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Common health concerns about processed food

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Why is processed food a health risk?

The health concerns of processed food have been in the research domain for decades now. The multi-billion-dollar food processing and manufacturing industry has been heavily investing in the preparation and marketing of tasty processed food products at attractive and affordable prices. Consumers rarely pay attention to the nutritional facts of these food items that flood our grocery stores.

Even though there is a lot of ongoing research happening and some information is readily available in the public domain, people tend to disregard the alarming health concerns surrounding it. The primary cause of most of our health issues is a poor diet and unhealthy choices.

Pre-packaged food has a high level of risk since it often contains a range of tastemakers, other additives, and preservatives. In most countries, it is mandatory to indicate on the package the key ingredients used in the product and the country of origin of the product. It is often the case that we do not understand the chemicals added as preservatives and other taste-making additives. Studies show that long-term consumption of these ingredients may lead to several minor and major health problems.

packaged food

Are there any health risks associated with products with a longer shelf life?

Processed food items are often prepared to be consumed instantly with little or no cooking. For their longer shelf life, these foods are often packaged and preserved with different types of oils, chemicals, or salt. The excessive use of these items over the long term can affect our health and also damage body organs. There is enough research data to suggest that certain commonly seen diseases are triggered by our routine food habits.

processed-packaged-food

Some of the commonly known diseases are diabetes, obesity, heart disorders, and cancer. Awareness and a careful approach to our food choices might help reduce the risk of these diseases:

  • Added Sugar: For artificially sweetening food, often extra sweeteners like sugar, concentrated fruit juice, or artificial sweeteners are added.
  • Artificial flavours: These are taste makers that are mostly chemical substances. MSG (monosodium glutamate) is one of the harmful agents commonly used in food.
  • Artificial Preservatives: Chemicals added to food for a longer shelf life
  • Food texture: chemicals or ingredients like corn starch are added to the food to give it a particular consistency or texture.
  • High in Carbohydrates: Processed carbohydrates can cause quick blood sugar and insulin levels in the body.
  • High in trans fats, trans fats as a food additive are usually made by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil or fat. Studies have shown an increased risk of heart disease due to trans fats.
  • Less Fibre in Food: Often packaged food has less fibre, which causes the body’s sugar level to go up and down quickly. This results in more frequent eating for the body to maintain a consistent energy level.

Overall wellness depends primarily on the health of our physical bodies. Choosing a healthy diet is important to provide our body with adequate nutrition and energy to sustain a healthy body and mind.

Shopping tips:

  • Avoid food that contains artificial flavours or preservatives.
  • Choose food that contains mostly natural ingredients.
  • Make sure trans fat or saturated fat are at reasonable levels.
  • Avoid foods with artificial sweeteners.

processed-packaged-food

  • Choose foods with less sodium (salt).
  • Avoid foods that contain MSG (monosodium glutamate). MSG is used as a taste-making salt substitute mostly in Chinese and Asian cuisines.
  • Avoid foods that are high in sugar.

NOTE: Read the ingredients on the label to make sure it is not harmful to the body or at excessive levels.

Val-Morin Temple Kavadi Festival – Sivananda Ashram

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Kavadi is the ceremonial sacrifice to Lord Murugan or Subramanya which is celebrated in South India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Singapore, Malaysia, Reunion Island and the largely Hindu diaspora in the western countries. Kavadi has its deep roots in Bhakti-Hatha-Raja Yogas from the time of Adi Yogi, Shiva. The Kavadi bearer goes through strict austerities for self-purification of mind and body.

In Canada, Kavadi is celebrated at the Sivavanda Ashram’s Ayyappa Subramanya temple in a small village of Val-Morin, Quebec.

VIDEO: The Kavadi procession at Subramanya Temple, Val-Morin, Canada

The Glory of Kavadi:

Kavadi represents sadhana, devotion and courage which are all part of the essence of yoga. From the start to the final offering day, the bearer practices Bhakti yoga through devotion, Raja yoga with concentration through meditation and Hatha yoga by building physical endurance. The devotee in the entire process destroys their ego and demonstrates courage, faith and endurance by bearing the Kavadi and the Vel.

According to legend, Lord Subramanya is the embodiment of Lord Shiva’s light and wisdom and devotees pray to him to overcome the obstacles they face to conquer evil. The person who performs Kavadi, goes through the actual physical burden to seek help from the divine.


Photo: Kavadi on the bearer

What is Kavadi and Kavadi Attam?

Kavadi is a weight-balanced shape made of a heavy wooden stick which stays on the shoulders. It is decorated with ornaments, flowers and peacock feathers. The brass bells attached to the kavadi announce the moving Kavadi-bearer who has often taken the vow of silence through a piercing in the tongue or cheek. Kavadi Attam is a ceremonial sacrificial dance performed by the bearer to Lord Muruga.


Photo: Kavadi Attam, the ceremonial burden dance

How does the Kavadi-bearer prepare for the celebration?

