English cucumbers – Have very little in the way of seeds and can grow to around 2 feet in length.
Mediterranean cucumbers – Skins are smooth with nearly seedless flesh, they have a mild taste.
Japanese cucumbers – A dark green cucumber with a very bumpy skin. Mainly used for slicing, salads and pickling.

Health and Skin Benefits of Cucumber

- Cucumbers have high water content (about 95 percent).
- They have fiber-rich skin and their levels of potassium and manganese, which help regulate blood pressure and help promote nutrient functions.
- Cucumbers help remove uric acid, which is beneficial for those who has arthritis.
- Cucumber helps in reducing swelling around the eyes or the big dark circles under your eyes.
- Cucumber is very beneficial for burns, swollen eyes, and dermatitis. because it consists of Caffeic and ascorbic acids, which prevent water retention.
- Its juice is a nourishing vitamin for our hair and skin.
- Cucumber is good for those who are dieting as it is very low in calories.
- Cucumber’s nutritional benefits include natural salts, enzymes, and vitamins essential for strong cell growth and repair.
- Cucumber juice is certainly beneficial the treatment of rheumatic conditions.
- This colorless drink can help regulate blood pressure because of its minerals and traces of sodium.
- The excellent source of silica contributes to the proper construction of connective tissues in our body as in the bones, muscles, cartilage, ligaments and tendons.
- The temperature regulating properties in cucumber juice makes it a suitable drink when you have a fever.
- Those suffering from diabetes have been found to benefit from the consumption of cucumber/cucumber juice.
- Cucumber contains Erepsin, the enzyme that helps in protein digestion.
- Cucumber juice is said to promote hair growth, especially when it is added to the juice of carrot, lettuce and spinach.
- Daily consumption of cucumber juice helps control cases of eczema, arthritis and gout.
- Helps in kidney and urinary bladder disease.

When you drink high quality wheatgrass juice, your body may produce spectacular results such as:
- A physical and mental sense of well-being
- More energy and better sleep
- Stronger immune system
- Detoxification on a cellular level
- Reduced inflammation in the entire body
- Appetite cravings
- Increased mental clarity
- Steadier nerves
- Improved eyesight and night vision
- Actively engaging in and enjoying activities you had been dreading in the past.
- Visually seeing results via live blood cell analysis such as the un-clumping of oxygen-carrying red blood cells.

Nutrient content of wheatgrass juice compared to fruits and vegetables.

- 1 ounce of fresh wheatgrass juice is equivalent to 2.5 pounds of vegetables in nutritional value.
- 1 ounce of wheatgrass has more vitamin C than 1 ounce of oranges.
- 1 ounce of wheatgrass has twice the vitamin A than in 1 ounce of carrots.
- It is said that 25ml of wheatgrass is equivalent in vitamins, minerals and amino acids to a kilogram of fresh garden vegetables in nutritional value.

Health Benefits of Wheatgrass

- The most outstanding feature of the wheatgrass is its very high content of chlorophyll at about 70%. This alone makes it a superfood that has a highly energizing and alkalizing effect.
- Wheatgrass juice is good for skin problems and improves complexion, treats acne, and removes acne scars.
- Wheatgrass juice purifies the blood which helps to cleanse the kidneys, liver and urinary tract.
- The insoluble fiber in wheatgrass gently cleanses your digestive tract and promotes regularity.
- Wheatgrass juice helps stop the growth and development of unfriendly bacteria.
- Wheatgrass juice, which is high in beta-carotene, can contribute to a reduction in the risk of developing some kinds of cancer.
- When chlorophyll is taken internally (wheatgrass juice), it reduces or eliminates body and breath odors.
- Chlorophyll is beneficial in the treatment of skin diseases and first and second degree burns.
- Wheatgrass can help to eliminate dangerous chemicals in fluoridated water and found on fruits and vegetables.
- Chlorophyll is effective in clearing up your Sinuses.

