Guava-The most underrated fruits

Fruits provide ample of essential nutrients to the body. Apples, pineapples, grapes, oranges, bananas, and papaya are some of the favorite fruits during autumn and winter. However, there is one fruit that is commonly underestimated. Most of us are not aware of the immense benefits of this fruit called guava. Let us have a look at the facts and benefits of guava and why is it necessary to include guavas in our daily diet. 

Calcium rich foods with better absorption

Calcium is an essential mineral nutrient that strengthens the bones and teeth of the body. It also helps to regulate muscle and nerve function, blood clotting, enzyme function, and heart functioning. The higher the calcium intake in childhood and youth, the better the chance of disease-free bones in old age. The deficiency of calcium can lead to weak bones, muscle cramps, numbness in limbs, loss of appetite, and lack of energy. Hence, it is necessary to consume calcium in the right quantity in order to lead a healthy life.

Sources of Calcium

Generally, dairy products are considered enough source of calcium. Intake of milk, yogurt, buttermilk, and cheese definitely provides calcium, but does not guarantee its absorption in the body. That does not mean dairy products should be ignored. But, certain foods are good sources of calcium, and their intake also results in better absorption of calcium in the body.

Calcium-Rich Foods with Better Absorption

Certain nutrients, like Vitamin D, Vitamin K, and magnesium, facilitate better calcium absorption in the body. Therefore, besides adding dairy products to the daily diet, it would be prudent to consider the following foods that are good sources of calcium and result in better absorption of calcium:

Almonds: 

Enriched with different essential nutrients, almonds contain calcium in good quantity. One serving of almonds contains 750 milligrams of calcium. Therefore, consume some almonds as snacks or include them in recipes and salads for extra nutritional value as well as taste.

Tofu and soy:  

 Tofu is one of the popular soy products that offer great nutritional value in low calories. One ounce of tofu contains 105 mg of calcium. Similarly, other soy products like soy milk are a good source of calcium that can help to fulfill the daily calcium requirements of a person. However, the calcium content may vary in different brands. Therefore, read the labels before purchase.

Leafy green vegetables: 

Cabbage, broccoli, kale, spinach, and bok choy are some of the green vegetables that are calcium-rich. Though spinach is extremely rich in calcium, the presence of oxalates makes calcium absorption difficult in comparison to other green vegetables. Only five percent of calcium from spinach is absorbed in the body, as compared to broccoli, where 50 percent of calcium is absorbed in the body.

Beans: 

Beans such as kidney beans, black beans, white beans, etc, are great sources of calcium. They contain all the benefits that are lacking in dairy products.

Herbs, spices, and seeds: 

Herbs like dried basil leaves, oregano, and ground thyme are calcium-enriched, too. Sprinkle these on your salads and other dishes for a quick dose of calcium. Add some sesame seeds to your soups, salads, as one tablespoon of sesame seeds provides 88 mg of calcium and some magnesium too. Spices such as cinnamon, cumin, and cloves should not be underestimated either as they are also good sources. 

Herbs and spices

Orange juice: 

A half-cup of calcium-fortified orange juice contains anywhere between 150 to 250 mg of calcium.

                                                            Healing Natural Oils

These are some of the main sources of calcium that are highly suitable for those who are lactose-intolerant. Those who rely primarily on dairy products must also consider the above options for nutritional diversity in their plate. In addition, for people who follow the vegan lifestyle, the above sources of calcium would be helpful


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Importance of Magnesium

Essential Kitchen Ingredients for Good Health

From summer to autumn to winter to rainy days, the human body keeps on adjusting to different climatic conditions sometimes bravely and sometimes badly. Not only kids but adults also get trapped and affected by the changes in season. Not to forget the rising levels of pollution of all kinds have already weakened our body structure from within. To remain hale and healthy throughout the year, we need to depend upon the gifts of nature and not on the medicines. Here is a list of few essential ingredients for good health, available in your kitchen:

Amazing benefits of Indian Lilac (Neem)

The hot and humid summer causes tiredness and restlessness while the rainy season pours infections and diseases along with water from the sky. Both the seasons play with the health of kids and adults. To protect your body and skin from health hazards, there is one god gift available in your nearby garden. It is Indian lilac or Neem which is full of medicinal properties. Each part of the Neem tree is useful for the general well being of humans. Whether it is the Neem leaf, flower, fruit, bark of the tree, seeds, or roots, each part has special healing benefits. Let us find out how.

Rainy day activities with kids

                                           

How to make kids enjoy the rainy season?

Rainy days are back again. With kids complaining now and then about what to do, and you being clueless about ways to engage them. Here are some rainy day activities with kids that you need to try and enjoy at home. Therefore, gear up with this list of activities and have a blast in this rainy season with kids.

Interesting Rainy Day Activities with Kids

Coloring the world

Buy a coloring workbook, or better download one from the internet and indulge in some serious coloring work with kids. You may even try coloring some flower pots, a wooden table in your balcony to make it interesting for children. Now, showcase what you have done on the board or flaunt it on social media with your friends. Kids are going to love this!

Make some paper boats and sail them

                                           

                                                         

Use old newspapers for making boats during rains.

Do paper boats remind you of your own time during the rains? It is going to excite your kids as well. Therefore, quickly make boats with colored paper or newspaper and let them sail in your tub! If you don’t know how to make paper boats or wish to explore something different with colored papers, like origami, then grab the ideas from the internet.

