A genetic way to live 125 years

Imagine living to a healthy 125 years. Well, your imagination might someday turn into reality, thanks to scientists who have made a genetic breakthrough that they claim can prolong human life and remove cancer threat.

A team at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre in Madrid has based its conclusion on tests on rodents, which made them live nearly 45 per cent longer and also left them free from tumours.

According to the scientists, if the experiments on the mice can be replicated in people, human lifespan could also be extended as the genes involved exist naturally in both rodents and humans and perform similar roles.

"The elixir of eternal youth is now not a utopian dream. The discovery opens the door to (the possibility) that humans could live 125 years and without cancer," the Daily Mail quoted lead scientist Maria Blasco as saying.

In fact, the scientists achieved their results by inserting an extra copy of three genes—called telomerase, p53 and p16, already known to be important for longevity and suppressing tumours— into the stem cells of mice.

Inserting an extra copy improved their function in the body because they produced more protein, which made them more active.

This in turn helped telomerase to protect chromosomes from shrinking, a process which normally happens naturally as all living creatures age.

And it means p53 and p16 work to prevent cells from mutating and dividing, and therefore preventing cancer, while producing a good balance of new, healthy cells—the method is "groundbreaking" as the team managed to get extra copies of both the genes into the mice.

The modified mice were allowed to breed to strengthen their new DNA pattern, which created a group of "supermice" with longer lifespans and in-built cancer protection.

"When activating p53 and p16 in mice, the incidence of cancer is reduced to practically zero. We don't think the mice lived longer because they had less cancer but because these genes also protected against ageing," co-scientist Manuel Serrano said. The mice are expected to live up to four-and-a-half years though normally their average lifespan is three years. "This is the equivalent of humans living to 125," according to the scientists.

Laughter The Best Medicine

Laughing makes everyone feel good. Gift laughter to those around you and they'll love you for it!

Th e re 's nothing good laughter to rid the body and mind of ailments. In fact, most doctors advise: Laugh and live longer! And the reason is simple. Laughter makes life better by taking off load from one's shoulder. A sense of humour helps one to go through life's most difficult times—breakups, long illnesses, loss of loved ones, tension at the workplace... Laughter may not miraculously turn a negative situation into a positive one, but it does help provide a balm. It also helps one to relax, forget tragic incidents and face life with renewed energy. Studies have shown that laughter has tremendous health benefits: it reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, elevates mood, boosts the immune system, improves brain function and may even decrease the risk of heart attack!
WHY IS LAUGHTER GOOD?
When we laugh most of our muscles get active, the respiratory and the central nervous system benefit, stress hormones decrease, endorphins increase (body's natural pain killers), immunoglobins are released which boost the body's immunity system and BP falls. On the whole there is a general feeling of wellness and happiness.
    Apart from the physical wellness, laughter also contributes towards a healthier and happier social life. A person with a good sense of humour is always in demand. At the workplace, a person who performs with a smile has better relations with his seniors and colleagues. People are naturally attracted towards him because of his ability to project a positive, optimistic and happier face. Good laughter = greater productivity. Laughter is one of the keys to building happy bonds with family and colleagues. Most girls look for a sense of humour in their partners among other qualities. Many couples have fallen in love and stayed together, despite yawning gaps, because they can "laugh together!"
HOW TO SMILE
An easy way to keep the smile on the face is to seek out funny people in your social encounters, read books on humour, watch films, theatre and television programmes which can make you laugh or simply get close to children. They are great stress relievers and laughter inducers! Spending some time with them can do wonders to you. Go down memory lane by reminiscing happier moments. This also brings a smile on your lips.
expert speak
'Laughter has tremendous psychological benefits but it has to be natural laughter. It's a great stress reliever, makes you more happy, relaxed. It has been proved that those who have a sense of humour recover faster than those who are depressed or suicidal. People usually want to share their laughter with others and this induces a sense of social belonging. It has also been proved that those who have a sense of humour are the ones who are intelligent and creative' —Amit Chakraborty, consultant psychologist
DID YOU KNOW?
Jan Thygesen Poulsen, a dynamic young man from Copenhagen, set up a Laughter Club in Denmark and celebrated World Laughter Day in January 2000. Jan created history by gathering nearly 10,000 people in the Town Hall Square on January 9, 2000. In spite of the cold weather, thousands of people turned up and had a laughter session, thereby creating a Guinness Book record! EXPERT: Amit Chakraborty, consultant psychologist

