About Palak Mittal

Palak Mittal works as a clinical nutritionist and has had the distinction of being a topper in Delhi University. She prompts all her clients to move towards the healthy lifestyle by simply modifying their eating behaviour. As a result, most have reduced fat and improved their medical conditions such as diabetes, Thyroid, PCOD, etc. Recently, she was awarded the Best Dietitian and Nutritionist in Meerut by Prime Time Research Media. She not only helps others to take up a healthy lifestyle but, she herself follows one. Her fitness mantra is ‘Eat to be fit, not to be fat’

June 29, 2022 By Palak Mittal Leave a Comment

8 Incredible Health Benefits Of Surya Namaskar

Surya Namaskar literally means Salutations to the Sun. It is a combination of 12 yoga asanas, where the body, mind, and soul are brought into complete synchrony. They are done in sets, some do 12, some 15, while some 30, depending on their endurance. Scientifically too, there are multiple benefits of Surya Namaskar. Let’s explore them in detail!

The Benefits of Surya Namaskar

Stretching and flexibility: The 12 asanas which are part of the Surya Namaskar ensure that every part of the body is exercised. The flexibility that comes with it needs to be experienced to be believed. This is extremely beneficial for the bones, joints, and ligaments of the entire body and spine.
Improves internal organ functioning: The various stretches increase blood flow to the organs and improve their functioning. The result is a better functioning digestive system and kidneys, which help in better absorption of nutrients from food and thorough elimination of metabolic waste. Detox happens naturally, with the release of trapped gasses and improved enzyme secretion.
Weight loss: One of the best-proven ways to lose weight is to do Surya Namaskar on a daily basis. It is a perfect workout involving the complete body and is great for losing weight around the belly. It also is proven to improve the thyroid gland functioning, which plays a significant role in metabolism.
Bone health: Traditionally, it is done during the early morning hours, at sunrise, which ensures the body gets the required amount of vitamin D. This is essential for good bone health.
Stress buster: Stress release happens in multiple ways. Deep focused breathing is one of them. While performing the asanas, control over breathing is very essential and so, stress control is ensured. Various muscles and bones get tense with stress, and thorough stretching helps relieve the stress buildup. The mind is also calm during the workout, and so stress relief is further enhanced.
Relief from insomnia: People who are not able to sleep should perform Surya Namaskar on a regular basis. Both stress relief and the perfect workout ensure good sleep.
Helpful in menstrual cycles: Women who have cramps during their menstrual cycles have shown very good improvement with the inclusion of this exercise. It is also shown to benefit people with irregular menstruation thanks to the improved blood circulation. Pregnant women performing Surya Namaskar are more likely to have a normal delivery.
Glowing Skin: With the release of toxins and stress, glowing skin is a natural affair!

We hope these 8 benefits of Surya Namaskar urge you to make it a part of your daily routine. For more on how yoga can help you lead a healthy and fulfilling life, check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for personalized health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

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June 15, 2022 By Palak Mittal 2 Comments

5 Wonder Herbs To Help You Battle Diabetes Naturally

Diabetes has been listed as an epidemic and it seems to be on the rise, worldwide. Diabetes is a disorder which alters the blood sugar levels and production of insulin that can cause various complications if left untreated. It can be treated through lifestyle modifications and exercises. We do have few spices and herbs available in nature, along with dietary changes, to help control diabetes. These remedies are not only economic to the pockets but can also help in reducing medicines. There are so many herbs (leafy part of the plant) that have proven boon to regulate blood sugar. Here, I am mentioning the most common and effective herbs to control blood sugar levels effectively.

