Archives for December 2018

December 31, 2018 By Navnee Garg Leave a Comment

HEALTHY FOOD TRENDS OF 2018

Healthy Food Trends 2018

Let me begin by wishing you Compliments of the Season!

The health food scenario evolves every year, with some trends becoming part of our daily diet, whilst others just being passing fads. Whether your goal was to lower risk of ailments, boost your overall wellbeing, or make mindful eating a priority, you would have undoubtedly run into some of 2018’s principal healthy food trends. So here’s a quick recap of what we relished while sailing through the food culture this year.

1. Plant-Based Diet:

plant based diet

Plant-based diet became increasingly popular, with an increase in the number of people turning Vegan, due to various reasons including health, ethics and the environment. In fact, a lot of meat eater turned towards a “Flexitarian diet” eating meat or fish occasionally, while primarily focusing on a Vegetarian diet.

2. Meat- Free Zone: Getting inspired by Vegans, Manufacturers started to offer meat-free options to those limiting meat products, or vegan lifestyle. Though one cannot match up to the protein intake of Meats, they almost gave their best to resemble the chewy consistency, flavours, and a convenient on-the-go snack option.

3. Healthy Fats:

healthy fats

Heart-healthy fats like olives, walnuts and avocados were immensely popular last year and continued to have the same place in everybody’s kitchen this year too. These healthy fats increase the chances to attain weight loss goals and let you stay fuller for longer. Keeping in mind, the health benefits of healthy fats and consciousness among people, it was one of the key trends of the year.

4. Medicinal Foods: In recent years, probiotics have been able to make a strong impression in the health world. Things such as Sauerkraut, and Kimchi, together with other picked vegetables became even more popular as more and more people wanted to rejuvenate their body from the very root of the system- The Stomach.

5. Superfood Powers:

super food powers

Superfoods have in hitting everyone’s kitchen this year as it healthy and super easy option to be added to any dish. Flaxseeds, chia seeds, matcha powder was seen added in healthy shakes and salads.

6. Floral Teas:

floral teas

The year 2018 is full proof to state that Flowers is not only for Valentine’s Day, but it also has some immersing health benefits too. Whether Lavender lattes or Hibiscus Teas, floral notes bloomed the evenings for many of us.

7. Golden Milk: If the year 2018 was a colour, it would surely be Golden….or at least if it is the colour of the milk. Also known as Turmeric Tea or Golden Milk has been traced back to the ancient Ayurvedic Times to treat many ailments, and often a combo of turmeric, pepper, coconut oil or milk.

The year 2018 has been great for India’s food culture where we not only saw varieties but most importantly, the awareness among all of Us for our Health. We now see everyone getting conscious about health by opting healthy options and joining some form of Fitness Club. But, if you still missed on adding any of these to your diet, then Get Ready…. New Year is coming soon… Time to take Resolutions and Achieve your Goals…..By then..…Stay Updated to know

“THE UPCOMING FOOD TRENDS OF 2019”

December 30, 2018 By Trupti Hingad 1 Comment

BAJRA—THE WINTER FOOD!

As winter has set in full swing from the mid of this month, we end up having sips of coffee and cuddle up in our blankets/sweaters. While the caffeine can give instant high, why not eat foods that can keep you energetic and regulate your body temperature. During winters, we tend to feel hungrier and body engine works better. I remember being given Bajra Roti with ghee and jaggery in winters as it produces heat in the body (Thermogenic effect).

Bajra also called as PEARL MILLET is packed with nutrients and has various health benefits.

It is the perfect satisfying meal and simply delicious. The Staple diet across Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan. It gives you satiating feeling faster and releases energy slowly keeping you full for longer periods.

100gm of Bajra has about approx 370 calories, 4.2gm fat, 11gm of protein, 5mg of sodium, 196mg of potassium and 9gm of dietary fibre.

This millet has low Glycemic Index and is considered good for diabetics. Its insoluble fibre helps in the slow release of carbs into your system, thus, providing energy for a longer period of time and keep blood sugar levels under check. Bajra has high amounts of magnesium in it, due to which it helps control the glucose receptors in the body.

It is good for the heart too. Since it is rich in magnesium, it helps your cardiovascular system by lowering your blood pressure, which in turn helps reduce the chances of heart attack or stroke. Moreover, bajra also contains high amounts of potassium which makes it a good vasodilator.

Bajra is also known for controlling the cholesterol levels. This is because it contains a lot of fibre, which goes a long way in lowering the bad cholesterol in your bloodstream.

This Millet is filled with a ton of fibre. It helps to get regular and better bowel movements as it bulks up the stool and stimulates peristalsis, which moves it to the colon. It also avoids any digestive issues.

