Lifestyle Karma

Belonging to the tree species scientifically known as genus Pyrus, the pear is a pomaceous fruit known to humans since prehistoric times. The cultivation of it extends to the outmost antiquity where the climatic conditions are fresh and temperate. Apple, a popular fruit, too belongs to the same species and has a floral structure that [...]

One of the most unpleasant experiences that happen on a regular basis and causes high irritation, both physically and mentally is cough. You get irritated when your roommate or your brother coughs continuously at night and the best you can do is cover your head with your pillow. But the infected unlucky one coughs away [...]

Soft, supple lips add oomph to your face. Dry, chapped lips make your face unattractive and pale. So, what if you are stuck with the dry chapped variant? With so much of surgical face fixing doing the rounds, you can obviously opt to go under the knife to get soft, fuller lips. But what if [...]

Strep throat, medically known as streptococcal phayrngitis, is one of the most common bacterial infections of the throat. It starts with an irritatingly ticklish feeling in the throat and eventually transpires into strep throat. Caused by Group A streptococcus bacteria (GAS), the infection reaches the pharyngeal tissue and causes an inflammatory reaction to the throat [...]

Sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (air filled chambers in the skull that are located around the nose). This inflammation occurs as a result of obstruction or congestion, which, in turn, may have been caused by common colds, allergies, certain medical conditions, or other abnormalities in the passage. [...]

Agreed that, following the ever-polluted environment and unhealthy eating habits of today, the skin of majority of people may appear to be draught struck; but a flawless skin isn’t something from the legendary tales of the yesteryears. It exists even today! Although getting to it may take some time and effort, it isn’t unachievable. Considering [...]

Zucchini, also known as courgette, is a summer squash that belongs to the family of cucurbitaceae plants, which also includes pumpkins, watermelons, and cucumbers. Originating in Mexico and Central America, zucchini became popular in rest of America and was eventually introduced to rest of the world. Today, it is cultivated worldwide with the United States, [...]

Most people know that almonds are rich source of vitamins and minerals, but not many people know that almond milk is a rich source of nutrients too. Almond milk is prepared by mixing a few blanched almonds in a mixer with water until finely mixed. The liquid is then poured into a container and the [...]

Beetroot is probably one of the most commonly found vegetables in the world. The vegetable can be eaten raw, cooked, boiled or juiced. Beetroot is best used when it is juiced, as it is healthy and easy to digest. It is a crimson colored liquid, well known and popular for its amazing health benefits. Beetroot [...]

Pea, scientifically known as Pisum Sativum, is a green colored pod shaped vegetable belonging to the legume family. Though botanically a fruit, it is one of the few members (others being chickpeas, lentils, and beans) from the legume family that are commonly sold and cooked as vegetables. Experts believe that, since peas have been cultivated [...]

Talk about figs and you sure would be reminded of the dried counterparts available every where, all throughout the year. But then, have you ever tasted the fresh, luscious figs? Those who have would know the sweet flavor, smooth texture and crunchy interior of figs. For rest, this write-up would surely coax you to get [...]

Much in contrast to its name, coconut is a fruit which is derived from the coconut tree. The fruit has its origin in India, where it is cultivated on the sea beaches. Coconut received its name from a few Portuguese sailors of Vasco da Gama in India, who first brought them to Europe. Since then, [...]

There are several important ingredients that bring taste to the food. One of these constituents is onion. Without onion, the food tastes bland and dull. Its culinary uses include variety of applications including salad, soups, gravies and stews. Onion has been for as far as historians can go and holds an irreplaceable position in our [...]

Has sneezing become a part of your being? Does it come in between everything you do? Whether it is giving presentation at a board meeting or enjoying snowfall with your partner at your favorite hill station or going mall-hopping with friends, sneezing just seems to follow you like your shadow. It may feel worse when [...]

Have no qualms about it; it is only natural to release the excess of gas or air stuck inside your chest, and the act is called burping. Holding it in may cause some serious gastrointestinal discomfort, but also know that letting it out without as much as a thought may indicate serious societal contempt from [...]

Do you know that we breathe about 20,000 times a day and in our whole lifetime we take over 600 million breaths? This would have given you an easy estimation of the work done by our lungs. Lungs are the largest organs in our body and are very necessary for our survival. It is thus [...]

