Dairy-Free Banana Rice Pudding

Dairy-Free Banana Rice Pudding
This rice pudding is dairy-free, but the bananas and rice milk make it so creamy and rich-tasting, no one will know the difference. 

Ingredients:

1 cup brown basmati rice
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups plus 1 tablespoon gluten-free vanilla rice milk, divided (see Tip)
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for garnish
1 tablespoon cornstarch
4 ripe bananas, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation:
1. Combine rice, water and salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until the liquid is fully absorbed, 45 to 50 minutes.

2. Stir in 3 cups rice milk, brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and bring to a lively simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. 

3. Stir cornstarch and the remaining 1 tablespoon rice milk in a small bowl until smooth; add to the pudding. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the mixture is the consistency of porridge, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.

4. Mash 2 bananas in a small bowl. Stir the mashed bananas and vanilla into the pudding. Transfer to a large bowl, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding and refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours.

5. Just before serving, slice the remaining 2 bananas. Top each serving with a few slices of banana and sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired. 

Tip: Some brands of rice milk may contain gluten. Gluten-free brands include Pacific Natural Foods or 365 Organic.

6 Simple Meditation Techniques

6 Simple Meditation Techniques

Every good meditation practice must begin with finding what and where works best for you. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to meditate.

All you need to begin is to find a comfortable seat, so experiment and try out different positions. Ideally, your back is straight and your spine is aligned. But it is not necessary to sit on the floor or even to cross your legs. If you're unable to sit for any length of time, find a propped lying down position — just try not to fall asleep!

Here are six simple methods to try, to help you begin your meditation practice today:

1. Guided meditations

There are hundreds of resources online that have a huge supply of guided meditations and music to help sooth your soul. Try perusing Google Play or iTunes or my newest favorite, Sound Cloud.

2. Candle Staring

If you have trouble focusing, you can light a candle and stare at it. Your attention will be held. If your mind races, just observe what it is doing and let those thoughts release.

3. Mantra

Repeating words over and over again, can help you find calm and focus. You can choose from a number of Sanskrit mantras like the Gayatri Mantra, which has meaning in its words and sounds, or you can even make up your own. It doesn't matter what you choose, just that you feel good about your choice.

4. Visualization

Another easy and down-to-earth meditation technique is to picture an idyllic being or setting in your mind. Focus on the picture and let yourself embellish it as much or as little as you need to.

5. Present Moment Meditation

 Close your eyes and begin to focus on your breath. Take a few moments here then allow your focus to broaden to your body and the sensations that it's feeling. Now expand your focus to anything touching your body, noticing those sensations. Lastly, expand your awareness to everything you can hear and sense. Now reverse this process and come back, one step at a time to your breath.

6. Become the Observer

Focus on becoming the observer of your mind. Close your eyes and focus on the spot about an inch above of the spot between your eyebrows (Third Eye Chakra). Begin to watch what your mind and body are feeling, thinking and doing.

17 great Benefits of Lemon Water For Skin, Hair And Health

Lemon or Citrus Limon is a wonder fruit for your body. It is a powerhouse of vital nutrients as well as antioxidants that are essential for restoring your health and rejuvenating the entire physical system. The benefits of lemon even double when it is consumed with pure warm water. Start your day by drinking a glass of fresh lemon water and revitalize yourself. Here are some major positive impacts of lemon water on your health, skin and hair:

Benefits of Lemon Water for Health:

1. Lemon water is rich in vitamin C, which is a great immunity booster for your body. It fights against the attacks of viruses and bacteria effectively. As a outcome, you don’t get prone to frequent illness.

2. The amount of potassium in lemon is also very high. This mineral is helpful in stimulating the functions of the entire Central Nervous System (CNS). It also keeps free radicals under check, boosts the formation of blood cells, regulates blood pressure and so forth. In brief, lemon water can protect you from a number of potential physical disorders and keep you energized.

3. Even though lemons are citrus fruits, they have an amazing capacity of balancing the pH levels of your body. You would be surprised to know that drinking lemon water regularly is one of the best ways to neutralize the body by reducing the acidity and making it alkaline.

4. Lemons are extremely beneficial for the cardiovascular system. The antioxidants present in these fruits can curb down the adverse effects of toxins as well as harmful free radicals on your heart and blood vessels. Moreover, the potassium content of lemons keeps all cardiac problems at bay by diminishing mental stress and relaxing the heart muscles. Therefore, including the magic potion of lemon water in your regular diet is certainly a wonderful choice for you.

