10 HEALTHY EATING TIPS FOR KIDS

10 HEALTHY EATING TIPS FOR KIDS

1. Food is Fun… Enjoy your food
2. Breakfast is a very important meal
3. Eat lots of different foods every day, variety is the recipe for health 4. Which group would you tip for the top? Base your food on carbohydrates
5. Gimme five! Eat fruits and vegetables with each meal and as tasty snacks!
6. Fat facts. Too much saturated fat is not good for your health
7. Snack attack! Eat regularly and choose a variety of snacks
8. Quench your thirst. Drink plenty of liquids
9. Care for those teeth! Brush your teeth at least twice a day
10. Get moving! Be active every day

Do you remember when you learned to ride a bike? The most important part was getting the balance right. Once you could balance easily, the pedals could turn smoothly, to drive the wheels and get the bike moving.

The same thing is true when it comes to choosing our food. Once we have learned to carefully balance the amounts and types of foods eaten, all the organs in the body will function smoothly and the body will work efficiently.

Following these ten tips will help you stay fit and healthy. It’s as easy as riding a bike, once you’ve got the balance right!

1. Food is Fun… Enjoy your food

Sharing a meal with family and friends at home or at school is a great way to enjoy food. It is fun to see other people’s choice of food -what sandwich fillings do others have? Have you tried having a different filling every day? Check out your lunch box or dinner plate. How many different kinds of fruit and vegetables can you spot?

2. Breakfast is a very important meal

Our bodies always need energy, and after a night’s sleep, energy levels are low. Cars, buses and trains cannot run without fuel. So, whether you are off to school, or out and about at the weekend, start the day with breakfast. Plenty of carbohydrates is just the ticket: try cereal with semi-skimmed milk, fruit or yoghurt, toast or bread, perhaps with lean meats.

3. Eat lots of different foods every day, variety is the recipe for health

You need over 40 different kinds of vitamins and minerals every day for good health. Since there is no single food that contains them all, it is important to balance your daily choices. In fact there are no good or bad foods, so you do not need to miss out on the foods you enjoy. The best way to make sure you get the right balance is to eat a wide variety of foods each day.

4. Which group would you tip for the top? Base your food on carbohydrates

Many people don’t eat enough carbohydrate foods, such as cereals, rice, pasta, potatoes and bread. At least half the calories in your diet should come from these foods, so it is a good idea to include at least one of these at every meal. Try whole-grain bread, pasta and other cereals to give you extra fibre. Have you tried baking your own bread? It’s good fun and smells wonderful!

5. Gimme five! Eat fruits and vegetables with each meal and as tasty snacks!

Fruits and vegetables are among the most important foods for giving us enough vitamins, minerals and fibre. We should all try to eat 5 servings a day. For example, a glass of fruit juice at breakfast, perhaps an apple and banana as snacks and two vegetables at meal times then you have already reached your total. How many different kinds can you spot in the supermarket? Why not try some new ones?

6. Fat facts. Too much saturated fat is not good for your health

Eating too many of those tasty, fatty foods (such as butter, spreads, fried meats and sausages, pies and pastries) might not always be so good for your body. So remember, a big helping of potatoes, but go easy on the butter. Although we need some fats to get all the nutrients we need, it is better for our health if we don’t eat too much of these foods and get knocked off balance. So, if you have a high-fat lunch, choose a low-fat dinner.

7. Snack attack! Eat regularly and choose a variety of snacks

Even if you eat regular meals during the day, there will still be times in between that you feel hungry, especially if you have been very physically active. Snacks can fill the gap, but should not be eaten in place of meals, only as an extra. There are lots of different snacks available. Your choice may be crisps, nuts and other packet snacks, chocolate bars, cakes and biscuits. On other occasions, you may prefer a sandwich, some fresh or dried fruits, or perhaps sticks of vegetables like carrots and celery. Whichever snack you enjoy, remember it is always good to include a variety of different types to keep things in balance.