THEY SAID...
'Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live'
    —Anonymous
'The human race has only one really effective weapon and that is laughter'
    —Mark Twain 'Nothing shows a man's character more than what he laughs at' —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
'If every word I said could make you laugh, I'd talk forever...'
    —Anonymous 'Perhaps I know best why it is man alone who laughs; he alone suffers so deeply that he had to invent laughter'
    —Friedrich Nietzsche
'God is a comedian, playing to an audience too afraid to laugh'
    —Voltaire

LAUGH BENEFITS
Hormones: Stress hormones like cortisol, epinephrine, adrenaline and dopamine are reduced. Health-enhancing hormones like endorphins and neurotransmitters are increased. Laughter means a stronger immune system Good workout: A good belly laugh exercises the diaphragm, contracts the abs and even works out the shoulders, leaving muscles more relaxed. It even provides a good workout for the heart! Right Perspective: Laughter helps you see the funnier things of life Social Benefits: Laughter is contagious. By elevating the mood of others, it improves the quality of social interaction, reducing stress more! Fights Illness: Optimists have stronger immune systems and are actually able to fight off illness better. Overall, scientists have found that optimistic people are healthier and live longer!
It Feels Like Eating 2000 Chocolate Bars: A smile gives the same level of stimulation as eating 2000 chocos!

Fran Lebowitz  - "Life is something to do when you can't get to sleep."

Spice up your health

Toss these spices into your salad or sauce and get a whopping dose of disease-preventing antioxidants

Spices. Wars have been fought over them, great explorers have sailed in pursuit of them and gifting history was made by three wise men bearing them. Turns out that the ancients were on to something. Research is now showing that five spices we've long savoured just for their flavour are also nutritional power houses. Toss these over achievers into your salad or sauce and get a whopping dose of diseasepreventing antioxidants along with a flavourful punch.

• Cinnamon: This natural germ-fighter also helps lower blood sugar, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels -- onequarter teaspoon a day is a healthy goal. Sprinkle a little of the powder on freshly ground coffee beans when making your morning java, or try these irresistible cinnamon baked apples for a low-cal dessert.

• Thyme: It makes it into recipes for marinades, grilled poultry, and fish by virtue of its minty, lemony flavour; it makes it onto the RealAge list of healthy herbs by virtue of its anti-cancer potency. It's also long been used as an antiseptic -- yep, that could be thyme oil in your mouthwash. If you've got a fresh bunch, mince some into your vinaigrette. Yum.

• Cumin: Concealed in your humble chili powder is one of the world's most popular spices (it's a key ingredient in Indian curries, too) and another anti-cancer soldier. Go exotic and add cumin to rice, grain salads, and marinades or try this hearthealthy ultimate beef chili made with chunks of fattrimmed meat.

• Oregano: Thank our GIs for bringing oregano home from Italy after WWII. A food-world superpower, leaves of the herb boast 42 times more antioxidants than apples. Wow! Use oregano to add a delicate flavour to salad dressings, garlic bread, and omelets, as well as your favourite pastas.
    
• Turmeric: Called the
    "Queen of the Kitchen"
    by Indian cooks, turmeric (and its active ingredient, curcumin) has earned its crown. Studies show promise in fighting cystic fibrosis, colon cancer, arthritis, and even Alzheimers — is there anything this golden gal can't do? For an earthy flavour and yellow colouring, add a pinch of turmeric to rice, stew, or lentils.

ALL FOR SPICE: Apart from their savoury value, spices are a nutritional powerhouse

Casey Stengel  - "All right everyone, line up alphabetically according to your height."

The Six Foods: For Your Eyes only

The Six Foods That are Best at Helping You
Get and Keep Healthy Vision

 

Your eyes are your window to the world, so protecting them is likely one of your top priorities. One of the best ways to keep your eyes healthy as you age is to include vision-friendly foods in your daily diet.

