Imagine the world without the efficient functioning of the eyes; blank, isn't it?

Summers are upon us and it is time to take extra care of them, especially as they are most exposed to heat, sun, pollution, et al, which may further lead to weaker eyesight, conjunctivitis, pre-mature macular degeneration and vision problems. While one of the best ways to take care of your eyes is to wash them with water, it is imperative to load up on healthy foods in order to ensure a healthy pair of eyes. Ayurveda is known to consider food just as powerful as medicine. Similarly, it suggests some foods that may help strengthen your eye health.


According to the book, 'The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies' by Dr. Vasant Lad, individuals who work in front of a computer for a long time, watch a lot of television or movies, or live in a city with high air pollution, may find their eyes become irritated and strained. The irritation may be due to the dryness of conjunctiva that results from excess vata dosha, or it may be related to excess hyper-acidity or pitta dosha in stomach. Liver and eyes are closely related, so one of the reasons can be problems occurring in the liver.

Here are some of the essential home remedies as suggested by Ayurveda in order to keep your eyes healthy.

According to the book, you can prepare a solution of rose water. Use a dropper or an eye cup; make sure the water is neither too hot nor too cold. A drop or two in the eye will help soothe the irritation. Here's how you can make rose water at home.

The book also suggests putting a single drop of pure castor oil into your eyes at bedtime. Make sure the oil does not contain any preservative.

According to the book, 'Home Doctor' by Dr. P.S. Phadke, if you experience redness, pain or even swelling in the eyes, boil a teaspoon of turmeric in two cups of water. Reduce it to a cup and let it cool.

Strain four to five times with a muslin cloth. This extract can then be used as an eye drop. Use it at least three to four times a day.

Infusions made of coriander seeds or fennel seeds can be used as cold eye-washes.

If there is only a burning sensation in the eyes, cold compress will work. In fact, direct cold application of a little cream of cow's milk or fresh yogurt will also help soothe the eyes. Make sure the application is cold.

eyesight loss
Ayurveda is known to consider food just as powerful as medicine​

Here are some of the essential home remedies as suggested by Ayurveda in order to keep your eyes healthy.

According to the book, you can prepare a solution of rose water. Use a dropper or an eye cup; make sure the water is neither too hot nor too cold. A drop or two in the eye will help soothe the irritation. Here's how you can make rose water at home.

The book also suggests putting a single drop of pure castor oil into your eyes at bedtime. Make sure the oil does not contain any preservative.
According to the book, 'Home Doctor' by Dr. P.S. Phadke, if you experience redness, pain or even swelling in the eyes, boil a teaspoon of turmeric in two cups of water. Reduce it to a cup and let it cool. Strain four to five times with a muslin cloth. This extract can then be used as an eye drop. Use it at least three to four times a day.

Infusions made of coriander seeds or fennel seeds can be used as cold eye-washes.

If there is only a burning sensation in the eyes, cold compress will work. In fact, direct cold application of a little cream of cow's milk or fresh yogurt will also help soothe the eyes. Make sure the application is cold.

castor oil
The book also suggests putting a single drop of pure castor oil into your eyes.

Here are some foods that Ayurvedic expert Ram N Kumar at NirogStreet suggests to consume in order to keep your eyesight strong.

Triphala churna: One of the best ingredients of triphala is amlaki or amla, which is known for being the best sources of vitamin C. It helps prevent the development of cataract.

Amla: Amla has one of the most important antioxidants called vitamin C. It not only helps boost immunity, but also strengthens your eyesight.

Spinach: Spinach or palak is one such leafy vegetable that is known to replenish the body with antioxidants and essential nutrients like vitamin A and vitamin C along with iron and calcium.

Milk: Milk is a good source of riboflavin that is known to cut the risk of developing cataracts. It is also fortified with vitamin A, one of the best nutrients for maintaining eye health.

Carrots: Carrots come packed with beta-carotene that gets converted into vitamin A, a nutrient that is good for eye health.

Citrus fruits: Oranges, lemon, et al are rich in vitamin B-12 and beta-carotene that helps you maintain eyesight.

Almonds: Almonds are generally good for health. They contain Vitamin E that guards against unstable molecules that target healthy tissue.
Go ahead and follow these handy tips in order to ensure healthy eyes and a strengthened eyesight.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common conditions that affect women in more ways than one. It is a hormonal disorder that may cause infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods. Moreover, in this case PCOS may cause excessive hair growth on the face and body or baldness and this condition can contribute to long term health problems like diabetes and heart diseases. We take you through PCOS, its causes, symptoms and the foods you must eat to reduce the effects of this condition.

