Kapil Sharma And Ginni Chatrath's Wedding Invitation Comes With An Overload Of Sweetness (See)

Kapil Sharma And Ginni Chatrath's Wedding Invitation Comes With An Overload Of Sweetness (See)

Indian comedian Kapil Sharma announced late last month that he will marry his girlfriend Ginni Chatrath on December 12 this year. Sharma had posted the official announcement on his social media pages, asking for blessings from his fans and followers. Sharma has joined a growing number of Indian celebrities who got married this year, including Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, and Priyanka Chopra.


The wedding festivities seem to have begun, with Ginni posting a number of photos from the celebrations and functions. The families of the bride and the groom are hard at work preparing for the D-day, even as the akhand path and choora ceremonies took place at Ginni's place in Jalandhar over the weekend. The pictures from the events, which appeared to be 'family-only' affairs, look really amazing and tell us that we can expect some more wedding pictures from the bride and groom soon.

Kapil Sharma and Ginni Chatrath have sent out wedding invite, which reaffirm our belief that Sharma is a foodie. The luxurious-looking invitations were sent out with what appears to be a whole box of Indian sweets filled with chunky nuts and dried fruits. A number of pictures of Kapil Sharma and Ginni Chatrath's wedding invitation have surfaced on Instagram. The pictures show that the couple are both fond of sweets.



Those sweets look really delicious, don't they? It is customary to carry a box of sweets when handing out invitation cards in India. Most people nowadays get their wedding invitation cards packaged in a box that contains a number of different kinds of dried fruits and nuts or barfis, ladoos and other sweets and savouries. Following their wedding, Kapil Sharma and Ginni Chatrath will be hosting wedding reception for their Indian television and film industry friends and colleagues.


The reception will be held in Mumbai on December 24th, 2018. Workwise, Kapil Sharma is busy filming the new episodes of his upcoming 'The Kapil Sharma Show.' Well we wish the couple all the very best for their wedding and hope to see more deliciousness from the wedding festivities

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Winter Health Tips: Benefits And Easy Ways Of Staying Hydrated During Winters

Winter Health Tips: Benefits And Easy Ways Of Staying Hydrated During Winters  

Winters are here and while we're all looking forward to the feasting and snuggling, it is important to take care of health as well. Like any other season, winter also demands special dietary and lifestyle adjustments to prepare the body for the cold weather. Staying hydrated may not look like an important thing to do during winters, as we don't lose a lot of sweat during cold weather. But as in summers, drinking enough water and retaining it in the body is important during winters as well. Staying hydrated may seem like an easy enough thing to do during winters, but it may not be so for a number of reasons. For one, dehydration is much less noticeable during winters, than it is during summers as you don't notice how much sweat you've lost under all those layers of clothing.


For another, the dryness in the air may dehydrate our bodies quicker than we can imagine and most often we don't even feel thirsty, so our need for adequate water may remain unmet. The effects of dehydration may be subtle and hence, less noticeable during winters, but it's important to work pre-emptively to replenish the fluid reserves of the body, in order to avoid any physical discomfort in the future.

Here are some health benefits of drinking adequate water during winters:

1. Temperature Regulation: Water helps regulate the body temperature, during both summers and winters. Staying hydrated may be a sure shot way to stay warm internally and prevent conditions like hypothermia.


2. Boosting Immunity: The cold and dry air may sap your body of energy, making you feel sluggish and even making you more susceptible to cold and flu. Stay hydrated to boost immunity and protect your body from illnesses.


3. Regulating Weight: When you're hydrated, your body is more capable of breaking down fats, effectively regulating body weight.


4. Boosting Skin Health: Drinking adequate water is one of the first things any beauty expert will suggest to you for skin health. During winters, it's essential to stay hydrated to prevent dry and dull skin.

How To Stay Hydrated During Winters

1. Drink Warm/Room Temperature Water: After exercising during winters or even generally, one should drink beverages or water which is at room temperature. This is because cold water/liquids get absorbed faster in the body.


2. Eat Fruits/Veggies With High Water Content: Eating a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content is also a great way to stay hydrated. Load up on strawberries, oranges, pineapple, lettuce, celery, tomatoes, carrots, spinach, cucumber, etc.


3. Limit Consumption of Alcohol/Caffeine: Although it's extremely tempting to indulge in hot teas, coffees and alcohol during winters, both alcohol and caffeine may dehydrate your body, so excessive consumption of both is not recommended.


4. Eat More Soups/Broths: Salty foods like soups and broths are healthy and may help in retaining water in the body. They also have the added advantage of warming you up from the inside.

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The Good Place Actor Jameela Jamil Wants You To Know About These Scary Side Effects Of Slimming Teas

The Good Place Actor Jameela Jamil Wants You To Know About These Scary Side Effects Of Slimming Teas 

Hollywood actor Jameela Jamil, who is known for her role in the English series 'The Good Place', has a message for all the celebrities who promote 'miracle cures' and fat burning or sliming teas and other products. Jamil, who is also a British television presenter, radio presenter and model, has been taking a firm stand against celebrities and social media influencers who promote brands which sell slimming products. She took to Twitter to voice her disapproval of such brands and celebrities who promote them, urging her fans and followers to 'unfollow' celebrities who promote weight loss miracle cures. She even posted screenshots of social media posts by celebrities like reality TV star Khloe Kardashian, singer and rapper Cardi B and singer Iggy Azalea, to drive the point home. All three celebrities have been promoting various slimming products through their social media pages, and soon Jamil's followers started posting their own experiences with these slimming products.