Another great benefit of eating bajra is that it detoxifies your body. It is filled with antioxidants which help in getting rid of free radicals from your body. It also contains catechins like quercetin that help keep the kidney and liver functioning properly by excreting the toxins from the body.

Bajra is rich in vitamin B components. Rich in Vitamin B (Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, folate) that is B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, it also has minerals such as iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc and selenium making it a well-enriched meal by itself. This means that it helps to break down the carbohydrates and fat in your body.

It does not contain any vitamin A, C, D, or B12 in it. It is gluten-free. So good for people with celiac disease

Bajra is good for muscles too. One of the best ways that bajra impacts your muscular system is that it allows your muscles to become leaner and stronger over time. Bajra is not only good for health but also for the skin. It contains zinc which repairs skin and slows down the ageing process.

Bajra can be used in various forms to enjoy this winter. You can try making Bajra roti ( flat Bread), Bajra Khakhra or Bajra Carrot-Onion Uttapam, Bajra Khichdi or Bajra Fritters.

When ground into powder form, mixed with water and boiled makes a perfect porridge. A sustainable meal for the children and elder who are unable to eat.

Roughly grounded Bajra cooked with yoghurt and water for hours on a slow flame tempered with asafoetida (Hing) and fennel is a Rajasthani delicacy called the “Ghaat”. A staple diet to sustain the cold in the desert regions

Powdered Bajra mixed with rice paste fermented with sour curds can be used to make Uttapams or even steamed as Idlis, a healthy south Indian variety.

If you have known the importance of whole grains, then you should make a conscious effort to include Bajra in your diet.

So, forget that Fancy Quinoa and get to basics, add this millet in your diet plan and reap its benefits.

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December 28, 2018 By Arooshi Garg 1 Comment

Potato juice- The Ancient Elixir

potato juice

For the longest time potatoes have been listed in the high carb fattening food category and all we keep hearing is to avoid potatoes if you want to be healthy. Well, there exists another unexplored side of the story! Potatoes are loaded with essential micronutrients like Vitamin A, C, B, and iron and phosphorous. These starchy tubers have amazing health benefits! For those who believe in the power of nature read on!

From our Desi Aloo Parathas (Wheat Flat Breads) to the world famous fries, Potatoes are loved widely by all cultures across the globe. Apart from being a star in the kitchen space, there are several other uses one is unaware of. Did you know that Potato juice can be used for hair, skin care, tackling joint pains & immunity related issues?

Potato Juice for Skin Care: Skin related issues such as skin darkening, scars, spots, blemishes, hard skin and tan reduction can be tackled with Potato juice. It removes excess oil, acne, clears pores and makes the skin look radiant. With skin bleaching properties that help to clear blemishes and correct uneven skin tone, Potato juice reduces appearances of fine lines, tightened skin and reduces wrinkles. So much from a simple juice!

How to USE: Potato juice can easily be combined with a range of skin-benefiting ingredients like Cucumber juice, Fuller’s Earth (Multani Mitti), Gram Flour (Besan), Aloe Vera and even Olive oil.

A scrub can be made by combining Gram flour (Besan)/ Wheat Bran/ Ground Oats with equal quantities of Lemon juice and Potato juice. Mix well and gently rub it on the affected area.

Potato juice can also be mixed with curd/ honey/ lemon juice/orange juice to be used as a face pack. It will help tighten the skin and give a clearer, brighter glow.

Potato Juice for Haircare: Potato juice overall improves hair health and treats conditions like dandruff, dryness, redness, flaking and itching of the scalp. It can help improve hair texture by making it softer, delaying early grey hair and helps hair fall conditions too It helps in persisting eczema or reduces oozing of the sebum from scalp pores.

How to USE: Take the juice of 2 raw potatoes and add 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 egg yolk. If you want to avoid egg you can add 2 tsp of Aloe Vera gel. If you find honey sticky- you can use 1 tsp of virgin coconut or olive oil instead. Apply this mixture to the roots and shampoo as usual, after one hour. You will notice good results after applying this every once or twice in a week.

Eye care: Potato juice comes to the rescue of people facing under eye issues. It helps reduce under eye circles speedily and effectively. It helps the eyes to relax and reduces strain after a long day at work. Since the skin under the eyes is very thin, it tends to wrinkle very fast. Regular application of potato juice on the affected area can lead to positive results.

How to USE: Soak eye size cotton pads in cold potato juice and apply on eyes for 20 minutes. Remove and gently wash eyes. You can use a moisturizer if your skin feels dry.