Pineapple is one of the juiciest fruits in the world, widely famous for its tropical flavor. This sweet fruit basically originated in South America and is one of the widely consumed fruits in the world. One of the unique characteristics of pineapple is its sweet-sour taste which makes it stand out from other excessively sweet [...]

In the daily hectic schedule, where we spend nearly 8-10 hours in office and 3-4 hours in commuting, there is hardly any free time left for ourselves. The fast paced life of metro cities, along with increasing pollution, has caused numerous health hazards. Result: deteriorating health that further worsens, causing health problems! Most of health [...]

Whether it’s a casual occasion or a formal event, you have a skirt ready to sport right away. Right from the evolution of mankind, skirts have been around. Be it the rectangular pieces of animal skin or the leaves interwoven together, skirts were the basic clothing item used for covering the private parts. As time [...]

Let’s get a few things straight! Having naturally straight hair is a blessing, but having to go through the painstaking procedure of converting them from curls to the stick-straight look in a not so natural way and undergoing the treatments in expensive salons, is no less than a curse. It’s expensive, it makes hair dry, [...]

Ah, the question that constantly looms over in every woman’s mind: “how to be beautiful?” Every woman, whether beautiful or not beautiful (by her own standards) strives to know the secret; not knowing that the secret is already out and exists in her own ability to turn from an ordinary to extraordinary woman. The secret [...]

Raisins have been there for centuries serving the mankind with their immense nutritional value. Basically dried grapes with wrinkled skins, raisins are available in different colors and varieties. Nature’s alternative to candies, these wrinkled sweet delights are a great source of energy. Popping a few raisins every day can quickly replenish the lost energy levels, [...]

Glycerin is a colorless, odorless, viscous and non-toxic liquid which tastes sweet. Obtained from animal or plant fat, it is highly soluble in water and alcohol. One of the most prominent uses of glycerin is its application in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Glycerin is used freely by these industries due to its moisturizing and cleansing [...]

The World Health Organization defines diarrhea as having three or more loose or liquid stools per day or having more stools than what is normal for a person. In medical terms, diarrhea is a condition that leads to an increase in the frequency of bowel movements with loose, watery, or soft stools. This condition may [...]

If the Greek legend is to be believed, Zeus, the presiding God of Mount Olympus was brought up solely on a diet of honey and milk. Honey is a complex and highly nutritive food that is easy to digest and readily absorbed by the body. Apart from being a wholesome and healthy product, honey is [...]

The debate could go on and on as to what is better, going completely vegetarian, part vegetarian, or completely non-vegetarian? It all started with the pre-historic humans who hunted animals for food. Meat was not only just a part of their diet; it was a staple food for them. Today, though the number of people [...]

If those regular vegetables offered to you at the veggie markets are creating boredom, with nothing new to binge on, why not visit an exotic grocery store and explore the fresh produce, which you normally would avoid. Take asparagus, for example. A member of the lily family, asparagus is a green vegetable with spear tops [...]

There are already dozens of television and radio commercials running on TV and radio channels describing the importance of iodine in the development of children and how its deficiency can hamper their physical and mental development. Iodine is a trace element and is necessary for a number of body functions. The main function of the [...]

A vitamin is an organic compound that is required as a nutrient by the human body. And just as lubricants are required by all vehicles for a glitch-free functioning; a human body too requires regular shots of vitamins for a smooth run. They are our best defense against the attacks of viruses and bacteria that [...]

Carrots are among the most popular vegetables consumed by mankind. It is the sweet taste and crunchy texture of carrot that make it so popular among both kids and adults. Carrots are available throughout the year and form an important part of our diet. Carrots are a used in variety of culinary purposes, ranging from [...]

Celery is a type of vegetable belonging to the family Apiaceae and has the binomial name, Apium graveolens. Celery is mainly grown for its stalks which are edible and used for consumption purposes. Celery has a very pleasant crunchy taste and is known for its distinctive odor. Due to these properties, it is very commonly [...]

“That girl hogs like a pig, yet she’s got a figure to-die-for! How does she manage to stay in shape after bingeing on oodles of foods and drinks?” Does the same question strike your mind, time and again, every time you spot a girl with a perfect figure? Have you tried dieting, bidding adieu to [...]