Health Benefits of Triphala

- It acts as an antioxidant agent preventing any free radical formation in the body.
- It is helpful in regularizing the normal peristaltic movements that are very essential for proper passage of food from one organ to another.
- Triphala was considered the best colon cleanser in the world. Colon cleansing is an ancient and proven practice for rejuvenating the body. Colon cleansing helps detoxify and clean decayed food residues and other toxic substances accumulated in the intestines walls. This not only gets rid of constipation, hemorrhoids, parasites, flatulence, acne, bad breath and foul body but also prevents colon cancer. Colon cleansing also helps to relieve headaches, irritability, and depression.
- It helps in curing the viral infection and leukemia.
- Triphala helps in expelling stones from the urinary tracts.
- It helps in natural colon cleansing and also used in relieving constipation.
- It is a strong rejuvenator of the body especially for the vision, hair and voice.
- It is helpful in reducing the lipid levels in the liver and heart.
- Triphala helps in curing the viral infection and leukemia.
- It is also responsible for promoting wisdom and intellect.
- It helps in reducing the excessive weight.
- It is believed to promote tissue growth and health.
- Being a mild laxative it helps in evacuating the bowel and therefore is considered as one of the best body detoxifier and facilitates expulsion of toxins out of the body.
- This useful medicinal herb is known to boost attention level, improve concentration and also relax tension.
- Triphala has long since been treated as an anti-spasmodic and is thus used to treat high blood pressure and hypertension.

Side Effects of eating triphala

Side effects of triphala are usually rare. However, when taking a high dosage of triphala, some people may experience bouts of gas and loose bowel movements. If you are considering using triphala, you may want to consult your doctor in order to discuss what kind of effects it might have on your body.

Health benefits of Papaya

- A papaya face pack can also be made using the fruit. Papaya is a product from nature which is used in many skin lightening creams
- Papaya is an ideal choice of fruit for those who are suffering from digestive ailments and dyspeptic patients since it is easily digestible and ideal for weight losing since it has high fibre, nutritious,low calories and enriched with water content.
- Papaya is a fruit high in fiber which lowers cholesterol levels. Papaya contains antioxidants which prevents the cholesterol from oxidizing.
- Papaya contains a high amount of potassium and the flesh of papaya is very high in Vitamin A.
- Papaya seeds and leaves are useful in treating intestinal worms found in the body.
- The skin of papaya is excellent for treating skin wounds and places that do not heal quickly.
- Regularly consuming papaya helps to relieve morning sickness and nausea.
- Papaya has anti-inflammatory properties and anti-cancerous properties.
- Papaya is very good for those who frequently suffer from cold, cough or flu because intake of papaya boosts the immune system.
- Papaya is also very good for the hair and helps in controlling dandruff.
- Raw papaya also helps in reducing menstrual irregularities for women.
- Slices of green fruits rubbed over meat and boiled with tough meat, make the meat more tender.

What are the side effects of papaya?
- Even though papaya is enriched with vitamin A and C, and a small amount of Calcium and Iron, but if eaten in excess, it can cause the yellowing of palms and skin known as carotenemia.
- Scientists have found that the black seeds of papaya contain, in traces, a toxic substance called carpine. Carpine in large quantities is said to lower the pulse rate and depress the nervous system.

Benefits of Lauki/Bottel Guard

- Good for people who are on low calorie diet because it contains 96.1 % water.
- Consumption of bottle gourd helps in overcoming jaundice.
- A glassful of plain juice with a pinch of salt should be taken everyday. Its use during summer prevents excessive loss of sodium, quenches thirst and helps in preventing fatigue.
- Cooked lauki is cooling, calming and acts as diuretic.
- It plays a very important role in treating urinary disorders. Prepare a glass of fresh juice by grating lauki and then mixing it with limejuice.
- It has a high fibre content and thus useful in regulation of bowel movements.
- Due to its high fibre content it can be used to prevent gastrointestinal disorders, constipation, piles, ulcers. It acts as a diuretic and calms you down after consumption.
- Flatulence is another common concern which is seen in people today due to irregular food habits. In all these cases if Bottle Gourd is taken along with required quantity of water per day, positive results can be seen.
- This vegetable is very good for balancing liver function.
- Ayurveda suggests Bottle gourd juice once daily in the early morning for treating Graying Hair.
- Bottle gourd has gained importance for weight loss as it is very high in fiber and water and hence helps to curb hunger pangs.

How to make Loki Juice

- Grate lauki with home grater (called Kaddu kas). Put the grated loki on tea strainer. Squeeze it with big spoon or table spoon by putting pressure. Collect the liquid in glass. You can also add grounded black pepper or black salt to suit your taste. You can honey/lemon to improve its taste. Dont add sugar.