5 Herbs To Battle Diabetes

Oregano: due to it’s high content of glycosides, flavonoids and polyphenols, oregano helps in lowering blood sugar levels. It helps in increasing the level of insulin in the body too. In dry form, oregano can be added to salads, soups or other dishes. Fresh herbs can be added to boiling water, let it steep for 5 mins, strain and drink as tea in the morning. You can also chew 5-6 oregano leaves regularly.
Curry leaves: are the aromatic leaves and widely used in culinary preparations. It helps in decreasing blood sugar levels and also promotes carbohydrate metabolism. They can be chewed every day on an empty stomach or can be used while preparing food.
Giloy: is an Ayurvedic, magical plant that can not only help in controlling blood sugar levels and other symptoms of diabetes but is potent enough to alleviate many issues arising from your head to toe. Giloy also gives a boost to immunity. Powered with Antioxidants, it protects the body from any damage caused by free radicals. To consume it, take 1 tsp of Giloy powder or ½ an inch of fresh crushed Giloy stem, mix or soak it in a cup of water overnight. Drink it on an empty stomach the next morning. You can also boil ½ inch of Giloy stem in a cup of water till it reduces in half and drink it hot, twice a day.
Sadabahar: is a common plant found in India. Its flowers are the main component to help reduce blood sugar levels. Sadabahar flowers can be boiled in water for a few minutes. You can strain and drink it in the morning as tea. 3-4 leaves can be chewed daily on an empty stomach as well.
Peppermint: contains natural antioxidants which are helpful in fighting diabetes, heart disease, aging and cancer. It also adds great flavor and aroma to teas. Peppermint is available both in fresh and dried leaves or tea bags in the market but it is better to go for fresh leaves. The leaves can be added to tea for good flavor and your daily dose of antioxidants. Alternatively you can add them to salads or chew 4-5 leaves on an empty stomach. Please Note: People with GERD or people prone to acidity should avoid it as it relaxes the muscle that closes the stomach from oesophagus causing acid reflux.

We hope this article helps you battle diabetes. Before you switch to using any of these wonder herbs to battle diabetes, please ensure that you check with your doctor, nutritionist or dietitian in case of any allergies or other medical conditions. For more on Diabetes, check out Healthy Reads.

For further guidance and motivation by certified experts, join the GOQii Diabetes Care program. It’s India’s only diabetes program that is driven by Smart Science and Personal Coaching to improve Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Postprandial Blood Sugar (PP), reduce HbA1c levels and let you win gold! You can subscribe here: https://store.goqii.com/diabetescare.

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June 7, 2022 By Palak Mittal Leave a Comment

Wonder Herbs That Can Reduce Blood Sugar

An epidemic worldwide, Diabetes is a disorder which alters blood sugar levels and the production of insulin that can cause various complications if left untreated. Although, it can be managed through lifestyle modifications and exercises. A few spices and herbs along with dietary changes can reduce blood sugar. These remedies are not only economic but can help in reducing dependency on medicines too.

Herbs That Can Reduce Blood Sugar

1. Fenugreek: seeds are rich in minerals, vitamins, calcium, iron and proteins. It helps in controlling sugar and releasing insulin. The seeds have a high content of dietary soluble fibre which helps in slowing down the absorption of carbs and sugar.
How to Consume:

You can soak 1–2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in a glass of water overnight. Chew the seeds and drink the water the next morning on an empty stomach.
Fenugreek leaves can be added in dough for chapatis or in vegetables.
Seeds can be dry roasted to add them in food preparations.
Seeds can be sprouted for salads.

2. Oregano: Due to high content of glycosides, flavonoids and polyphenols, Oregano helps reduce blood sugar levels. It helps in increasing the level of insulin in the body too.
How to Consume:

In dried form, oregano can be added in salads, soups, or other dishes.
Fresh herbs can be added in boiling water, let it steep for 5mins, strain and drink as tea in the morning.
You can chew 5-6 oregano leaves regularly.

3. Curry Leaves: are the aromatic leaves widely used in culinary preparations. It helps in decreasing blood sugar levels and also promotes carbohydrate metabolism.
How to Consume: Curry leaves can be chewed every day on an empty stomach or can be used in preparation of food in kitchen

4. Aloe Vera: is a magical herb that not only controls diabetes but has proven beneficial in other ailments too.
How to Consume: You can prepare Aloe Vera juice by adding 2 teaspoons of Aloe Vera gel in a glass of water and drink it twice a day.

