normal feet i.e. feet with a medium arch and not flat from the toes to heel.

While running, the foot touches the ground at the centre of the foot and to the external part of the heel. The weight is distributed equally throughout the feet. This is the most normal or neutral running action and thus Stability Running Shoes do not come with an extra-pronation. The cushioning feature can be added to these types of shoes while combining elements of support design and normal pronation. If you end up buying shoes with more width than usual or a bigger sole, you are only inviting injuries.

Cushioned Running Shoes

Cushioned footwear comprises non-linear shoes and channels the weight to the midsole. They are made for people with high arched feet as they improve the cushioning properties. The companies beef up the sole and heel of the shoes to add some padding effect to them while running. This improves the air flow and the arch is dispersed properly across the feet. Runners with arched feet can suffer from shin splints and other knee related issues, and thus you must wear Cushioned Running Shoes.

If you have difficulty determining your feet type, walk on sand and examine your footprint; this should give you a fair idea.

Health Benefits Of Eating Fish

Fish is considered one of the most power-packed foods for a healthy diet. It is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to prevent a huge range of diseases. Read on to know how:

1. Protects against Heart Disease

Several studies that have been conducted reveal that eating a regulated dose of fish every week reduces the risk of heart disease and increases the chances of survival after a heart attack. Fish oil is also known to reduce the stickiness of the blood, thereby limiting its tendency to clot.

2. Reduces Risk of Prostate Cancer

A study carried out in Sweden states that selenium, contained in most kinds of fish, helps fight cancer. Men who consume fish are less likely to develop prostate cancer than those who do not eat fish at all.

3. Helps Avoid Depression

As stated above, fish contains Omega-3 fatty acids, and these are known to increase the levels of serotonin in the human brain. Therefore, the mind stays more optimistic and happier, leading to lesser instances of depression and low moods.

4. Prevents Alzheimer’s

The consumption of fish helps limit the risk of high blood pressure. Therefore, the chances of dementia get greatly reduced. Moreover, the brain cells suffer lesser risk of damage due to the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acid in most kinds of fish.

5. Fights against Arthritis

Not only arthritis, but most types of inflammatory conditions are very well combated with the help of the Omega-3 fatty acids. These help control the cycle of inflammation of the body and can be found in fish such as mackerel, tuna, sardines, salmon and trout.

6. Enhances Skin

A diet that contains fish such as salmon is known to act as a skin-enhancing regime. The regular, yet moderate consumption of fish has anti-aging, anti-wrinkle effects, thereby making the skin younger-looking.

7. Asthma

In children, especially, the risk of asthma gets greatly reduced if they are given a regular diet of fish. Fish is rich in protein, making up for a lot of nutritious components required during the period of growing up.

So, if you want your dose of vitamins, minerals and more, make sure to include fish in your regular diet. However, whilst once or twice a week is what doctor would deem regular, make sure to consult your own dietician for the right dose for your system.

Health Benefits Of Whiskey

Yes, the drool-worthy taste and fine aroma of whiskey can make you go weak in your knees, but do you know that your favorite drink also has numerous health benefits, just like beer, believe it or not! As one of the most popular alcohol-based beverage, whiskey is produced from the distillation of grain-based products. It is not only considered to be a miraculous creation in its homeland Scotland, but has also managed to seep into the culture of various nations around the world. We all can vouch for it, after all, who doesn’t like to clink their glasses of whiskey along with their gang of friends. We certainly do!
Of course, the benefits can be used to its maximum efficiency only when you drink it moderately, (advisable is around 25-30ml for women and 35-40ml for men). So raise your glass, read these health benefits and say cheers to us.

1) Get Immuned

According to a study by Australia’s Monash University, a daily dose of whiskey gives you the required amount of Vitamin C necessary for you to intake every day. It has the desired antioxidant potential which helps you fight against diseases by raising you immunity. This doesn’t mean that you’ll replace your orange juice with a glass of Jack Daniels in breakfast. But, next time you take a shot, say cheers to your immune system!

2) Bye-bye Cancer

What can knock your entire life without a forewarning? Yes, cancer it is. The dreaded disease has struck people like a plague and has rattled their entire life. Well, not anymore. Scientific researchers have revealed that those who consume Scotch moderately cut down their chance of contracting this disease. The liquid is found to have antioxidant properties and ellagic acid that kills the cancerous cells, thereby reducing the risk of cancer. Go, rejoice!

3) My Heart’s The Strongest

Dr David J Hanson in his research paper from the New York University has revealed that those who consume one to two drinks of whiskey, daily, have a 50 per cent lesser chance of having a stroke, or even dementia. As people age, their body gets fragile, and they are more likely to get a stroke, a heart ailment or even clots. But you decrease your chances of contracting such diseases if you are regularly consuming whiskey. Isn’t that the best thing you’ve heard in a while?