- Water is an essential component of the human body.
- Water acts as a nourishing agent : Water circulates through the blood and helps transport nutrients and oxygen towards organs and cells. It acts as a solvent for many nutrients and essential salts and makes them available for absorption by the body.
- Water is a cleansing agent : It also serves as a medium to carry metabolic wastes away from the body – this is accomplished in the form of urine and sweat.
- Water helps reduce the risk of kidney stones : The kidneys filter out waste products from the blood and channel them out of the body through the process of urine formation.
- Water helps reduce the risk of sunstroke : Water is the single most important factor in the highly critical function of regulating your body temperature.
- Water helps lower the blood pressure : The body tries to adjust for the loss of water by constricting blood vessels so that the rate of loss of water (due to sweating and respiration) is reduced – which in turn leads to higher blood pressure. Drink ample water to prevent this from happening.
- Water minimizes the risk of heart disease.
- Water keeps your skin in good condition.
- Water does not contain calories.
- Water suppresses appetite.

Drinking plenty of water every day is especially important for people with bipolar disorder, because certain medications may increase your risk of becoming overheated.
Water is quite possibly the single most important catalyst in losing weight and keeping it off. Although most of us take it for granted, water may be the only true “magic potion” for permanent weight loss!
Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits.

Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms :

- Cravings to smoke : Cravings for a cigarette are frequent and intense within the first two to three days after stopping. The cravings become less frequent over the next four or five days, but they may increase again and persist for many weeks. Deep breathing and immediate activity will help distract you from your craving. The worst of the cravings usually end within a couple of weeks after breaking free.
- Irritable, cranky : When the nicotine level declines, your body begins to sense the loss. This can cause tension and be symptomatic of the grief process. Deep breathing and exercise will help relieve irritability.
- Insomnia : Your sleeping patterns may be affected once you stop smoking. Difficulties in sleeping will occur due to the absence of nicotine in the brain. Furthermore, lack of sleep will affect your moods in the daytime and also leave you feeling tired and drained.
- Inability to Concentrate : Take regular short breaks from what you are doing, try to eat healthy energizing foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables, drink lots of water to keep the brain hydrated, exercise or keep active and get plenty of fresh air.
- Headache : Half an aspirin should do the trick, but beforehand try to relieve the tension by carrying out a few deep breathing exercises, drinking a glass of water, taking a relaxing bath, going for a gentle walk in the fresh air or lying down for 15 minutes or so. As a last resort take the aspirin.
- Cough : Drinking water and sucking boiled sweets may help to ease the cough, loosen the mucus in your lungs, keep your throat moist and flush the toxins out of your system.
- Tiredness : To boost your energy levels, avoid sugary and processed foods, drink lots of water, snack on seeds, nuts or dried fruit, go for a short but brisk walk if you are feeling tired, take a break from what you are doing and relax and make sure that you eat a good healthy breakfast, which will keep you going at least through the morning.
- Sore throat : A small number of people who stop smoking are affected by chemical changes in their mouths and may suffer minor problems including blisters, sores, and inflammation.
- Constipation, gas, stomach pain : Try to eat fiber-rich foods and lots of fresh fruit and vegetables; prunes are good, drink 8 glasses of water a day and carry out some gentle exercise to stimulate your bowels. Some say that eating chocolate helps too.
- Tightness in the chest : This happens because your body is getting more fresh air than usual. The extra air fills the lungs and makes them feel tighter. This symptom should last for only a day or two after stopping. See your doctor if it persists.
- Tingling sensations : After giving up smoking, your circulation will improve, as more of your smaller blood vessels will open up allowing more oxygen to flow through you body.
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Sore tongue and/or gums
- Postnasal drip

Causes of indigestion during pregnancy :
One of the chief culprits behind heartburn and other digestive problems is the hormone progesterone. Progesterone decreases your muscle tone and can relax the muscles of the stomach to slow the emptying time.
The stomach also gets pushed up so much during the last trimester that it sits much higher than normal and food contents can be pushed up into your esophagus. When this happens, the valve allows food particles or stomach acid to sit in your esophagus. This can cause heartburn and indigestion.

What you can do to treat Indigestion during pregnancy ?

- Drink plenty of water.
- Add fiber to your diet : The recommended amount of fiber in an adult diet is 25-35 grams per day. If you are pregnant, you might benefit from adding another 15% (or 3-5 grams) per day. Foods that are rich in fiber include whole grains, popcorn, and raw vegetables.
- Walk, Don’t Talk : Pregnant women are often advised to take a walk right after their meals. Also, they must eat five or six small meals each day, instead of three large ones; that way the amount of pressure put on the stomach to digest the food is decreased.
- Peppermint : It is available quite easily and is an excellent cure for indigestion and causes no side effects on either you or your child. So when you feel like you may get another bout of indigestion, make yourself a cup of peppermint tea.
- Avoid eating or drinking things that encourage the valve in the esophagus to relax further. These include greasy or fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, carbonated drinks, tomato products, citrus juice, peppermint and spearmint, alcohol, onion, garlic, and spicy foods.
- Sit up straight while eating.
- Reduce your stress level by taking time out for something you enjoy, such as a warm bath, a good book, or a chat with a friend.
- Commit to not smoking or drinking alcohol.
- Raise the head of your bed by placing wooden wedges under the legs.
- Talk with your doctor about which antacids are safe during pregnancy, such as calcium carbonate (Tums).

