Folic acid

Photo Courtesy: American Pregnancy Association

In 1988 folic acid was added to bread, pasta, cereal, cookies and crackers as required by federal law. Folic acid is a form of vitamin B, to be specific vitamin B9.

Folic acid can be easily found in natural foods such as – leafy vegetables, okra, beans, mushrooms, brussel sprouts, broccoli, tomato juice, orange juice, eggs, animal liver and kidney.

Folic acid deficiencies include – extreme tiredness, lack of energy, mouth ulcers, muscle weakness, heart problems, psychological problems such as depression, confusion and neural tube defects.

CDC implores women to consume 400 mcg of folic acid for those considering reproduction in order to prevent birth defects such as anencephaly and spina bifida.

A research study finds that folic acid reduces incidents of neural tube defects in infants.

Make wise choices and have a balanced diet! 💚

Rewire Your Brain from Complaining to Compassion

Photo Courtesy: Celine Sayuri Tagami

Remember a day when you just got frustrated with anything to anyone. It could be something at work that engages you for hours and you come home with thoughts that just makes you feel irritatable.

We all have days which aren’t just as sunny. But while I say that it’s important to not forget that all days aren’t rainy either. It’s just like a spectrum which has variations and of course variables.

You will be surprised to know that too much complaining has a negative impact. The more you practice it the more your brain gets rewired. A research from Standford University has shown that — complaining shrinks the hippocampus. Hippocampus is the area of brain that is responsible for critical thinking, learning and memory. 🧠

Here are 2 ways and you can choose either:

1. Shift your perspective towards things you are grateful for because complaining won’t get you anywhere either. Complaining sometimes leads to release of cortisol, too much release of cortisol is not good on a long term. So, try to cultivate an attitude that helps you.

2. Complain but with a solution-orientation. Think about why you are complaining and how can it be resolved. Try to identify the purpose, what are the different ways of looking at it and what are the ways to get over it. Obviously, it’s not a day thing but try a constructive manner.

And lastly, excess of anything always results in danger☠️. When you see yourself engaging in complaining, remind yourself to stop and break the wiring.

Have a wonderful week! 🌻

Plants You Can Grow This Summer

While plants makes anyone feel really good. It’s often tough when it comes to maintaining.

Here are 3 plants you can grow easily if you’re planning on having a small plant on your coffee table or one in your balcony to keep it minimalistic yet beautiful.

1. Marigold

Photo Courtesy: Jkiwi

Marigolds are easy to grow and low on maintenance. Just sow the seeds in any soil and keep it on your window pane which gets enough sunshine if you’re planning indoors or in your balcony and water it when you see the soil above dry. The seeds will germinate in 7-15 days.

2. Indian Borage

Photo Courtesy: Google Images

It’s called ajwain in India and seeds are available in any Indian household. The leaves of this plant are aromatic and perennial herb. It’s widely used in kitchen in India. Sow the seeds few inches deep in a pot. Keep the soil moist and can do good in partial sunlight. The seeds germinate within 7-10 days.

3. Mint

Photo Courtesy: Eleanor Chen

If you are someone who loves mint. Then just plant one for yourself. Get some mint which has stem. Put in a jar filled with water. You can keep it anywhere indoors or outside which gets shade. Let the roots mature and pot it. Do not plant it in open in garden because it spreads really quick. They look beautiful in water and do fairly well.

Do tell me which one are you planning to plant this summer?

Why Are Probiotics Beneficial?

Photo Courtesy: Google Images

Probiotics have become so popular these days. The word probiotic comes from a Greek language which means “for life”. It was coined by Gibson and Roberfroid in 1995.


Probiotics can be defined as live microbial feed supplements which have a beneficial impact on the host animal by improving it’s microbial balance.

Here are some scientific reasons about benefits of probiotics:

1. Prevents bowel diseases, improves immune system and improves intestinal microbial balance.

2. Reduces traveller’s diarrhoea.

3. Improves dermal and oral health.

4. May perform as anti-anxiety and anti-depressive agents.

5. May improve lactose metabolism.

Eat healthy! Stay healthy!

😊

Fruits & Veggies for Mental Health

Photo Courtesy: Ja Ma

The role of having a balanced diet is much more than what you think and natural supplements like vegetables and fruits are packed with nutrients that helps in making you mentally healthy.

Here are 3 scientifically proven fruits and veggies facts:

1. Consuming berries might be associated with high level of optimism.

2. Citrus and green leafy vegetables reduces psychological distress, ambiguity and cancer.

3. Carrots, bananas, apples, spinach, grapefruit, lettuce, cucumber, and kiwifruit reduces depressive symptoms and promotes positive mood.

Vegetables and fruits contains important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and carotenoids that can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

Eat healthy! Stay healthy!

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