Egg yolks have gotten a bad reputation for being high in cholesterol, but if you only eat egg whites, you're missing out on some of the healthiest nutrients for your eyes.

And contrary to popular belief, carrots are far from the only food out there that is good for your eyes.

The following foods will not only help to nourish and support your eyes as you age, but many of them can also help to reduce your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration -- the world's leading cause of blindness.

1. Egg Yolks

Egg yolks are the best source of lutein, a yellow-hued antioxidant. One of lutein's most talked about qualities is its ability to protect against cataracts and macular degeneration.

Lutein (along with zeaxanthin, another carotenoid) forms the yellow pigment of your retina and absorbs blue light, a harmful component of sunlight, says Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D. Researchers also suspect that lutein's antioxidant actions help to protect your eyes from light-induced oxidative damage.

Lutein is also found in vegetables, especially green leafy ones, but when 10 volunteers ate different sources of lutein (spinach, eggs or one of two types of lutein supplements) eggs came out on top. Those who ate eggs as their lutein source had blood levels of lutein that were about three times higher than that of those who ate other lutein sources.

The researchers suspect that other components in the egg yolk, such as lecithin, are responsible for its superior absorbability.

2. Brazil Nuts

One Brazil nut contains 120 mcg of selenium, which is about twice the Recommended Daily Allowance. Why is this a good thing? Because selenium's antioxidant activity fights free radicals that may damage your eye's lens and macula at the center of your retina. This may help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration.

3. Blueberries (and Other Berries)

Blueberries contain anthocyanins, potent antioxidants that give fruits their red and purple color. Because of this, blueberries can help to prevent age-related damage and improve blood flow to your eyes. Anthocyanins also strengthen blood vessel walls, which can slow the development of diabetic retinopathy.

The blueberry is quite possibly the healthiest fruit there is -- it ranked number one in antioxidant capacity by researchers at the USDA Human Nutrition Center when compared to 40 other fresh fruits and vegetables.

Aside from blueberries, cherries, red grape, pomegranates, red cabbage, and beets also contain high levels of anthocyanins.

4. Salmon

Salmon and other oily fish like sardines, herring, and black cod are rich in omega-3 fats. A study from Harvard Medical School found that people who eat fish twice a week while avoiding unhealthy fats like trans fats have less than half the risk of developing macular degeneration as people who do neither. Meanwhile, omega-3 fats help protect light-sensing cells and are linked to a lower risk of cataracts.

When eating fish, be careful to choose wild, low-mercury varieties. As an alternative, you can take a high-quality, animal-based omega-3 supplement, such as fish oil.

5. Papaya

One serving of papaya will give you close to a three-day supply of vitamin C, which is one reason why papaya has been found to protect against macular degeneration. According to a 2001 study by the National Institutes of Health, people with macular degeneration could slow the disease by getting 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E, and 80 mg of zinc every day.

6. Broccoli

Broccoli contains sulforaphane, a cancer-fighting compound that's also a powerful antioxidant. According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, human retinal cells treated with sulforaphane were protected from oxidizing free radicals for several days.

Not a fan of broccoli? Don't worry, other cruciferous veggies like cabbage, kale, mustard greens and turnips are also rich in sulforaphane

Red grapes 'are wonder cure for high blood pressure and cholesterol'

By Daily Mail Reporter

Rich in antioxidants: Red grapes

Red grapes are more than just the source for the world's finest wine - the fruits themselves are a wonder cure against heart attacks, according to new research.

And while a glass of wine is a recognised part of a healthy Mediterranean-style diet, it seems the bits of the grape thrown away to make the tipple could be even healthier.

Researchers made a cocktail extracted from the most fibre-rich parts of the grape such as the skin and seeds which are the waste byproduct in vineyards.

Tests on human volunteers found the extract was extremely rich in both fibre and antioxidants which reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease - the world's biggest killer.

Most other superfoods for the heart, like the plant extract psyllium or healthy oats for instance, are usually good for either fibre or antioxidants rather than both together.