What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a health condition in women where cysts get formed in the ovaries, caused by an over-production of hormones known as androgens. This causes women to suffer from various health problems and as per the PCOS Awareness Association, there is no cure for this health condition yet, but there are many ways to decrease or eliminate PCOS symptoms. Some of the biggest health problems that are associated with PCOS are heart diseases, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and even stroke.

PCOS Causes

The PCOS cause is not yet understood completely, but most health experts associate it with genetics that can be one of the factors. PCOS can run in to your family and chances are higher in case of women who have irregular periods or diabetes.

Ideally, ovaries tend to make a small amount of male sex hormones called androgens; however, in case of PCOS, the ovaries start to make more of them that may cause you to stop ovulating as a result due to which you may get acne and grow extra facial hair on the face and body.

What are PCOS Symptoms?

PCOS symptoms can vary from person to person and how severe the case is. Some of the PCOS symptoms may include-
Acne
Extra hair on the body and face. In some cases, hair can be thicker and darker as compared to normal human body.
Thinning hair on the scalp.
Weight gain and excessive trouble in losing weight. Women with PCOS tend to gain weight easily as they have higher than normal level of insulin, a hormone that is produced in your pancreas that helps the cells in your body turn sugar into energy.
One of the PCOS symptoms may include fertility problems.
Irregular or no periods may also be one of the many PCOS symptoms. In some cases, many may have very heavy bleeding.
These PCOS symptoms may cause a person to fall into depression.

PCOS Diet: What foods should you have?

According to Neha Shetty, Senior Nutritionist, Reduce - Talwalkar's, "PCOS diet should be such that it helps reduce weight and positively affects hormones and improves insulin resistance. A moderate intake of complex carbohydrates, high protein and fair intake of healthy fats is advisable. Consuming sufficient amount of omega-3 fats should also help women with PCOS." In order to combat the many symptoms of PCOS, it is important to focus on a healthy diet. Here's what your PCOS diet should look like.

1. Load Up On Fibre

Women with PCOS have higher insulin levels, but eventually become insulin resistant, meaning you aren't able to use the produced insulin effectively. In order to produce productive insulin levels, it is important to load up on fibrous foods. High fibre foods like whole grains, cruciferous vegetables, beans, lentils, broccoli, legumes, nuts and seeds help fight insulin resistance by slowing down digestion and reducing the impact of sugar on the blood.

2. Consume More Lean Protein

PCOS can cause you to gain weight. Eat more lean protein as they are more likely to keep you fuller for longer and prevent you from reaching for unhealthy snacks. This way, you won't be adding up to calories and not gain weight. Your PCOS diet should consist of tofu, chicken and fish.

3. Eat Foods That Reduce Inflammation

One of the PCOS causes may also include inflammation that is responsible for creating an imbalance in the hormones. According to the PCOS Nutrition Center, eating foods that helps reduce inflammation can minimize PCOS symptoms. Load up on tomatoes, kale, spinach, almonds, walnuts, olive oil, fruits, fatty fish and whole grains that have anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Load Up On Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are known to balance hormones and also improve insulin levels. Consume foods like fish, olive oil, avocado and nuts and seeds.

5. Take A Low Glycemic Diet

Your PCOS diet should have low glycemic index; women with PCOS are generally insulin resistant causing the insulin levels and blood sugar levels to rise unnaturally. In that case, loading up on low glycemic foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats can help reduce many symptoms of PCOS.

PCOS Diet: Foods to avoid with PCOS

According to Nutritionist Neha, there are various foods that can make your condition worse than ever. Some of the foods to avoid with PCOS may include-

1. Processed foods

Processed foods have high sodium content and may contain unhealthy fats that may only worsen your case. Make sure you limit the amount of processed foods like junk food, canned products, fried foods, et al.

2. Milk

Milk has the tendency to increase the testosterone levels; thanks to its high protein content that limits the normal testosterone metabolism. High testosterone levels can worsen your situation, so prefer having skimmed milk than full-fat.

3. Simple and refined carbohydrates

Women with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing diabetes and gaining weight. Sugary foods and refined flours end up increasing the blood sugar level.

4. Soy and fat

Soy products generally cause delay in ovulation and if you are trying to conceive, there may be a chance that your consumption of soy may be affecting it.

5. Caffeine and alcohol

Caffeine and alcohol have long been associated with infertility, which may worsen the case in women with PCOS.

PCOS weight loss
Losing weight is a gradual process, but in case of PCOS, it may take even longer as your body is already dealing with many hormonal imbalances. PCOS weight loss regime should be followed in a discipline to see effective results. It is important to eat the right diet, exercise well and ensure taking medications routinely. Regular exercises may help a lot by improving insulin resistance and ovulation and further help burn fat.

PCOS can be a stressful condition; however, you can reduce its symptoms and ensure a healthy and balanced life. Make sure you consult a doctor or nutritionist before switching to any diet plan.