Diet
Star Fruit, also known as carambola, is a sweet and sour fruit which looks like a star, hence the name. Rich in dietary fibre and vitamins like vitamin C, this fruit is low in calories as well as carbs. Not just that, it is also rich in plant-derived compounds gallic acid, quercetin and epicatechin which are incredible in maintaining overall health and wellness. So, next time you feel bored eating the same fruits and vegetables, try Star Fruit!
Turmeric, also known as Haldi is a powerful and healthy spicy ingredient in Indian cooking and it's medicinal properties go back to Ayurveda. Adding turmeric milk to your regular diet has various health and lifestyle benefits. It improves memory and the quality of sleep. It helps in faster healing especially after illness, physical trauma or surgery. It has anti-allergic, antiseptic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory properties and also acts as an anti-ageing tonic. However, only a pinch of turmeric should be added in the milk for regular consumption.
Summer is here! As usual, we see an increase in the mercury levels and in the number of people suffering from heat stroke and dehydration. According to the nutritionists, seasonal foods and a lot of purified and boiled water should be consumed. Our body loses a lot of essential nutrients due to excessive sweating which causes a headache, blood pressure fluctuations, fever, rapid heartbeat and drying of skin. So seasonal vegetables and fruits such as muskmelons and watermelons are internally refreshing. Juices of Amla and Aloe, chaach, lime juice, faloodas, coconut water, etc. are the best bet.
The Indian Council of Medical Research recently submitted a report stating that more than fifty percent of women (particularly pregnant women) and children suffer from the deficiency of iron. Most of them are anemic and suffer the deficiency of Vitamin D because of poor diet and lack of nutrition. According to a nutritionist, during pregnancy and menopause and also during every monthly cycle, a women’s body goes through a lot of effort and hence, it is vital to maintaining a dietary balance by consuming nutrition-rich foods. Whole grains, diary products, fish, flax seeds, green leafy veggies, ginger, garlic, oranges, amla etc are good for regulare consumption.
Unbelievable! Did you know the noise we make while eating influences our eating habits and quantity? Yes, it's true. It does. It turns out that more the person is aware of his bites, chomping, crunching or simply chewing, the lesser he consumes. Sound is now typically labelled as on of the forgotten sense for food. To verify this, an experiment was conducted on few people who were made to wear headphones and listen to loud music while eating. it was observed that those who were listening to low sounds consumed more.
Weight conscious women keep wondering when is the best time to eat dessert, whether after lunch or before dinner during the evening in a way to work off the extra calories before sleeping. One must not consume a dessert on an empty stomach since your body will absorb it faster leading to increased sugar levels in the blood. The most convenient time is to have it after a balanced meal. That will allow your body to get all the nutrients in the meal to stabilize your blood sugar from dessert. Drinking water during its consumption and walking after, will also help you counter the effects.
According to science, our stomach tends to know when we will eat and starts releasing digestive juices at that time and if you drink water at the very same time, the digestive juices are diluted in the water and it hinders them from breaking down food. As a result, less juice is supplied to digest your food and undigested food gets leaked into the system which leads to heartburn and acid reflux. Drinking water during meals also increases insulin levels of your body. The healthy way is to have a glass of water thirty minutes before a meal.
Time to include a cruciferous vegetable, a new superfood, radish in your regular diet. They are extremely low in calories and contain high anti-congestive properties which help to treat cold and cough and boosts immunity. Radishes are loaded with hypertensive properties and high in phytochemicals which add anti-carcinogenic properties. They contain potassium and high fibre keeping the blood pressure in check, treating diabetes and stomach problems. They are a rich source of Vitamin C, hence, applying a crushed radish on your skin makes you look younger.
Gluten-free food is gaining popularity to be included in a regular diet which is very healthy if cooked right. They must be consumed in balance with other grains and cereals. Quinoa, corn, Brown rice, amaranth, wild rice etc. are some of the grains which are gluten-free. Quinoa is a good gluten-free source of iron, proteins and fibre and is extremely delicious. Brown rice is known for its low glycemic index thus is healthful staple which helps in reducing insulin spikes. These grains provide essential nutrients and keep you full and satisfied by ensuring that you eat small portions.
Low levels of estrogen cause problems in menopausal women. Eating foods rich in phytoestrogens can make it easier like soy being rich in isoflavones, reduces bad cholesterol, carrots decrease the risk of breast cancer, peanuts reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, flaxseeds improve menopausal symptoms, cucumber reduces night sweats and hot flashes, legumes and beans are rich in phytoestrogen and protein, and tofu-rich in isoflavones and proteins.