8. Quench your thirst. Drink plenty of liquids

Did you know that more than half of your weight is just water? So as well as giving your body all the food it needs each day to keep healthy, you need at least 5 glasses of liquids a day. It is particularly important if the weather is very hot or if you have done lots of exercise, to have plenty to drink to prevent dehydration. Usually – but not always – your body will tell you this, by making you feel thirsty. Plain tap water is great of course, but bottled water, fruit juices, tea, soft drinks, milk and so on, can all be okay too.

9. Care for those teeth! Brush your teeth at least twice a day

Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Eating foods high in sugar or starches too often during the day can play a part in tooth decay. So don’t nibble foods and sip drinks all day long! However, the best way to keep a nice smile is to brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Also, after brushing your teeth at bedtime, don’t eat any food, or drink anything but water!

10. Get moving! Be active every day

Just like a bike may become rusty if it is not used for some time, our muscles and bones need to be kept moving too. Activity is needed to keep your heart healthy and your bones strong. It can also be good fun. Try to include some form of activity every day: it may be just walking to school and running up the stairs. However, games like skipping and football at break times are good for giving the body a workout. Swimming is a particularly good sport for keeping you healthy.

VALUABLE SECRETS AND HEALTH BENIFITS OF ROSE WATER

" VALUABLE SECRETS AND HEALTH BENIFITS OF ROSE WATER "

The qualities, valuable secrets and benefits of rose water were discovered through an ancient .

Rose water is basically a by-product of rose oil through distillation of pure fresh ros

e petals. To make even a little of this oil, a large number of rose petals are used hence making this delicate extraction very expensive.
Rose water can be found in Vitamin stores and some supermarkets but this processed type usually contains chemicals and artificial preservatives that are less effective and are less beneficial than pure rose water. The benefits of rose water can be enjoyed by simply making it at home. This can be done by storing fresh rose petals in a jar filled with distilled water and placing them under the sunshine for a number of days.# Did you know that rose water has several benefits? The benefits of rose water include:

# Beauty Skin Care:

Generally rose essence, that is rose water and rose oil, is used in various therapeutic preparations especially facial or skin treatment. Pure natural rose water is 100% free from artificial ingredients and perfumes and is used as a facial cleanser. It also prevents aging by reducing wrinkles and tightening skin pores. Dry skin can be hydrated by using rose water as a moisturizer. Rose water cleanses the skin, removing dirt, oil and other pollutants from deep inside the skin pores. Amazingly, it can be used on any skin type without causing much irritation. It acts as a cleansing agent as well as a skin toner. For that reason, ancient Romans preferred baths of rose water. The benefits of rose water can be accessed to various types of face masks can be enhanced by adding rose water to dilute, instead of plain water

# Drinking Rose water:

One of the benefits of rose water is it can be used to make very nutritious drinks since it is rich in flavonoids, anti-oxidants, tannins and essential vitamins like A, C, D, E and B3. A simple delicious drink can be made by mixing rose water syrup in a cup of cold creamy milk. Rose water is a mild sedative and anti-depressant. It enhances moods, helps relieve nervous tension and improves skin texture. In Malaysia, it is used for its distinct sweet flavor in making a milky sweet drink like Bandung.A simple Persian rose water infused iced tea will help you soothe and calm your mind.

# Medicinal uses:



Rose water is a well-known for its natural healing properties as a good anti-septic, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory product.

Benefits of Rose Water for Skin infections:

Rose water is used to treat skin infections including dry scaly skin, oily skin, skin inflammation, dermatitis and eczema. Rose water is also a healing agent, and can be used in treating wounds. For sunburns, rose water can be gently rubbed over the affected area or when taking a bath, add a few drops and relax while the magic takes effect.

Insect bites:

When going on a safari or camping in a tropical area, it's sure to be infested with mosquitoes. Rose water can be applied over insect bites like mosquito bites that easily stop the itchy feeling, reduce the inflammation and cool the area.

