Health & Nutrition Articles: Healthy Living Articles

5 lesser-known side effects of consuming too much lemon

May 23, 2022, 05.45PM IST

Lemon is one of the best sources of vitamin C that we keep on having in our day to day life without thinking twice in the form of lemon water, lemonade etc. This multi-purpose fruit is known to be relatively healthy for skin, hair and even the complete body. But, did you ever imagine that this sour-flavoured fruit can cause some discomfort to you as well? Experts believe that despite its nutritious properties when a person consumes too much lemon, it can cause several side effects. (Images courtesy: iStock)Also Read: Lemon Price Rise: 4 reasons why lemons are getting costlier

Here's why Espresso Coffee is worst for people with high cholesterol: Study

May 22, 2022, 05.56PM IST

As per a recent study published in the journal BMJ Open Heart, drinking heavily espresso coffee can result in higher cholesterol and particularly among men. There have been several studies in the past on coffee that have naturally occurring chemicals with higher levels of cholesterol in the blood, which further causes heart problems including a stroke. (Images courtesy: iStock)Also Read: This is how drinking coffee can help prevent heart failure

Here’s why nuts are essential for your kid's growth and 5 nuts that are super-healthy

May 20, 2022, 06.04PM IST

When we talk about a kid’s nutrition, we have to be extra careful as they are quite fussy. It is simpler to say that one should make healthy food for kids, but it is quite a task as kids are very discerning. However, today we bring you a trick that can help get your kid some nutrition at least. Whenever thinking of your kid’s nutrition, think of nuts! They are one of the easiest sources of nutrition and can provide good fat & protein along with micronutrients. Nuts can help in brain development along with heart health, thus one can easily say that nuts are the powerhouse of nutrition and can be literally added to any food to amp up the health quotient. (Images courtesy: iStock)Also Read: How to make preservative-free Almond milk at home

Chai lovers, here’s another reason to have tea daily

May 17, 2022, 06.58PM IST

Talking about bone health only points toward one drink in general and that is plain old ‘milk’. It is quite the age-old practice to drink milk at night as it's loaded with calcium. Milk has been one of the popular choices for the older generation to increase their bone density. However, it is not the only drink that can improve bone health. There are some tea recipes that are quite effective in improving bone health. (Images courtesy: iStock)Also Read: Watch: World's ‘Highest Tea Party’ at Mt Everest

Can diabetics relish mangoes during the summer season?

May 12, 2022, 02.17PM IST

The summer season brings with it our favourite fruit - ‘Mango’. It intensifies your craving for something sweet and you want to binge on mangoes while the summer season lasts. It also raises an important question- Can you relish mangoes being a diabetic? Mangoes are known for their delicious taste but people are often unaware of their rich nutritional value. They are easily available and they can be added to your diet in versatile ways. They can be added to smoothies, salads, served as tropical fruits, added to oatmeal, etc. Let us try to find out if they are suitable for diabetics. (Images courtesy: iStock)Also Read: Delicious food that diabetic people can easily consume

Nutritionist recommends avoiding these 5 common breakfast mistakes

May 7, 2022, 01.44PM IST

It has been said several times that ‘breakfast’ is the most important meal of the day as it helps in supplying glucose to your body, which boosts the energy while breaking the overnight fasting period. It is for the same reason that nutritionists recommend ‘eat breakfast like a king’. However, in today’s time, everyone’s sleep is erratic and eating a breakfast that’s full of nutrition is something people avoid taking. Not just that, but because of sleep issues, the breakfast timings are also erratic. Even the Ayurveda recommends having breakfast on time, as it is the time our body's 'pitta' (fire or metabolism) is at its peak. Sahiba Bhardwaj, who is a Nutritionist & Nutrition Educator highlights some of the common breakfast mistakes that people tend to make that could hamper our metabolism. Take a look. (Images courtesy: iStock)Also Read: 6 healthy ways to have eggs in breakfast

Is it okay to consume sweets before every meal? An Ayurveda expert answers

May 6, 2022, 07.32PM IST

When it comes to sweets, it's always been the after part of the meal. However, if we go by recent reports, it is actually best if you eat it before a meal, according to the Ayurveda. Recently, Ayurveda expert Dr Nitika Kohli posted on her Instagram about this complete new information and we are still digesting the fact. While there are mixed responses from people in her comment box, we asked Dr Rekha Radhamony, who has been practising Ayurveda for quite a long and is the 4th generation Ayurvedic Medicine Doctor, who juggles between India and Dubai for her work. She has a completely different opinion about the same. (Images courtesy: iStock)Also Read: What did ancient Indians eat and the food practices they followed