Jameela Jamil posted a whole statement against slimming laxative teas stressing on the fact that they
are unhealthy and unsafe for consumption. She said that these products only 'give you diarrhea, which makes your tummy flat for a day.' She further added by saying, 'Please unfollow celebrities who try to push this nonsense on you. It's not safe. It's not FDA approved. No doctors advise you to use this stuff.' She further gave us advice on how to actually lose weight in a healthy way: 'If you want to "curb your appetite", then eat some green vegetables or take some nutritious natural vegetable soup. Don't drink these "detox" teas. You need fiber!' Jamil said that if someone wants to get slimmer, they should 'talk to a trainer/doctor', instead of taking diet advice from 'from women who know nothing about nutrition/basic advertising ethics.'

Soon people were sharing their own experiences with slimming teas on Twitter. On user shared her experience of trying a 'fad diet': 'Unfortunately, during my knee surgery, I was persuaded by the family to go on a shake diet and when I stopped, I did not eat for a whole week because I had so much constipation. Never touching any of this 'weight loss' shit again!' Another user pointed out the harmful effects of detox teas: 'As a GP I've dealt with side effects of detox teas such as tachycardia, restlessness, decompensation of thyroid pathology, etc. Luckily those patients asked for help on time.' Jameela also opened up about her own struggles with weight and how her brush with weight loss and slimming products, left her feeling 'sick' and gave her 'digestion and metabolism problems for life.'

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Happy Birthday Sushmita Sen: Diet And Fitness Secrets Of The Youthful 43-Year-Old

Happy Birthday Sushmita Sen: Diet And Fitness Secrets Of The Youthful 43-Year-Old

Former Bollywood actor and beauty queen Sushmita Sen has quite an active presence on social media. The super fit actor is celebrating her 43rd birthday today and let's just admit it- Sushmita Sen doesn't look a day older than 30! The former Miss Universe kick-started her birthday by spending some quality time with her family and rumoured boyfriend Rohman Shawl. Sen posted pictures of herself celebrating her special day with Shawl, her daughters Renee and Alisah, her brother Rajeev Sen and her mother.

The Instagram post showed that the actor was feeling particularly loved on her birthday. She even cut a delicious-looking dessert, which, from the looks of it, is a cheesecake of some kind. The family appeared to have gone on an outing and the pictures suggested it was a high-end dining place or a hotel. Either way, it's clear that Sushmita Sen is having the time of her life, looking as lovely and youthful as ever.

It's obvious that you don't just end up looking as fit and as beautiful as Sushmita Sen does, without doing anything! The beauty, who was crowned Miss Universe in 1994, is an inspiration to millions of women around the world. Sen posts a lot of workout and fitness videos of herself and her two daughters on Instagram, which gives us a peak into the healthy lifestyle that she is teaching her daughters to lead. Let's take a look at Sushmita Sen's own diet and fitness routine to see what keeps the svelte star so fit, even at 43.

Sushmita Sen Diet

Although everyone knows how much Sushmita Sen loves to work out, we're here to tell you that the beauty doesn't compromise on her diet either. Her personal fitness trainer Nupur Shikhare had told Vogue in an interview that Sen has a very healthy diet. He revealed that Sen didn't believe in following any fitness fads and instead made sure her diet gave her a more holistic nutrition. According to Shikhare, Sushmita Sen is very particular about her Macros and her diet is rich in all of them- proteins, carbs and fats. She never indiscriminately skips meals, and vegetables and grilled fish were regulars in her daily meals. She also made sure that she was always adequately hydrated. The beauty is something of a cooking enthusiast as well. Here's proof of Sushmita Sen's cooking skills, when she made a pineapple dessert for her family.

Sushmita Sen Fitness Routine

When it comes to fitness, Sushmita Sen has proved that age is just a number and if you want to keep fit, you can do that at any age. The former actor is seen pushing the envelope during her workouts and trying out newer and more challenging exercises and workout routines. Sen's intense workout routine even at 43 is a testament to the kind of discipline that she has inculcated in her life. The diva keeps her workout routine flexible as it keeps changing throughout the week. She started doing Aerial Silk (AS), which is a form of dance that involves hanging in the air with the help of a fabric, when she suffered a back injury.

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Huma Qureshi's Post Workout Snack Is Gajak: 4 Reasons To Love This Healthy Winter Sweet!

Huma Qureshi's Post Workout Snack Is Gajak: 4 Reasons To Love This Healthy Winter Sweet!

Bollywood actor Huma Qureshi has inspired many with the healthy outlook towards health and her body-positive attitude. Qureshi, who often shares videos of herself working out and also shares diet tips with her followers on Instagram, has always promoted love and acceptance for all body types and shapes. The 'Gangs of Wasseypur' actor has proven her acting chops to Bollywood lovers multiple times, but we also love her for her inspiring diet and fitness tips that she often doles out on social media. To maintain a healthy weight, mind and body, one must approach one's diet very mindfully and turn towards healthy eating practices in the long run, instead of adopting crash diets or excessively restrictive diets.


It is important to eat a healthy and proper diet during winters, as it is during the cold weather that our immune system takes a hit. There are some common winter foods that we must add to our diets for a healthy mind and body.


Gajak is one of those and Bollywood actor Huma Qureshi has found a great way to incorporate gajak in her winter diet as a post-workout snack! Qureshi posted a picture of a box full of the wintery goodness, sent in for her by her trainer. Celebrity fitness trainer Akki Sharma seemingly approves of the winter sweet as a great energising post-workout snack.

Gajak is a popular winter sweet that is available in north Indian states. Gajak is made from sesame seeds or til and jaggery or gur, both of which are extremely healthy for consumption during winters.