Acne:

Rose water is also an astringent which reduces redness or inflammation of skin. Swollen inflamed pimples can be reduced by gently dabbing rose water on the affected area. What's more - acne scars can be diminished and gotten rid of by making and applying a mixture of sandalwood, lemon juice and rose water on them.
As a disinfectant:



Since it has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, rose water can be used as a disinfectant to keep your home or workplace free from bacteria and germs. Use a rose water spritzer which can be made by adding a measureable amount of epsom salt to pure rose water and filling it in a clean and empty spritzer. This mixture can be sprayed on kitchen and bathroom counter tops, shelves, and table tops. Wipe clean with a dry cloth and this will leave a scented and fresh feel. The best part about this is that it is all natural, less expensive and eco-friendly.

Perfume:

Known for its beautiful and unique scent, rose water is accordingly used as an ingredient for shampoos, soaps and air fresheners. Rose water fragrance perfume can be used to keep your body smelling fresh and clean after a bath and prevents bad odors from accumulating due to excessive sweating. One of the eco-friendly benefits of rosewater is it It can also be creatively used to make a room freshener.

Hair Care:



Hair care products and shampoos may use rose water as a key ingredient. It is soothing as well as nourishing to the scalp. Rose water strengthens the root hairs, promotes hair growth and revitalizes the scalp thereby enabling smooth blood flow to the scalp. Keeping the scalp cool and fresh, it also rejuvenates the scalp preventing inflammations. It can be used as a natural hair spray - containing no artificial ingredients, and preventing excessive hair loss. Rose water can act as a wonderful hair conditioner, keeping your hair free from split ends and dry, frizzy hair.

Eye Care for Computer Users

Eye Care for Computer Users~

Computers have become indispensable in work place. Professionals spend more time working at computer workstations. The combination of fixed and constrained body postures, work overload and unsuitable workstatio

ns can lead to health problems like aches and pains in the shoulders, forearm, wrist, hand, back & neck pain and eyes strain.

Normal blink rate in human is 16-20 per minute. When this blink rate gets reduced to 6-8 blinks/minute, it results in dry eyes. Near focusing for long hours causes eye strain. Early presbyopia (need for reading glasses) sets in. Other symptoms include headache, eye strain, blurred vision, dry or irritated eyes, double vision, light sensitivity, neck ache, back aches etc.

The pre disposing factors which mainly cause discomfort are



1.Work place conditions
2.Working habits
3.Visual conditions
4.Nature of work
5.Length of time spent at computer
6.Reduced blinking rate
7.In co ordination between design of work station and design of glasses.

A Good Chair: Feet should rest on the floor. Angle should be of 90 degrees at the knee. Arm rest is desirable. Back rest must support the area from the upper ridge of the pelvis to the shoulder blades.The curve in the back rest must support the hollow in lower back. An adjustable tilt is desirable.

Lighting - Required illumination on the working surface. Lower level illuminance for general areas. (3:1ratio)

Eye Care Tips for computer users and professionals~



Monitor should be more than 5 inches from the eyes.

Ideal viewing area is 6 inches below the horizontal eye level.

Work with fonts of darker shades on light background.

Attach an anti-glare screen in front of the monitor.

Use screen mounted document holder at the same plane.

Use suspended lights from ceiling & windows with curtains to avoid light hitting directly on eyes.

Avoid sitting in front of AC or in a room with low humidity.



20-20-20 rule - Take short breaks for your eyes every 20 minutes between your work for 20 seconds and look 20 feet away.

Give proper rest to the eyes – Close your eyes for 20 seconds at least every half an hour.

Correct near vision with glasses.

Use of Anti reflective coating glasses can reduce glare from a monitor.

Contact lens users need to lubricate their eyes frequently.