Immune system: Potatoes contain a significant amount of vitamin C -the nutrient that fights colds and infection and helps to strengthen the immune system. Drinking a glass of potato juice regularly wards off diseases and helps improve one’s immunity. It also increases circulation in the human system, thereby improving overall health.

Joint related issues: Potato juice has wonderful anti-inflammatory properties that help to relieve all most all kinds of pain related to swelling, inflammation, or redness. It helps in neutralising and flushing out Uric acid which is the major cause of joint relates issues. Applying compressed potatoes to the joints directly or wrapping a sliced potato to the joint with the help of fabric bandages is helpful in eliminating the soreness and pain. This makes potato juice one of the best natural treatments for gout and pain associated with arthritis.

How to USE: To extract maximum benefit drink raw potato juice, 1 glass in the morning and 1 glass in the night.

GI tract benefits: Potato juice works as an excellent antibacterial probiotic drink. It helps reduce acidity, heartburn, constipation, bloating and flatulence. Potatoes contain a significant amount of fibre, with unique antibacterial molecules which help in treating constipation and cleansing our digestive system. Drinking 1 glass of potato juice every day can help in preventing and treating many gastric and digestion related issues.

Heart-healthy ingredient: Potatoes contain essential nutrients like fibre and vitamins A, B-complex and Vitamin C fibre. These nutrients help lower the cholesterol levels in the body. Potato juice can help prevent strokes by reducing deposition of fats in arteries as it contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Simple ways to prepare & use potato juice:

Wash the potatoes thoroughly and clean out any sprouts and green spots.
Peel the potatoes and grate them. Or you can also chop the potato and grind them in a mixer.
Put the grated potatoes on a linen cloth/ sieve and squeeze out the juice.
Since potatoes are 80% water one can get around 1/2 cup juice from 2 medium sized potatoes. Which is safe to be consumed.
Drink the juice immediately or you could let it cool in the refrigerator for a while and then drink it.

Side effects: All good things if taken in the wrong way or quantity can cause harm:

If you have any health-related issue and are advised to stay low on potassium then check with your doctor before consuming potato juice as it has high potassium levels.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women and diabetic patients should consult their physician before drinking potato juice as it is high in sugar content.
Also, this juice can cause an upset stomach, or cause diarrhoea and vomiting if consumed in excess.

December 27, 2018 By Thyrocare Team Leave a Comment

‘Walking’ for a healthy ‘You’

walking-Thyrocare Blog

Walking through the paths of life can bless us with many health benefits for life… Read on to know what advantages Walking offers…

Walking is the best exercise believed by many doctors. It is not just good for losing weight but also helps in lowering your blood pressure, managing diabetes, fights joint problems (arthritis) and also helps in keeping you away from depression

It is one of the easiest exercises to do and doesn’t take more than a pair of shoes to start. Ideal if you loathe running or can’t stand working out in the gym. Walking reduces the risk of several diseases. And unlike other forms of exercise, it doesn’t require an instructor or training, can be done anytime and anywhere. It is great for kids, adults and is recommended for old ones.

Hippocrates II, the Greek physician recognized walking to be a man’s best medicine. It improves your overall health and can also increase your stamina, strength and endurance.

Listed below are the five benefits of walking:-

Cuts your belly fat: Regular walking is a great exercise to burn fat particularly for those who are on the heavier side. In a majority of the cases, body fat is due to lack of exercise and movement. Walking leads to weight loss. Just 45 minutes of walking burns around 200 calories.

Stress, Mood & Sleep: Walking reduces stress levels and enhances your mood by boosting your endorphins (brain chemicals which relieves you from pain and stress levels) giving you more energy and setting a non-stressful environment. Additionally, walking is believed to be beneficial for individuals suffering from insomnia (inability to sleep).

Good for your muscles and bones: Regular walking tones your leg muscles and strengthens your bones. It can prevent the loss of bone mass caused due to osteoporosis (a form of arthritis in which bone becomes weak and brittle) and can also reduce the risk of hip fractures. Likewise, walking also reduces arthritis-related joint pain and can prevent the different forms of arthritis.

Lowers your blood pressure: Individuals suffering from high blood pressure are at risks of serious health conditions like stroke or heart diseases. Among the exercises known to maintain blood pressure at normal rates, first comes walking. Taking a walk 3 times a day is considered to have the same effects on your blood pressure levels as 30 minutes of intense workout.

Walking and diabetes: Walking helps in lowering blood sugar levels and also improves the ability of the muscles to absorb glucose and the body to use insulin, thus, preventing the overall risk of type 2 diabetes.

So don’t wait…Just start Walking!