Power Seeds – Superfoods – Black Seeds & Flax Seeds

With the advent of this era of allopathic failure at large, many avengers who are those whose underlying conditions have been vetoed & rebuked at the doorsteps of allopathic treatment, have started searching how to cure themselves and their loved ones with alternative treatments. Vetoed & rebuked in the sense that any allopathic practitioner doesn’t say that you are not welcome, but there are no answers thus there are no results with that treatment. Of course why would a tiger say no to the chicken would he? They open-handedly welcome the prey seeing him as a big diamond crystal to be cashed soon. And how many of us are not aware that allopath sure says no after a big squeeze (of money) when they see that the victim is of no use now. 

Having said, I am not at all criticizing the ones who are not of the above explained nature. In fact I am grateful to those who have found the flaw in their own field and have spoken about it and are spreading the truth with their money & lives as many of them are already assassinated or under life’s threats. The world has backlashed on them because it’s huge game of money or should I say game of thrones - the unshared dominion; right? 

With the trust in the One who has actual unshared dominion and due to the above elucidated reason that I and my loved ones have been swindled by so called allopathic care with no cures and zero answers, I have been researching, vocalizing, consuming, and writing about such alternative healing foods. Thus, here are two more healing foods and I am not sure these seeds dates back to when the time in history. But am sure they did exist as therapeutic procedures especially black seeds. 

So consume these after your own research.

Thus, heal thyselves!    

Black seeds

Black seeds or nigella sativa are one of the seeds that have been used as medicine and as food flavor since ancient times. Black seeds and black seed oil deal with autoimmune diseases. The diseases that are manifested in the form of inflammations, skin conditions, gastrointestinal problems, nasal tract infections, joint pains, and many more.

How to include black seeds in diet?

Just add a pinch of black seeds or ground black seeds in your curries or bread dough. Do not consume it in large amounts.

Where to get black seeds in Pakistan?

Black seeds are called ‘kalonji’ in Urdu. Black seeds are available at ‘perchoon ki dukaan’ and grocery stores. 

Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds or linseeds are brown, small, flat & oval shaped seeds. These seeds can do wonders when they enter the human body as they are protein-rich, contain omega-3 fatty acids, high in dietary fiber, and have antioxidants & minerals. These make a good addition to diet as these are low in carbohydrates, lower cholesterol levels, good for skin and hair, digestive system, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and also support fat-loss.

How to include flaxseeds in diet?

Grounded flaxseeds are better for body as it is able to get most benefits from them. Increase water intake when using flaxseeds. A pinch of flaxseeds to a maximum of half teaspoon can be added to daily diet.

Flaxseeds can be added to smoothies, cake or muffin batter, bread dough, cereals or chat.

      

Where to get flaxseeds in Pakistan?

Flaxseeds are called ‘alsi k beej’ in Urdu. Flaxseeds are available at ‘perchoon ki dukaan’ and grocery stores.

Superfoods aficioner,
Engr. Ayesha Alam Khurram

Read also:

Power Seeds – Superfoods – Chia Seeds & Basil Seeds

Use power seeds that are superfoods

Line up your wellbeing

Cure yourself physically & emotionally 

Today, we linger at the verge of our pitiable lifestyles followed by health issues. Almost every one complains about flu, headache, body pain, stomach problems, skin & hair, anxiety, etc. & un-identified unknown conditions. 

People are struggling with deteriorating health; prescriptions after prescriptions; test after tests; doctors after doctors; homeopaths after allopaths; i.e. no way out & don’t know how to get through this?

Along with subtracting JUNK food & extra medicines from our diet, we better start looking into healing our gut thus healing our bodily conditions.   

Here are two power packed seeds that come in the category of superfoods. By adding these to diet, they improve health by gradually healing the stomach & body’s inflammations.

***** CHIA SEEDS *****

Chia seeds are regarded as superfoods as these are energy-boosting, nutrient-rich, and cancer-fighting power seeds. Chia seeds are perfectly oval, some are white and most of them are dark grey. There are tiny markings on them as well. Chia seeds are known to be food of warriors & runners. Those who are low at energy must try including chia seeds in their diet as they improve metabolism. Chia seeds are fiber-rich & contain omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, protein, and vitamins. Chia seeds are anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, cholesterol regulating, skin friendly, muscle toning, bone & teeth strength, digestive health supporting, and blood sugar controlling. Also, good for the heart & lower blood pressure. Once consumed, chia seeds function as prebiotics in the gut and feed the healthy gut bacteria i.e. probiotics.

How to include chia seeds in diet?

Add ½ - 1 tea spoon of chia seeds in quarter cup water. Let it soak for 15 – 30 minutes or even more when used for baking. You can simply fill up the cup and drink it or add some lime juice in it with or without honey. Chia seeds do not have to be soaked all the times. These can be sprinkled over yogurts or salads or add into smoothies or shakes. Chia seeds can be added to bakery as well & work as an egg substitute.

Where to get chia seeds in Pakistan?