Lastly working at the computer is not harmful to eyes, but make sure to examine your eyes at least once a year. —

Health benefits of CABBAGE

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CABBAGE:

The health benefits of cabbage include treatment of constipation, stomach ulcers, headache, excess weight, skin disorders, eczema, jaundice, scurvy, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, eye disorders, heart diseases, a

geing, and Alzheimer's disease.Did you know that the cheap, humble looking and so widely used cabbage could work miracles? Cabbage is a leafy vegetable of Brassica family, round or oval in shape, consisting of soft light green or whitish inner leaves covered with harder and dark green outer leaves. It is widely used throughout the world, eaten cooked or raw as salad and is a very popular vegetable.

Deficiency Symptoms:
Deficiency of Vitamin C: Scurvy, which is recognized by spongy and bleeding gums, cracked lip corners etc., very weak immune system, frequent infections and cold, ageing, depression etc.
Remedy: Cabbage is abundant is Vitamin C. You will be surprised to know that it is richer in vitamin C than the famous oranges. Vitamin C, being one of the best anti oxidant, reduces free radicals in your body which are the basic causes of ageing. It also helps repairing the wear and tears in the body. Thus it is very helpful in treating ulcers, certain cancers, depressions, for strengthening immune system and fighting against cough and cold, healing of wounds and damaged tissues, proper functioning of nervous system and thereby help curing Alzheimer’s disease etc.

Deficiency of Roughage: This is a very serious deficiency but most neglected. Lack of roughage in the food results in constipation, the root cause to innumerable other ailments and health hazards such as stomach ulcers, headache, intestinal cancer, indigestion and resultant loss of appetite, skin diseases, eczema, ageing and hundreds related problems.
Remedies: Cabbage is very rich in fiber. This helps retain water and forms the bulk of the food and the bowels. Thus it is a good cure for constipation and related problems.



Deficiency of Sulphur: Sulphur is a very useful nutrient as it fights infections. Its deficiency results in microbial infections and late healing of wounds.
Remedy: Again, cabbage is rich is sulphur. So, it helps fight infections in wounds and ulcers.

Detoxification by cabbage: Cabbage is a good detoxifier too, i.e. it purifies blood and removes toxins (primarily free radicals and uric acid which is major cause for rheumatism, gout, arthritis, renal calculi, skin diseases, eczema, hardening and de-colorization of skin etc.). This detoxifying effect of cabbage is due to the presence of vitamin C and sulphur.



Other benefits of Cabbage: Cabbage, being rich in iodine, helps in proper functioning of the brain and the nervous system, apart from keeping the endocrinal glands in proper condition. Thus, it is good for brain and treatment of neurotic disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. The various other nutrients present in cabbage such as vitamin-E which keeps the skin, eye and hair healthy, calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc., are very useful for overall health. The cabbage can also be used for treatment of varicose veins, leg ulcers, peptic and duodenal ulcers etc.

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR HEADACHE

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR HEADACHES :

• Make a decoction from sugar and coriander and drink it whenever you get a headache due to cold.

• Make a paste with clove and salt crystals and add it in the milk. Drink this milk; this drink will reliv

e the stress and the tension, which has caused you the headache.• Make a paste with water and cinnamon powder and apply it on the head.

• Sometimes acidity can also be the cause of headaches. Hence for such types of headaches drink a glass of water with a fresh lemon juice added into it. This is one of the best home remedies for headache as it also cures acidity.

• Applying sandalwood paste on the forehead will give relief from headache. This remedy should be tried in case you have got a headache in summer due to the heat.

• Massage your head with coconut oil. This will help the blood circulation in the head thus give instant relief from headache.

• Drinking a cup of tea is the very old method of curing headaches. You can also add ginger and cumin and coriander seeds while making the tea.

• To cure headache massager you head with eucalyptus oil.

• After waking up in the morning, eat an apple with a pinch of sale added to it. After this drink either water or milk. Do this regime for about ten days. This remedy is good for those who get headaches often.