4) Vital Information

Whiskey contains absolutely no fats, and therefore can be used in any number of healthy low-fat diets. Additionally, it also contains 0.04 grams of carbohydrates in the form of sugar which can be easily transformed into energy as soon as it enters your digestion system.
We are certainly not trying to get you drunk, but if you do, do it responsibly. And with these added benefits, you might be able to justify your drinking ability. However, remember the thumb rule: drink it in moderate amounts and not in bucketfuls.

5 Best Hair Oils For Men In Summer

With S comes the summer and with that come sun, saltwater and swimming pools.
They can be good for the soul but dramatically less so for the hair. Frizz, dull and dry hair are some of the common traits of this weather. So how do you fight ‘em?
It’s time for you to quench your hair with these hair oils, the only sure short way to get shiny, silky and thick hair. And if you need a hair oil treatment then you need to choose the right one for your hair. Here’s a list of oils that serve different needs of hair. Select accordingly!

1) Avocado Oil

For: Flaky, brittle and damaged hair

Avocados have increasingly found their use in skin and hair-care regimes, more so for the hair. The oil is light, smooth and contains many nutrients such Vitamins A, B, D, E, iron, amino acids and folic acid, all of which are beneficial for nourishment and hair growth. However, its biggest importance can be attributed to its moisture adding and locking capacities. It acts as a natural SPF and is also great in deep conditioning, strengthening and adding shine. Use it before shampooing the hair or add it in your shampoo, either way it will work just fine.

2) Coconut Oil

For: All hair types



Coconut oil has been widely used in India and still is been suggested by hundreds of people alike. So what works in favour of coconut oil? It’s heavy duty multi-purpose oil, which does only good, no harm and suits all the hair type. It takes care of everything, foster hair growth, helps you get rid of dandruff and dry scalp, provides nutrition and gives a shiny black sheen to the hair. Besides, it also smells great. If you are looking out to condition your hair till the tips, then this can be your best bet.

3) Jojoba Oil

For: Dry and damaged hair



Jojoba oil treats dry, damaged, dandruff prone and tangled hair with great finesse, mostly because the oil is complete absorbed by the scalp leaving no residue. Hence, jojoba is non-sticky and non-greasy oil. It has found to have the same molecular structure as of sebum- the natural oil secreted by the scalp and thus, would not leave you with any type of odour at all. It is also antibacterial, promotes healthy scalp and hair growth.

4) Almond Oil

For: Balding hair


This oil is revolutionary for people who suffer from tremendous hair loss. With the regular use of this oil, your hair can grow up to 4 inches in just 3 months. It is rich in Vitamin E which is very important for hair growth and nourishment. Almond oil is used in aroma therapy for hair because it is also acts a cleansing agent for the hair, getting rid of the dust particles and pollutants in one wash. Use it 4 times a week for a lustrous hair.

5) Olive Oil

For: Sensitive hair



It’s a great conditioner for hair, so much so that you can skip the artificial conditioner if you are using olive oil. It will never cause you any allergic reaction and hence is suitable for sensitive hair. It promotes scalp health because it’s anti-inflammatory, lightweight and penetrates deeper in to the hair, makes it ideal for great moisturising.

Health Benefits of Banana

 

Bananas are one of the most famous common fruits amongst people of every age. Enjoyed in its various forms, bananas are eaten raw, accompanied with desserts, added in smoothies and consumed in many more ways too. Let us look at the benefits of eating this fruit.

1. Blood Pressure Regulation

Banana is a fruit that contains high amount of potassium and low levels of salt. This combination helps to regulate the blood pressure. It reduces the risk of heart related diseases.

2. Bone Strength

The potassium content in bananas is good for the health of your bones. Eating bananas on a regular basis can prevent your bones from deteriorating. Consuming bananas can also neutralize the amount of sodium in your body, which ultimately saves calcium to get washed out from your body.

3. Source of energy

Bananas are loaded with a lot of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C and Vitamin B-6. Considering this fact, it is evident that eating the fruit can provide you with great energy. Pack yourself a couple of bananas to eat in the afternoon after your lunch has been digested and your stomach asks for some food.

4. Bowel Health

If you are suffering from constipation, banana is the fruit you need to pick. The fruit contains dietary fiber that aids the maintenance of the bowel system of your body.

5. Stress Reduction

When you are in stress, the metabolic rate of your body shoots up and potassium levels consequently decrease. Eating a banana can thereby flush your body with potassium, which will automatically ease you and regularize your heartbeat.

