Three quarters of women think they are as good at basic DIY skills as men

London, Aug 21(ANI): A new British survey has found that almost three quarters of women believe they are as good at DIY (Do It Yourself) tasks as men, with a third saying their work was actually better than the blokes.

The survey of 2,000 British women showed that of the 60 percent who are currently in a relationship, over a third said they do more DIY around the house than their partner.

Half of all women questioned said they spend between one and five hours a week doing DIY with 73 per cent saying they were just as competent at basic tasks as men.

Nearly four in 10 women said they did DIY as they have just bought a house or flat, with the same number saying it was the only way to get things done, the survey by B and Q revealed.

But women are more comfortable painting, changing light bulbs or ripping wallpaper than building furniture or changing a fuse.

"Our findings show that DIY is no longer just a man's game," the Daily Mail quoted Katherine Paterson, marketing director of B and Q as saying.

"More women are recognising that with the right skills anyone can try their hand at tiling, putting up a shelf or taking on a bigger refurbishment project," she added. (ANI)

Food and Stress

Food that reduces stress has got important role in stress management. A high fiber rich food acts as natural tranquillizers. Vitamins and minerals are helpful in relieving stress. Vitamins namely, Vitamin B complex, C and E. Minerals like selenium, zinc and magnesium.

Food essential for relieving stress:

• Fresh fruits, vegetables, soups, skim milk, fish, and yogurt. 

• Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals. They also provide fiber which helps in relieving stress. For example constipation which is a long term stresses. Yogurt contains minerals as calcium which helps in stress relieving. For example peptic ulcer. Whole wheat flour and yeasts provide B complex vitamins including pantothenic acid which is often described as anti stress vitamin. Sprouted grams and citrus fruits are rich source of vitamin C which acts as antioxidant and helps in relieving stress. Dark chocolate relives stress.

• Nutrient-dense nuts such as almonds are amazing stress fighters thanks to high levels of magnesium, zinc, vitamins B and E, plus healthy oils.

• Animal foods; although some can help relieve stress, don't go overboard, as high amounts of protein increase levels of stress-causing dopamine and nor epinephrine in the brain.

• Most types of fish are replete with all-important B vitamins, particularly the renowned stress fighters B6 and B12. In fact, B12 is one of the most important vitamins involved in the synthesis of the "happy" brain chemical serotonin; a vitamin B12 deficiency can even lead to depression.

• Almonds are rich with vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc. B vitamins and magnesium are involved in the production of serotonin, which helps regulate mood and relieve stress. Zinc has also been shown to fight some of the negative effects of stress, while vitamin E is an antioxidant that destroys the free radicals related to stress and heart disease.

• Bananas are packed with vitamin B, a nutrient that keeps blood pressure and stress hormones in check during high-tension situations.

• Avocado lowers blood pressure thanks to high contents of potassium and healthy fat (monounsaturated).

• Milk also contains antioxidants that help destroy free radicals associated with stress.

• Blueberries are also a good source of fiber, which can help relieve the cramps and constipation that can occur in times of stress

Foods to avoid in stress:

Food items like Tea, coffee, cocoa, junk foods, egg yolks, butter, cheese, meat, coconut oil, cashews, beverages like soda, chocolate, sugar, alcohol etc. which aggravate the signs and symptoms are to be avoided.

Diet » Health Articles » Health benefits of Fenugreek

Fenugreek has been associated with number of health benefits. It is a common herb and used as a condiment for seasoning in Indian homes. This seed when used in cooking imparts a characteristic flavor and tang to food. Fenugreek leaves are well known for their high nutrient content of minerals and vitamins like potassium, calcium, magnesium, selenium, Iron and vitamin C, riboflavin, folate, vitamin B6. These leaves also have high fiber content and also Vitamin C.  Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of fiber. It contains mucilaginous fiber and total fiber to the extent of 20% and 50% respectively. This mucilaginous fiber is recognized medically for its anti-inflammatory properties. Fenugreek seeds have many medicinal values. These include in the treatment of digestive problems, diabetes, kidney problems, wounds, cellulites, tuberculosis. A PASTE OF Fenugreek leaves or seeds , applied on face prevents pimples, dryness of skin, blackheads and it also have anti aging factors. The Fenugreek seeds contain “Diosgenin” which is more of a raw material substance used in medical steroids by pharmaceutical industries.

• Fenugreek seeds aids in proper digestion: It maintains good metabolism and prevents constipation. The soluble fiber found in Fenugreek seed extract may help slow digestion and absorption of food. It also helps to treat colon disorders. It also increases appetite.
• Fenugreek seeds are effective in treatment of skin disorders: It relieve skin inflammation. It is also used in the treatment of eczema, gout, boils and burns.
• Fenugreek seeds reduce fever: Fenugreek seeds with lemon and honey help to reduce fever and weakness .In fever it is beneficial to consume tea added with fenugreek seeds that helps to lower the intensity of temperature rising.
• Fenugreek eases menopause symptoms: It is effective in treating the menopause symptoms including anxiety, hot flashes and insomnia this is because of its natural estrogen.
• Fenugreek may help in preventing cancer: It is an effective antioxidant. It also have anti carcinogenic properties some studies have shown that this may be due to presence of Diosgenin.
• Fenugreek also acts as a natural blood purifier and helps to prevent acne. Its also very effective in curing of oily skin.
• Fenugreek can also be used for excessive hair fall. It is believed to enhance hair growth both in men and women. Fenugreek powder mixed with curd helps in controlling your dandruff problem.
• These seeds help in lowering the risks of heart diseases.
• Fenugreek seeds help to increase production of milk in lactating mothers. The seeds contain a chemical known as Diosgenin which acts as similar to estrogen and hence promote milk production during breastfeeding.
• It is also used in the treatment of arthritis and asthma.
• Fenugreek seeds help in management of Diabetes: The powder of seeds in the diet reduces blood sugar and urine sugar with improvement in glucose tolerance and diabetic symptoms in both insulin and non-insulin dependent patients. It also lowers the levels of serum lipids such as cholesterol and triglyceride. Depending upon the severity of diabetes the quantity of fenugreek seeds to be taken varies from 25g to 50g.The Fenugreek seeds powder can be incorporated in food preparations such as vegetable curries, roti and dhal etc. Seeds can also be taken as such after overnight soaking in water.