Here Are Some Incredible Health Benefits Of Eating Gajak During Winters:

1. Boosts Digestion: Sesame seeds and jaggery are both great for digestion and ensure regular bowel movements.


2. Boosts Skin Health: Sesame seeds have anti-inflammatory properties that are good for the skin, which tends to become dry and flaky during winters.


3. Boosts Energy Levels: The presence of jaggery in gajak makes it a great energiser. Even sesame seeds are great for boosting energy levels, due to the presence of high levels of good fat in them. Eating a small piece before or after your workout may boost energy or fasten recovery, respectively.


4. Satiating Fibre: Gajak is filling, as sesame seeds are rich in fibre, which makes it a good winter snack.

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This High-Carb Food Is Jacqueline Fernandez's Favourite: Why You Should Eat It Too!

This High-Carb Food Is Jacqueline Fernandez's Favourite: Why You Should Eat It Too!

Not all carbohydrates are bad- this may just be the pet phrase of any health expert or nutritionist. You may have heard the harmful effects of removing entire food groups from your diet like some people do. Low-carb diets for weight loss are all the rage right now, with many variations of them cropping up as fads every now and then. However, not all carbohydrates are bad for your health and doing away from them completely may, in fact, hinder weight loss.


Moreover, staying away from carbohydrates completely is bound to make you quite a diet earlier as it is not sustainable. Our body is naturally used to burning carbohydrates for energy and while carbohydrates in junk foods are bad for health, there are some healthy carbs as well that you must consume for good health. Sabudana or sago is one such healthy carb, which is typically consumed during Navratri fasts.


However, sabudana or tapioca pearls can be consumed even when one is not fasting, as a healthy alternative to refined flour. Jacqueline Fernandez certainly likes sabudana and we know that because the Bollywood beauty posted a picture of a sabudana dish on her Instagram stories. The picture showed a dish that resembled sabudana khichdi, with peanuts in it and Jacqueline wrote on the picture, "My fav!" 

The tiny translucent sabudana globules are a favourite dish of many people around the country. It is also consumed as a breakfast dish in Maharashtra and some other parts of the country. Usually, some vegetables and peanuts are added to sabudana khichdi to make it more wholesome and filling. Sabudana has a number of health benefits, including boosting energy.


Made from the tapioca root, sabudana is also great for digestion and it keeps digestive troubles at bay. It is nutritious, easy-to-digest and has the right amount of carbs, minerals and vitamins, as well as calcium, potassium and iron to keep you healthy and hearty. Moreover, it contains negligible fats. Although it's a starchy food and one must be mindful of how much sabudana they eat- you can't eat it every day.


However, you can consume cooked sabudana once in a while as a gluten-free snack, in place of a sandwich or a high-calorie meal. No wonder sabudana or sago has found favour with the lovely and super-fit Jacqueline Fernandez.

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Want To Be A Vegan Like Virat Kohli? 5 Things To Know Before Making The Switch

Want To Be A Vegan Like Virat Kohli? 5 Things To Know Before Making The Switch

That veganism is gaining traction around the world is a fact well known. The 'vegan movement' has been gaining steam on the heels of celebrities gushing about the health benefits of the diet that completely rejects all animal food products. A number of celebrities have switched to a vegan diet in recent times, and two who created a wave in India this month were Bollywood actor Tamannaah Bhatia and Indian national cricketer Virat Kohli.


Kohli's change of diet made a big splash recently when popular English daily reported that the sportsman had switched to veganism. The media reports quoted a source close to Kohli as saying that the reason behind the latter giving up dairy and dairy products is to improve his game and the level of his fitness. The source reportedly said that Virat Kohli had started the diet four months ago and that he was reportedly feeling stronger and healthier.


Kohli had always been a vegetarian and had forgone meats long ago, but recently reports revealed that he had swapped even dairy and dairy products with protein shakes, soya and vegetables. However, one cannot just turn vegan overnight. There is fair amount of research and trial and error that goes into it. It's difficult to switch to veganism, especially if you have certain deficiencies or illnesses that necessitate the consumption of certain foods. Although you can do it if you are armed with complete information about your body and have a diet chart to get your through the initial days of the transition.

So, if you're also looking to turn vegan like Virat Kohli, here are five things you absolutely must know before making the big switch:

1. Learning how to cook can be a blessing: Generally, in life, cooking is a valuable skill - it is economical and also makes it easier for you to eat healthier. If you're planning to turn vegan, then cooking your own meals can be helpful as then you can control the ingredients that go into the food you cook.


2. Veganism doesn't guarantee weight loss: It's true that vegans tend to generally be leaner than say, a meat eater or a vegetarian, but veganism is not a sure shot way to lose weight. If that was the reason you wanted to switch to veganism, then you need to be mindful of the kind of vegan products you buy from the market. Make sure your vegan food doesn't have trans-fats or harmful preservatives.



3. Fall in love with Indian food again: It's time to get back to basics. A plate of rajma chawal and dal chawal can be as satiating as a bowl of macaroni and cheese. Indian food has extremely delicious dishes, which are vegan in nature and nutritious as well. Moreover, the kind of the variety that Indian cuisine has in vegetarian food is hard to find in any other cuisine. Additionally, it's not that difficult to find restaurants serving delicious Indian food in almost any corner of the world.


4. Find vegan friends online and offline: It's easier to transition to a dairy-free and meat-free lifestyle, if you have someone to do it with you. Find vegan friends online, preferably ones who have been vegan for a while and ask them for advice. It'll be easier for you to swap knowledge about popular brands selling good quality and natural vegan products, as well as vegan recipes and blogs.