 

THIS MIGHT SAVE SOMEONE'S LIFE. SO >>S.H.A.R.E

THIS MIGHT SAVE SOMEONE'S LIFE. SO >>S.H.A.R.E<<---> SPREAD!!!

Info: Top 10 FACTS ABOUT STROKE

1) Stroke is the third most common cause of death, after cancer and ischemic heart disease.

2) It is also the most prominent cause of physical deformity

3) Stroke has a yearly incidence of 180-300 per 100,000.

4) Its incidence is accelerating in developing countries due to unhealthy lifestyles.

5) 2/3 of stroke victims are above 60 years old.

6) 1/5 of the victims die within a month of its occurrence. Half the survivors become physically deformed.

7) A damage in the left side of the brain may result in paralysis of the right side of the body; a damage on the right side, paralyzes the left side.

8) Hypertension accounts for 30-50% of stroke risk.

9) Patients with diabetes mellitus are 2-3 times more predisposed to stroke.

10) Stroke can occur due to a disruption in blood supply or due to a blood vessel damage.


Stroke Health Tips:

Diabetes and High Blood Pressure - Having diabetes as well as high blood pressure dramatically increases the risk for having a silent stroke, according to the American Stroke Association. This, in turn, can increase the risk for having a regular stroke. People with high blood pressure and diabetes need to control these chronic conditions to reduce their future stroke risk.

Fruits, Vegetables Protect Against Stroke - Eating fruits and green or yellow vegetables daily may protect against stroke. A 48-year study of 120,321 people found almost-daily consumption of green and yellow vegetables reduced the risk for death from stroke by 26 percent in both men and women, compared with those who ate no vegetables more than once a week. Almost-daily fruit intake reduced the risk by 35 percent in men and 25 percent in women. The study was published in 2003 in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association.

Potassium and Stroke - Eating foods that contain potassium could reduce your risk for stroke. One study in the journal Stroke found that people who consumed fewer than 2,300 mg of potassium per day had a 50 percent higher stroke risk than those who consumed more than 4,100 mg. Good sources of potassium include baked potatoes with skin, plain yogurt, cantaloupes and honeydew melons, halibut and tuna steaks, grapefruit, orange or prune juice, bananas and molasses.

Smoking Boosts Stroke Risk - Men who smoke increase their risk for bleeding stroke every time they light up, says the American Stroke Association. An 18-year study of more than 20,000 men found that those who smoke more than a pack of cigarettes a day double their stroke risk compared with people who have never smoked or those who've kicked their habits.

Stress and Stroke Risk - People who say they are highly stressed have double the risk for fatal stroke as people who say they are stress-free, according to the American Stroke Association. Researchers believe this may be the case because stressed people tend to have more cardiovascular risk factors, including smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, higher alcohol consumption and high blood pressure.

10 things a girl probably doesn't know about a guy

10 things a girl probably doesn't know about a guy :

1. Guys are more emotional then they think, if they loved them truly.

2. Guys may be flirting around all day but before they go to sleep, they always think about the girl they truly car

e about.3. Guys go crazy over a girl's smile.

4. A guy who likes you wants to be the only guy you talk to.

5. Guys are more emotional than they'd like people to think.

6. Girls are guys' weaknesses.

7. If a guy tells you about his problems, he just needs someone to listen to him. You don't need to give advice.

8. When a guy asks you to leave him alone, he's just actually saying, "Please come and listen to me."

9. No guy can handle all his problems on his own. He's just too stubborn to admit it.

10. When a guy sacrifices his sleep and health just to be with you, he really likes you and wants to be with you as much as possible ♥

