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10 Health And Fitness Tips Inspired By Mahatma Gandhi

The name Mahatma Gandhi resonates with a strong sense of patriotism and self-righteousness within us. Gandhiji famously said, ”Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” On the outside, he may have looked weak (thanks to his weeks of fasting in protest), emaciated even, but he was a formidable opponent to the British Empire. He led India to Independence through his Satyagraha movement. But there is more to the father of our nation. Gandhiji was very wise in the matter of health as well.While Gandhiji’s entire life is an example, here is his take on health and fitness:

1. Practice Non-violence

Gandhiji believed in non-violence and ahimsa. The term Ahimsa signifies respect for all living beings and adopting a non-violent way of life towards all. If we follow this mantra, it can help us stay calmer, prevent hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and improve our mental health. It will also keep us away from binge eating or craving junk food when under stress.

2. Sleep Early and Wake up Early

It is said that Mahatma Gandhi slept for 4-5 hours each night and woke up at sunrise. Today experts suggest that adults need at least 8 hours of sleep, we can still practice sleeping early and rising early. Starting the day first boosts our productivity and reduces stress.Also Read: 6 Health Benefits of Sleep

3. Fasting for Good Health

There are many known benefits of fasting. It helps establish discipline in our day-to-day life and has many physical benefits too. It helps the body detox, flush out the toxin, cleanse the stomach and it helps the body utilize the unused fats, nutrients and boosts the immune system. Fasting helps keep infections at bay and regularizes bowel movements.

4. Watch What You Eat

This is very important. Given the many choices we have today, junk foods or processed foods often take precedence over healthy, fresh foods. Gandhiji said, ”The Body was never meant to be treated as a refuse bin, holding all the foods that the palate demands.” He adopted veganism for six years as he wanted to prove that diet should be healthy and self-restraint was the key.

5. Walk to Wherever You Can

Remember the Dandi March? Gandhiji walked to the Dandi beach, covering 390 Kilometers on foot to protest, followed by 10000 people. So, protest or no protest, walking is very beneficial for our health. Nutritionists suggest that we should walk for at least an hour each day.

6. Give up Alcohol and Tobacco

We all know that alcohol and tobacco do no good for our health. The use of tobacco leads to diseases like lung cancer, high blood pressure, and stroke. Consuming alcohol can lead to heart diseases, types of cancer and diabetes. Therefore, it is best to give these up.Read More: Effects of Tobacco on Health

7. Meditate to Stay Calm

Meditation has been practiced for centuries in our country. It is known to reduce anxiety and stress. Practicing meditation every day helps us to stay calm, lower blood pressure levels and lead a happier, healthier life.Read More: 6 Health Benefits of Meditation

8. Be Positive in Life

How we think affects our life. So, if we continue to hold grudges, stay angry and in general, think negatively, things will take a similar turn in life. Gandhiji said ”A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.” This holds very true for all even today.Therefore, we must train our minds to think positively. It helps us to approach every situation and circumstance in life in a positive way, helping us find solutions instead of problems. It also improves productivity, mental health, and overall social skills.Also Read: FUPA Workout: Effective Techniques to Burn Lower Belly Fat

9. Forgive Others and Yourself

Forgiveness is no easy task. It means to let go and move beyond; a feat that can take years to manifest. Gandhiji, a firm believer in peace, said, ”The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”Holding onto anger and grudges leaves little space in our minds and hearts for anything new or positive. It continues to stress us, adversely affecting our mental as well as the physical self. Forgiveness can help in overcoming depression, anxiety, and fatigue.

10. Be Compassionate

Our world today lacks compassion. We often misunderstand ‘compassion’ and think of it as an extra effort on our part for others. But what we fail to understand is that a compassionate heart has many personal benefits too.Being compassionate helps us to become less judgmental, more empathetic towards others and be more open.Also Read: How to Control Diabetes Without Medicine: The Research-Backed Lifestyle Changes That Can HelpDisclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Green Coffee Bean for Weight Loss: Fact Or Fiction?

Still looking for ways to lose weight? The joys of socializing come with extra calories. Busy schedules don’t let us exercise and if we are not busy we are bored; hence we eat. Between conversations and surfing the internet, somewhere you got the idea that green coffee is your way out of this cycle. But like all solutions that you have tried before, how effective can this really be?

What are green coffee beans?

Coffee beans green in colour.

This is because these are raw coffee beans that haven’t been roasted.

What’s so special about that?

The roasting process reduces the amount of chlorogenic acid present in coffee beans.

Chlorogenic acid is a chemical that has health benefits and all the benefits associated with green coffee come from here.

The magic of Chlorogenic acid!

While regular coffee only increases metabolism, the Chlorogenic acid also slows down the process of absorbing fat from the food we eat. This is what makes green coffee a substance that can help you in your efforts to lose weight. But that’s not it!

Green coffee beans are also known to be strong appetite suppressants. Having half a cup of coffee one hour before your meal can reduce your average food intake.

Also Read: Does Black Coffee Reduce Weight: Research-Based Insights into Coffee’s Role in Weight Loss

What about the side effects?

If your coffee beans are not decaf, they can lead to increased blood pressure, an increase in heart rate and sleep problems. So, you can always go for decaf and skip the side effects.

The evidence from large studies seems to indicate that the intake of GCE can promote weight loss. The size of the effect is small, and the clinical relevance of this effect is uncertain. More rigorous trials with longer duration are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of GCE as a weight loss supplement.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

How much to consume?

Consumption of 60-180 mg a day is suitable. This is around one tablespoon of grinded green coffee beans with a cup of warm water.

Though different articles make various claims about the effectiveness of green coffee beans, it would be realistic to expect a loss of 1- 2kgs by consuming a cup of 100-180 ml before breakfast, lunch and dinner for two weeks.

Coffee is known to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, boost immunity and improve the digestion.Many people consume coffee without milk as a weight loss management strategy.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

So, should I go for it?

Green coffee beans carry some potential to help us lose weight, but most experts believe that there is no substitute for eating healthy and exercise. (sigh!)

Also, green coffee beans are slightly more expensive than alternative ingredients that help increase metabolism and suppress appetite.

But you never know what might work for you. So, if you are willing to try something new, well why not? Every small step counts.

Also Read: 8 Effective Exercises for Weight Loss.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.