5. Don't quit dairy cold turkey: You can't quit everything all at once. It's usually easier to transition when you quite one thing at a time. If you are a meat eater, try quitting that first and then slowly, gradually quit dairy and dairy products. Don't worry if you falter, give in to cravings and indulge once in a while. It won't help for you to be harsh on yourself during the transition period.

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Ginseng Tea: Weight Loss And 8 Amazing Health Benefits Of The Herbal Tea

Ginseng Tea: Weight Loss And 8 Amazing Health Benefits Of The Herbal Tea

Herbal teas are a rage around the world today, as nutritionists increasingly recommend a 'back-to-the-basics' diet for overall health and fitness. There are hundreds of options to choose from and health freaks are lapping up the herbal tea trend, as more and more scientific studies come up with the addictive qualities of caffeine and the harmful effects of popular caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, sports drinks, etc.


Ginseng root is one herb, which can be used to make tea, which purportedly has a host of health benefits. It is used by Koreans to make a number of drinks including ginseng wine and ginseng tea. While the wine is supposed to be great for men to improve vigour and vitality, the tea is known to be an energy booster. The advantages of drinking ginseng tea are not completely unknown to the world. It has been consumed by Koreans for centuries, but now as herbal teas take the centre stage in the nutrition world, ginseng tea is getting the attention it deserves.


Traditionally, ginseng tea doesn't have any tea leaves but is instead prepared from ginseng roots, along with jujube fruits and Korean chestnuts. The root, the fruit, and the nuts are decocted for several hours over low heat to obtain the tea. The drink is sweetened with honey and served with pine nuts floating on top of the concoction. Nowadays, ginseng tea is available in powder form, in single-serve foil packets for quick preparation and consumption. Ginseng tea capsules are also available to be taken as supplements. People who have tasted the tea have liked it and hated it in equal measure as the drink has a strong taste and smell, which some people have described as medicinal.

Everyone, from kids to old people, drink ginseng tea in Korea and it is known as 'Insam-cha' in Korean language. But is ginseng tea as beneficial for our health as it is made out to be? Let's find out!

Health Benefits of Ginseng Tea

There are two kinds of ginseng- Asian (from China and Korea) and American ginseng root. Korean or Asian ginseng is a warmer variety, while the American ginseng is cooling in nature. While American ginseng is said to be safe for consumption over longer periods of time, Korean ginseng shouldn't be consumed on a daily basis for long periods of time. The healing properties of ginseng root are credited to the presence of natural chemicals called ginsenosides. These chemicals are known to have anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and vasorelaxative properties. This is why Koreans have traditionally used ginseng extracts to renew body and mind and improve their overall well-being.

Here are some ways that drinking ginseng tea may benefit you:

1. Weight Loss: Ginseng tea may aid weight loss, as it is known to be a natural appetite suppressant, according to the book 'The Miracle of Herbs and Spices' by Dr. Bahram Tadayyon. However, only drinking this tea along may not help you lose weight and it has to be accompanied by regular exercise and a healthy diet.


2. Controls Hypertension: Drinking ginseng tea is said to be a natural home remedy to control hypertension or high blood pressure. According to 'Linda Page's Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self-healing for Everyone', some clinical trials on high blood pressure patients proved that consumption of ginseng tea can bring about a regular reduction in blood pressure.


3. Restores Hormonal Balance: Ginseng tea is particularly good for women, as it can help bring about a hormonal balance in their bodies and may consequently guard against breast cancer, endometriosis and other problems caused by hormonal imbalances. This is because ginsenosides are chemically similar to female steroidal hormones, which means that the root has mildly estrogen-like effects, according to 'Linda Page's Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self-healing for Everyone'.


4. Revitalises Body And Brain: A lot of people claim to have improved cognitive abilities and better attention span, after drinking ginseng tea. This is because, according to the book 'Prescription For Herbal Healing' by Phyllis A. Balch, ginseng is an adaptogen, which improves the body's ability to tolerate stressful situations. This is why it's usually taken to improve energy and beat anxiety and stress.


5. Promotes Heart Health: Ginseng tea is a rich source of antioxidants, which are good for heart health. Moreover, according to the book 'Prescription For Herbal Healing' by Phyllis A. Balch, ginseng has been shown to slow the heart rate and reduce the heart's demand for oxygen. The book says that ginseng root can increase the strength with which heart muscle can contract and hence, protects the heart from myopathy.


6. Promotes Skin Health: Antioxidant-rich herbs and spices like ginseng can promote skin health, due to the inflammation-fighting properties of their active chemicals and compounds. According to the book 'The Miracle of Herbs and Spices' by Dr. Bahram Tadayyon, ginseng has anti-ageing properties for the skin, due to the presence of free radical-fighting antioxidants.

7. Strengthens Immunity: Ginseng tea has been used in traditional medicine to fight cold and flu and it has been known to strengthen the immune system of the body. According to the book 'Linda Page's Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self-healing for Everyone' ginseng stimulates phagocytic action and antibody response to harmful bacteria and viruses.


8. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels: Both American and Korean ginseng has been shown to decrease insulin resistance, making ginseng tea good for regulating blood sugar levels. According to the book 'Prescription For Herbal Healing' by Phyllis A. Balch, ginseng tea can reduce insulin requirements and prolong the effects of injected insulin. According to the book, the drink may help people suffering from Type-2 diabetes.