13 Brain Foods -- Boost your Brain and Memory

13 Brain Foods -- Boost your Brain and Memory~

1. Almonds-- increase blood flow to the brain

2. Blueberries - improve learning and motor skills

3. Walnuts -- high in omega 3

4. Brussels sprouts -- has tryptophan which converts to seroten in brain health

5. Broccoli -- assists in brain functioning

6. Cauliflower -- assists in cleansing white matter in brain

7. Ginger - anti inflammatory

8. Apples - power food for mind , body & emotions

9. Watermelon- targets brain function

10. Cabbage - help in lowering risk of brain, lung & prostate cancer

11. Lettuce - helps increase blood flow to the brain

12. Rockmelon - supports the brain

13. Pine Nuts -- stimulate brain activity

Natural Treatment of Obesity

Natural Treatment of Obesity~

Obesity is a physical condition that results from excessive storage of fat in the body. Obesity has been defined as a weight more than 20% above what is considered normal as per the body mass index, which is

calculated from an individual’s age, height, and weight.Home Remedies for obesity:-

>Extract juice of one lemon in a glass of lukewarm water. Add a teaspoon of honey, mix well and take in the morning immediately after waking up and before taking anything else. Similarly add a pinch of black rock salt instead of honey to the lukewarm water, mix it well and take it daily in the afternoon. These two drinks must be taken regularly to cut off fats form your body.

>Roast barley seeds and powder it. Mix it with a little milk and honey. Make a small ball and take it in breakfast. A pinch of salt can be added with a little water.

>Sieve wheat flour and remove the bran. Mix two tablespoon full of this bran in a glass of skimmed milk, add honey and take it at least once a day. Do not add sugar. Bran can also be taken with buttermilk.

>Take a ripe banana mashed in plain diluted cow’s milk with a tablespoonful of fresh banana flower juice during breakfast for a couple of months can help in reducing obesity.

>Ten drops of tulsi leaf juice with two teaspoon full of honey in water for one month. This tulsi juice is very effective in terms of reducing obesity from body.

>Raw tomatoes and onions, mixed with juice of one lemon is a very good salad for obesity.

>Having green tea has been found to be beneficial in treating obesity. You can also consume tea made from dandelion root.

>Horse gram can help cure obesity. Soak 1-2 tbsp horse gram in a glass of water and keep it overnight. Filter the concoction the next morning and have it on an empty stomach.

>To prevent obesity, there is no better option than physical exercise. Brisk walking is the best exercise to begin with. As soon as you wake up in the morning, workout for at least 30mins to an hour. Burn up unwanted calories by putting large leg muscles to work.

What The Foods Should Be Avoid during Pregnancy

What The Foods Should Be Avoid during Pregnancy~

Junk Food – All of your baby's nutrition must come from you. If you fill up on junk, you won't have room for the foods that can help your baby grow strong, healthy and beautiful.


Underco

oked Meats and Nitrates – Undercooked meat can have bacteria and parasites. Also, avoid hot dogs, bacon and sandwich meats that are filled with nitrates.

Raw Fish, Shellfish and Sushi – Eating raw fish could possibly transmit tapeworms or other parasites. A tapeworm can suck nutrients away and therefore deprive your developing child.

Alfalfa and Other Raw Sprouts – The way most sprouts are grown is a breeding ground for bacteria. And alfalfa sprouts contain a natural toxin that could be harmful to your baby.

Raw or Undercooked Eggs and Soft Cheese – As with undercooked meat, soft cheese and raw eggs can carry bacteria. Be sure to thoroughly cook any egg products before eating them.

Mercury-High Fish – Some fish are very high in mercury. To get the omega 3 necessary for your baby's brain development, I recommend a mercury-free fish oil supplement.

Spices and Herbs to Avoided According to Unani /Ayurveda during Pregnancy~

Most culinary herbs and spices are safe in small amounts during pregnancy and nursing. Some are even helpful. But many are not safe and can cause high blood pressure, miscarriage or even birth defects. Here's a list of the main problem herbs:


Cinnamon a powerful spice that is excellent for easing menstrual cramps and the difficulty of childbirth when consumed at the appropriate times is known to be the woman's herb. This herb, however, can be a very powerful abortive agent if consumed during pregnancy, stimulating contractions that can endanger the life of the fetus. Avoid drinking it as part of a tea or in high doses of spice.