6. Brain Food

The potassium in bananas also does wonders by making you more mentally alert. Research shows that this yellow fruit aids concentration and hence is a marvelous fuel for the brain.

7. Iron rich fruit

People suffering from iron deficiency can resort to eating bananas. This fruit, which is rich in iron, can supply your body with the amount of iron it needs. This can also benefit you when you are suffering from an injury and require the blood to clot faster with the help of haemoglobin.
It is unimaginable how one tiny yellow colored fruit can give your body numerous health benefits. Include bananas in your breakfast, lunch, snack or dinner and enjoy the phenomenal benefits it imparts your body with.

Olive oil, Beauty secret in your kitchen!

1. Skin moisturiser: If you have dry skin, then olive oil is perfect for you. It penetrates deep into the skin and nourishes it. Olive oil was also used for bathing when soaps did not exist. Soaps which contain olive oil has lesser ph levels as compared to others and is good for your skin’s health.

Quick fact: The chemical structure of the naturally occurring oil in our body is very similar to olive oil, and that is why it is a major component of many beauty products.

Our secret recipe: Water and olive oil when mixed in equal parts are great for treating sun burns.

2. Exfoliate at home: If you are low on budget and cannot afford that expensive spa treatment this month, then exfoliate your skin at home. Mix olive oil with a teaspoon of sugar and apply this mixture on your skin. Massage gently and revel in the glow!

Quick fact: Olive oil contains squalene which improves the elasticity of your skin.

Our secret recipe: If you have dry skin, then you must mix olive oil with sea salt to cleanse it. All your dead skin will peel off, leaving behind a healthy glow.

3. Nail care: Professionals swear by this tip. Rub a little olive oil after the nail polish has dried off to make your nails shine. Olive oil also soothes dry skin and the cuticles around your nail bed.

Quick fact: Olive oil contains chlorophyll which helps in healing skin conditions and wounds.

Our secret recipe: If you have brittle nails then soak them for about 15 minutes in a bowlful of olive oil, a few drops of lemon and some essential oils every week.

4. Hair care: Olive oil is the answer to every woman’s prayer seeing it gives your hair a wonderful lustre. If you have dry hair, then you must use a mixture of egg yolk and olive oil to deep condition them.

Quick fact: Olive oil contains hydroxytyrosol which has anti-ageing properties.

Our secret recipe: Add a tablespoon of olive oil to your regular conditioner and use it after shampooing.

5. Eye makeup remover: Your eyes are very sensitive and that is why you must be very careful while removing eye makeup. Instead of using chemicals, opt for olive oil. Not only will your make up come off easily, but the skin around your eye will be nourished too.

Quick fact: Polyphenols which are abundant in olive oil have anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory properties which soothes your skin.

Our secret recipe: Olive oil can be used as a replacement for mascara to darken your eye lashes and eyebrows.

6. Nourish your lips: If you want to get rid of chapped and dry lips naturally, then simply dab some olive oil on them. Olive oil can also act as a lips exfoliator. 

Quick fact: Olive contains Vitamin E which will protect your lips and skin from the UV rays.

Our secret recipe: To exfoliate your lips, just mix some olive oil with sugar and apply it on your lips. The sugar particles will get rid of any dry skin whereas olive oil will nourish your lips.

What to look for while buying olive oil: When it comes to beauty benefits, virgin olive oil or extra virgin oil have very few differences. But whether the oil is cold pressed or not is an important factor. Cold pressed olive oil retains its most important nutrients and vitamins and hence this oil is more beneficial in the long run. 

Egg white component lowers blood pressure

Washington, April 12: A study by American scientists presented Wednesday supports the view that a substance in egg white has the ability to lower blood pressure without negative effects.

Scientists reported that a component of egg whites, already popular as a substitute for whole eggs among health-conscious consumers concerned about cholesterol in the yolk may have another beneficial effect in reducing blood pressure, reports Science Daily.

Their study was part of the 245th National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS), the world's largest scientific society, which continues here through Thursday.
"Our research suggests that there may be another reason to call it 'the incredible, edible egg,'" said study leader Zhipeng Yu, Ph.D., of Jilin University.

"We have evidence from the laboratory that a substance in egg white -- it's a peptide, one of the building blocks of proteins -- reduces blood pressure about as much as a low dose of Captopril, a high-blood-pressure drug," Zhipeng Yu said.

Yu and colleagues, who are with Clemson University, used a peptide called RVPSL. Scientists previously discovered that the substance, like the family of medications that includes Captopril, Vasotec and Monopril, was an angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitor.