Chia seeds are called ‘tukhme doodhi’ or ‘tukhme sharbatee’ in Urdu. Chia seeds are not easily available at grocery or 'perchun ki dukaan'. You need to find some organic stores to buy these. Searching online is the best option. Chia seeds are costly seeds. But do not cost as much when we compare the benefits they provide to the body. There is only one store in Karachi, that I know & I order online chia seeds from that store. (Upon asking, I will tell about that store)

***** BASIL SEEDS *****

Basil seeds are nutrient-packed, anti-aging, & weight-maintaining dietary fiber. Basil seeds are tiny black, pointed from one end, & elongated-oval shape. These are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, & anti-bacterial seeds and are source of protein, iron and vitamin K. Basil seeds heal the body, reduce fever, improve digestion, cure stomach acidity, improve vision, clear skin & hair, cure anxiety, and take care of blood sugar, stress, cholesterol and blood pressure.

How to include basil seeds in diet?

Add ½ - 1 tea spoon of basil seeds in quarter cup water. Let it soak for 15 – 30 minutes or even more. You can simply fill up the cup and drink it or add some lime juice in it with or without honey. Unlike chia seeds which may or may not be soaked before consumption, basil seeds work better when they are soaked. In Pakistan, basil seeds are generally used in Ramadhan at iftaar time with Rooh Afza or Jam e Shirin prepared with milk or water. The idea is to provide coolness & energy to the body. Basil seeds are also used in various ‘falooda’ recipes.

Where to get basil seeds in Pakistan?

Basil seeds are called ‘tukh malanga’ or ‘tukhme balanga’ in Urdu or ‘sabja’ (Hindi) or ‘tukhmaria’ or ‘tulsi’ (Bengali). Basil seeds are easily available in grocery stores & ‘perchun ke dukaan’. Basil seeds are available at cheap prices. 

Superfoods lover,

Engr. Ayesha Alam Khurram

Our Body Systems

Learning science in the art style!

Ms Word art by,
Asma Khurram

Tux Paint Art

Tux paint is an artful way not only to engage children with positive side of technology but also to let them dive into their imagination.

Tux Paint arts by,

Hafsa Khurram

Women ask: Can I exercise at this particular age or I am aging or I am afraid if I get injuries or I have aches and pains? Such Q’s answered here…

Aging & activeness

Aging brings with it, its symptoms. Largely found symptoms are being lethargic & in-active, having pains & aches, and weakening muscles & bones. While being in a state of physical & mental well-being is not easy at any stage of life, it is most challenging as a person ages. That’s because naturally the person feels low at the energy levels thus gets less motivated to exercise or to do any physically challenging activity. Breathing in a mindful fashion is the foremost exercise the person should do as it helps to be relaxed and feels to get pumped. An aging person needs more self-determination to be able to exercise. Exercising at such age is crucial to stay generally healthy, to avoid injuries, to endure shocks & jerks, to be less-stressed, to retain memory & enhance brain functioning, to reduce risk of diseases, and to recover quickly if falls sick.      

Exercising is anti-aging!

Pain & stress management

Many out of many complain these days about body pains, headaches, muscular cramps, joint pains, dizziness, sleeplessness, stress, and various other related symptoms. The first thing we need to do is to stay largely active to lead a healthy lifestyle with well-being. Having fresh & clean diet is basically vital for a well-body & active brain. Food should be packed with macro & micro nutrients. Doing low to moderate exercises and yoga stretches also help in managing pains and stress. Exercising helps the body to endure sudden falls and every day fatigues that cause most pains. At least slow paced walking and proper breathing should be done to manage pains and stress.      

Exercising is refreshing!

Avoiding Injuries

Warming up before starting exercise is crucial. Warming up helps the body getting ready for tougher exercises and relaxes muscles. If one starts a rough exercise all of a sudden, then there may be chances of injuries. Always start slow with your exercises. To learn the proper shapes and forms first, you need to do it slowly. Then gradually, repetitions of a particular exercise can be increased per minute. Do not try & do 100 sets of an exercise as you enter the gym. If your body is not used to rigorous exercises, then you need to take care and make your body learn progressively. With your body, your mind gets activated and gets used to your workout plans. Go easy on you, on your mind, and on your body. Impulsive and jerky movements without understanding a particular exercise can result in injuries, cramps, bruises, or pains. Do not train too often, too hard, and too long. These can cause sore joints and muscular pains. If your body is telling you to stop then do so to avoid fatigue, dizziness, aches, and injuries. As you should not start suddenly, similarly do not stop at once after a heavy exercise. Lessen your repetition and rest gradually. A light walk and limbs gentle shaking followed by stretches are appropriates ways to finish a workout.          

Exercising is enduring!

Exercising explained by,

Engr. Ayesha Alam Khurram

Detox water: What are most common mistakes while preparing and consuming detox water? How to effectively prepare and consume?

First mistake while preparing detox water

Extra stuffing

People craze and religiously follow everything they think can give them benefit. As in the case of detox water, people start with the emotions of hope and haste. People put all kinds of fruits / veggies / seeds / spices etc. in one bottle and fill it up. People also start putting lots of lemon in the detox water plus extra lemon juice within 24 hours that causes harm.

