One medium mango, about 10oz or so, is packed with vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. Mango like most fruits are low in protein, about 1 gram for a medium size, but high in natural fiber. They do of-course contain no cholesterol, no saturated fat and about 0.6 grams of essential fatty acids. As for beta-carotene, mango are bursting with it, plus impressive amounts of potassium and magnesium. It’s the perfect fruit to replenish energy levels after heavy physical exercise like jogging or working out in the gym. Then there is vitamin C, vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, plus calcium, iron and even traces of zinc.

The mango is indigenous to India, and has been cultivated there for over 4000 years. In

Ayurveda (Traditional Indian Medicine) the ripe mango is seen as balancing and energizing. The dried mango flowers contain about 15% tannin acid used as astringents in cases of diarrhea, chronic dysentery, and chronic urethritis. Mango kernel (seed) decoction (boiled in water) is used as a vermifuge (anti-parasite) and as an astringent for diarrhea, hemorrhages and bleeding hemorrhoids. The fruit cleanses the body, and helps the immune system fight infections.

Every part of mango tree, roots, stems, bark, the blossoms, unripe or ripe fruit, seeds, all have been used over the centuries for their curative and medicinal properties. The mango tree and its medicinal parts have shown to have some antibiotic activity. They also strengthen and invigorate all the nerve tissues of the brain, heart and other parts of the body.

Preparing a mango fruit- wash off the sap on the skin before handling it. Some fruit is so fibrous that it is difficult to slice and eat, in this case just squeeze the juice. Non-fibrous mango can be cut in half to the stone, the two halves twisted in opposite directions to separate the flesh from the central flat stone.

In Mexico – the mango is pierced at the stem end with a long central part of a special mango folk, then the fruit is held like a lollipop. Small mango are peeled and mounted on an ordinary fork and eaten in the same way.

The fat extracted from the kernel is white and solid like cocoa butter, and is being proposed as a substitute for cocoa butter in chocolate.

In India green hard mango are peeled, sliced, parboiled, then brown sugar, salt, various spices (cumin, ginger, turmeric, coriander, chili etc) are added sometimes with raisins or other fruits, and cooked to make chutney. Serve with meats, or bean etc this chutney will help improve digestion.

The bark of the tree is high in tannin acid about 16% to 20% and has been used for centuries in India for tanning hides.

In Thailand green-skinned mango are called “keo”, with sweet, nearly fiber-less flesh, they are soaked whole for 15 days in salted water before peeling, slicing and serving with sugar!

In Africa – the gum of the bark is resinous, redish-brown, and is used for mending crockery.

In Hawaii – Hawaiian technologists have developed methods for removing the peel from the fruit for the production of mango nectar, this is an important export industry to Hawaii.

The Canada Department of Agriculture has developed methods of preserving ripe or green mango slices by osmotic dehydration.

In the Caribbean, the leaf decoction (leaves boiled in water) is taken as a remedy for diarrhea, fever, chest complaints, diabetes, hypertension and other ills (see under caution).

CAUTION – The sap from of the tree trunk, branches and the skin of the fruit, is a potent skin irritant, and capable of blistering the skin. As with poison ivy, there can often be a delayed reaction. Hypersensitive persons may react with considerable swelling of the eyelids, the face, and other parts of the body. The leave of the mango tree has been used medicinally for centuries. Documented medicinal properties and actions of the mango leaf are – anti-asthmatic, antiseptic, antiviral, cardiotonic, expectorant (helps clear the lungs), hypotensive, and laxative. However, it is not recommend, as they are toxic and cattle grazing on mango leaves die. Diabetes – the tender young bright green leaves of the mango tree are considered useful in diabetes, but only under supervision. Continuous intake of the leaves may be fatal. When mango trees are in bloom, it is not uncommon for people to suffer itching around the eyes, to experience facial swelling and respiratory problems. The irritant is probably due to the vapor of essential oils from the flowers. Wood from the mango tree should never be used in a fireplace as the smoke is highly irritating.