5. Turmeric: Curcumin, an active component in turmeric, helps reduce blood sugar, improve beta cell function and fatty acid oxidation, thereby proving to be a miracle ingredient to combat the disease.
How to Consume:

Turmeric powder can be used in cooking food or blend in smoothies.
Curcumin capsules can be taken twice a day before meals.

6. Clove: in ayurveda, are used as a main ingredient to cure various ailments. This spice also helps in stabilising blood sugar levels.
How to Consume:

Cloves can be used in culinary dishes.
Coarsely grind the cloves and add them to a mug of boiling water. Let it boil for about 10 minutes. Strain the liquid and drink it warm.

7. Ginger: Gingerol is an active component present in ginger and is a common sugar control medicine in Ayurveda. It increases the secretion of insulin in the pancreas.
How to Consume: Ginger can be used to prepare ginger tea or can be chewed in raw form daily.

8. Sadabahar: is a common plant found in India. Its flowers are the main component to help reduce blood sugar levels.
How to Consume:

Sadabahar flowers can be boiled in water for a few minutes, strain and drink as tea in the morning.
3-4 leaves can be chewed daily on an empty stomach.

9. Neem: Since time immemorial, neem is used for various ailments. Not only leaves, all parts of this plant are used in ayurveda medicines. Neem is also known to reduce blood sugar levels.
How to Consume: Boil about 10 neem leaves in a glass of water for 5 minutes till the leaves become soft and the water turns green. Strain and drink twice a day.

We hope these wonder herbs help you reduce blood sugar. But before trying any of these, do consult your doctor and do not replace your essential medication with these.

For more information on diabetes, how to reduce blood sugar levels and other queries, check out Healthy Reads.

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May 3, 2022 By Palak Mittal 14 Comments

How You Can Stay Healthy During Summer!

It’s the last month of summer and it’s only getting hotter by the day. During summers, many do not feel like eating due to the heat. Most love to keep hydrating. But, it is important to have a good diet (nutrition) as well as hydrate yourself. Opting for either/or is a bad idea. Here are some simple tips for staying healthy during summer that everyone can follow.

How You Can Stay Healthy During Summer

Add curd to your daily meal plan: For all those who suffer from constipation, gas and acidity during summer, this one is an absolute must-have on a daily basis.
Sabja seeds: Not just a quick detox but an instant cooler and bloating reliever. Sabja seeds are different from chia seeds and can be consumed only after soaking. They can be consumed with curd, buttermilk, smoothies or in any liquid.
Coconut water: Prevents dehydration, cramp & relieves migraine during PMS. It’s rich in electrolytes, can replenish your electrolyte stores in no time when you have to work too much under the scorching sun.
Jeera (cumin seeds): Calm your nerves and aid your fat burning efforts in Summer. Boil 1 tsp Jeera in a glass of water. Sieve and drink it warm after 30mins of eating a meal.
Jowar and Jaun (Barley) Sattu water: Brain food, cooling in nature, best for weight loss. Add Jowar and Jaun in normal wheat flour in equal proportion to aid weight loss and also to have a cooling effect on the body.
Include Juices and Smoothies: Consume Lemon, Aloe Vera, Wheatgrass, Bottle Gourd, Mint and Amla juices for glowing skin during summer. Avoid packaged fruit juices, cold drinks and opt for fresh fruit juices instead. In fact, you can try fruit smoothies and Lassi (butter Milk) with Hing (asafoetida), Pudina (mint) and roasted Jeera (cumin seeds) as mid snacks rather than colas and tinned fruit juices. Avoid having fruit shakes (mixing fruits with milk) to prevent antioxidants loss.
Start your day with seasonal fruits in summers like Litchi, Grapes, Jamun, Melons and Mangoes (acts as a cleanser, soak mangoes in water 20 mins before consumption for cooling effect). Having fruits first thing in the morning also gives instant energy and makes you feel fresh, rather than a cup of tea.
Hydrate with normal water or infused drinks: Lemon water with rock salt is the best detox drink which alkalizes your body and can help combat acidity.
Exercise for 30 mins 5 times in a week for good blood circulation and to avoid a migraine and headache during summer.

We hope this article helps you stay healthy during summer! For more summer tips, check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for personalized health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

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