Instead: Do not stuff up your bottle

Put just 2-3 types of fruits / veggies in one bottle. For example if you are adding cucumber, fruits and spices, then slice half cucumber, any other fruits like half apple and just one spice like cinnamon. Do not add many other spices or slices of full fruits. If you are adding lemon in the water, add but 1 lemon or juice of 1 lemon. If you wish to drink lemon juice separately then do not bother adding lemon to the detox water. Just consume 1 lemon per 24 hours.   

   

Second mistake

Soaking for long hours

People prepare detox water at night, leaving it overnight in the refrigerator. Then next day either be at home or taking it to work, the water is out of the refrigerator, which is when it starts getting harmful. Firstly, the fruits / veggies are already in the water for like 7 – 10 hours and on the top of it not consuming the water soon. For the next whole day, the fruits / veggies rot in the water, be that in the refrigerator or not, the water becomes harmful.  

Instead: Do not soak for long hours

If you have to take it to work, then prepare water in the morning, no need to soak fruits / veggies overnight. Take the bottle to work and start consuming water from lunch time. This way fruits will get a good soak from morning till afternoon. Then consume it soon. Drink plain water until afternoon. If you want early morning detox water then just put few slices of two types of fruits / veggies in a glass, put in the refrigerator at night and consume it in the morning. Do not leave that for the evening until you come back.

If you are at home, then you can prepare at night but fruits / veggies should not be soaked for more than 7 hours. That bottle should be in the refrigerator. Start consuming as soon as you wake up directly from the refrigerator, and finish it within 2-3 hours. Rest of the day, drink plain water.

Third mistake

Consuming continuously for weeks

When people start consuming detox water then they make it a habit rather than a lifestyle. People consume it continuously for weeks & months. Drinking detox water only and in large quantities, while not drinking plain water at all can affect the body in a negative manner.

Instead: Do not have detox water hastily and continuously every day for weeks

As you start taking care of your health and body, you want to get smart as soon as possible. But that is not how it works! You need not to be hasty, be patient instead. Just have detox water 3 – 4 times a week. Keep this routine for a month, and then have break of 1 – 2 months from detox water. Moderation is the key to achieve your smartness goals! 

Detox water mistakes by,

Engr. Ayesha Alam Khurram

Women ask: Can I exercise post pregnancy or I have postnatal depression or I am busy mum or during menstrual cycle? Such Q’s answered here…

Postnatal depression

One in few new mothers suffers from postnatal depression. If not catered properly, it can become stroppy. While getting all the help one can get from family & peers, exercising can aid lowering the depression symptoms. Exercise not only has physical benefits of going back to pre-pregnancy shape but also controls bad mood swings. Those who are habitual of exercising as a part of lifestyle and know exact shapes, forms, sets, & repetitions of workouts, they can exercise themselves after birth. But those who never came anywhere near to be physically stable or body conscious unless they are fat enough after the baby, they should always seek expert advice before starting any exercise regimen for their over-weighed body. For amateurs, walking is the best for a kick-start.     

Exercising is anti-depressant!

Mums & exercise

For mums, the best tip is to go out for a jogging style walk. Be it early in the morning before your child is awaken or be it later in the day or evening with your little one’s pram. Walking is full body exercise that keeps you active and helps reduce those baby fats. Especially if you have any issues post-pregnancy, then opting for a medium paced walk for 15-30 minutes for 3-4 days a week works. In this era of self-broadcasting, you must have seen videos of mums exercising with their kids. Yes, you can do it as well. Make it a play time for little ones instead of stressed out targeted workout. That won’t work! Remember that your basic target is to stay healthy while you burn calories, which can easily be accomplished as you let the little one playing around. Plus, it will inculcate the importance of exercise in the children.   

Exercising is fat-fighting!

Menstrual cycle

It’s the most common question that I am in my those days, can I exercise? Well, the answer varies from person to person. If you are generally healthy and do not get any cramps, pains, or headaches then yes you can keep up with your exercise routine. You may not want to exercise for first couple of your days. That is ok! Who’s gonna exercise every single day of the year any ways? But when you start getting stronger as those days are over within a week or so, it is high time to check in for sprinting and strength training. So as soon as your days are over go for the toughest exercises as much as you can bear. For up to two weeks you can feel active and stay motivated. After that phase for a week or so, even if you are high at stamina, you might want to slow down a bit if you are getting too tired too early. That’s ok! Go easy on yourself. Now that if you get premenstrual symptoms like dizziness, you must not opt for high-intensity sort of exercises. But again it varies from person to person. Some ladies can even weight train during this phase of cycle. If you are getting low on energy, walk in the fresh air and do breathing exercises along with some stretches. Then you start all over again from day one. Exercising improves your stamina throughout the month thus reduce menstrual cramps.  

Exercising is cramps reducing!    

Exercising answered by,
Engr. Ayesha Alam Khurram