5. Start your day with fresh lemon water in order to cure all your respiratory diseases. From mild bronchial issues to acute disorders like asthma, everything can be healed with this concoction.

6. Being a natural diuretic, lemons can increase the rate of urination, which is highly important for maintaining the health of your renal system. As lemon water promotes the elimination of toxins and other waste materials from the internal system, you can easily stay away from rheumatoid arthritis.

7. Lemon water is an outstanding remedy for indigestion. Just squeeze a few lemons in a glass full of warm water and drink it every day. This way, you can get rid of stomach ache, bloating, abdominal cramps etc. It boosts the secretion of your digestive juices, which makes the digestion smoother. 

Therefore, curing other related diseases like diarrhea, constipation etc. becomes much easier.

8. If you want to stay healthy, you have to keep your internal system clean and pure. Being a detoxifier, lemon water can purify your blood and take care of the overall health.

9. Fresh lemon water is a true bliss for obese people. It burns fat fast and keeps the appetite under control. Using warm water instead of cold one is really good for this purpose. You can also add a teaspoonful of honey to this concoction for getting the best results. Lemon water for weight loss is one of the most common and effective remedies you can hear off.

10. A daily habit of lemon water results in increased perspiration, which is helpful in healing fever or influenza. Bacterial infections in throat like tonsillitis, sore throat etc. can also be treated with it.

11. Lemon water assists you in taking care of your oral health. Whether you want to stop bleeding from your gum or get rid of bad breath, lemon water can be the perfect solution for you.

Benefits of Lemon Water for Skin:

12. Lemon is full of natural antioxidants. It can effectively combat damaging free radicals and remove them completely from your body. Being a good source of vitamin C, the fruit also repairs the damaged skin cells as well as helps you get rid of fine lines, blemishes, wrinkles, deep furrows etc. Hence, lemon water is considered as a great anti-aging solution.

13. Apart from free radicals, lemon water also purges toxic materials from your blood and keeps the skin clear and radiant. Vitamin C of lemon plays a key role in rejuvenating the facial skin internally so that you do not ever develop age spots and can stay young forever.

14. Regular intake of fresh lemon water can cure acne, blackheads and all such skin infections easily. You need to drink it on an empty stomach in the morning. The astringent properties of the mixture are also important for fading out facial scars.

z Benefits of Lemon Water for Hair:

15. Lemon water has long been known as an amazing natural hair care solution. It can make your hair stronger by keeping the roots or follicles healthy. It also works as a natural stimulant for your hair and promotes its growth.

16. The antioxidants present in lemon are extremely favorable for your scalp. Hence, drinking lemon water in a regular manner is useful for treating dry scalp and dandruff permanently.

17. People with oily hair can also be benefited by lemon water. It is capable of decreasing the secretion of sebaceous glands present in your scalp, thereby preventing the hair follicles from getting clogged.

25 Powerful Reasons to Eat Bananas

25 Powerful Reasons to Eat Bananas
• Bananas help overcome depression due to high levels of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin -- the happy-mood brain neurotransmitter.
• Eat two bananas before a strenuous workout to pack an energy punch and sustain your blood sugar.
• Protect against muscle cramps during workouts and night time leg cramps by eating a banana.
• Counteract calcium loss during urination and build strong bones by supplementing with a banana.

• Improve your mood and reduce PMS symptoms by eating a banana, which regulates blood sugar and produces stress-relieving relaxation.
• Bananas reduce swelling, protect against type II diabetes, aid weight loss, strengthen the nervous system, and help with the production of white blood cells, all due to high levels of vitamin B-6.
• Strengthen your blood and relieve anemia with the added iron from bananas.
• High in potassium and low in salt, bananas are officially recognized by the FDA as being able to lower blood pressure and protect against heart attack and stroke.

Eating Bananas Aids Digestion

• Rich in pectin, bananas aid digestion and gently chelate toxins and heavy metals from the body.
• Bananas act as a prebiotic, stimulating the growth of friendly bacteria in the bowel. They also produce digestive enzymes to assist in absorbing nutrients.
• Constipated? High fiber in bananas can help normalize bowel motility.
• Got the runs? Bananas are soothing to the digestive tract and help restore lost electrolytes after diarrhea.
• Bananas are a natural antacid, providing relief from acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD.
• Bananas are the only raw fruit that can be consumed without distress to relieve stomach ulcers by coating the lining of the stomach against corrosive acids.

