FIT STREAK - How To Live Healthier And Happier

COUGH NOT

Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, in a recent study highlighted few essential oils that can prove beneficial when coping with a terrible cough. It revealed that using a nasal spray containing a blend of eucalyptus, peppermint, oregano, rosemary, nutmeg or cinnamon extracts can provide relief from a sore throat, hoarseness and other cough related issues.

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Benefits of various essential oils:

• Eucalyptus oil is known for its antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
• Rosemary oil helps break down mucus and reduce inflammation.
• Oregano oil helps prevent viral and bacterial infections. It contains carvacrol which is an antimicrobial agent that fights germs and infection.
• Nutmeg contains camphene, which is similar to camphor, and has a cooling and refreshing effect. Its antioxidant properties also help protect cells from damage and ward off germs.

SAY 'YES' TO FIBER

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Fiber is an essential part of our diet and a vital ingredient to maintaining a fit and healthy body. According to a study conducted by Kate Scarlata of Medway, Massachusetts, USA, fibre rich food comes in _.• -a variety of shapes and forms - from chia seeds to whole grains to a variety of fruits and veggies. The study revealed that the skins of fruits and vegetables contain insoluble fibres which bulk up intestinal content and help maintain regular bowel movements, while fibre found in resistant starch and soluble fibre found in beans, garlic and onions feed healthy gut bacteria.
An adult should ideally consume about 25-30 gm of dietary fibre from various sources daily.

STAND UP

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A recent study published by the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology states that prolonged sitting has been linked to the obesity epidemic, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It also revealed that people who stand for six hours a day lose weight more quickly than others. Also making an argument for the benefits of standing is Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, Chief of Preventive Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, USA. He explains that standing not only burns more calories, but the additional muscle activity is linked to lower rates of heart attacks, strokes and diabetes. There is little doubt that standing up every now and then has benefits that go beyond weight loss, so it's about time we got off our chairs and stood up for our health.