It has a powerful ability to inhibit or block the action of ACE, a substance produced in the body that raises blood pressure.

The results of feeding the substance were positive, showing that RVPSL did not have apparent toxic effects and lowered blood pressure by amounts comparable to low doses of Captopril.

"Our results support and enhance previous findings on this topic," Yu said. "They were promising enough to move ahead with further research on the effects of the egg white peptide on human health."

5 Best Health And Fitness Accessories For Smartphones

All thanks to the advent in science and technology, we’ve been capable of clubbing the mobility and harness the power of a smartphone with that of medical gear and equipment to give us the best of both worlds.
So let’s have a look at these accessories that you can pair with your smartphone to guide you down a healthier path!

1. Nike FuelBand

Platform: iOS
Nike combined their powers with the almighty Apple to launch the Nike FuelBand, an accessory that shed light over the application of technology to your health and fitness needs. The Nike FuelBand is a swanky little wristband that acts as an accelerometer and relays information regarding your physical movement with your Apple device on a constant basis. It monitors the amount of calories burnt, the progress according to the days and dish out a thorough statistics for you to keep a tab on.

2. Withings Smart Blood Pressure Monitor

Platform: iOS


One of the most useful and portable accessory for doctors and patients of blood pressure, Withings Smart Blood Pressure Monitor is the accessory to own. All you need to do is wrap the monitor around your arm, plug it into your iOS device, and the device does the rest. You can get a wide variety of options to choose from. The Withings Smart Blood Pressure Monitor gives you a complete analysis of your systolic, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. It also has in-built capabilities to email your measurements to your doctor or create an archive!

3. Fitbit One™ Wireless Activity + Sleep Tracker

Platform: iOS, Android


Fitbit is known to manufacture gadgets and accessories for the health-conscious masses and the Wireless Activity+Sleep Tracker is no different. The Tracker takes every aspect of the Nike FuelBand and takes it a notch higher. Other than constantly tracking your physical activities like running, climbing steps, etc by the minute, it also keeps a tab on how well you sleep and churns out stats to give you a thorough insight into your health and how you need to take it forward. As handy as a USB drive, the Tracker can be worn around your wrist, kept in your pocket or secure it to your belt, and it’ll consistently stay in touch with your smartphone and exchange data over Bluetooth.

4. Wahoo Fitness Blue HR Heart Rate Strap

Platform: iOS


The world’s first ever Bluetooth enabled heart rate strap, the Wahoo Fitness Blue HR Heart Rate Strap is a boon for everyone suffering from a heart disease. A lightweight monitor that straps itself around your chest, the heart rate strap stays connected to your iOS device via Bluetooth and sends out accurate and reliable statistics straight to the device. You can also tweak it through the bundled app to assist you in your fitness and fitness regime.

5. Zephyr HxM Bluetooth Wireless Heart Rate Sensor

Platform: Android, Windows 8


Zephyr is known to cater to the smartphone market by releasing a wide variety of fitness based apps that assist you in staying fit and healthy, and they’ve done the same by venturing into the accessory market and releasing the Zephyr HxM Bluetooth Wireless Heart Rate Sensor. What makes the Heart Rate sensor different than the rest is its ability to not only read the Heart Rate but also the speed, distance and the intensity level as well! This gives the user an added insight into the workout regime and fine-tune it to perfection.

Summer Skin Care Guide For Men

Most men still believe that skin-care regimen and changing products according to the weather are in a women’s to-do list. But you can’t be more wrong!
Men typically have larger pores on their skin so they are more prone to break-outs and clogged pores. They do not use any type of translucent powder like women do to absorb excess oil. They also spend more time out in the humid temperatures of summer, and hence are likely to have a problematic skin. So how will you take care of your skin to maintain a healthy glow? Don’t sweat it - just a few changes are all it takes to have an effective summer skin care routine. Read on...

1) Cleanse Your Face Twice A Day

Men’s skin is oilier to begin with. So, cleaning the face twice a day, with a good quality cleanser or face wash and not scrubbing it with soap is imperative. It cleans the pores and removes excess oil. Clarifying cleansers form a very important part of a man’s daily skin care routine. It reaches deep inside the pores and prepare it for shave or exfoliation. Cleansers which contain Vitamins A, C and E are absorbed more into the skin; they prevent ingrown hairs and keep the skin naturally healthy.

2) Use A Toner

Men’s skin is tougher and thicker than a woman’s skin. It can tolerate active ingredients in toners like astringent or Glycolic acid (GA). GA helps in keeping the pores clean throughout the day, restores the balance of the skin and reduces the risk of ingrown hairs after shaving.