Saffron is considered an herb which helps in providing glowing complexion. It should be avoided in pregnancy as it can cause a heat and increase the risk of miscarriage. Saffron can be taken along cold milk to reduce its heat effect.

Ajjwain or bishop seed has also shown similar effect as saffron. So avoid consuming it in large amount during pregnancy.

Some cereals like Bajra, Maki, Jowar and ragi are consider as body heating foods and are normally consumed more during winters. So it's preferable to avoid such food during the first two trimesters of pregnancy. These cereals can be consumed in fortified form with wheat flour.


Some Points To Remember During Pregnancy~

Alcohol can cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, leading to birth defects, central nervous system dysfunction, severe mental retardation and other abnormalities.

Also avoid smoking, prescription or recreational drugs, toxic fumes from pesticides, cleaning products or gasoline, cat litter boxes and x-rays. These can lead to spontaneous abortion, low birth weight, birth defects or infant deaths.

Libido boosting foods Foods For women

Libido boosting foods Foods For women ~

1.Banana
2.Dark Chocolate
3.Celery
4.Flaxseeds

5.Watermelon
6.Avocados
7.Oysters
8.Asparagus
9.Figs
10.Pumpkin seeds

What The Foods Should Be Avoid during Pregnancy

What The Foods Should Be Avoid during Pregnancy~

Junk Food – All of your baby's nutrition must come from you. If you fill up on junk, you won't have room for the foods that can help your baby grow strong, healthy and beautiful.

Undercooked Meats and Nitrates – Undercooked meat can have bacteria and parasites. Also, avoid hot dogs, bacon and sandwich meats that are filled with nitrates.Raw Fish, Shellfish and Sushi – Eating raw fish could possibly transmit tapeworms or other parasites. A tapeworm can suck nutrients away and therefore deprive your developing child.

Alfalfa and Other Raw Sprouts – The way most sprouts are grown is a breeding ground for bacteria. And alfalfa sprouts contain a natural toxin that could be harmful to your baby.

Raw or Undercooked Eggs and Soft Cheese – As with undercooked meat, soft cheese and raw eggs can carry bacteria. Be sure to thoroughly cook any egg products before eating them.

Mercury-High Fish – Some fish are very high in mercury. To get the omega 3 necessary for your baby's brain development, I recommend a mercury-free fish oil supplement.

Spices and Herbs to Avoided According to Unani /Ayurveda during Pregnancy~

Most culinary herbs and spices are safe in small amounts during pregnancy and nursing. Some are even helpful. But many are not safe and can cause high blood pressure, miscarriage or even birth defects. Here's a list of the main problem herbs:

Cinnamon a powerful spice that is excellent for easing menstrual cramps and the difficulty of childbirth when consumed at the appropriate times is known to be the woman's herb. This herb, however, can be a very powerful abortive agent if consumed during pregnancy, stimulating contractions that can endanger the life of the fetus. Avoid drinking it as part of a tea or in high doses of spice.

Saffron is considered an herb which helps in providing glowing complexion. It should be avoided in pregnancy as it can cause a heat and increase the risk of miscarriage. Saffron can be taken along cold milk to reduce its heat effect.

Ajjwain or bishop seed has also shown similar effect as saffron. So avoid consuming it in large amount during pregnancy.

Some cereals like Bajra, Maki, Jowar and ragi are consider as body heating foods and are normally consumed more during winters. So it's preferable to avoid such food during the first two trimesters of pregnancy. These cereals can be consumed in fortified form with wheat flour.

Some Points To Remember During Pregnancy~

Alcohol can cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, leading to birth defects, central nervous system dysfunction, severe mental retardation and other abnormalities.

Also avoid smoking, prescription or recreational drugs, toxic fumes from pesticides, cleaning products or gasoline, cat litter boxes and x-rays. These can lead to spontaneous abortion, low birth weight, birth defects or infant deaths.