9. Improves Sexual Health: Ginseng tea and ginseng wine are consumed by men in Korea, in order to maintain sexual health. According to 'Linda Page's Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self-healing for Everyone', ginseng tea is the only herb to clinically test as a source of phyto testosterone or naturally occurring testosterone from a plant source. The book also claims that ginseng can improve sperm count and can also support key gland functions like adrenals and prostate.


Ginseng tea is one herbal drink that has multiple health benefits. However, as stated before, an overdose of the same can have a number of side effects as well. These include insomnia and nervousness, blood clots, nausea, vomiting, headaches, etc. One must always consult a certified nutritionist or dietitian before adding anything to their diet, especially in cases of chronic or potentially fatal illnesses.

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Fact Check: Foods Rich In Carbs Can Be Healthy Too, Here's A List

If you think that eating foods rich in carbohydrates will make you gain weight, then you must think again. Many people now a days believe that eating carb-rich foods makes you put on kilos. For years, 'carbohydrates'  have been unfairly blamed for all that excessive weight gain amongst young and old. The truth is that eating carbs is not bad at all; in fact they facilitate weight loss and may help you manage many lifestyle diseases. Surprised? Don't  be, simply put, carbs act as a fuel for our body and are the major source of energy that our body needs to stay active throughout the day. Importantly, all carbs are not same.


You need to avoid the carbs you acquire from eating sugars, which is the real 'culprit' of weight gain. There are three types of carbs found in food - sugar, starch and fibre. The healthy sources of carbs are found in foods that are unprocessed, rich in fibre, and have low glycaemic index; and this is where we need to focus.


According to Health Practitioner and Macrobiotic Nutritionist, Shilpa Arora, "The reason why carbs have a bad reputation is because we consume more refined carbohydrates that cause sudden spikes in blood sugar levels and can lead to a host of health problems like type-2 diabetes, irritability, sugar cravings, lethargy, poor mental focus and fatigue."

Here is a list of 5 carb-rich foods that you can add to your diet:

1. Quinoa

Quinoa is one of the healthiest and most versatile superfoods that you can use to make interesting breakfast and lunch dishes. According to the book, 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing House, quinoa is easily digested and does not contain gluten. It is a complete source of protein and a good source of anti-inflammatory, mono-unsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids. A 100-gram serving of cooked quinoa has 21.3 grams carbs, 4.40 grams protein and 2.8 grams fibre.

2. Chickpeas

Chickpeas are part of the legume family. They are an excellent source of carbohydrates and plant-based protein and contain many vitamins and minerals. According to book, 'Healing Foods', "The fibre in chickpeas has been shown to help reduce levels of "unhealthy" (LDL) cholesterol and help regulate appetite and reduce food cravings." A 100-gram serving of roasted chickpeas has 64.29 grams carbs and 17.9 grams of fibre.

3. Green Peas

Eating seasonal green peas is a great idea as they are packed with nutrients. Peas are rich in protein and fibre, which aid digestion; moreover, they are packed with phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. They are a good source of iron, which helps manage anemia and combat fatigue. A 100-gram serving of green peas has 14.45 grams carbs, 5.42 grams proteins and 5.7 grams fibre.

4. Apple

Available in many varieties, juicy apples have been celebrated since time immemorial for their health benefits. They are high in pectin fibre and slow-release sugars that are known to help improve heart health and manage blood sugar levels. They are also packed with important nutrients that promote strong, healthy bones. A 100-gram serving of apples has 13.81 grams carbs and 2.4 grams fibre.

5. Corn

Don't be surprised to see corn (makai or bhutta as we call in in India) on this list. We are not talking about the packed and processed corn, but the ones that are fresh and are easily available in the markets. Corn is a good source of vitamins A, B and E, and also comes loaded with essential minerals and fibre. Corns are packed with soluble fibre that regulates waste material through the digestive tract. Soluble fibre is also known to control blood sugar level.

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Best Home Remedies For Monsoon: 5 DIY Immunity-Boosting Tonics To Prepare This Rainy Season

Monsoons are in full swing, and therefore, now is the time for you to load up on healthy food to shield your body from infections and diseases. The rainy season exposes you to many different kinds of diseases and a proactive approach may go a long way in preventing you from falling prey to them. There are a number of dietary and lifestyle changes that you can make, in order to boost your immune system and keep diseases at bay. For one, you should at least minimize consumption of roadside eatables or street foods, if you cannot completely do away with it. Another way to boost immunity during the rainy season is to stay hydrated and reduce consumption of sugary and fried foods, as these directly impact your immunity.


It's also important to get enough sleep and eat nutrient-rich foods during monsoons, in order to stay healthy. While all of us are more or less familiar with immunity-boosting foods, there are some lesser known and quick DIY health drinks or tonics, which you can easily make at home to fight monsoon infections naturally. These tonics are very easy to make, require minimum ingredients and are ready within a few minutes. Keep these tonics handy and consume them regularly during the rainy season, in order to sail easily through the flu season.



Here are Best 5 immunity-boosting tonics that may reduce your chances of falling ill during the monsoons:

1. Ginger Tea

Ginger is one of the best spices to include in your diet during monsoons. The root spice has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Ginger tea is one of the best home remedies for upset stomach and can also go a long way in boosting immunity. All you need to do for making ginger tea is take three cups of water in a deep-bottomed pan and add freshly chopped ginger to it. Bring the water to a boil and then add tea leaves and honey to it. Finish the tea off with a little bit of lemon juice, which adds the immunity-boosting powers of vitamin C to it and voila! Ginger tea is ready within minutes and is a soothing monsoon concoction.


