Foods to avoid for a Healthy Life.

Foods to avoid for a Healthy Life

There are so many poisonous foods lurking in our daily diet, which we must try to avoid to lead a healthy life. Lets discuss those foods and few healthier alternatives.

#1 Sugar: Empty Calories, No Nutrients

credit: third party image referenceSugar was used in its unrefined, raw form directly from sugarcane juice during ancient times. Juice is boiled to crystalline solid, broken down into masses and used as sugar. But sugar available in the market is chemically processed and refined. The report of The American Heart Association suggests that consumption of sugar worsen hardening of arteries, diabetes control and causes nutritional deficiencies. Alternatives that can be used are,

Jaggery: It is unrefined, raw form of sugar and retains minerals, nutrients and vitamins. But care should be taken not to use super-phosphate added jaggery which appears white and neat looking.

Honey: Daily consumption of sugar can benefit peoples with mucus problems and asthma. Honey when mixed with cold water add weight while with warm water burns weight. Note that honey should be cooked or boiled with hot water which turns honey in to poison.

#2 Milk: Indigestible for most Adults

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Only children below three years of age have necessary enzymes to digest milk. undigested milk is mucous forming and causes lethargy. Milk is famous for its calcium content but there are better alternatives.

Peanuts: They are complete diet by themselves. They must be soaked in water for minimum of 6 hours, which takes away the 'Pitta' as per Ayurveda. If taken without soaking causes rashes and nausea.

Horse gram: Rich source of protein, calcium and iron. Sprouted horse gram are easily digestible and helps in effective absorption of iron and calcium.

#3 Refined Grains: Stripped of Nutrients, Minerals and Fiber

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Refined grains are stripped of nutrients, minerals and fiber. This refining removes the bran and the germ from the grains leaving only endosperm. Bran and germ contains nutrients, while endosperm is only starch.

Some Whole Grain alternatives that can be used are Finger Millet, Pearl Millet.

#4 Tea & Coffee: Destroys Stamina in Long Run

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Tea & Coffee are nervous stimulants. They create a sense of energy for short while, after which the body's energy level drops. Too much consumption destroys stamina in the long run, and effects body's ability to store energy.

Alternative Energy Drink:

Ash gourd: Drinking a glass of Ashgourd(Winter Melon) juice in the morning would make you energetic and keep your nervous system calm. Daily consumption enhances one's intellectual capabilities.