But the tests at Madrid University using a concoction called Grape Antioxidant Dietary Fibre (GADF) was high in both potentially lifesaving ingredients.

Over a 16 week period, adding the extract to the volunteers' regular diet 'significantly' reduced their 'Lipid Profile' - the range of tests to determine a patient's risk of heart disease.

This included reducing blood pressure by up to five per cent and cholesterol by up to 14 per cent among the volunteers, said the research.

A Mediterranean-style diet including components like red wine, olive oil and tomatoes has long been considered healthier than other Western diets rich in deep fried and fast food.

  More...

• The online diet disasters: How personalised plans offer advice that is often wrong and sometimes dangerous
• Drinking fruit juice 'may stop medication working'

The research suggests the grape extract would make such a diet up to 50 per cent even more effective in reducing the risks of heart attacks.

Cardiovascular disease is the biggest cause of death in the Western World accounting for up to 50 per cent of all natural mortalities.

The extract, if turned into a health supplement, could be particularly useful for those who suffer from high blood pressure or high cholesterol, said the researchers.

The results are published in the journal Nutrition today/Wed after 34 non-smoking adults were tested with the GADF extract over 16 weeks.

While that was going on, a further nine students from the university who were not given the extract were also monitored so they could be compared to the first group.

Those given GADF saw 'significantly reduced total cholesterol', particularly LDL, the type known as 'bad cholesterol' which can lead to heart problems in later life.

The reduction in both cholesterol and blood pressure was much bigger than the effects caused by other high fibre products on the market, they said.

Researcher Jara Perez Jimenez said: 'GADF showed significant reducing effects in lipid profile and blood pressure.

'The effects appear to be higher than the ones caused by other dietary fibres, such as oat fibre or psyllium, probably due to the combined effect of dietary fibre and antioxidants.'

laser Light for Clear sight

Health Mistakes

 All of us make  little health mistakes that cause damage to our bodies in the long run -  simply because we are unaware we are doing something wrong. Here are some of  the most common mistakes made by  many of us.

Crossing our legs

Do you cross  your legs at your  knees when sitting? Although we may believe that this is the  lady-like elegant  way to sit, sitting this way cuts down circulation to your legs. If you don"t  want varicose veins to mar the beauty of your legs  and compromise your  health, uncross your legs every time you realise you have one knee on top of the  other. The best way to sit is to simply place both legs together on the  floor, balancing your weight equally. If you feel like changing position, instead of crossing your legs, simply move both  legs together to one side. As an alternative, you could also consider  crossing your legs loosely at the ankles. This is  a classically elegant way to sit, and is far better for your legs and  your health than  sitting with your legs  crossed at your knees.
 

 

 

Not changing our toothbrush

 

How often do  you change your toothbrush? Most of  us wait until most of the bristles have  either fallen off, or are in such bad  shape that we"d be embarrassed to pull out our brush in public. However,  since not many of us need to pull out our  brush in public, we carry on with our  frayed one until we lose it. Replace your  toothbrush often. Damaged  bristles can harm the enamel, and don"t massage your  gums well. If you find brushing your teeth a pain like I do, but know you must do it, you  might as well be  doing it right. Imagine going through the  annoyance of brushing your teeth twice a  day only to find out that you"re damaging your enamel every time you clean your  teeth. Also, use a brush with soft bristles unless your dentist has advised  otherwise.

 

 

Eating out often

There are oils  that are high in  cholesterol, and oils that cause little harm and are better  for your heart.  However, no matter how light
The oil is, it is never a good idea to  eat too much of it.  Avoid fried foods.Remember that in all probability your favorite Indian  food
Restaurant throws a huge, HUGE chunk of butter in a tiny bowl of dal. Rita,  who worked in the kitchen of a 5 star hotel, was shocked when she saw the cook  chop a 500gm butter slab in half, and throw half into a Paneer Makhani dish.  No wonder the  customers left licking their fingers. And no wonder they felt  so stuffed and heavy  afterwards. Limit outdoor eating unless you know that you"re getting  served light and healthy food.