5 benefits of adopting a dairy-free diet daily

May 4, 2022, 12.21AM IST

A dairy-free lifestyle may seem interesting for environmentalists, but it is something that may not be suitable for everyone out there. We all have grown up hearing from our elders that ‘drinking milk makes us stronger’, but is it really true? These days many people have developed an intolerance for milk and related products due to their lifestyle, which has paved way for dairy-free options across the market. In this article, we’ll discover the various benefits of going dairy-free, its difference from lactose-free foods and its alternatives. Read more to find out about it. (Images courtesy: iStock)Also Read: Queen Elizabeth’s diet secrets that keeps her fit even at the age of 96

Food for fertility: Must-have foods when trying to conceive

Apr 30, 2022, 09.00PM IST

Is it possible to improve your fertility by eating certain foods? Yes, it absolutely is. It is crucial to remember that while there is no secret diet that guarantees pregnancy, food and lifestyle choices do have an impact on both women's and men’s reproductive health. Through theirimpact on your stomach, blood flow, hormone levels, and overall health, the foods you eat, coupled with other factors like lifestyle and stress levels, can help you conceive. Functional Nutritionist Mugdha Pradhan, CEO and Founder of iThrive suggests must-haves for those who are trying to conceive. Take a look at the list.

Eating this fruit twice a week can significantly lower your risk of heart disease

Apr 27, 2022, 06.00PM IST

A new study published in 'Journal of the American Heart Association' has suggested that eating two or more servings of avocados weekly was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.Avocados contain dietary fibre, unsaturated fats especially monounsaturated fat (healthy fats) and other favourable components that have been associated with good cardiovascular health. Clinical trials have previously found avocados have a positive impact on cardiovascular risk factors including high cholesterol. (image credits-istock)

Ramadan 2022: 5 tips and tricks to stay hydrated and fit during Ramadan

Apr 10, 2022, 01.18PM IST

One of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan has its origins in the Arabic language “ar-ramad,” which means ‘scorching heat’. It’s a time when Muslims around the world observe fasts from dawn (Sehri) to dust (Iftar) to commemorate the revelation of their Holy book ‘The Quran’, which is also known as the ‘Qur'an or Koran’. During the whole month when people observe fast, they aim to grow spiritually and build stronger relationships with Allah. It is not only a spiritual connection but a way to detox the whole body. Even when the fast is broken, most of the Muslims around the world eat a lot of fruits which helps in regaining that strength. Only after eating fruits, do they indulge in some treats like biryani, tikka, kebab, phirni, etc. When people fast for this long, many complain of dehydration and weakness. However, we have brought some of the easy tips and tricks that can help in gaining that lost strength and hydration. If you are also observing the Ramadan fasts, do follow these tips and let us know if they helped a little. (Images courtesy: iStock)Also Read: Ramadan 2022: Foods to help you stay hydrated for a longer time during Ramadan

Foods that have 10 gms and more protein

Apr 9, 2022, 12.39AM IST

From improving the mood to helping in burning fat and toning those muscles, protein is a nutrient that’s often seen as a dude food but is something that everyone needs. It is also an essential nutrient to improve the immunity levels of a person. Thus, it becomes the need of the hour to have enough protein in the body. On an average, a person is required to consume about 0.80 grams of protein per kg of body weight. So, for example, if a person’s weight is 70 kgs, he/she needs to consume 56 gms of protein per day to keep the body functioning properly. The more physically active a person is, he/she requires more protein to function. Thus, we curated a list of 8 such foods that have more than 10 gms of protein. Read more to find out about such foods. (Images courtesy: iStock)Also Read: Why it is important to have 'good quality' protein in diet

Heard about ovo-vegetarian? Here's all you need to know about it

Apr 7, 2022, 09.24AM IST

The lockdown has made people understand about their health and more and more people are opting for healthy foods. Be it a vegetarian or non-vegetarian diet, it is always important to take a good amount of nutrition that includes protein, fibre and healthy carbs. Recently in trend, ovo-vegetarian diet is all about vegetarian and eggetarian foods. Those who cannot eat meat but are able to include eggs in their diet are often called ovo-vegetarians. This diet is quite similar to the Kosher Jewish diet in which an egg is neither considered meat nor dairy (pareve). (Images courtesy: iStock)Also Read: What is lacto-vegetarian diet and what are its benefits

Cooking at home can boost mental health: Study

Mar 31, 2022, 02.09PM IST

Cooking a homemade meal for loved ones can provide a person with a great feeling of accomplishment. Ever since we were kids, we were told that homemade food is good for our health as it provides us with the right amount of nutrition and keeps us fit and fine. If you ask any home chef or a professional chef about their love for cooking, they will most probably reply that they feel content with feeding people. However, not just this reason they love to cook, but for mental health as well. This theory is supported by a recent study titled “How a 7-Week Food Literacy Program Affects Cooking Confidence and Mental Health” which was conducted by Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Australia and was published in the academic journal ‘Frontiers in Nutrition’. The study says that “Being confident in the kitchen is not only good for your taste buds, it's also good for your mental health.”

