Whether it’s true or not, here’s a new website done by a friend whose family does impressive vegetarian cooking. Here she shares some great recipes for popular vegetarian dishes such as Asam Laksa, Vegetable Curry and so on.

The great thing is that the website is in English and Chinese, so check it out and prepare that special treat for yourself http://www.vegeangel.com

To keep the doshas in balance for a healthy body and mind, the Ayurvedic system recommends certain foods to eat and avoid. Here is a basic guideline but the most accurate way is to consult an Ayurvedic physician, who will observe your physique, assess your pulse, how you breathe and ask you a series of lifestyle questions.  Most of us will have a combination of 2 dosha types, with one that dominates.

Pitta types are dominant in the fire and water elements. They generally have a small build  and usually need to be on a constant move. Dry skin and hair are also common among Pitta types. They tend to be easily anxious and are light sleepers. In order to bring a balance to their dosha, Pittas should include sweet fruits such as apples, grapes, mango and watermelon in their diet. Bitter, green leafy vegetables and white meat are also favoured. Foods to avoid are nuts, seafood, egg yolks and pickles.

Vata types have air and ether as their dominant elements. Physically, they are of athletic and medium build with oily skin and hair. Vata types have no problems with bowel movement, perspiration or sleep. Food prepared for a Vata should have the moisture retained which can be achieved by steaming, boiling or blanching. Foods to favour are sweet and citrus fruits, eggs, freshwater fish, white meat with the occasional beef. Cheese, raw vegetables, dried fruit and snacks should be minimised.

Water and Earth elements make up the Kapha type. These people are mostly large-boned with thick, oily hair and skin. They are physically strong but slow, less active and are easily tired. To get their digestive system going, Kapha types should eat foods which are baked, grilled and roasted with minimum oil. Herbs and spices such as ginger, turmeric and chilli should also be generously consumed. Fruits and vegetables such as bananas and potatoes should be avoided, similarly with heavy and rich foods such as cheese, cream and yoghurt.

Uplifting your spirit

Tryptophan which is believed to relieve depression and lift your spirits can be found in bananas. This protein plays a role in producing mood regulating chemical known as serotonin that induces a sense of calm and acts as a mild sedative. Since our body does not produce Tryptophan, it is imperative that we ensure our diet consists of food that contains the chemical. Banana is a prime example of food which can be consumed so we get adequate dose of Tryptophan.

Maintaining healthy eyes

Findings reported in a monthly professional medical journal published by the American Medical Association i.e. the Archives of Ophthalmology indicate that 3 servings of fruit per day can prevent loss of vision. Bananas which contain Vitamin A are good example of fruit that can help to maintain healthy eyes. Vitamin A deficiency may increase the risk of cataracts and in some cases blindness. As such to continue seeing the beauty that the world offers, sufficient intake of Vitamin A is paramount. Bananas can provide you with just that.

Keeping your kidney and bones healthy

Another benefit that bananas provide is potassium. Rich in Potassium, bananas benefit the kidneys as it minimizes loss of calcium from the body by suppressing calcium excretion in the urine based on an article published by University of Maryland Medical Centre on their website. By making sure calcium loss is kept to a minimum, the body is able to retain and maintain adequate calcium level thereby reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

Reducing the risk of blood pressure and stroke

High potassium and low sodium content in banana make them naturally ideal as supplement for high blood pressure sufferers. Additionally, bananas may also help to combat stroke as found in a study featured in the New England Journal of Medicine. It is reported that bananas can reduce death incidence caused by stroke by 40% when consumed as part of regular diet

Promoting Bowel Health

Most people have experienced at some point in their lives disruption in bowel activities either due to unbalanced diet or illness. To restore and maintain regular bowel movement, fibre is highly important component in the foods that we consume. Yet another benefit bananas offer, the natural fibre in bananas can help promote bowel health.

Addressing Anaemia

Anaemia which is a condition that is cause by iron deficiency can be addressed by eating bananas which are rich in iron. Sufficient intake of iron promotes blot clotting following an injury so as to minimize blood loss. For people suffering from a deficiency in iron, bananas help to give your body the iron that it needs. As a result, they help promote haemoglobin production so your blood can clot faster in case of a cut or serious injury. Bananas are good source of iron which is essential to address anaemia.

Quitting smoking?

If you are quitting smoking, it is worth to note that bananas can be your great ally when dealing with the physical and psychological effects of nicotine withdrawal. The yellow skinned fruits are loaded with B vitamins and other minerals which provide some relief from nicotine withdrawal.

Soothing Ulcers

Bananas contain antacid properties which are beneficial in treating intestinal disorders like ulcers. By forming a protective layer on stomach lining, bananas help to neutralize acid secreted by our digestive system so as to provide relief from painful ulcers.

Healing Mosquito Bites

If you think banana skin is useless think again. An old remedy to ease itching and swelling caused by mosquito bites, banana skin are said to soothe these symptoms. Living in a tropical country like Malaysia, you are bound to get mosquito bites at some point in your lives. So before you make your way to the drug store to buy some medicated cream, try rubbing the inside of banana skin on the affected area. It wouldn’t hurt to try.