The Kavadi-bearer has to observe strict rules from the day he decides to take up the Kavadi to the day of offering. The person has to perform daily ceremonies and customary practices in a spiritual environment. Often the bearer wears saffron clothing and will wear Rudraksha-malas around the neck. The Kavadi-bearer observes celibacy and leads a satvic life during the preparations for the final offering day.


Photo: A Kavadi bearer pierced on the back

Kavadi festival in Val-Morin:

Kavadi around the world is celebrated during the Thaipusam/Thaipooyam festival in the month of January or February. The word Thaipusam (in Tamil) is a combination of the name of the month, Thai, and the name of a star, Pusam/Pooyam.


Photo: Sivananda Ashram, Val-Morin – Airfield

The annual Kavadi festival in Val-Morin happens every year in the month of July. Thousands of people participate in the day-long event which starts at the temple and is then followed by a procession. Lord Muruga, the main temple deity is taken in a chariot pulled by hundreds of people and circles the main streets in the town of Val-Morin. The devotion and energy is so high, that men, women and children walk along with the procession with no signs of pain or strain.


Photo: The chariot of the procession

The Kavadi-bearers often pierce the ‘Vel’ or ‘Spear’ through the tongue or cheeks. This shows us the sadhana, devotion, courage and the endurance of mind that it takes.


Photo: A ‘Vel’ pierced on cheeks

The bearer is seen always dancing in ecstasy with no signs of pain or burden. The Kavadi procession terminates after the tour around the town with the drum and the priests chanting various hymns.


Photo: The concluding ritual by breaking the coconut

As Swami Vishnu envisioned, the Ayyappa Subramanya temple was built in 1992 on a mountain close to the Sivananda Ashram complex. Today, the temple stands as a pillar of worship, practice, unity and peace for thousands of people.


Photo: The Subramanya Ayyappa Temple in Val-Morin, Canada

Cold & Flu Relief With Neti – Natural Remedies

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What is Neti?

Neti is a Sanskrit term derived from the roots na and ti, which together translate as “not so”. Neti is a centuries old yogic practise originated in India. It is known as a technique to cleanse and strengthen the body and keeping it illness-free.

There are types of Neti practise-

  • Jela Neti
    • It simply mean “water cleansing”.
    • It is advised to use a pinch of salt to help dilute the mucous in nasal passage.


Photo: Neti Pot for Jela Neti

  • Sutra Neti
    • Nasal Cleansing Using a Cord
    • This practise is suggested to only though a certified yoga teacher.
      • Sutra neti is performed with a soft rubber catheter. The person tilts the head slightly backward to insert the catheter into one nostril. The catheter is gently pushed inside until it reaches the throat. The person can then gently pull out one end of the catheter through the mouth, with the other end still outside the nostril. The thread is then moved back and forth a few time. The catheter is removed and the process is repeated on the opposite side.


Photo: The rubber catheter for Sutra Neti

Benefits of doing Neti:

  • Removes dirt and bacteria with the mucus in the blocked nostrils
  • Soothes allergies due to dust and pollen
  • Makes breathing easier
  • Reduces the chance of throat and ear infections
  • Reduces sinus infection and reduces migraine
  • Reduces bad breath due to mucus and bacteria build up
  • Relaxes nervous system and reduces stress
  • Improves vision

What is Neti Pot?

Neti
Photo: Use luke warm water and non-iodized salt for Jela Neti

Neti pot is a container used for cleaning the nasal passage using filtered Luke warm water or Saline solution. The picture shows the Neti pot, regular sea salt for Jela Neti and Rubber catheter for Sutra Neti.

What do you need for Jela Neti?

  • A Neti pot
  • A pinch of salt
  • Lukewarm water
  • Optional: Using one drop of Eucalyptus oil will give an extra freshness – Beware as this may increase the nasal burn

How to use Neti Pot?


Photo: Pass water through the nostril with mouth open for breathing

  • Clean the neti pot with hot water
  • Get 2 cups of filtered clean water or boiled water
  • Make sure the water is gently warm
  • Add a pinch of non-iodized salt into the luke warm water
  • Bend over the washroom sink as illustrated in the picture with head slightly tilted
  • Make sure you are breathing through your mouth during the neti practise
  • Insert the spout of the pot into the upper nostril
  • Raise the pot so the saline solution flows from the upper nostril and come out through the lower nostril
  • Block your lower nostril and gently blow out the mucus and water to come out
  • Repeat the process on the lower nostril
  • Once completed, blow your nostrils thoroughly to release any water stuck inside the passage
  • Make sure to clean the Neti pot with soap and hot water

Kombucha Tea

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What is Kombucha Tea?

Kombucha tea is a fermented black or green tea served as a healthy fizzy drink. You have probably seen Kombucha, the naturally brewed drink in the shelves of your local natural health food store. The interesting history of kombucha and its numerous health benefits are not much known to lot of people.