$Consuming a handful of prunes daily can protect against fracture risk in postmenopausal women: Study$

Consuming a handful of prunes daily can protect against fracture risk in postmenopausal women: Study

Mar 30, 2022, 08.46AM IST

As per a new study published in the journal ‘The Advances in Nutrition’, it has come to light that just a handful of prunes eaten daily by postmenopausal women can prevent bone loss near the hip area and protect against the increased risk of a fracture. (Images courtesy: iStock)

7 diet drink recipes that increase metabolism

Mar 25, 2022, 07.45PM IST

Losing weight can be a tricky thing as not everyone’s metabolism is fast. When talking about #weightloss, metabolism is the key to success. We all know that every body is different and can have a set of issues to deal with. Metabolism is all about genetics and varies from person to person. It’s a process that the body uses to break down food and turn it into energy. It cannot be changed magically, but there are ways using which it can be improved. One of the easy ways is to make changes to the diet by having healthy foods like green leafy vegetables and fruits. Add more citric fruits to your diet, which not only improves the immunity function but speeds up the metabolism as well. Here are easy diet drinks which are super-delicious and can help to speed up the metabolism, further helping in weight loss. Read more to find out. (Images courtesy: iStock)Also Read: 10 gut-friendly drinks that can improve digestion and rev-up metabolism

Probiotics Vs Prebiotics: Know which friendly bacteria you must eat daily

Mar 4, 2022, 04.09PM IST

Gut health is a burning topic nowadays with more and more people tailoring their diet to keep their gut healthy. Stomach related problems can pull down your overall health and take time to subside. It is better to take precautions beforehand and include foods in your diet that positively impact your gut. Prebiotics and probiotics are two main sources that can not only maintain but also improve your stomach health. Read on to know what’s the difference between the two and foods to include in your diet to get them. (image credits- istock)

9 Tips to tweak the simple buttermilk (chaach) for weight loss

Feb 23, 2022, 06.50PM IST

When looking for healthy drinks for #weightloss, buttermilk is one drink that comes on the top. It’s a healthy drink that most people enjoy in scorching summers, as it helps to beat the heat. It’s a delicious concoction of chilled curd, water and spices like cumin and mint to ward off any heat. It is one of the most effective drinks in Ayurveda and can help in digestion. It is for this reason that chaach is recommended by nutritionists in summer. We talked to Holistic Nutritionist Shweta Shah, who gave some tips on how to use this simple drink for weight loss. She also said that one can drink buttermilk at any time of the day & it is a great substitute for accelerated drinks. Shweta says, according to Ayurveda, it is best to consume buttermilk post-lunch as it is easy to digest. However, she cautions, one must avoid it at night as it can aggravate the Vata & Pitta, which will cause an imbalance in the body. Here are some of the tips mentioned by Shweta. (Images courtesy: iStock)Also Read:How to make buttermilk at home-recipe from scratch

Can almond milk go bad? Here’s all you need to know

Feb 21, 2022, 11.49PM IST

As more and more people turn towards a plant-based lifestyle, almond milk is quickly becoming a popular non-dairy, cow’s milk alternative. Earlier available in health stores, almond milk is becoming a common option for people to chose from and can be easily found in grocery stores and supermarkets these days. As compared to the other non-dairy milk alternatives, it is inexpensive or reasonably priced and thus more people are opting for it. But, did you know even almond milk can expire or go bad? Here is all you need to know about it. (Images courtesy: iStock)Also Read: PETA asks Amul to switch to vegan milk and this was Amul's response

What are probiotics and why one should have them daily

Feb 19, 2022, 09.06AM IST

A combination of live bacteria and/or yeasts, which is beneficial for your body and lives in it is called probiotics. Speaking in general, bacteria are constantly seen in a negative light which can cause illness. However, probiotics are made up of good bacteria which keep the body healthy. (Images courtesy: iStock)Also Read: Why Probiotic foods are important in COVID19 recovery