Health Benefits of Banana :
- Banana is an energy booster.
- Bananas are fruits that are high in fiber, making them an ideal remedy for constipation and an alternative to chemical laxatives.
- Bananas are a natural source of potassium which helps to keep the body fluids and electrolyte balance in body cells and helps in regulating blood pressure.
- Bananas are not only a good source of B vitamins they also contain vitamin C, A.
- Banana is a rich source of iron, thus it is helpful in cases of anemia.
- The skin of the banana is said to help remove warts(cover the warts with the inner skin of banana).
- Banana is also helpful in Stomach ulcer (banana has a natural antacid), Colitis, Digestive disorder, Diarrhea, Constipation (banana is high in fiber), Hemorrhoids.
- Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
- Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood-sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
- Bananas are useful in the treatment of arthritis and gout. A diet of bananas only for three or four days is advisable in these conditions.
- One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey as it calms the stomach.
- Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
- Cooked banana flower eaten with curd is considered an effective medicine for menstrual disorders like painful menstruation and excessive bleeding.
- Bananas are an ideal fruit to be eaten when a person is suffering from ulcers.
- Eating bananas as part of a regular diet can reduce the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%.

Bananas and losing weight :
Bananas may be one of the best fruits to eat when attempting to lose weight. They are full of nutrients for increased energy and vitality. Bananas are also low in calories and fat, plus they have a high water content and potassium levels. A diet high in potassium foods and lower in sodium-loaded processed foods can help reduce water weight.
The daily diet is restricted to six bananas and four glasses of skimmed milk or buttermilk made from skimmed milk for a period of 10 to 15 days. Thereafter green vegetables may be introduced gradually, reducing the intake of bananas from six to four.

Storing Bananas :
Bananas need to be treated with care as they bruise easily. The ideal way to store bananas is to keep them at room temperature. In order to ripen bananas, you can either wrap them in a newspaper or keep them in a brown paper bag. If you store a banana in a fridge it will turn black. However it will still be edible.

CAUSES OF ANOREXIA :
- Faulty diet and don’t do physical work.
- Stress and strain.
- Fear of becoming fat.

HOME REMEDIES FOR TREATING ANOREXIA :
- GINGER : Take a small piece of ginger and peel of its outer layer. Grin it and add a few drops of lemon, pinch of asafetida and one black pepper, to form a paste. Have this paste in the morning, on an empty stomach, for about 15 days. It would work as an appetizer.
- SOUR GRAPES : The consumption of sour grapes in anorexia delivers exceptional results. It is best to use sour grape juice while kneading the flour prior to preparing wheat tortilla.
- LIME : Prepare a blend containing 1 tbsp of each lime juice and ginger juice with 1 gm of rock salt in it. It is must to place this bled under sunlight for 3 days to enhance its natural properties.
- Apples : Daily consumption of an apple stimulates the flow of pepsin in the stomach. Pepsin assists in digestion of protein and leads to an increased hunger.
- ORANGES : A simple remedy for treating anorexia comprises of consuming about 2 to 3 oranges per day. Oranges help increase the appetite in a person.
- TOMATO AND GARLIC : Prepare a hot soup of fresh tomatoes with 3-4 cloves of garlic and a cup of water. Garlic due to its natural properties to stimulate the digestive system endows with extraordinary results for patients suffering from anorexia.
- SOUPS : Vegetable soups with rock salt and a pinch of black pepper powder will surely increases appetite.

DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS:
- Eat salad 10 minutes before having your food. This may comprise of cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, beets and capsicums. Sprinkle a little rock salt and squeeze half of the lemon on it, along with a pinch of black pepper.
- Prepare dough with flour and sour grape juice, adding a pinch of rock salt. Make chapattis out of this dough. They will enhance the appetite of person, thereby helping cure anorexia.
- All fruit diet.
- Spicy food with less frequency like, twice or thrice in a week may increase the appetite.

ANOREXIA PRECAUTIONS :
Avoiding eating itself is a hindrance. Avoid too oily foods. Similarly, munching in between also affects the appetite. Lack of activeness also leads to avoiding food. Sleeplessness is also another essential factor to enhance lack of appetite.