Kombucha Origin

The origins of Kombucha is not very clearly documented. But by some accounts it seems to be originated in the Far East of China, and has been consumed for more than 2000 years. The first ever recorded use of kombucha comes from China in 221 BC during the Tsin Dynasty. It was known as “The Tea of Immortality”. Legend says that this tea brew was first consumed by Emperor Qin Shi Huang in ancient China, one of the earliest civilizations to recognize the health benefits of kombucha.

Benefits of KombuchaTea

  • Good Source of Probiotics
    • Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. Our body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are termed “good” bacteria because they help keep our gut heal. This means the bacteria from Probiotics can kill harmful bacteria in our body.
  • Rich in Antioxidants
    • Antioxidants are molecules that helps reduce the damage of cells in our body. Antioxidants are found in many foods, including fruits and vegetables. They are also available as dietary supplement. Polyphenols are responsible for the antioxidant qualities of green and black tea. After the kombucha fermentation there is much more of Amino acids, vitamins B2, B6, & C, acetic acid, lactic acid, and active enzymes and more.
  • Detoxification
    • Detoxification is process of getting rid of “toxins” from our body.Kombucha contains substantial quantities of glucuronic acid. This gives the body extra glucuronidation detoxification) capacities which takes the load off the liver.
  • Improved Digestion
    • Kombucha is a probiotic beverage and it is naturally fermented with a living colony of bacteria and yeast. This bacteria and yeast together improves the gut balance and thereby improves digestion, fighting candida growth and maintaining good state of mind.
  • Cholesterol Reduction
    • Studies show that drinking green tea regularly can increase the amount of calories you burn, reduce belly fat, improve cholesterol levels, help with blood sugar levels. Kombucha helps to lower the triglyceride levels, as well as regulate cholesterol naturally.
  • Weight Loss
    • The good bacteria and enzymes present in kombucha helps to create a proper balance in your stomach, and this aids in digestion, nutrient absorption, and good metabolism. This helps the efficient burning of fat and their by result in weight loss.

How to make Kombucha tea? Coming Soon…

Flying Swami – The Founder of the International Sivananda Yoga!

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Discovering Yoga

Swami Vishnu was born in Kerala, South India, in 1927. As a young boy he exhibited his strong will and determination towards life. In his teenage years without much financial resources for a university education, he joined the army. It was by accident that a piece of paper about the yoga guru Swami Sivananda got his attention.

(Credit: Sivananda Ashram  – Swami Sivananda)

A pamphlet from Swami Sivananda which began by saying: “An ounce of practice is better than tons of theory” inspired Swami Vishnu to meet with him personally. The practicality and inherent power of these simple words lead Swami Vishnu to travel across India during a 36-hour leave to meet Swami Sivananda in the far north of India in Rishsikesh in the Himalayas. On his second visit, Swami Sivananda invited the young man to remain at the Ashram to study and practice Yoga and with no hesitation Swami Vishnu accepted the offer.

Becoming the World Teacher

(Credit: Sivananda Ashram  – Swami Vishnu Devananda)

After years of rigorous Hatha-Yoga practice and Karma yoga (selfless service), his master Swami Sivananda was convinced that Swami Vishnu was the chosen one to bring the message of peace , health and wellness to the world. With Swami Sivananda’s blessing, Swami Vishnu traveled to the West and spread his teachings for the benefit of humanity.  Swami Vishnu’s limitless energy, knowledge and profound inspiration for peace, harmony and well-being has captured the imagination of tens of thousands of people around the world.

The Flying Swami

(Credit: Sivananda Ashram  – Swamiji on the Peace Plane)

Political instability and global conflict mobilised Swami Vishnu’s plan for a peace flight.  In 1971, Swami Vishnu flew a twin-engine Piper Apache plane painted by artist Peter Max from Boston to Belfast in Northern Ireland showering flowers and peace flyers. Later, the same year he flew over the Suez Canal from Israel to Egypt and continued to fly over Pakistan and India. In September 1983 Swami Vishnu flew over the Berlin Wall from West to East and landed an ultralight glider in an East Berlin field. He held a Global Village Peace Festival alongside the Berlin Wall in which he walked across hot coals to demonstrate strength of mind. After his flight in West Berlin he said in a statement that “The only hope for peace is when we recognise the unity of mankind”.

He had neither passport nor visa, nor did he have permission of the authorities for his flight in a red and yellow Quicksilver ultralight aircraft. When asked why travel without a passport he said “Birds fly from country to country without recognising state borders and without passports and visas”.

International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center

Swami Vishnu founded the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres, a global organization with its head quarters in Val-Morin, Quebec, Canada. It has 20 yoga centres, 9 ashrams and several affiliated centres across the world.


The plane Swami Vishnu flew is currently kept in the peace museum at the Sivananda Ashram in Val-Morin, Quebec, Canada.

(Sivananda Ashram, Val-Morin, Quebec, Canada – Peace plane museum)

The true spirit and values of the organization are upheld through its relentless and tireless service to humanity as a whole.