Printable games                

It doesn't matter; your kids cannot step out of the house because of the rain. Get them new printable games in minutes with the help of your printer. There is no limit to the kind of printable games your kids may like. It is simply a matter of a few clicks, buy now, and keep them safe when you need to stay at home with kids during the rain.

Playdough time

Get creative with Play-Doh and make some interesting creatures. How about a wild safari scene in the middle of the living room? Depending upon the age of the child, you may create several interesting things. Keep a box of accessories ready, such as googly eyes, sticks, buttons, molds, and shapes, along with playdough. This will come in handy when the kids are bored and can't go out to play.

Let’s have some music

Play music of your choice and shake a leg with the kids. It is pure fun to dance with your little darling or let them have their “me” time. Also, you may capture a video of your dance and watch it later!

Make up a story

Sit in a circle with your kids and let their friends join too. Now, one of you will speak out a sentence, and others will continue after that. Similarly, one by one, others will contribute a sentence using their imagination to form a new story altogether. You can spend hours making new stories and still not get bored with them.

Read an interesting book

How about reading a favorite storybook of your kid? Take turns to read loudly. Even better, choose a character, and whenever it's your turn, you can give your voice to that character.

                                             

You may join a book club and subscribe to age-appropriate books for your growing kids. Kids would look forward to the new box of unique stories delivered at your doorstep and would definitely enjoy them a lot.

Board games

Now, board games are our old pals, pick out one and start the dice rolling, be it Snakes and Ladders, Monopoly, etc. There is no limit for indoor games like carrom, chess, playing cards, hide and seek, and many others.

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Diet tips for rainy days

Diet tips for kids during rainy season

During the rainy season, kids and adults face many kinds of allergies and stomach problems. With little precaution and care, you can easily avoid health issues and keep your family fit throughout the season. Here are some diet-related dos and don’ts that would help you to gear up for the rainy season.

Promote good health of kids with diet tips for the rainy season

Foods Habits to Include in Rainy Season

• Ensure properly washed, fresh fruits and vegetables
• For fussy eaters, include veggies creatively in the diet by way of pasta, pizzas, veg rice, colorful dishes, vegetable fritters, etc.
• Use herbs like holy basil leaves and mint in the food.
• Include healthy ingredients like asafetida, cinnamon, ginger, garlic, onions, turmeric & lemon that counteract gastrically problems and boost immunity
• Provide fresh soups made from fresh vegetables and herbs that cater to the required nutrients such as broccoli soup, mixed vegetable soup, tomato soup, etc.
• Drink herbal teas that cure mild issues like cold and cough problems.
• Ensure fresh milk products and soy products are in your kid's diet.
• Encourage kids to have nuts like almonds, prunes, dates, and walnuts.
• Have cereals like wheat, corn, oats, and pulses that provide ample nutrition.
• Try to have fresh, homemade food for your kids and family.
• Include 8-10 glasses of filtered/ boiled water to maintain hydration.

      

       Foods to avoid in the rainy season

• Precut fruits and foods that contain germs
• Precut meat
• Food from roadside stalls and other unhygienic placess

• Junk foods, aerated cold drinks & foods that contain preservatives
• Foods that have not been cleaned properly
• Cold drinks, it may cause coughing.
• Spicy, too salty, and oily foods that cause stomach problems
• Unfiltered/ unbottled water and impure fruit juices from roadside eateries
• Ice creams and cold foods may cause throat infections

FAQs related to Diet Tips for kids During Monsoon

Q. Can we eat eggs in the monsoon?

A. It is better to avoid eggs and non-veg during the rainy season as they may contain bacteria and viruses. These may cause stomach issues.

Q. Should we avoid curd in rain?

A. Curd contains probiotics that promote digestion. Therefore, you should have curd during the rainy season. However, it should be fresh. Avoid sour curd, and consume curd during the night.

Q. Can we give seafood to kids?

A. Avoid seafood completely during the rainy season as this is the breeding season for organisms, so skip seafood.

                                                          

Q.Should we give juices to kids?

A. Giving juices to kids in rain is not advisable and juices from roadside vendors are a big no. Instead, offer them fruits.

Q. What are quick, nutritious recipes for kids during monsoon>

A. Vegetable cutlets, corn cheese balls, veg besan chillas, whole-wheat momos, potato wedges, waffles, muffins, homemade cakes. Kids would love these rainy-day snacks!!

With these diet tips for the rainy season, you can keep your kids and family healthy and safe.

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Essential Kitchen Ingredients for Good Health

Family Vacation

This is the reason why I was away from the blog. I was on a holiday to Thailand with my husband and kids. It was a wonderful and memorable trip. All of us loved the beaches of Phuket and the nice weather. People are good and cooperative there.

The best part of the Thailand trip was that we got plenty of time to spend together. The kids were too happy to share their endless stories with their dad. On the other hand, we also got many memorable moments to share and care for each other.
                                                     

These kinds of family trips are compulsory to take a good break from hectic schedules and everyday stressful life. It gives you a chance to forget the daily commitments and deadlines. You just need to concentrate on your relations with your spouse and kids. It helps to strengthen the relationships further.

One more advantage of visiting a foreign country is that kids get  a chance to live in a different environment altogether. They learn to adapt themselves to new situations.Both of my kids enjoyed a lot and also cooperated to make this trip more unforgettable.

 If possible, you must also travel to a new place or a new country which would give you and your kids ample of opportunity to enjoy, explore and adapt the new atmosphere.