3) Exfoliate

Getting rid of the dead skin cells via natural scrubbing is also important during summers. Men should typically go for deep exfoliation once in every 3 days or visit a men’s salon once a week for professional exfoliation. Natural glow can only be attained if you remove the older dead cells and nourish the younger skin cells.

4) Moisturise

Use a lightweight moisturiser with SPF 15 or above. It will help keep your skin moisturised, wrinkle-free, prevent any fine lines to appear on the face and will restore the moisture balance after exfoliation. It will also heal your skin, especially if you have been under the sun too long.

5) Don’t Over-Shave

Try to avoid shaving everyday in summers. You skin works overtime during this weather as it repairs and heals after every shave, battle out the UV rays of sun and generates and de-generates as it has its own repair mechanism.

6) Use An Aftershave

It helps to restore lost moisture and oils after a close shave. You’ll also need an aftershave to protect your skin and reducing the sensitivity to the sun. Look out for a natural aftershave and nourishing oils for an even toned complexion.

7) Wear Sunscreen Everyday

This goes without saying but a sunscreen will work if you use it in a correct way. Be sure to use a sun block 30 minutes before heading outdoors. Apply a sunscreen after every 2 hours regardless of the SPF because it wears off on its own, by touching, using a towel, sweating and washing your face. Apply it on all parts of your body. Don’t forget your ears, hands and feet. Use a lip balm with sun protection to guard your lips.

8) Banish Body Odour

Using deodorant is not the only solution for getting rid of the body odour. Odour arises only when bacteria mixes with your sweat, so start from the basic level. Use an anti-bacterial cleanser or body wash while showering. After which apply a herbal powder and use a deodorant later once you are dressed up.

9) Eat Healthy

Our skin is hugely impacted by our diet and lifestyle choices. Tomatoes, avocados, berries, almonds and apricots should be included in your diet as these food items have anti-aging properties. They also act as anti-oxidants which protects your skin from wrinkles thereby keeping it naturally healthy. Needless to say, drink a lot of water and flush out impurities from your body. Avoid oily and deep fried food as the process of digestion slows down during summer and oily foods are hard to digest. Include more leafy vegetables, pulses, yogurt, salmon and chicken in your regular diet for a glowing skin.

10) If You Have Acne

Acne products which have salicylic acid can dry out your skin and make it more prone to sunburn. These products can rip off the top layer of your skin thereby making it more sensitive to UV rays. Use these products only at night and consult your dermatologist before using a moisturiser.
So you see, a complicated skin care routine isn’t required for a clean and healthy looking skin. You don’t have to invest in a slew of products or spend hours in a beauty care salon. Just a few adjustments in your daily life and you’re good to go!

5 Novels To Read On The Go

You do not have to be a bookworm to have heard of these books, and certainly not one to read them while you are commuting to your work or travelling for business.
MensXP brings to you these 5 novels to read on the go.

1. The Inscrutable Americans

Penned by Indian author Anurag Mathur, this novel is about how a simple Indian boy discovers America, stumbling through many faux pas, fantasies and friendships. A modern comedy of errors, this book will keep you chuckling quietly as you wait for your destination to arrive. After its publication in 1991, this novel was adapted for a movie in 1999. For those looking for a quick entertaining read, we recommend this one!

2. The Fountainhead

Published way back in 1943, this jewel by Ayn Rand continues to move off the bookstore shelves faster than most others. Poles apart from our previous recommendation, this one propagates Ayn Rand’s philosophy of objectivism through the protagonist, Howard Roark. For the ambitious and individualistic go-getter, this novel can be said to be the holy book!

3. Five Point Someone

If you have watched 3 Idiots without having read Chetan Bhagat’s book from which it was adapted, you are missing out! Bhagat’s casual comic style interspersed with relevant life struggles of 3 IIT boys make this novel a very pleasant read on your regular travels. Secret love, flailing attempts to get good marks and conservative parents – the author mixes just the ingredients to envelop the reader in a comic nostalgia – no wonder it remained a bestseller for so long!

4. The Namesake

Pulitzer Prize winner Jhumpa Lahiri’s 2003 novel The Namesake explores the cultural conflicts within an individual with brilliant insight. It received rave reviews and was made into a movie by Mira Nair in 2006. If you pick up this book for your next travel, we assure you, you will not be able to put it down before Gogol, the protagonist, comes to the end of his self-realisation – or you reach your destination, whichever comes first!