Who can resist the aroma of pure ghee poured over piping hot rice and dal with a sprinkling of powdered organic sugar? And today, research backed scientific proclamations are directing people to the diet of our grandmothers without any guilt. Breaking myths and misconceptions of healthy and unhealthy food habits, the ‘satvik’ diet of ancient India is getting a thumb up!! Considered as ‘fatty foods’ earlier, today, rice, ghee and organic sugar have proven to provide us with an energy boost; they help in regulating metabolism, slowing down aging and are now a must-have in your daily diet.

Rice, Oryza Sativa is a species of grass, providing several essential minerals, Vitamin B, sodium, zinc etc. Full of fiber, this gluten free cereal is a source of vital fatty acids. Brown rice is richer in nutrients as only the outermost layers or hull is removed; this helps in maintaining a healthy body weight.

Rice is full of phenolics which are full of powerful antioxidants released during digestion. A cupful of rice a day has several nutritional and health benefits. A few of them are listed below:

· Lowers cholesterol

· Protects against heart diseases

Balances action of calcium to regulate muscle tone

· Lowers metabolic syndrome

· Reduces migraines and headaches

· Lowers frequency of asthmatic attacks

· Reduces risk of Type II Diabetes

This cereal crop is a part of several cultural cuisines and is a fundamental food across the world.

Ghee or ‘gow gritha’ in Sanskrit, meaning ghee from cow’s milk should be included in a person’s daily meals. Pure cow ghee should preferably be poured over rice, dals and rotis to provide you their full nutrients. Ghee made from the milk of cows which feed on organically grown grass and greens is the most beneficial. Fats provide instant energy to the body and are essential for a balanced diet.

1 gm of fat supplies almost 9 calories, nearly double of the energy given by carbohydrates or proteins.

Thus, about 2 tps of ghee per day will give you all the nutritional benefits of this wonder food. The most misunderstood fat, ghee is a soothing unguent which not only gives a glow to the skin but has a host of other benefits, some of which are listed below:

· It facilitates absorption of essential vitamins

· Helps form spongy tissue which cushions our joints

· Dissolves wastes of body tissues and carries away toxins

· Has a healing effect on the dietary tract

· Mitigates peptic ulcers or gastritis

· Contains linoleic acid which fights fat deposits

· Increases memory

1 tsp ghee mixed with hot water, taken at bedtime is the best known purgative. As ghee gains popularity in the West, we Indians should continue to consume this essential food as a part of our daily diet.

Organic sugar is unrefined sugar made from raw sugarcane and has more nutrients as it is less processed. Full of antioxidants, amino acids, several minerals and vitamins, organic sugar or raw sugar should be included in one’s diet in moderate amounts. Better than refined white sugar, small amounts of organic sugar in your diet will give you an energy spike.

Having rice, ghee and moderate amounts of sugar as a part of your diet will keep your body healthy, your mind alert and all your organs working steadily. These foods reduce the risk of dementia & Alzheimer and protect you from free radical damage. Besides satisfying our hunger cravings, these traditional foods provide our bodies with a host of health benefits and therefore, should be incorporated in our daily diet.

Ayurveda is recognized to be one of the oldest forms of medicine. Ayurvedic Nutritional Health Products concentrate on wellness and health by harmonizing body, mind, and spirit. It is possible to achieve accomplished wellness by the use of these products. Here are the top benefits of these nutritional Healthy Products:

Reduction of stress

These products play an indispensable role in the reduction of anxiety as well as stress. Extensive researches reveal the fact that using these products along with yoga has been effective in the reduction of anxiety and stress in a significant manner. These products also lower sympathetic activity which is the primary cause of the fight. Thus, these products are helpful in the improvement of the functions of the automatic nervous system.

Losing weight

These nutritional Healthy Products play an indispensable role in shedding the extra kilos. Extensive studies reveal the fact that using these products along with the consumption of healthy diet help in losing weight in an effective manner. Excessive weight is considered to be the cause of hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, etc. Hence, it is indispensable to use these products for losing weight.