2. Turmeric And Black Pepper Tea

Another root spice from the East that is fast taking over the culinary world around the globe is turmeric. The magical spice present in every Indian household has potent antioxidant properties, all thanks to the presence of curcumin. It is also anti-bacterial and anti-fungal in nature and can guard against infections when consumed or applied topically. We can turn this magical spice into turmeric tea for the rainy season by simply adding a teaspoon full of turmeric powder to your black tea. Add black pepper and honey to your tea to enhance its infection-fighting abilities.


3. Garlic And Honey

The idea of having raw garlic with honey isn't very appetising, but it surely works. This tonic works both during the rainy season and winters by significantly boosting your immunity. Garlic and honey are both immunity-boosting foods that you should anyway be adding to your monsoon diet. But, consuming this concoction everyday may prevent diseases more effectively. All you need to do is peel some garlic cloves, crush them with the flat side of the knife and place them in a glass jar. Cover them with raw, organic honey and let the jar sit for a few days to let the two foods get infused. Refrigerate the jar for consumption during the monsoon months.



4. Cinnamon And Honey

Honey and cinnamon have multiple benefits, from curing constipation to combating allergies and even regulating blood sugar levels. The brilliant combination should be consumed during monsoon especially, as it can prevent infections and keep you from falling sick. This concoction can also help in natural detoxification of the body, if consumed first thing in the morning. To make this immunity-boosting tonic, take some cinnamon-infused water and add a teaspoon of raw organic honey to it. You can make cinnamon water by simply seeping cinnamon sticks in lukewarm water.


5. Apple Cider Vinegar And Cinnamon

Apple cider vinegar has a number of health benefits, including revving up the immune system and strengthening it to fight infections. To make this immunity-boosting monsoon tonic, you need raw and unpasteurised apple cider vinegar, as it contains live cultures or good bacteria, which keep your gut healthy. Take some apple cider vinegar in a glass and add some cinnamon powder, lukewarm water and cinnamon sticks to it. Stir the mixture well and drink it to reap its benefits.

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Bell Peppers: All You Need To Know About Bell Peppers

Bell Peppers: All You Need To Know About Bell Peppers

Bell peppers, also known as sweet peppers, are a part of the nightshade family, which includes tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplant. These less pungent varieties of pepper are available in different colors such as yellow, red, green, purple and orange. The substance 'capsaicin' that is known to control spiciness in peppers is found in very small amounts in bell peppers, which makes them less 'hot', hence, earned its name as the sweet pepper.

But, the appeal of bell peppers goes way beyond their stunning good looks and sweet-spicy taste. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, sweet peppers are packed with many health-benefiting properties. Here're 4 health benefits of adding bell peppers to your diet:



1. Good For Eyes, Skin, And Bones

Bell peppers are rich in vitamin A and C, which support healthy eyesight, especially night vision, as well as bones and skin health. They are a rich source of carotenoids called lutein that help reduce the risk of macular decomposition of the eyes. According to the book, 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing, "Bell pepper contains vitamin C, necessary for the synthesis of collagen, the main structural protein in the body that maintains the integrity of blood vessels, skin and bones."

2. Burns Calories

It is believed that due to the presence of capsaicin - the substance that boosts our metabolism - bell peppers may enhance weight-loss efforts. Research has shown that capsaicin keeps immature fat cells from developing into full-fledged ones, which supports weight loss. In other words, capsaicin is known to increases our metabolism without increasing the heart rate and blood pressure, unlike its 'hot' cousin - red chilies.



3. Anti-Cancer Benefits

According to the book, 'Healing Foods', "Red peppers have significantly higher nutrient levels than green, including lycopene, which helps to protect against cancer of the prostrate, cervix, bladder and pancreas." Due to the richness of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, bell pepper can provide many anti-cancer benefits. Chronic excessive inflammation and chronic unwanted oxidative stress increase the risk of cancer. These factors can be offset with regular intake of phytonutrients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. According to a study published in the Journal of Food Agriculture and Environment,"Peppers were reported to contain moderate to high levels of neutral phenolics or flavonoids, which are important antioxidant components of a plant-based diet. Flavonoids are reported to possess many biochemical and pharmacological effects, including anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and anti-allergy. The intake of these flavonoids was reported to reduce the risk of cancer."



4. Cardiovascular Benefits

Antioxidant levels may vary between varieties of bell peppers. Red bell peppers are rich in lycopene, which makes them excellent for a healthy heart, while green bell peppers are known as good sources of cholesterol-reducing fiber. Bell peppers are rich in vitamin B6 and folate, which help to lower homocysteine levels (high homocysteine levels lead to a higher risk of heart disease).

5. Improves Hair Growth And Health

Did you know that applying bell pepper on hair can enhance your hair growth and health? They trigger hair growth through the improvement of blood circulation in the scalp. All you have to do is boil a few dry red bell peppers in water and leave them for 4 to 5 minutes. Once it is cool, massage it on your scalp and leave it for 12 to 15 minutes. Wash off the hair with normal water. The spiciness of bell pepper enhances the growth and health of the hair. Repeat it twice in a week for better results.


Bell peppers not only increase the taste of your food, but also can increase your health. So, add some bell peppers to your shopping cart, and start cutting your rich health benefits!