Expecting?

Great news for all expectant mothers. The potassium in bananas can help to combat fatigue caused by pregnancy. So to all mothers-to-be, go ahead and snack on some. Not only will you alleviate morning sickness but it also keeps blood glucose level up so you feel better throughout your pregnancy.

Going bananas may be a good thing when the fruit is concerned. Eating bananas as part of a balanced diet ensures that your body gets what it needs so you are armed with a healthy body and mind to face life’s little challenges. Live and let live.

The latest kid on the block, which has only recently made its debut in health food stores around Malaysia is Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah). Originating from the Andes mountains of South America since as early as 3,000 BC, it was a staple food for the local natives and still remains so today for their rural descendants. Although resembling the cooking characteristics of a grain, the Quinoa is not a real grain, but the seed of a leafy plant, closely related to spinach and beets.

This richly nutritious and versatile seed boasts many benefits that would appeal to all supporters of natural foods diets. Here are the top reasons to eat Quinoa.

1. Contains all essential amino acids – promotes tissue repair and development of bones and teeth, excellent protein source for vegetarians
2. High in fiber – aids in digestion, prevents development of gallstones, tones the colon
3. Gluten free – safe alternative for those intolerant to wheat or gluten
4. High in Riboflavin and Magnesium – reduces migraine attacks, childhood asthma, stabilises blood pressure
5. Low in Sodium and High in HDL – lowers cholesterol, reduces chances of heart disease
6. High in Manganese and Copper – act as antioxidants to rid body of cancers

There are so many ways to relish the nutty and flavourful Quinoa. It is wonderful cooked in casseroles, soups and stews, provides a nice accompaniment to stir-fries, can be transformed into a hearty breakfast porridge or be tossed together with fresh garden greens to form a crunchy cold salad.

Learn how to cook this fluffy and light rice replacement, the miracle ingredient for a fitter and healthier you.

Exclusive promotion for KL Yoga readers!!!

Free appetizer of choice with every order of a daily set meal. Just mention ‘KL YOGA‘ upon placing your order. Offer valid till 31 December 2009.

Click below for map.

50-2 Kelana Mall
Jalan SS6/14 Kelana Jaya
47301 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-78062035

Egg whites are laden with protein. This has long been the notion held by many fitness enthusiasts. What do you do with the cholesterol rich egg yolk then? I throw them away. At least this is what I have been doing until I heard the latest health buzz which claims that the yolk contains multitude of nutrients and vitamins.  For those who have been guilty of wasting egg yolks like yours truly, the rest of the article may provide a different perspective as to how egg yolks can play a part in our diet.

New findings indicate that the cholesterol in eggs can actually help to balance body cholesterol level. How does this work you may wonder. Our body regulates cholesterol level like it does body temperature and blood pressure. As such, when cholesterol level dips the body produces more cholesterol to compensate for the lack of it. Consuming whole eggs not only prevents the body from producing cholesterol but it is also reported to help elevate good cholesterol level in the body.

If that is not enough to convince you to eat whole eggs,  you may be persuaded by results of a recent study which indicate people who eat eggs for breakfast tend to lose weight more easily and maintain healthy body weight compared to those who regularly eat cereals for breakfast. The nutritional value of whole eggs is said to be the main factor in this study.

Now before you go out and buy some eggs, it is worthwhile to note that not all eggs are made equal. Pastured eggs may be a healthier option than that sourced from your local hypermarket. A simple test performed on an egg bought from the grocery store and pastured egg reveals that the colour of egg yolk in the latter is noticeably darker. The rich, almost orange colour seen in the pastured egg suggests a higher content of carotenoids and nutrients.

No doubt, there is a host of reasons to start eating whole eggs. Whatever your reason may be, do consume eggs in moderation just like everything else. By following a sensible and balanced diet you are well on your way to good health.

See the uncanny similarity between the cheese and our bones? Cheese, a rich source of calcium, is vital for strong bones and reducing the risks of osteoporosis as we grow older. This is why we should ensure enough calcium intake during our childhood.

The Columbia University in New York found in a study that teens who ate an extra two slices of cheddar a day (800 – 1200mg/day) boosted their bone density by 6%.

Bean Sprouts produce healthy Sperm

Ready for baby pitter-patter round the house? Ask your man to eat more bean sprouts! Studies have shown that a male body needs a good supply of Vitamin C to make large quantities of sperm. Just half a cup of bean sprouts provides 16% the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C for a man!

Better yet, bean sprouts are packed with folate, a vitamin that prevents defects in babies.

Grapes for good Lungs

Spot the resemblance? Eating lots of fresh fruits, such as grapes, have been found to reduce the risk of lung cancer and emphysema, a lung disease. Grape seeds are also able to reduce the severity of asthma triggered by allergy.