5. A Suitable Boy

This novel is the odd one out in this list, purely on the basis of its size! At around 1400 pages, this is by no means an easy or quick read. But once you gather the guts to opening the book and start reading, you will keep coming back to it. Vikram Seth works his magic in his opus magnum with one mother’s takes trips to different cities of India in search for a suitable boy for her younger daughter. As you read on, you meet a lot of characters – and you irrevocably fall in love with them for their innate Indianness!
Regular or long travel is bad enough, without you staring listlessly out of the window or flipping through a magazine with glazed eyes. Next time, pick up one of these books and before you know it, you would have arrived!

Best Health And Fitness Apps For Your Smartphone

Smartphones have replaced the age old gym instructors and treadmills rather quickly, and they’re slowly finding their way into becoming your dieticians, physicians and everything else.
Let’s have a look at these few apps that fill the void of being your perfect health advisors.

1. My Fitness Pal

Platform: iOS, Android

My Fitness Pal is a calorie counter that does more than just count fat. With the largest food database of more than 2 million food and food products, My Fitness Pal helps in keeping a tight leash on your calorie intake all the while suggesting over 350 exercises to keep you fit. It also allows you to set pre-installed goals or set your own and achieve them. An integrated social circuit allows you to connect with your friends and track each other’s progress.

2. iTreadmill

Platform: iOS



As the name suggests, iTreadmill does everything a treadmill does, except it idly fits into your palm of your hand allowing you to take it wherever you go! A highly useful app to keep you fit, iTreadmill will allow you to set a target pace, calculate the distance covered, and give an estimate of the amount of calories burnt. The ability to measure your parametrics accurately and keep a tab over your general movement makes the iTreadmill an app worth installing.

3. Pocket Yoga

Platform: iOS, Android



One of the most useful apps for people who want to embrace the power of yoga, Pocket Yoga brings to you a course in Yoga with 3 different practices, 3 different difficulty levels and 3 different durations with 27 different sessions! In-depth visually illustrated information regarding every posture with step-by-step instructions makes this one highly beneficial. A virtual Yoga instructor, Pocket Yoga also comes with some soothing music to get you into the right groove!

4. 400 Calories or Less Cookbooks

Platform: iOS



We’re always bogged by the prospect of preparing something that smells and tastes delicious all the while keeping a firm tab over your calorie intake. 400 Calories or Less Cookbooks does just that! The app dishes out a variety of delicious and easy-to-prepare recipes that also keep an eye on the calorie meter and see that you don’t go overboard with the indulgence. Perfect for ones who’re keen on sticking to a diet and yet want to spice it up in all the right ways!

5. Yog

Platform: iOS



The unrelenting surge of adrenaline while being a part of a race has a charm in itself, and Yog knows how to push the right buttons in this case. It allows you to schedule your race with anyone in your network of Yog runners and schedule a race at any given point of time, regardless of your and your competitors’ location! You can find new running companions through this one and have someone to keep you motivated and running through the regime. The best part of Yog being is it tends to give real-time results of your competitor’s location and current standing.

8 Ways To Increase Your Water Intake

The importance of drinking water is always reiterated to you in different ways. However, often one fails to consume the adequate amount of water required by the body.
Let’s look at ways to increase the intake of water.

1. Carry a water bottle

No matter where you go, a handy water bottle in your bag is a must. By doing so, every time you feel thirsty, you can immediately gulp down some water from the bottle rather than keeping yourself thirsty for long.

2. Alarm

If you belong to the kind of people who need to be reminded to drink water, then set an alarm that would beep after every hour and remind you to drink water.

3. Accessibility

When a bottle of water is kept right in front of your eyes, it is more convenient for a otherwise lazy person to pick it up and drink from it. Be it your office desk or your bed; make it a habit to have an attractive bottle right in front of you.

4. Tasty additions

If plain water is not you are very fond of, add interesting flavors to it to make it easier to consume the required quantity of liquid for your body. Adding lemon, rose or any other refreshing syrup to your water can help you achieve your target.

5. Sticky Notes

Writing and sticking witty and alarming one liners to remind yourself about drinking water can be another effective way. Stick these notes at the places you tend to spend the most amount of time. It could be your desk, living room or any other space in the house.

6. Soups and Juices

Changes or additions made to one’s diet can also help in increasing the water intake. Drinking your choicest fresh fruit juices and soups in the day can also ensure water intake for your body.

7. Fruits and Vegetables

A number of fruits and vegetables contain a good amount of water. Tomatoes are nothing but 97% water and oranges are composed of 87% water. Similarly avocados, strawberries sweet limes amongst many others are rich in water and you must eat them to consume sufficient amount of water on a daily basis.

8. Motivate yourself

Self-motivation plays a very vital role when you are out there reaching a target. Measuring the amount of water and pushing yourself for the sake of good health to drink more water everyday can be an effective way to consume plenty water.
Might seem a mammoth task, but applying simple and innovative techniques to drink more water daily can work in the right direction for you.