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Carbs Are Not Bad: Best 5 Grains To Enjoy In Your Everyday Rotis

Carbs Are Not Bad: Best 5 Grains To Enjoy In Your Everyday Rotis

With an aim to eat healthily, we often include or exclude many foods from our diet, which may lead us to eliminate some important nutrients from our diet as well. This half knowledge may do more harm than good to your body. In order to avoid this, we should think of foods as 'packages of nutrients' with varying amounts of the three calorie-containing nutrients: carbohydrate, protein, and fat. However, there have been many debates around the topic if carbs are good for us or not? Some say that eating carbohydrates can make you fat, whereas some say that they are very useful for our body and accelerate the weight loss process. The truth is that carbs are good for us, it's the choice that we make could be wrong. People often misunderstand nutritionists' cue of cutting down on carbohydrates for weight loss. You need to know that not all carbohydrates are the same and this is the type, quality and quantity of carbohydrate in our diet which plays an important role. If you have been advised that you have advised to cut on your carbs, then it means that you need to avoid carbohas from eating sugars. There are three types of carbohydrates found in food: sugar, starch and fiber.


More healthy sources of carbohydrates are fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and low- or no-fat dairy foods.

Less healthy sources of carbohydrates are refined grains, sugary drinks, and sweets

According to celebrity nutritionist Pooja Makhija, "Carbs don't make you fat, but wrong choices can. Carbs are known to give you energy through the day. They are also important for fat metabolism. If you want to fight fat, you need carbos to burn them. Complex carbs from foods like whole grains, brown rice and lentils should make up at least 60% of your daily meals. If you're not eating enough carbs, you will not be able to sustain the weight loss and eat more to make up for the lack of calories." Carbohydrates become the body's primary energy source- glucose, once it's digested. In addition to energy, healthy sources of carbohydrates offer myriad vitamins and minerals.


Health Practitioner and Macrobiotic Nutritionist, Shilpa Arora says, "Most of our healthy carbs should have the low glycaemic index, which means that they should not rapidly spike your blood sugar levels and provide slow release of energy. The reason why carbs have a bad reputation is that we consume more refined carbohydrates that cause sudden spikes in blood sugar levels and can lead to a host of health problems like type-2 diabetes, irritability, sugar cravings, lethargy, poor mental focus, and fatigue."

All the fruits and vegetables, in their natural form, comprise mainly carbohydrates with a bit of protein and nearly no fat. Legumes and fat-free milk mainly contain carbohydrates and some protein. Similarly, whole grains (not the refined ones like maida, sooji or bakery bread) are a source of good carbohydrates. Shilpa Arora adds, "Whole grains are loaded with carbohydrates; for example, brown rice, bulgar and oats are super rich sources of carbs, amaranth is a great source of essential amino acids, and wheat germ is loaded with vitamin-E." Some of the examples of whole grains include barley, sorghum, whole wheat, quinoa, oatmeal, millet, brown rice, whole rye, buckwheat, et al.

Here Are Five Grains That You Can Enjoy In Your Everyday Rotis:

Pearl Millet

Many dieticians and health experts around the world agree that pearl millets can be easily substituted with rice and wheat, mainly because of their nutritional values and low glycaemic index, which makes them more suitable for diabetics and the ones who are watching their weight. Nutritionists give it a nod for its high-fibre content. Pearl millets are an excellent source of iron and fibre, which gives us one more reason to add it to our rotis.


Oats

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a half-cup of cooked oatmeal in the morning counts as the equivalent of one-ounce serving of whole grains. Oats are known to stabilise blood sugar level and help manage weight; hence, one should consume oats regularly. The high-fibre and complex carbohydrates slow down the conversion of this superfood to simple sugars. And that's not it, beta-glucan delays the fall in blood sugar levels before meals and slows the rise after a meal. You can simply use them to make idlis or mix it in your roti (whole wheat dough).


Ragi

Ragi, or finger millet, is one of the better known millets in India. You will see it in south India, particularly Karnataka, where it is used to create a number of dishes. The coating of the grain's seed is abundantly rich in polyphenols and dietary fibres as compared to rice, maize or wheat. The low glycaemic index lessens food cravings and maintains the digestive pace, subsequently, keeping the blood sugar in control. According to Bangalore-based Nutritionist, Dr. Anju Sood, "It is best to add it to your morning meal or have it for lunch in order to keep your system on track the whole day." Ragi muddes are flour balls made from ragi and cooked by boiling in water. You can pair them with sambhar or spicy mutton curry. Better still, you can add them in your rotis to have a healthy meal.



Buckwheat 

By choosing the grain flour rather than regular white flour, you can promote your soluble fiber content, which is considered an important part of healthy diabetic diet. The soluble fibre in buckwheat helps regulate blood glucose levels. Another feature that makes buckwheat a superfood is its low glycaemic index (GI). You can make interesting dishes from buckwheat; better still, make healthy rotis from buckwheat flour.



Corn

The corn contains complex carbohydrates, which is digested at slow speed; Which means that it provides energy for a long time. According to Bangalore-based Dietitian and Wellness Consultant, Dr. Sheela Krishnaswamy, "Corn is rich in carbs; it's a great source of energy. High in nutrients, corn is extremely rich in vitamin B1, vitamin B5 and vitamin C, which helps in fighting diseases and generating new cells. High in fibre, corn also helps in lowering cholesterol levels in the body by reducing the levels of blood sugar in diabetics too. You can prepare rotis out of corn flour. Makki ki roti, anyone?


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Healthy Breakfast: Top 5 Ways to Make Omelets

Eggs are one of the best breakfast foods out there and they have consumed the world over, as a part of the first meal of the day. The popularity of eggs isn't just a result of their easy availability and inexpensive nature, but more importantly because of their ability to double up as a whole meal. You can get as experimental with eggs as you wish and turn them into simple and light snack dishes or gourmet mains.


