Can you name the simple breathing exercise which has the following benefits?

1.Helps to improve memory.
2.Useful in acidity.
3.Helps to cure BP.
4.Cures disorders of kidneys.
5.If practised at bedtime helps to keep away nightmares and get a peaceful sleep.
6.Improves digestion.
7.Beneficial in migraine and headaches.
8.Helps to clear the respiratory system thus increasing immunity to allergies, cough, cold and other respiratory ailments.
9.Reduces wrinkles.
10.Reduces premature greying  and falling of hair.
11.Retards the process of ageying.
12.Gives natural glow to the face.

Yes! it is the "Udgeeth Pranayam".
This pranayam is very easy, anybody can learn and practice.
Method: Sit in any position with back straight. Inhale deeply and exhale slowly with the sound of O.........m. The exhalation takes 15 seconds(10 seconds for long OOOOOOOO and 5 seconds for small mmmm). This is one round. Practice 3 to 10 times daily and see the amazing results!
p.s. For the first time this technique can be learnt under the supervision of a yoga teacher/guru.

"SECRET TO A SLIM BODY" courtesy- Almonds

Almonds, like all other nuts contain monounsaturated fatty acids which not only provide us with proteins, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, fibre etc. but also melt the tummy fat. They satiate the hunger and help to lose weight especially the accumulated fat around the stomach.

To prove the benefits of almonds, a study was conducted in California in which 65 women and men were given 70 almonds per day. After 6 months, there was a noticeable decrease in the waist of 14 % i.e. 7 inches.

A research in Spain also shows that foods with monounsaturated fatty acids are much healthier than foods with carbohydrates, because carbohydrates do the job of adding fat, whereas monounsaturated fatty acids reduce the tummy fat. So why not replace the fried snacks and sweets with almonds, cashew, pistachios and walnuts, which can be stored in containers in your refrigerator and eaten when you feel hungry. Having nuts instead of fried snacks is a way and secret to a healthy, slimmer body.

Secret of pot belly

A recent research has revealed that you can get a pot belly if your daily intake of Vitamin C and Calcium in the food is less.

According to the report, those who take less than 56 mg of Vitamin C (recommended Vitamin C is 75 mg per day), the chances of fat accumulation rises upto 131%. So take sufficient quantities of vit.c naturally through fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C is eliminated from the body in 12 hours, so maintain this vitamin by distributing your intake throughout the day.

Study says that Calcium taken less than 398 mg increases the chances of accumulating fat around stomach to 30%(recommended calcium per day is 1000mg in the age group 19-50 and 1200mg in the age group 50-70 years). If calcium intake is lower than recommended, it not only leads to thinning of bones and osteoporosis, but also increases the fat around the tummy.

It is a fact that sufficient amounts of Vitamin C and Calcium in the body do not allow the fat to accumulate in the mid section.

Your neighbour's baby can also help you lose weight!

A research shows that carrying a baby in your arms and strolling for an hour can burn 243 calories. So if you are really serious about losing weight, spend sometime with naughty babies/kids atleast for sometime; and get refreshed too with their innocent smiles.

Some connectivity somewhere!

Applying mustard oil in the navel for a few days will not only soften the cracked lips, but also get rid of itching in the eyes.

Have you noticed your belly bulging of late?

Then it is time you check out the following:
1. Have you been sleeping on your stomach? Sleep on your back instead or on your left!

2.Are you having dinner late in the night? Give a gap of 3 hrs between your dinner and sleep.

3.Have you been taking heavy dinner? Eat like a pauper!

4.Do you starve when you are busy and hog when idle? Do the opposite!(Do not starve literally).

5.Have you been snacking more on fried and junk food? Replace with nuts sprouts, salads and healthy snacks.

6.Have you stopped drinking enough water? Drink plenty of the magical liquid between meals.

7.Have you forgotten or do not have the time to chew food? Chew it well for it to get digested properly.

8.Have you been skipping breakfast? Break that 8-hour fast to stay trim!

Home Spa: Rose petal mist

The hot and cold water therapy for hair has already been mentioned to increase blood circulation and strengthen hair. The hot and cold therapy for the face is beneficial too.

In a bowl, bring some water to a boil. Remove from fire and put some fresh rose petals in it. Steam your face for 5 minutes with this fragrant water by covering your head with a towel. Now splash cool water on your face. Apply moisturiser.
This simple procedure unclogs the pores, removes impurities and improves blood circulation, thus refreshing and renewing the face. Soothes your senses too!

p.s. Rose water is made at home in a similar way, with rose petals put in hot water and covered with lid till it gets cool. It is strained and filled in a sterlized bottle and refrigerated. But this does not last long.