8 Ways To Burn Calories At Your Desk

You’ll find it surprising to note how many people attribute a lack of fitness to their work schedule. In this article, we offer some exercises that will help you burn calories without rushing to the office gym. Ten repetitions each is a good start for each of these.

Shoulder Stretch

· Enact reaching out with your right arm to take something from the left side by stretching it across your chest.
· Use your left arm to hold your right from beneath to bring it closer to your chest.
· Do this for the left arm.

Abdominal Crunch

· Lean back, waist upwards and back straight, while sitting on your seat’s edge.
· Hold both sides of your seat firmly.
· With both knees bent, lift your legs up, while the abs flex each time.
· Lower your legs straightening downward, without allowing your heels to touch the ground.

Lower back exercise

· Keeping your palms on your lower back, push your fingers downwards as you lean back.
· Allow your back to arch, with elbows pointing straight behind you as your chest faces upward.
· Maintain for 15 seconds.

Quadriceps and Calf stretch

· Keep both palms on your right leg a little above your knee, and from the hip flexor, lift it, extending it until it is straight.
· Holding the leg straight, flex the muscle for at least 10 seconds in that position.
· Lower it slowly, keeping you foot back on the floor and then repeat with the left leg.

Sitting and standing straight

· Ensure your chair is adjusted to promote a healthy posture, where you aren’t round-shouldered or slouched over.
· Keep both your feet flatly grounded.
· Stand straight up, your shoulders back and chin levelled.

Chair dips

· Keep both palms on the edge of the chair and your legs, extended straight in front of you.
· With your elbows bent and hips before the chair, lower your body with your elbows.
· When your elbows are at 90 degrees, push yourself back up.
· Do at least 10 repetitions.

Ab twists

· Place both hands on the left arm of your chair and twist only your upper body, keeping your legs straight and unmoved.
· Do ten repetitions each, twisting to the left, and then to the right.

Front raise and Tricep toning

· Keeping your abs inward, sit straight and hold a slightly heavy file in your left hand.
· Raise the file to shoulder level, hold, and continue to elevate it above your head.
· When you arm is straight up, bend your elbow and slowly lower it sideways till it’s extended at shoulder level, then straighten and lower it to your side.
· Repeat for other arm.
These office exercises should tone your upper and lower body effectively, but are the minimal measures for fitness. Taking the stairs, two or three at a time, doing push-ups before lunch or every two hours, and eating home-cooked food are other ways to dedicate a greater effort to your health.

How To Gain Weight Through Proper Diet

When most women go gyming and dieting to lose weight, there are some boney and skinny women who wish to put on weight. They feel dejected and suffer from inferiority
complex because of underdeveloped bust line, undeveloped buts and lack of body mass which often restrains their feminine charm. And this becomes particularly depressing when you are mocked at by your friends and people around.

While there are hundred thousands ways of losing weight, one will find only a few ways of gaining weight. Now, if you are planning to gain weight, never gorge on junk, fried food and cold drinks. These are not healthy ways of putting on weight and might even end up having negative impacts on your body.
First of all, you will need to increase your calorie and fat intake. But the amount of increment should be decided only after consulting your dietician. Secondly, you should not increase you calorie intake overnight. This might result in stomach problems, diarrhea etc. It is always recommended to prepare a diet chart and divide your eating regime into 5 quarters a day.
Include a lot of proteins in your diet in the form of pulses, beans, fishes, eggs, sprout etc. as that would help in building new muscles, retaining the health of the muscles, adding positive fat to the body and eventually increasing body weight.
If you are aiming at gaining weight, include more and more of high starch content foods like potatoes, rice, corn starch, tapioca etc. All these are rich in fats that are essential for cellular function, production of hormones, protection of vital organs and energy in the body. Don’t forget to include, fruits and vegetables in your ‘weight gain’ diet. They are the richest source of vitamins and minerals that have both health and weight gain implications.
Lastly, remember to keep checking your weight after a gap of every few days to see if your weight gain diet is really making a difference to your weight after all.

7 Things You Should Never Do To Lose Weight

The attempt to lose weight may lead you to adopt various methods – including diets and exercise regimes – that you may spend days over, without really achieving any results.

So, where have you been going wrong? What did you NOT do to get this right? Confused? Then read on for the possibilities and for what NOT to do:

1. Skip Breakfast

Breakfast is the most essential meal of the day. It is the meal you consume after a night of fasting. Moreover, breakfast provides the energy required by the body to do every day activities, and assists in the smooth functioning of the metabolism.