However, for breakfast most people prefer consuming quick and classic egg dishes, including scrambled eggs, sunny side up or in the form of omelets. This last one is popular with health freaks as it leaves a lot of space for creativity and for squeezing in as many healthy ingredients as one likes. Although omelets are one of the healthiest breakfast foods you can consume for breakfast, we often end up unintentionally adding a lot more calories to them than we'd like.


There are a number of easy tips and tricks to sneak in more nutrition and reduce unhealthy calories while preparing omelets for breakfast. There isn't any set rule to what you can and cannot add to your omelets, especially if you like making stuffed ones. But, there are some things that you should remember while making your morning omelet if you wish to make them more nutritious and less calorie-intensive.


Here Are A Few Easy Tips To Make Your Omelettes Healthier:


1. Add More Veggies To Your Omelette: The best way to add fiber and more vitamins and minerals to your breakfast omelet is to add vegetables to it. Carrots, broccoli, spinach are some examples of the veggies that are commonly added to omelets. These veggies boost the nutritional profile of your dish and make it more filling. You can either add the veggies directly to the omelet, or you can stir-fry veggies of your choice and stuff your omelet with these.


2. Add More Protein To It: This one is for the ones who work out and are looking to shed kilos. Protein aides weight loss and also helps you gain muscle mass. Additionally, protein keeps you full for longer and that's why adding more protein-rich ingredients to your breakfast omelet can help you a great deal. Add stuff like white mushrooms and quinoa to your omelet to bump up its protein power. It also adds more flavour and lends a unique texture to your omelet.


3. Cook It In Healthy Fats: Instead of using processed vegetable oil or butter to cook your omelet, you can use healthier fats like coconut oil, mustard oil or olive oil. This drastically reduces the unhealthy fats in your omelet. If you must use butter to cook your omelet, try and limit the amount to just a teaspoon or two for each omelet.

4. Add Healthier Meats And Cheese To It: Not all types of cheese are bad. Cheeses like feta, cottage cheese, and swiss cheese are healthy sources of protein and calcium. So, ditch processed cheeses and opt for these healthier alternatives. Similarly, add boiled and shredded chicken or turkey to your omelet, instead of going for red meat additions like bacon bits.


5. Choose The Right Seasoning: Seasoning your omelets the right way may also go a long way in boosting your health. Add some pepper, paprika, cumin, etc. to your breakfast omelet to give your metabolism a jump-start.


Some other healthy additions to your omelet include chia seeds or flaxseeds (either whole or ground) as well as bell peppers and black beans. It's important that your breakfast is filling and healthy, so that you have enough energy to sail through hectic mornings.

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How to drink red wine and its benefits

How to drink red wine and its benefits



Red wine is arguably one in every of the foremost well-liked selections across the world. Out of the various variations, blends, and flavors, vino not solely makes for the favourite drink however is additionally deemed as healthy. The study revealed within the journal Annals of medical specialty suggests that drinking a glass of vino nightly could facilitate individuals with type-2 polygenic disorder manage their sterol and viscus health. However, it's suggested that you simply drink vino below superintendence.Drinking vino is not any cake-walk. A drink as stylish as vino must be consumed with the bound panache. Most folks could love degustation it; but, not several could savvy to drink vino. Here ar a number of the mistakes that ar usually committed whereas drinking wine.

1. Filling the wine-glasses to the top

Red wine may be a drink that must be enjoyed slowly and one in every of the foremost necessary aspects is to swirl the drinks so as to extend the quantity of element within the glass. Filling it to the highest won't have enough area to try to to thus.

2. Drinking red wine as soon as it is poured

You shouldn't be drinking vino as presently because it is poured, but first, you would like to swirl it and sniff by projecting your nose into the glass.

3. Over-doing it

Just because vino has been thought-about as a healthy drink, it doesn't suggest you fill on gallons of it daily. A glass of vino is okay as long as you have got consulted your doctor.

4. Holding the wine glass wrong

Always hold the wine glass by the stem. this can forestall heat from your hand from undoing all the labor you probably did to induce the wine to the correct temperature.

How to drink red wine?

Drinking vino is associate experience; thus we've got made public the fundamental power of drinking vino sort of a professional. Here's a way to drink vino.




1. Take a glance at the label of the bottle

Do not begin gushing the wine already; {try associated|attempt to|try to} scan the label on the bottle to induce an understanding of the supply of wine and the way previous is it.

2. choose the correct glass work

You cannot get it wrong along with your alternative of the wine glass. certify you select the correct one; for red wines, one should select glasses with massive, rounded bowls.

3. Now pour and swirl

The idea to pour vino in massive spherical bowl-like glasses is to convey area to exude its distinctive aroma. Pour atiny low quantity within the glass; regarding simple fraction of the glass. currently gently swirl the wine within the glass and observe any bits of solids floating around.

4. Sniff the glass of wine

Now, sniff the wine and apprehend what the aroma is like. Basically, there ar 3 levels of aromas you ought to be able to tell apart whereas smelling the wine.

First, you'll get the scent, that is probably going to be fruit based mostly.

Second, strive distinctive the flavors of the wine.

Third, determine the closing note of the wine's aroma that will be a mirrored image of the aging vessel, like associate oak-case.

5. Taste the wine

Finally, take atiny low sip; wait, do not swallow it already. Let it take place on your tongue for a flash. Take a while to assess the extraordinary flavor. There ar 2 ways that to drink wine, one is to swallow and analyze the aftersensation and also the different is to spit it out. You detected us! expectoration out can assist you fully analyze and compare differing types of vino. it'll keep your senses intact too.

So, master your vino drinking skills by active alittle. However, we tend to suggest to not over-do as binge-drinking is harmful to overall health.

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