Balancing the hormones

These ayurvedic products are integral in balancing the hormones in a natural way, thereby resulting in a healthier menstrual pregnancy. In a study which is conducted at the University of Colombo by Institute of Indigenous Medicine, it has been revealed that use of essential oils is beneficial to balance hormones.

Reduce inflammation

Inflammation is the result of poor digestion, deficient diet and an inadequate amount of sleep. The ayurvedic form of medicine is really effective in the reduction of inflammation which aids in the regulation of cardiovascular system of human body. These products are also helpful in improving the digestion of human body. Consumption of these products along with effective exercise boosts the metabolism of human body. These products boost energy and reduce inflammation.

Reduce symptoms of illness and diseases

It is essential to get exposed to the sun, eat a healthy diet, breathing in and out for helping the person to eat better. These products are also helpful in treating the symptoms of diseases as well as illness. Metals such as iron are known to have healing properties which aid in keeping the diseases away. These products decrease the chances of falling ill to a considerable extent.

Cleanse the body

These nutritional Healthy Products improve health by the promotion of internal cleansing. These medicines remove toxins from tissues as well intestines. These products are beneficial in improving the functions of the body in an effective manner.

Assists in curing insomnia

There may be an aggravation of nervous system and disruption of sleep. These products also help in inspiring peaceful sleep by curing insomnia.

Glowing and healthy skin

These Nutritional Health Products assist in keeping the skin radiant and soft. Some of these products comprise of omega three fatty acids and healthy fats that aid in maintaining healthy skin and reducing inflammation in specific conditions.

These products are now in use extensively across the globe for improving overall functions of the body.

Fitness is a constantly changing field. There are always new machines, methods, and theories aimed at improving the quality of life. Fitness fads may come and go, but there have been several trends in fitness that have lasted several decades and continue to grow in popularity.

Aerobic exercise has always formed the backbone of the fitness industry. Running, step aerobics, dance-type aerobics, boxing, kickboxing, and spinning, an indoor cycling class set to music, have all emerged as mainstays in health and fitness facilities. Their popularity continues to grow.

Aquatic exercise has also increased in popularity. Water has the unique ability to allow cardiovascular and muscular improvements with little stress on the joints of the body. Aquatic exercise is no longer just swimming laps; almost every class that can be done on land is now being done in the water. Running, spinning, step aerobics, and even strengthening can all be done in the water.

With the improvement of health care and longer life spans, older adult exercise has expanded and has also become a necessity to maintain a positive quality of life. Not only are older adults engaging in exercise to maintain and improve health, they are taking part in competitive road races, cycling races, and bodybuilding competitions. Age barriers no longer exist and because of this, fitness classes geared toward the older population are widespread.

As grandparents and great-grandparents take part in sports and fitness, they set an example for younger generations. These younger generations have the benefit of improved technology and more abundant food, and with these things-and a more sedentary lifestyle-come the increased chance that they will live a less healthy lifestyle than their active older family members. The fitness field combats this possibility of unhealthy living with sports and fitness programs geared toward children and young adults. This fitness trend is now faced with the challenge of improving the heath of future generations and has the opportunity to encourage a lifetime of healthy habits.

But the greatest transformation in the fitness field has been the growth of the mind-and-body exercises. There has been a shift toward gentler, more introspective exercises that also contribute to improving cardiovascular health while increasing flexibility and muscular strength. Yoga and pilates would fall into this category of exercise. Yoga has its roots in ancient India (from around 2800 BCE) and focuses on breathing and mindfulness during a practice of held poses. Pilates, on the other hand, was developed by Joseph H. Pilates (1880-1967) around 1926. Pilates’ method involved a unique series of stretching and strengthening exercises. Both yoga and pilates use an individual’s breath and self-awareness as the focus of exercise. Aside from the obvious strength and flexibility benefits, these mind and body exercises are popular for their stress relieving qualities.