2. Eat After Long Gaps

Eating small yet frequent meals or snacks is healthier than eating after long gaps. Contrary to what you may believe, not eating for long periods of time can be very harmful. It could lead to slower metabolism and crash in levels of blood sugar. The subsequent lack of weight loss is but obvious.

3. Have an Erratic Routine

Irregular hours at work, no fixed time for meals, and the lack of a schedule or routine for day-to-day activities disrupts smooth bodily functions. One such function is the metabolism, responsible for the digestion of food and burning of calories.

4. Eat Unhealthy Food Often

Dig those fries and hamburgers? Well, eating too many of those has probably not let you reduce weight! An overdose of oily, greasy and fattening food slows down the metabolism and builds up the calories.

5. Add Liquid Calories

Drink up to reduce dehydration. But do not overdo it and cause weight gain! Huge amounts of alcohol intake can slow the metabolism despite your exercise regime being in place.

6. Eat Larger Portions at One Go

If you think you have been endeavouring to lose weight by eating at larger intervals, think again! The longer the gaps, the more difficult it is to lose weight. So, eat more often, and never make the interval between two meals or snacks more than a couple of hours.

7. Give Up A Type of Food Completely

Whilst it may be advised to not eat a particular food in excess, it may not necessarily imply that you give up eating that food completely. Instead, consume it in moderation!

Whilst it is important to know the right things to do in order to lose weight systematically, it is an oft-neglected fact that many people also ought to know what should NOT be done. If you must, know the facts and always consult a professional when in doubt.

Healthy Alternatives To Bhang

Being a spring festival, Holi requires cooling beverages to consume in the balmy weather and humidity. Although many people consume bhang, the nature of its risky effects and intoxicating potential is detrimental to safety and health.

Ensuring that the host and guest stay fresh throughout the festivities is easier with these healthy alternatives to bhang. Some are tropical, some are conventional, but they are all nourishing and fulfilling.

Milkshakes

This one is sure to be popular with the children and adults too. Make it with rose flavour, milk, saffron, sugar, cashew paste, and almond paste. This nutritious drink is tasteful and can be had by pregnant women too.

Aam Panna

This beverage is easy to make and requires green mangoes. Boil the fruit; add roasted ground cumin seeds, sugar, salt, mint leaves, red chilli powder, and crushed ice. It was originally prepared in North India and is sweet and sour and immensely refreshing.

Jal Jeera

For those with a taste for added spice, this is the perfect drink. It gets its tangy essence from the black salt used to make it. Alternately, chaat masala can be added. The other ingredients are ginger, pepper, cumin powder, mint leaves, and amchur.

Lassi

The classic cooling beverage requires yoghurt mixed with water, with sugar and salt to taste. Cumin seeds are roasted and powdered and added for spiced lassi, while the sweeter version is made along with fruits like mango, strawberry, and others.

Kanji

Its ingredients are mustard seeds, beetroot, carrots, and water. Boondi is used as garnish for this drink, which is healthy for cardiac patients, thanks to the betaine of the beetroot. Let your menu have an amazingly healthy choice this time.

Nimbu Paani

Traditional and tasty, it needs lemon extract, chilled water, sugar, and mint to garnish. Make it a little different by adding a little ginger extract. This drink which can be had by all people, without concerns of age or health conditions, can also be enhanced with a pinch of pepper dust or salt.

Orange Fizzle

Add strawberry crush into a glass of crushed ice. Follow it with soda and orange juice and place a wedge of lemon to garnish it. This elegant drink is a stylish mocktail to serve to your guest and drink yourself.

Raspberry Lemonade

Bring this colourful drink to the table and delight the children with its vibrant contents. This flavourful beverage is quickly prepared and suits the tastes of the grown-ups too. Mix raspberry concentrate, add sugar and lemon extract, put a couple teaspoons of mint leaves and crushed ice, and your pink lemonade will fit your festive decor.

Kiwi Cruiser

Pour a shot glass of pureed Kiwi fruit and add two shot glasses of Sprite with Kiwi chunks as required. A little more froth of sweet lime with crushed ice as you like it is added after that. Blend the mixture and add a lemon garnish and crushed ice at the end to create this unusual, tropical treat for your Holi celebrating friends.

Green Coconut water

Celebrating Holi can be quite exhausting. Revitalize in an instant with this invigorating natural drink. Give it a twist by sprinkling a little salt, adding a few ice cubes, a couple teaspoons of jeera, and a few drops of lime extract. This ever refreshing drink is a great selection to offer with its detoxifying properties and smooth contents.

There may be an outcry over the lack of bhang or if you’re going out, you may not want it, but these healthy options will keep your attention all day and satisfy your tastes with ease.