Do you find your straight haircut boring and bland? Or are you tired of sporting the same curly hairdo at all social events? Spice up your hairstyle and create luscious, bouncy curls through the different perming techniques offered at your end. The coolest and completely haute ideas in hair fashion, perms add life to dull [...]

Stomach virus or stomach flu, medically known as gastroenteritis, is a condition that causes irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines usually resulting in diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting. It’s referred to as stomach virus because most of the times it’s caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites and protozoans. Apart from these causes, it [...]

What makes any literary work even more interesting, captivating, and attention-grabbing? While some authors may consider the metaphors to be the secret behind their masterpieces, others regard imagery as the underlying crux of their artwork. But literary intellectuals make use of allegory to keep the readers hooked on to their magnum opuses and induce them [...]

We often look up to the upper arms, chest, and back when it comes to strengthening our bodies and muscles. As such, hands and forearms are often neglected during the course of building muscles and improving the flexibility of our body. Considered to be the most underrated muscles in the body, the muscles of the [...]

The process through which the parents pass on certain genes to their children is called genetics. It is within these genetics and chromosomes that a lot of information lies hidden. The appearance of the person, his height, his skin color, and the diseases he is likely to be prone to - all depend upon the [...]

Avocado, colloquially known as alligator pear, is a fruit native to Central Mexico and belongs to the plant family Lauraceae along with cinnamon, camphor, and bay laurel. There are about dozens of varieties of avocados that are available, with the the most common being, Hass. Although generally served raw, in some countries like Philippines, Brazil, [...]

“Ah, William, we’re weary of weather,
said the sunflowers, shining with dew.”
“Our traveling habits have tired us.
Can you give us a room with a view?”

- William Blake 

Personification is a figure of speech which attributes an inanimate object or an idea with human qualities. Personification reflects the thoughts of the poet or the author from an inanimate [...]

Minerals play an important role in maintaining sound health, and we cannot single out any particular mineral as more vital than any other, for each has an important part to play. Among the many minerals, magnesium is the 4th most abundant mineral in a human body and can be found in bones, teeth, and red [...]

Out of the numerous byproducts which are obtained from the extraction of petroleum, mineral oil, commonly referred to as paraffin oil or Nujol, has to its credit greater usage as compared to others. Lightweight, odorless and colorless, mineral oil boasts of a longer shelf life and is relatively inexpensive as compared to other products. The [...]

As the rainy season begins, the monsoon food - corn can be found in plentiful across all markets. With this starts the selling of the fresh-smelling and deliciously hot corn on the cob on roadside produce stands. Or visit any shopping complex during this season and you’ll find the buttery sweet corn offered in cups, [...]

Coughing is one of the very common signs of body immune system gone wrong. Cough generally occurs in response to an allergic reaction or as a symptom of respiratory disease. Based on the causes, coughs are divided into two groups, namely wet cough and dry cough. Wet cough as the name suggests is accompanied by [...]

Commonly known as trousers, pants are a type of clothing generally worn on the lower part of the body. Pants cover both the legs of the person and are spread separately on both the legs. Pants are in usage in western world from ancient times. With the dramatic technological and cultural change in the late [...]

No, they don’t make a magic pill for it. You’ll only be as smart as you allow yourself to be. And for you to show a smart side, you have to understand what exactly smart is. Becoming smart is not limited to being a Greek God or Goddess look-alike but is about having your feet [...]

Love your long and lengthy tresses? But tired of wearing the same ponytail and braid all through these years? Some secret styling ideas are what you need to manage your locks and flaunt a sexy and lovely hairstyle. Agreed that there is a multitude of hairstyles for long hair, but the price tag that they [...]

The debate of whether cucumber is a fruit or a vegetable is still on, though what is known about this crunchy delight is that it grows on vine and belongs to the gourd family. Originated from India, cucumber has traveled far and wide and today is available in every continent of the world. If data [...]

An important mineral found in the human body, calcium is crucial for good health and a number of bodily functions. It is important for regulating the heartbeat, preventing osteoporosis and colon cancer, building strong teeth and bones, clotting blood, stimulating hormone secretions, conducting nerve impulses, and so on. However, providing the body with its daily [...]