Natural Cures From A Simple Banana
• Eating bananas will help prevent kidney cancer, protects the eyes against macular degeneration and builds strong bones by increasing calcium absorption.
• Bananas make you smarter and help with learning by making you more alert. Eat a banana before an exam to benefit from the high levels of potassium.
• Bananas are high in antioxidants, providing protection from free radicals and chronic disease.
• Eating a banana between meals helps stabilize blood sugar and reduce nausea from morning sickness.
• Rub a bug bite or hives with the inside of the banana peel to relieve itching and irritation.
• Control blood sugar and avoid binging between meals by eating a banana.
• Eating a banana can lower the body temperature and cool you during a fever or on a hot day.
• The natural mood-enhancer tryptophan helps to relieve Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
• Quitting smoking? Bananas contain high levels of B-vitamins as well as potassium and magnesium to speed recovery from the effects of withdrawal.
• Remove a wart by placing the inside of a piece of banana peel against the wart and taping it in place.
• Rub the inside of a banana peel on your leather shoes or handbag and polish with a dry cloth for a quick shine.

Home Remedies to Reduce Body Heat

Body heat, also known as heat stress, is a common health problem caused by exposure to high temperatures. It occurs when the body is not able to cool itself enough to keep its temperature within the normal range of 36.5–37.5 degrees Celsius 97.7–99.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The body normally cools off by sweating, but sometimes sweating is not sufficient and the temperature keeps rising.

Factors like very hot and humid weather, spending too much time in the sun, wearing tight clothing, strenuous workouts or physical exercise and certain medical conditions may cause or worsen the problem.

Body heat is not a disease but it should not be taken lightly. If left untreated, it can develop into a heatstroke. Anyone can suffer from heat stress, but people over 65, babies and young children, pregnant and nursing mothers, and people who are physically unwell are at a higher risk.

It results in generalized weakness and lethargy, dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, excessive sweating and a rapid heartbeat. Plus, it is often accompanied by dehydration.

There are several easy yet effective methods to address this problem. Plus, it is recommended to move to a shady or air-conditioned area and remove tight clothing. Sponging with cool water will also be beneficial.

Here are the top 10 home remedies to reduce body heat.

1. Cold Water

Cool water helps reduce body heat. It also helps the body recover quickly from the side effects of high temperature.

As soon as you notice an increase in body temperature, drink a tall glass of cool water. Then, sip some cool water every 15 minutes. This will help prevent dehydration, which can worsen your condition.

Another option is to add ice cubes to a foot tub filled with cool water. Immerse your feet in the bucket for 15 to 20 minutes.

You can also enjoy a cool bath to reduce body heat.

2. Coconut Water

Coconut water is another effective remedy to help treat heat exhaustion. Its electrolyte composition is excellent for re dehydrating the body. Plus, it is loaded with nutrients that help lift your energy.

Drink a glass of tender coconut water a few times daily.

3. Lemon

Regular use of lemon can keep the body cool and prevent heat-related illnesses. The high vitamin C in lemon can help lower body temperature. It also hydrates and oxygenates the body to keep you feeling energized and refreshed during the hot summer days.

Squeeze the juice from ½ lemon into a glass of water.

Add 1 teaspoon of honey and a pinch of salt to it.

Drink about 3 glasses of this refreshing drink a day.

4. Sandalwood

The soothing and cooling properties of sandalwood can effectively reduce increased body temperature.

Mix 2 tablespoons of sandalwood powder with enough water or cold milk to make a fine paste. Add a few drops of rose water and apply this paste on your forehead and chest. Allow it to dry on its own, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Another option is to apply a little sandalwood oil on your forehead and leave it on for a few hours. If you have never applied sandalwood oil on your skin, add a few drops of this oil in one teaspoon of coconut oil and then apply to avoid skin irritation.

You can also sprinkle sandalwood powder on your armpits, chest and back after taking a shower to maintain cooler body temperature.

5. Peppermint

Peppermint has a soothing and cooling effect. Thus, it is an effective remedy to help reduce body heat.

Simmer a few ounces of fresh peppermint leaves in a pot of boiling water for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain out the leaves and allow the water to cool. Add the peppermint-infused water to a bathtub filled with cool bath water and soak in it for at least 20 minutes. You can also prepare a peppermint bath by adding a few drops of peppermint essential oil to cool bath water.