 

 

Skipping  breakfast

Never, ever  skip breakfast. Remember, when you wake up in the morning it"S been  around 10-12 hours since your last meal. Your body needs food now, more than at  any other time. Eat a heavy breakfast. You will then be busy through the day,  and the calories will get expended quickly. If you are trying to diet, eat a  light dinner. Here are some more  common health mistakes we make.  Being informed and making a few  changes can help make us feel a whole lot  better.

 

 

High  heels

High heels sure  look great, but they're  murder for your back. This however doesn't mean you should steer clear of  stilettos. Wear them, but not when you know you will be walking around a lot. Wear  them when going out for lunch or dinner -  when the only walking you will be  doing is to your car, to the table, and back. Avoid high heels when you are  going somewhere on foot. If you are constantly tempted to wear your heels, take a good look at your flats. Is there something about them you dislike? Invest  in a new pair of beautiful flats or shoes with a low heel. Buy something you  love, that you will enjoy wearing. If possible, get a matching bag. You will  then enjoy your flats as  much as you do your heels.

 

 

Sleeping on a soft  bed

You don't have  to sleep on the floor be kind to your back,  but do make sure you have a firm  mattress. Although a mattress on springs  is soft and lovely to sink into, it's bad for your back. If you already have an old bed with springs, you don't need to invest in a new one - simply get a thick wooden plank put over the springs, and place the mattress on the plank.  Similarly, if your mattress is  old and lumpy, throw it out and get a new one. Your  neck and your back will thank you. The same rule applies to sofas. If  you will be spending  hours on a sofa, get a firm yet comfortable one. Sofas you  completely sink into are not the best idea.

 

 

Pillows

No matter how  comfortable sleeping with ten cushions is, have pity on your neck and resist.  Sleep with one pillow, and make sure it is not too thick.  If your pillow gets lumpy, discard it and go for a new one. Get a thin pillow  if you sleep on your stomach, and something a little thicker if you sleep on  your back, to give your neck adequate support.

 

Not  exercising

So all of us  know we should exercise more, but many of us don't. This is a  health mistake we consciously make! And why is that? Simply because we refuse  to admit the damage we are causing to our bodies by not working out. A number of people  only start working out once they've experienced a warning signal.  Don't wait for a heart attack to strike before you decide to opt for a lifestyle  change. Make the change now. You don't need to train for the marathon to be in  top shape. Half an hour of brisk walking three to four times a week will make a  world of difference to your health. You could then increase this to forty  minutes, four times a week - and you're all set. If you haven't  exercised for a week, you're making a mistake.

General Motors:Weight Loss Program

The following diet and health program was developed for employees and dependents of General Motors, Inc. and is intended for their exclusive use. This program was developed in conjunction with a grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. It was field tested at the Johns Hopkins Research Centre and was approved for distribution by the Board of Directors, General Motors Corp. at a general meeting on August 15, 1985. General Motors Corp. wholly endorses this program and is making it available to all employees and families.

This program is designed for a target weight loss of 10-17 lbs per week. It will also improve your attitudes and emotions because of its cleansing systematic effects.

The effectiveness of this seven day plan is that the food eaten burn more calories than they give to the body in caloric value.

This plan can be used as often as you like without any fear of complications. It is designed to flush your system of impurities and give you a feeling of well being. After seven days you will begin to feel lighter because you will be lighter by at least 10 lbs. You will have an abundance of energy and an improved disposition.

During the first seven days you must abstain from all alcohol

You must drink 10 glasses of water each day

Non Vegetarian
Day One

All fruits except bananas. Your first day will consist of all the fruits you want. It is strongly suggested that you consume lots of melons the first day. Especially watermelon and a loupe. If you limit your fruit consumption to melons, your chances of losing three lbs. on first day are very good.

Day Two

All vegetables. You are encouraged to eat until you are stuffed with all the raw or cooked vegetables of your choice. There is no limit on the amount or type. For your complex carbohydrate, you will start day two with a large baked potato for breakfast. You may top the potato with one pat of butter.

Day Three

A mixture of fruits and vegetables of your choice. Any amount, any quantity. No bananas yet. No potatoes today.