Ever wondered how many bacteria would a gram of soil contain? Well, 2.5 million is the answer, but you may never be able to see even a single bacterium throughout your life, with the naked eye. And even if you try lining up 10,000 bacteria, side by side, you’ll end up creating only 2.5 centimeters [...]

There are two kinds of people in the world, the first category belongs to those who love gorging on onions and second is of those who don’t like onion. Still, there hardly is anyone who hasn’t tasted onion. Raw or fried, in curry or salad, dried or pickled, onion can be consumed in any of [...]

Zinc is an essential element for the body and its importance is evident from the fact that it is present in every single cell of the body.  Even though it is a trace element, it is very necessary for the normal functioning of the body. It is important for vital body functions like maintaining healthy [...]

Castor oil is pale yellow colored oil extracted from castor beans, which are taken from the castor oil plant, biologically known as Ricinus Communis. The oil itself has no to very little odor and is tasteless. Known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, castor oil has been in use for its therapeutic and medicinal benefits [...]

When there are no established scientific claims to certify the ongoing debate of whether consumption of whey protein holds any side effects or not, it all comes down to this: excess of anything is bad. Even if you take the case of vitamins, there is a term called “toxicity”, which means having too much of [...]

Have you been working out at the gym to build your chest muscles using weights and equipment, and yet aren’t getting the desired results? Have you been constantly straining your muscles while performing weights and working out at the gym equipment? Incorporating simple yet tough exercises like push-ups can ease your workout and help you [...]

Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a chronic condition associated with abnormally high levels of sugar or glucose in the blood. It is caused either when the body does not produce enough of insulin, which is known to lower the levels of blood sugar, or because the cells in the body stop responding to [...]

Look up to any person and what is the first thing you notice about him? No, it isn’t his eyes, his lips, his dressing sense, his shoes, or even his way of communicating. It is his nose that forms the primary attraction since it is the most visible part on any human’s face. Pick up [...]

In the recent times, long tresses have been in demand. Women blessed with long-flowing hair have the advantage of styling their hair into a variety of hairstyles. But most often, they end up by weaving their hair into the classic ponytail or leaving them loose with a small clutch to keep them secured in place. [...]

Did you know that the white-fleshed, crispy apples are loaded with an assortment of nutrients which makes them unique among all fruits out there? It is this nutrient combination, why the old and famous adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” truly applies to this delicious and crunchy fruit. Eat them in their [...]

The first child is loved by one and all, because he is the first member of a newly-extended family. He has all the responsibility since he is the eldest and rules other siblings like a leader. When the youngest child enters the family, he becomes the “baby” of the parents and the loudest, and sometimes [...]

It may be not as popular as other food grains like wheat or barley, but its more than 5000 year long cultivation history and health benefits explains why it was sacred, and why it will remain sacred (figuratively) among the many food items that are consumed. It’s quinoa we’re talking about. Cultivated in the Andean [...]

Do you envy the hot and sexy curves of your friends? Do you wish you had the same? Have you always wanted to look attractive and hot? If yes, then this article is the right stop for you. So, you are dying to look hot and good, but have no clue about how to proceed. [...]

Essay writing is an important part of the school curriculum of every student. Essays offer great knowledge in the subject so being researched and improve the writing skills as well. But, essays are not just confined to schools; they are drafted by the common man also, who desires to present his views on a particular [...]

When talking about dry fruits, raisins are inseparable from the list. They are prepared either by the natural process of drying the grapes under the sun or by mechanical process of drying them in ovens. Don’t just go by the looks, for they are often referred to as nature’s own candy! On the outside, they [...]

Whether or not to abort an unborn baby is a hot button issue, not in one, but in every society, community, and country. But the modern lifestyles and hectic schedules have made abortion a casualty, resulting from casual sex and unwanted pregnancy. So, is abortion unethical? Should it be given the green signal and made [...]

Those concerned about including all the essential vitamins and minerals in their diet must know about the mineral known as phosphorus. It’s an absolutely essential mineral required by each cell of the body for brake-free functioning and coupled with calcium, aids in the development of bones and teeth. It also helps in maintaining electrolyte and [...]

