CREATE HEALTHY HABITS, NOT RESTRICTIONS

“If you don’t take care of your body, where are you going to live?” rightly said by someone. This starts with personal hygiene practices like washing hands, bathing, etc. Though seems to be simple but equally important as one can be away from germs and maintain the immunity level at the highest. The second utmost importance to be given is to the diet and the type of food which we consume. Every food has got its own pros & cons depending on the amount in which it is consumed. In today’s hectic life if we try and indulge in a healthy lifestyle we can definitely get rid of many health issues. Instead of spending money on medicines one can rather invest money by buying the essential plants and herbs which can be planted in the balcony and used in our day to day life and thereby giving balcony an exotic look as wellas serves as health investment. It can be said “Garden as though you will live forever”.

“Every moment and every event of every man’s life on earth plants something in his soul” was rightly said by Thomas Merton. Your apartment probably has a fire escape, a balcony, or a patio. And that means you've got a little chunk of outdoor space that you can use to set up a kitchen garden of your very own. Growing your own herbs is especially great because they don't take much space and a little will go a long way in food. Also great: You don't have to buy a huge bunch of parsley for a single recipe and then let the rest rot in the fridge.Your balcony can be a beautiful ornamental corner and an excellent springboard from everyday hustle and bustle, it could be a great place to relax.

Start with the basic herbs which are very beneficial for health like aloevera, basil, curry leaves, hibiscus, etc. Aloe Vera is extensively used in beauty & health products for good reason. It's got antiviral and antibacterial properties, and the ability to help treat everything from constipation to diabetes.This translucent gel is made up of around 96% water, some organic and inorganic compounds, a type of protein which contains 18 of the 20 amino acids found in the body and lastly, Vitamin A, B, C and E. Another part of the aloevera plant which is used is the 'sap', a yellow-coloured liquid stuck to the skinof the plant from the inside. Since aloe Vera is rich in Vitamin C, E and beta carotene which gives it its nourishing and anti-ageing qualities.It's not just the beauty industry that's obsessing over the benefits of aloevera, the health industry can't stop raving about it either."Aloevera can improve the effectiveness of your diet and maximise your weight-loss potential. With ample amounts of vitamins and minerals that contribute to weight-loss, as well as amino acids, enzymes and sterols, aloevera ensures your diet is not only supportive of weight-loss, but also improves the body's absorption and utilisation, improving overall health as well as weight-losssuccess."

I am Nutritionist & Professor BhavaniSwaminathan at D Y Patil School of Hospitality & Tourism Studies. In my series of Health & Lifestyle management, I will brief my readers with herbs which are easily available and which can bring in miraculous results in our health. These herbs when potted in balcony will also add to an eco friendly environment instead of having only ornamental plants which serves only the beauty purpose. Let us all contribute towards a Green & Healthy Nation.