Day Four

Bananas and milk. Today you will eat as many as eight bananas and drink three glasses of milk. This will be combined with the special soup which may be eaten in limited quantities.

Day Five

Today is feast day. You will eat beef and tomatoes. Eat two 10 oz. portions of lean beef. Hamburger is OK. Combine this with six whole tomatoes. On day five you must increase your water intake by one quart. This is to cleanse your system of the uric acid you will be producing.

Day Six

Beef and vegetables. Today you may eat an unlimited amount of beef and vegetables. Eat to your hearts content.

Day Seven

Today your food intake will consist of brown rice, fruit juices and all the vegetables you care to consume.

G.M.'S Wonder Soup

The following soup is intended as a supplement to your diet. It can be eaten any time of the day in virtually unlimited quantities. You are encouraged to consume large quantities of this soup.

28 oz, Water, 6 Large Onions, 2 Green Peppers, Whole Tomatoes (fresh or canned), 1 Head Cabbage, 1 Bunch Celery, 4 Envelopes Lipton Onion Soup Mix, Herbs and Flavouring as desired.

Additional Comments

Vegetables as may be taken in the form of a salad if desired. No dressing except malt, white or wine vinegar, squeezed lemon, garlic, herbs. No more than one tea spoon of oil. You have been given a recipe for the WONDER SOUP which can be eaten in unlimited quantities. This soup is a supplement while you are on the program and it should be a pleasure to eat. Not everyone likes cabbage, green peppers, calory etc. This recipe is not inflexible. You may substitute vegetables according to your taste. You may add any vegetables you like: asparagus, peas, corn, turnips, green beans, cauliflower, etc. Try to stay away from beans (lima, pinto, kidney, etc.), however, because they tend to be high in calories even though they are very good for you.

Beverages you may consume while on the program :

1. Water (flavoured with lemon/lime if desired).

2. Club Soda is OK.

3. Black Coffee. No cream or cream substitute. No sugar or sweetness.

4. Black Tea = Herb or Leaf.

5. Absolutely nothing else except the fruit juices which are part of day seven. No fruit juices before day seven.

How and Why It Works

Day One

You are preparing your system for the upcoming programme. Your only source of nutrition is fresh or canned fruits. Fruits are nature's perfect food. They provide everything you could possibly want to sustain life except total balance and variety.

Day Two

Starts with a fix of complex carbo-hydrates coupled with an oil dose. This is taken in the morning for energy and balance. The rest of day two consists of vegetables which are virtually calorie free and provide essential nutrients and fibre.

Day Three

Eliminates the potato because you get your carbohydrates from the fruits. You system is now prepared to start burning excess pounds. You will still have cravings which should start to diminish by day four.

Day Four

Bananas, milk and soup sound the strangest and least desirable. You're in for a surprise. You probably will not eat all the bananas allowed. But they are there for the potassium you have lost and the sodium you may have missed the past three days. You will notice a definite loss of desire for sweets. You will be surprised how easy this day will go

Day Five

Beef and tomatoes. The beef is for iron and proteins, the tomatoes are for digestion and fibre. Lots and lots of water purifies your system. You should notice colourless urine today. Your allowance calls for the equivalent of five "quarter ponders". Do not feel you have to eat all this beef. You must eat the six tomatoes.

Day Six

This day is similar to day five, Iron and proteins from beef, Vitamins and fibre from vegetables. By now your system is in a total weight loss inclination. There should be a noticeable difference in the way you look today, compared to day one.

Day Seven

Finished off the program like a good cigar used to finish off Victorian meals, except much healthier. You have your system under control and it should thank you for the flushing and cleaning you just gave it

Vegetarian

The changes in the vegetarian version of the General Motors diet is from Day Five, the first Four days are same as the non-vegetarian diet.

DAY FIVE

Today is a feat day. You will eat 1 cup of rice. You also have to eat six whole tomatoes and drink 12 glasses of water today to cleanse your system of the excess uric acid you will be producing.