Steep one teaspoon of fresh or dried peppermint leaves in a cup of hot water. Strain and sweeten with a little raw honey. Cool it in the refrigerator and enjoy your cool peppermint tea a few times a day. In addition to reducing body heat, it will also relieve nausea and headache.

6. Watermelon

Watermelon aids in quickly reducing body heat due to its high water content. A potent detoxifier, this fruit helps remove harmful toxins from the body, which can contribute to body heat. Eating watermelon regularly, especially during the summer season, will also help keep you hydrated.Eat a few slices of watermelon, or combine it with some cold milk and sugar to make a refreshing drink.

You can also mix cubes of watermelon with cucumber and muskmelon. Then drizzle a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar over it to make a healthy salad.

7. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is another popular home remedy to reduce body heat. Its soothing and cooling properties can help maintain normal body temperature.

Extract fresh aloe vera gel from an aloe leaf and rub it over your body. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes, then take a cold bath. Repeat as needed.

You can also drink a glass of homemade aloe vera juice prepared with up to 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel. Do not consume more than 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel a day.

8. Indian Gooseberry

Indian gooseberry, also known as amla, is a powerhouse of vitamin C that helps reduce body heat.

Mix 1 part amla juice with 4 parts water. Add a little salt or sugar to improve the taste. Drink it twice daily during the summer to prevent heat stress.

Another option is to add 2 teaspoons of amla juice, 1 teaspoon of raw honey and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to a glass of water. Drink this daily in the morning on an empty stomach.

9. Buttermilk

According to Ayurveda, buttermilk is a useful home remedy to reduce body heat. It can also be beneficial for women who suffer from hot flashes and men who have high metabolism. It also provides the body with the required minerals and vitamins that are lost during excessive sweating.

Drink a glass of buttermilk with your breakfast in the summer to keep your body cool throughout the day.

Another option is to blend together ½ cup of thick yogurt, some water and a pinch of salt. Enjoy this homemade buttermilk twice daily.

10. Poppy Seeds

Poppy seeds, also known as opium, have a cooling effect on the body and regulate body temperature. This in turn helps reduce body heat.

Mix 1 teaspoon of crushed poppy seeds and a little sugar.

Have it once daily during the summer season to get rid of excessive body heat.

You can also eat a small amount of poppy seeds before going to sleep.

Summer Hair Problems determined

Summer may be a great time to show off our glowing tan, but without a doubt it is the most stressful time of the year for our hair. The sun and chlorine can react in unimaginable ways with our hair colour and deprive hair of its natural shine and softness.

1 Frizzy Hair: Fight frizz with the one thing it cannot live in the presence of: wetness. There are many anti-frizz products available; make sure to opt for high-moisture varieties.

2 losses Color: If you have just colored your hair and you don’t want the sun to lighten it to another shade, either wear a wide brimmed hat or invest in a good UVA/UVB hair protection product.

3 Dry/Damaged Hair: If your hair is dry or riddled with split ends, in addition to considering a trim, try a shampoo specifically created to repair the damage caused by the sun, wind, chlorine and salt water.

4 Oily Hair: For some people, being out and about in the summer causes excessive oiliness. Instead of washing your hair excessively, try using a clarifying shampoo, which removes residue but does not dry your scalp out..  

5 Split Ends: You don’t have to have a drastic haircut if you notice split ends; simply opt for shampoos and conditioners with more moisture and avoid the heat of the blow dryer until the condition of your hair improve 

Are these yoga myths keeping you from getting into your best shape ever?

Myth #1: You have to do vigorous, grueling exercise to burn calories.

TRUTH: You can burn just as many calories (and even more fat) by doing yoga alone. When you do a series of yoga moves together, your body gets a great workout without wreaking havoc with your joints or leaving you out of breath. And you can burn just as many calories as jogging!

Myth #2: Yoga can’t help you lose weight.

TRUTH: Yoga can help you lose weight. Research proves people who do yoga weigh 19 pounds less on average. This could be because yoga lowers cortisol levels so you’re less likely to overeat or snack. Plus yoga is a great way to burn fat and calories (see myth #1)!

Myth #3: “No pain, no gain” is the rule when it comes to building muscle.

TRUTH: With yoga, you don’t have to lift weights because you lift your own body weight in many poses. This helps sculpt and tone your muscles while being gentle on your body. Plus the more muscle you build, the more you boost your metabolism…so you burn even more fat and calories

Health Supplements and Its Amazing Health Properties

However the influence of herbal supplements have been spread all around the world from ages, but in few years, these supplements have received true attention which they deserve always. Earlier, those doctors who have been ignoring the positive effects of natural remedies and herbal supplements, now they also have started using this way to cure many health issues. Now, they also have admitted that herbal supplements have right potential to cure those critical diseases that prescription medicines are not able to cure.

