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.

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It may come as a surprise to you but few food items that we consume regularly considering healthy are avoided by the nutritionists like Canned soup, smoothies, popcorn and a can of Cola. According to the Daily mail, Canned soup contains plenty of salts. The popcorns are now popular in butter and chocolate form instead of being available in plain whole grain form. A small can of Cola gives you seven teaspoons of sugar. Their regular consumption leads to substantial weight gain and increased risk of Type II diabetes and heart diseases. They can also cause decaying of your tooth.

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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.

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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.

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Yogurt is made with milk which is full of protein and other nutrients like potassium, vitamin B12 and calcium. It also comes with probiotics which are living organisms, also known as good bacteria, that help in digestion and boost immunity. Hence, you must have heard, a bowl of yogurt is healthy for you. According to a study, it was found that consuming yogurt helped women greatly in reducing the risk of high blood pressure. Women are recommended to consume at least four servings of yogurt in a week for good health.

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What makes Ragi a super cereal is that it is a very good substitute for the canned baby food. It helps in strengthening and development of bones in children and elderly people. It helps in digestion and metabolic activities because of its high fibre content. It aids in weight loss and controls obesity and diabetes. Ragi is also rich in calcium and is a great substitute for lactose intolerant people. It is gluten free. It also supplies iron which is easily absorbed. Ragi is highly recommended for daily consumption as it is cheaper.

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Sweet potatoes might be something more than a superfood because of their high fibre content and nutritional values. Dieticians even recommend them in weight loss diet. They help in lowering blood sugar levels because of their low glycemic index. The high fibre content helps in preventing constipation. It is very good for eyes, prevents stress, controls blood pressure, anti-ageing, anti-cancer, heart healthy and full of energy. The most common way of consuming them is in the roasted form. However, individuals with kidney problems, diabetes and obesity should eat it after consulting a physician.

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According to a new study, organic meat and milk may be more beneficial to your health than conventionally offered products. The provision of Omega-3 fatty acids is 50% more these organic products which are essential for human nutrition. Organic meat also contains 40% more of linoleic acid. It carries higher concentrations of iron, Vitamin E and few carotenoids. These differences are due to the way livestock is produced, where they are fed grass and reared outside which leads to the production of milk and meat of higher quality which can prevent numerous chronic diseases.

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Gourmet defines a class of food cuisine, meal or ingredients which are usually expensive and of high quality.They are of superior taste and are presented in a special way. Sometimes they are even hand-crafted. According to a study, the population of India is gradually moving towards filling their kitchen with Gourmet products. They are beginning to prefer organic, gourmet and healthier food over usual diet. Some commonly bought gourmet food are cheese, Organic Indian Staples, handpicked teas, flavored freshly-roasted coffees, organic honey, quinoa puffs, grains etc.

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According to the new data, the most common cause of premature death around the globe is due to unhealthy eating. Unhealthy eating refers to a poor diet which contains excessive salt and sugar and fewer vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts. According to the study conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), such diets proved to have killed more than alcohol and smoking. Lack of exercise, improper diet and obesity leads to high blood pressure which causes more premature deaths in the world. Additionally, more consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages contributes to ischemic heart disease, strokes and diabetes.

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The State's mandatory legislation is keeping FMCG companies on their toes.Since India is rapidly moving from junk food to delicious healthy food, brands involved in FMCG are striving hard to be desirable to health seekers. Food fortification is the practice of adding essential vitamins and minerals to staple foods to improve their nutritional content. Fortification is a safe, effective way to improve public health. Some examples of fortified staple food items include - Tata Salt Plus, Rasna Beverages, Sunfeast Marie Oats, Nestle Maggie Noodles etc.

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The liver is one of the most important organs of the body as it performs the function of elimination of toxins. An unhealthy liver can lead to various health ailments such as a headache, fatigue, allergies, obesity and weak immunity. A number of foods can be consumed to improve liver health. These include avocado, apples, beet, broccoli and cabbage. This improves liver functions and overall liver health.

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In 30 rupees one can purchase their favourite snacks like jalebi or samosa but it will cost almost 150 rupees for purchasing a bowl of salad. It's expensive for Indian to choose healthy food over junk food. Youngsters for the same reason turn to french fries and burgers as it comes at a cheaper price as compared to a healthier option.

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Incorporate Green vegetables in your diet as they are packed with nutrients and are good for blood vessels, Beans to stabilize blood sugar and curb food cravings, Onions to boost cardiovascular and immune systems, Mushrooms that is highly beneficial for the prevention of breast cancer and Berries being rich in nutrient can lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancers.

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It’s important to eat fresh, not frozen as organic food ripens sooner. Avoid packaged foods and confirm the quality of the food. Most people may find it difficult to implement an organic lifestyle as taste preferences, old habits and costs affect the decision. To make it easy, start small with choosing healthier variants of rice, greens and organic toiletries. Foods marked "natural" are not always organic. They may contain pesticides or are modified.

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Experts believe awareness amongst the public on good food habits is a dire require. The office-holders of Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association (KHRA) accentuated that it is the responsibility of the government and the concerned authorities to ensure that cuisines are hygienic and are ready to support the Food and Safety Department to make certain that only healthy food will be served to the public.

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The Eco-Sikh organisation recommended all gurdwaras to serve organic langar to support organic food to commemorate the Sikh Environment Day on March 14. Representatives of this organisation will collaborate with farmers to purchase direct organic items to have a positive impact and encourage the community to implement healthy food habits.

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The Virginia Department of Health’s Summer Food Service Program seeks local financially stable organizations to offer summer meals to children. Hunger hinders the learning process leading to poor performance once the next academic year begins due to not having nutritious meals in summer. The program will provide nutritious meals to children aged 18 and younger, students over the age of 18 who are challenged and who partake in a vocational program.

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With Super Bowl Sunday fast approaching comes to a menu of unhealthy foods. Dr. Heidi Ryan specializing in weight loss surgery offers her advice for a healthy game weekend. Swap potato chips and dips with whole-wheat biscuits and sour cream with yogurt. Overeating too can be unhealthy. Moderation is key. She suggests to eat small portions and drink plenty of water.

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A report by the Food Standards Agency declares that public health is at risk because councils are neglecting to conduct the required number of inspections at food processing plants, restaurants and takeaways. The sharp drop in the sampling of food regardless of the kindle of the horsemeat scandal requires for more testing of products.

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