DAY SIX

Today is another all vegetables day. You must eat 1 cup of rice today and eat all the vegetables you want cooked and uncooked to your hears content

DAY SEVEN

Today your food intake will consist of 1 cup rice, fruit juice and the vegetables you care to consume. Tomorrow morning you will be five to eight kgs. Lighter than I week ago. If you desire further weight loss, repeat the program again. Repeat the program as often as you like, however, it is suggested that you rest for three days before every repetition.

You have your system under control now and it will thank you for all the purging and cleansing you just gave it. Even more than a diet program it is good to follow this diet once in a while to clean your digestive system and remove toxic substances that have a accumulated in the system.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Day 5:

Rice and tomatoes. The rice is for the carbohydrates and the tomatoes are for the digestion and the fibre. Lots of water purifies your system. You should notice colourless urine today. Do not feel you have to eat one cup rice, you may eat less. But you may eat six tomatoes

Day 6:

It is similar to five. Vitamins and fibre from the vegetables and carbohydrates from the rice. By now your system is in a total weight loss inclination. There should be a noticeable difference in the way you look today compared to day one.

Day 7:

You may celebrate with champagne. You may also have white wine instead of champagne, but in al practical programs, and in all surveys done to measure the success of the program, General Motors employees have always preferred champagne to white wine

Happiness Is... Better Blood Sugar

DID YOU KNOW?

Astudy shows that depressed people may be 42 per cent more likely to develop diabetes. And the stronger the sad symptoms, the greater the odds.
    The culprit is unhealthy habits. Sad feelings, researchers suspect, can make you want to do some pretty unhealthy things like pig out before bed, sack out on the couch all day, or maybe even smoke or drink. And these things could put you on the road to diabetes. But bad habits are only part of the picture, experts note.
Even in the absence of bad habits, depressed people are still more likely to develop diabetes.
    Battling depression may require counselling or other treatments if it's severe. But if you've got just the occasional blue mood, don't let it linger. Bust out of it.
    You can reduce your risk of diabetes if you lose weight. But you need to have strict control of blood sugar and blood pressure.

HEALTHY EATING

Full of Bean... Sprouts!

This neglected vegetable is far from being insipid and uninteresting

— INDIRA RODERICKS

 Used almost carelessly for oriental dishes, bean sprouts not only have a lovely fresh flavour, but are also good for you. All sorts of seeds can be sprouted, but the bean family are the favourites among sprouted vegetables. The bean sprouts most commonly available in the shops are sprouted moong beans. But aduki beans, alfalfa, lentils and soyabeans can be sprouted as well.
WHY EAT BEAN SPROUTS?

• They contain a significant amount of protein, vitamin C and many of the B vitamins.

• They have an excellent flavour, best appreciated when eaten raw in salads and sandwiches.

• For slimmers they are an ideal food, low in calories and can be enjoyed without any dressing.
BEFORE BUYING...

• They should be bought absolutely fresh.

• They don't keep for long and will taste sour if past their best.

• The sprouts should be firm, not limp and the tips should be green or yellow.

• Avoid any that are turning brown.
WHILE COOKING...
If stir-frying, add the sprouts at the end so that they cook for a minimum period to keep plenty of crunch and retain their nutritional value.
EXPERT SPEAK
Bean sprouts are a store house of vitamins and minerals. The process of sprouting not only increases the nutritive value but also lowers the calorific value. Sprouting also increases the concentration of the digestive enzymes which facilates digestion. Though sprouting is in all ways beneficial to us it must be remembered that the warmth and humidity needed for sprouting is also helpful to the growth of harmful bacteria as well. Thus extreme hygiene and caution must be exerted during sprouting to avoid foodborne illness.
    Expert: Pooja Makhija, dietician

STIR-FRY BEAN SPROUTS
Ingredients
1 cup bean sprouts 1 tbs soy sauce 1/2 tsp sugar Salt to taste 1 tbs oil for stir-frying A few drops of Sesame oil
Method
Wash and drain the bean sprouts, trimming the ends if desired. Add oil to a heated wok or heavy skillet. When oil is ready, add the bean sprouts and stir-fry briefly. Add the soy sauce, sugar and salt. Stir-fry another few seconds and add the sesame oil. Serve hot.