If you are fond of cooking and trying out new recipes, you must have noticed different types of onions used in recipes of almost all cookbooks. While some may ask you to use green onions, others specifically instruct using scallions. What’s more, some recipes even use shallots, chives, leeks, and spring onions for cooking up [...]

Irrespective of whether you’ve just started a new relationship or have been dating for years, it is natural to have moments when you fail to come up with topics to talk to your boyfriend. This, however, does not mean that the two of you are out of love or the bond has gone weak. Feeling [...]

You lie on your bed; eyes wide open with no chances of falling asleep. The fan above your head is on full speed but you can still count the rotations as if you telekinetically slowed it down. Looking at the watch, you try to think what is slower: the seconds’ hand of the watch or [...]

So you met a person who’s interesting to talk to, and in future you’d love if he/she and you could become the best of friends or may be more. But for that to happen, you’ll have to get to know him/her more. And for that to happen, you’ll have to be on talking terms with [...]

Can you imagine a day without eating sugar in any form? If you think you can answer this question with a simple “Yes”, we recommend that you count your foods again. A day without soft drinks, milkshakes, pastries, fruit yogurt, cakes, chocolates, candies, cookies, donuts, ice cream, corn syrup, honey, maple syrup, muffins! What’s more, [...]

You look at the celebs and you wonder how they get it right every time. Overnight transformations happen only in the movies. Outside of movies, it’s not just the team of beauty police that helps them achieve that look, for the celebs have a greater part to play in making themselves look radiantly pretty and [...]

Anyone who has had the experience of muscle crunching pain in the leg will testify to the fact that it can be quite a menace and that its aftershocks sometimes last for hours. Though many people refer to it as muscle pain, muscle spasm, or muscle cramp; it also goes by a colloquial term called [...]

A mane overflowing with soft, silky, lustrous, thick, and beautiful locks over the shoulders is the dream of every single lady. Though everyone is mostly born with a thick, full head of hair, the hectic lifestyle and intolerant environmental condition alter the health and look of the locks for many. These factors cause the hair [...]

Often termed as the bread of the Sahara, dates are the fruits of the date palm, consumed, primarily, by people of the Middle East to satisfy their sweet tooth and gain the fabulous nourishing benefits that they are loaded with. Native to the desert oases of northern Africa and southwest Asia, they are believed to [...]

Do you always eat grilled chicken or do you keep experimenting with different yummylicious ways to cook chicken and then savor the flavor? If it’s not the latter then you’re missing out on a lot of stuff. Just as there is more than one way to cook your chicken, there is more than one way [...]

Acrylic nails are good to look at and best to use if you have thin and fragile nails. However, just like all other things, acrylic nails, too, have a use-by date. After a certain period of time, they start breaking, wearing out around the tips, and appearing lesser attractive than their best. And for those [...]

Just as there are some social and moral behavioral codes that you need to stick to while at a social gathering, there are certain dress codes that you need to adhere to while attending a soiree. Even when it’s a cocktail party, business or personal, you’re required to follow a proper dress-up protocol to avoid [...]

Answer this first - would you rather be at a lame party where nothing much is happening or be at a happening party where questions like these will not only crack you up but put you in tight spot? Answer to this may be fairly simple, but rest assured, the ones we have in store [...]

It goes without saying that most of you must have been accustomed to surfing through magazine pages and scrolling through articles on the internet to find some useful tips and tricks for getting rid of that extra flab bulging out from your not-so figured body. While most of you would have already become members of [...]

They add an earthy taste and meaty texture to the foods, be it through sautéing, stuffing, braising, slicing, or even caramelizing. They have a fantastic flavor and as such, are served in a variety of delicacies, ranging from soups to sandwiches and appetizers to casseroles. These tasty and succulent fungi are called mushrooms, scientifically known [...]

Chia seeds, extracted from the flowering plant in the mint family called Lamiaceae, are native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. According to the archeological findings, these seeds are one of the oldest and were consumed by the people of Central America even around 3500 BC. Some historical evidences also suggest that they were [...]

Planned a slumber party at your place? Got a birthday party at your friend’s home? Had a get-together at a restaurant? What next? Be it any kind of gathering, games and activities are bound to ooze out when you have friends around. When the atmosphere isn’t favorable and is turning bland and bore, an exciting [...]