Tomato protects the Heart

Akin to our heart, a tomato is also red and has four chambers. Tomatoes contain high levels of lycopene, a plant chemical that reduces the risk of heart disease and several cancers. The Women’s Health Study, an American research programme involving 40,000 women, found that women with high levels of lycopene in their blood had 30% less heart disease than women with lower levels of lycopene.

Studies have also shown that lycopene reduces unhealthy cholesterol in the body and prevented coronary heart disease.

Walnut boosts the Brain

An American study has found that walnut could prevent dementia and the Alzheimer’s disease. Research has also shown that the nut reversed signs of brain ageing in rats.

Want to read more on healthy foods that have bizarre similarities with our organs? Read our previous posts at these following links:

http://www.klyoga.com/2009/08/07/bizarre-food-to-improve-your-health/
http://www.klyoga.com/2008/03/13/health-food-divine-facts/

Broccoli to beat Cancer

A team of researchers from the US National Cancer Institute discovered that a weekly serving of broccoli could reduce prostate cancer risk by 45%!

Mushroom to improve Hearing

Eating mushrooms can help improve your hearing. Mushrooms contain Vitamin D, which is important for the growth of healthy bones, including those we have in our ears that transmit sounds to the brain.

Banana to overcome Depression

The yellow-coloured fruit may be just the thing to brighten up your day! It contains a protein which converts into serotonin upon digestion. Increased levels of serotonin, also known as a “happy feeling” chemical, has been linked to happier moods.

Ginger to heal the Stomach

Did you know that one of ginger’s biggest health benefits is to aid in digestion? It is a popular remedy for motion sickness and has been used for over 2,000 years by the Chinese to calm the stomach and to cure nausea. Also studies done on rats by the University of Minnesota found that ginger hindered the growth of bowel tumours.

Want to check out more foods with these bizarre body part similarities? Read our previous posting at http://www.klyoga.com/2008/03/13/health-food-divine-facts/

Alright, it’s a little known secret that there is one ingredient in food that can help you to lose weight as you eat – its called “Water”.

Adults have to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day; more if you have an active exercise regimen.

An increase in water intake will not only help to suppress your appetite but also reduce fat deposits.

Your kidneys need water to filter drugs, waste products and other chemicals. So without water, your kidneys cannot do their job properly and your liver must help the kidneys to detoxify this junk built up in the bloodstream. This interferes with the liver’s job to metabolize fat and as a result, your body is more likely to store fat than burn it. By drinking enough water, the liver is able to efficiently turn fat into fuel.

But apart from drinking more water, experts have found that “Wet food” can help you lose weight.

This is because no matter what you eat, you take in roughly the same amount of food every day. So while the same amounts of any type of food will fill you, “wet food” will do it with fewer calories. The more water in the food, the less room there is for calories.

Now, wet food doesn’t mean going on a diet of fruits and vegetables, nor does it mean eating your favourite noodles with soup! It means eating the right food – those foods with high water content.

Examples of wet food versus dry food are such as:

Ham vs Bacon,
Pork Chop vs Hot Dogs,
Ice Cream vs Cheesecake,
Apple Pie vs Coffee Cake,
Tuna Fish Sandwich vs Chicken Sandwich, or
Potato Salad vs Potato Chips.

So the next time you eat, eat wet and you may lose some weight. In fact, you just might flush it away!

1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.

2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person’s lifetime.

3. When the person’s immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors.

4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental, food and lifestyle factors.

5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet and including supplements will strengthen the immune system.

6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastro-intestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.

7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.

8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction.

9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.

10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.

11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.

a. Sugar – Cancer cells feed on sugar. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like Nutrasweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in colour. Better alternative is Bragg’s aminos or sea salt. (THE WEST MADE US 2 CHANGE FROM SEA 2 WHITE IODISED SALT).

b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro- intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soya milk cancer cells are being starved.

c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment – a meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful,especially to people with cancer.

d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).

e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine.Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.

12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines leads to more toxic buildup.

13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body’s killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.

14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Florssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the body’s own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body’s normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.

15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor.

Anger, unforgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.

16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells. SOUNDS LIKE YOGA IS GOOD, RIGHT?

PLEASE READ ON :
1. No plastic containers in micro.
2. No water bottles in freezer.
3. No plastic wrap in microwave.

Dioxin chemicals causes cancer, especially breast cancer.

Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies. Don’t freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic. Recently, Dr. Edward Fujimoto (Wellness Program Manager at Castle Hospital) was on a TV program to explain this health hazard.

He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us. He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers. This especially applies to foods that contain fat.

He said that the combination of fat, high heat, and plastics releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body.

Instead, he recommends using glass, such as CorningWare, Pyrex or ceramic containers for heating food.

You get the same results, only without the dioxin. So things such as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc., should be removed from the container and heated in something else. Paper isn’t bad but you don’t know what is in the paper. It’s just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc. He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper. The dioxin problem is one of the reasons.

Also John Hopkins pointed out that plastic wrap, such as Saran, is just as dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food. Cover food with a paper towel instead.