This way of treatment is quite old and in olden time, people have been treating up various health diseases or issues by using several kinds of herbs and plants extracts. Such health issues include common issues like stomach pain to major ones like depression or insomnia. Thus, people have been using herbal treatment for all kinds of heath issues. But, with time other modern treatments have taken place and doctors and health providers have forgot great value of herbal products.

But, from few years again doctors and health providers have started using various herbal treatments for various health issues. According to modern science, the herbal supplement can treat up different health conditions and also reduces health issues that trouble a person. Besides other valuable help, these herbal supplements also encourage overall health and general wellbeing.

As of now, doctors recommend these herbal supplements for various health diseases like blood pressure, cholesterol, memory loss, depression, concentration issue, heart problems, increasing energy and tolerance and so on. Thus, herbal supplements have proved the best medication treatment of this time. Moreover, we can call it the best answer for all health queries.

Basically, most of the health problems are a straight cause of poor eating and unhealthy food habits. Whatever we takes in, it affects out health and body for sure. We don't worry about the food quality and its impact, but only we concentrate on taste and our choice. Such things really affect negatively on our body and put a very bad impact on our health. In this way, taking a right herb and reforming your daily habits is the only key for curing all health related issues.

These herbal supplements are fully free of any kind of artificial properties and it is made of pure herbs that won't put any kind of bad impact on body. Thus, taking herbal supplement is the best cure for all health concerns.

Mushroom pulao recipe

 

• Prep time: 10 min

• Cook time: 30 min

• Serves: 3

Ingredients

• Mushrooms - 200 gms, cleaned, washed and sliced

• Basmati rice - 2 cups, washed and soaked in water for 15 mins

• Onions - 1, large, sliced

• Ginger garlic paste - 1 tsp

• Green chilis - 3, slit lengthwise

• Fresh mint leaves - 1/4 cup packed

• Fresh coriander leaves - 1/4 cup packed

• Yogurt - 1/4 cup OR (thick coconut milk 1/4 cup)

• Water - 1 1/2 cups

• Cloves - 3

• Green cardamom - 2

• Black cardamom - 1

• Cinnamon - 1" stick

• Shahjeera - 1/2 tsp

• Nutmeg powder - 1/4 tsp

• Star anise - 1

• Mace - small piece

• Bay leaf - 1

• Cashew nuts - 10

• Oil - 2 tbsps

• Ghee - 2 tbsps

Method

• Heat ghee and oil in a pressure cooker. Add shah jeera, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, green cardamom, black cardamom, star anise mace, nutmeg and stir for a few seconds. Add the cashew nuts and saute till they turn golden.
• Add the sliced onions and slit green chilis and saute for 5 mins. Add the ginger-garlic paste and saute for 4 mins till the raw smell disappears.
• Add the coriander and mint leaves and saute for 2-3 mins. Add the sliced mushroom and cook for 7-8 mins.
• Add the drained basmati rice and carefully mix. Saute for a min and add the yogurt OR coconut milk. Mix well.
• Add water, place the lid and pressure cook up to 2 whistles on medium flame. Turn off heat.
• Once the pressure has eased, remove the lid and lightly fluff up the rice with a fork. Remove to a serving vessel and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve warm with raita or korma.

Matcha & Green Tea Recipes

A touch of honey balances the bitterness of matcha in this healthy latte recipe. For a nondairy latte, swap unsweetened almond, soy or coconut milk for the low-fat milk.

Serving Size: one 12-oz. latte

Active Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon matcha tea powder
• 1 cup low-fat milk
• 1 teaspoon honey

• PREPARATION

  1. Blend boiling water with matcha powder in a blender until foamy. Heat milk with honey until almost boiling. Vigorously whisk the milk until frothy. Pour the milk into a mug, then pour in the tea.

  NUTRITION

  Per serving: 124 calories; 2 g fat (2 g sat, 1 g mono); 12 mg cholesterol; 18 g carbohydrates; 6 g added sugars; 18 g total sugars; 8 g protein; 0 g fiber; 109 mg sodium; 390 mg potassium.
  Nutrition Bonus: Calcium 31%
  Carbohydrate Servings: 1
  Exchanges: 1 low-fat milk, 1/2 other carbohydrate