Ever wondered that a mild disease like oral cavity or gastritis can trigger distorted sense of taste in your mouth? Or a severe health condition like cancer or lead and mercury positioning can lead to a sour and acidic taste? To your surprise, that is exactly what a number of medical conditions can cause when [...]

Talk about fair complexion and lighter skin tone and you’ll have all girls and women turning their heads to eavesdrop your conversation, to get some handy tips. For, getting a fairer skin is the dream and desire of every lady, particularly for those who have a wheatish or dark complexion. Every lady wishes to get [...]

Have you ever seen a puppet show? Doesn’t our body and its parts looks like a puppet in the show that is moved in different directions by a string attached from the top to its hands, legs and head. The parts of our body is connected to our brain with the help of the nervous [...]

Adderall is a stimulant drug that is commonly used to treat “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder” or ADHD. Adderall is an amphetamine and is a mixture of four different amphetamine salts. Like most medications, adderall may have some side effects as well. The most common side effects of this drug include constipation, difficulty in sleeping, dry [...]

Why is it that some people are not affected at all after gulping down tankers of alcohol, while others get a high with just one peg? That’s where the term alcoholism enters. When a person is physically and mentally addicted to alcohol, he is said to be in a state of alcoholism. People who drink [...]

Planet earth is a round ball of conflicting extremes. In one corner of the earth you will have to endure the biting cold winds while in the other you will be melting in the sweltering heat. On the same note, don’t be surprised if you encounter an overtly optimistic human being on one side and [...]

Bipolar disorder, the fifth leading cause of disability worldwide is a psychiatric condition where a person experiences states of deep depression and extreme elation (mania) at alternate phases. Though it is a rarity among children, it is quite unpredictable and can strike anyone at any moment. Medications prescribed by physicians are not always beneficial in [...]

Chocolate! Yummy, mouth-watering, irresistibly awesome and devouring! Can you think of any other adjective that you can associate chocolate with? Tempting and delicious just as it sounds, chocolate is one of the most popular snack and dessert options preferred by people across the globe. But to its dismay, there are many people who consider this sinful delight a poison [...]

What is yoga? It is physical and mental method of discipline that has several health benefits including weight loss. Ok! So, what is aerobics? Aerobics is a form of physical exercise that involves a rhythmic movement of stretching and weight training essentially for physical fitness - mental well-being is incidental even though not focused upon. [...]

With life getting more hectic, depression and anxiety have turned out to be the two dark shadows of urbanites. In fact, depression has become so common that most people simply take it in their stride, helped on, no doubt, by antidepressant pills. It is natural to feel low once in a while, to feel sad, [...]

A healthy gallbladder does its work unnoticed. It is a small organ located in the right side of the abdomen just under the liver. It is like a storage container for the bile produced in the liver before it is secreted into the intestines to aid in the digestion of fats. Bile consists of bile [...]

Dyshidrotic eczema is a type of skin disease where small itchy blisters appear on the palms, fingers and even the feet at times. It is a type of severe skin disease and if proper care is not taken, then it might get even worse and the symptoms might aggravate. Consulting a dermatologist is necessary in [...]

He had been standing there on the start line with his bicycle for quite a while now, in a perfect “ready to take off” stance; breathing slowly, inhaling all the positive energy and exhaling the negative one. His piercing glare to the opponents has just about conveyed his focus and determination towards the race. The [...]

Do you want to feel younger, energized, more confident, and stress free at the cost of nothing? Do you aim for a happy and healthier life? While some are extremely lucky to find such a lifestyle, others struggle throughout life to get some peace and lead a healthy life. The present day schedules and regimen come [...]

Are you one of the millions of people who earn a living by working on the computer all day? If yes, then you wouldn’t be ignorant of the pain, stress, and tension that your mind and body goes through after you return home. To add on, prolonged hours of working on the computer can get you [...]

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is prominent in children and if proper medicines and care is not given then the condition can persist for a lifetime. As the name suggests, in this kind of a disorder the child suffers from inattentiveness, hyperactivity, impulsiveness and the conditions that accompany these things. If required, as a parent you should consult [...]