Sunita Arora, Author at GOQii

September 17, 2022 By Sunita Arora 6 Comments

The Magic of Indian Masala Chai

The word Chai actually means tea in English and Russian. In India, it is also known as Masala Chai. More appropriately, it means spice blend. Tea has become a daily part of Indian life. It is now a key element of our culture which has spread throughout the world. Masala Chai is an everyday drink in most parts of India. It is common for Indians to delight themselves with 2 cups of it per day.

In almost every street corner and even office spaces, you will find a Chai Wallah (tea vendors) who prepares this traditional beverage. They prepare this rich Masala Chai over an open fire in small stands and stalls and serve it in clay tea cups called Kullarhs.

Well, you can prepare it yourself! This may be the right tea for you, to give you the strength and energy during the day and to take you on an amazing ride through the world of Indian tea. Let’s prepare it together! Have a look at our Masala Chai benefits, recipe and get your ingredients ready.

Some amazing Benefits of the Indian Masala Chai

Improves Digestion: The spices used in Masala Chai help in regulating the digestive system. It also helps in keeping your gut healthy. A spice like Ginger aids digestion by improving circulation and delivering oxygen to organs so they can perform optimally.
Supports the Immune System: It is known to strengthen the immune system and keeps common infection at bay. It helps provide relief when infected with common cold and cough.
Improves Heart Health: Cinnamon, one of the main ingredients in Masala Chai, helps lower bad cholesterol and blood pressure. Drinking Masala Chai can prevent cardiovascular disease when consumed regularly over long periods of time.
Relieves Aches and Pains: The spices found in Masala Chai can alleviate common aches and pains. These health benefits derive from the anti-inflammatory properties of many of the ingredients in it, specifically ginger and clove.
Reduces Nausea: Spices like Ginger and Cardamom are well known for their ability to reduce nausea and seasickness. Masala Chai soothes an upset stomach and alleviates stomach pain associated with nausea.
Boosts Energy: It is a wonderful experience having a hot cup of ‘Masala Chai’ after a hard day’s work. Caffeine is a natural stimulant in Masala Chai which boosts energy and gives you the kick which you need to start your day.
Boosts Metabolism: Tea is known as a heat generating food in Ayurveda. It helps speed up metabolism. Ingredients like ginger, clove, black pepper and cardamom helpincreaset loss and increases the metabolism of the body in a short period.
Contributes to Reduce Sugar Levels: Ingredients used in Masala Chai such as clove, cinnamon, and cardamom helps in preventing diabetes by increasing the insulin sensitivity of the body and lowering one’s blood sugar levels.
Relieves PMS: It can be your best friend to fight the symptoms of PMS the natural way. Ingredients like ginger, clove, and cardamom work as natural painkillers when you are experiencing period pains. It calms your nerves, keeps you in a good mood and relaxes your muscles.

Authentic Masala Chai Recipe (Serves 2 cups)

Ingredients

Water: 1 cup
Milk: 1 cup (organic whole milk, almond milk, oat milk)
Black tea/ loose leaf: 1 ½ teaspoon
Jaggery Powder: 2-3 teaspoons (more or less) or maple syrup, honey, brown sugar
Clove: 2-3
Cardamom: 2
Cinnamon: ½ stick
Peppercorns: 3-4 (optional)
Ginger: 2 slices or crushed
Star Anise: 1 (optional)

How to prepare

Lightly crush cardamom, cinnamon, clove, ginger, star anise, and peppercorn and add in boiling water
Add black tea/leaf and boil it for 2-3 minutes
Add sugar and milk
Bring it to simmer twice or more
Turn off the heat and strain it into your favorite mug
Your Masala Chai is ready!

A common myth is that green tea has more health benefit than black tea. This is simply not true. It is because all tea (Black, Green, and White) comes from the same plant, Camellia Sinensis, they offer the same benefits. The spices which we have used in our Masala Chai are well known in Ayurveda for many health benefits.

Ginger is anti-inflammatory and improves digestion, prevents and manages stomach ulcers, protects against symptoms of cold and flu, and stimulates blood circulation. It also reduces blood cholesterol by improving liver function
Cinnamon has Anti-fungal, Anti-bacterial properties. It helps in lowering LDL cholesterol and has a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes
Cardamom is considered as a kidney cleanser. It is known to enhance appetite, improve digestion and provide relief from acidity in the stomach. It is also considered beneficial to the urinary tract system
Cloves are well-known for its anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties. They’re also known to heal ailments of the digestive system and promote good digestion as well as metabolism
Black Pepper is a powerful anti-oxidant. It improves digestion and promotes intestinal health. It is an effective remedy for respiratory conditions including colds, coughs, and flu
Star Anise aids digestion, alleviates cramps and reduces nausea. It also helps in preventing constipation, supports good sleep, promotes bone and skin health.

So, add the ingredients mentioned above in your regular tea to make it a complete Indian Masala chai. Do share your experience in the comments below!

For more on tea, check out Healthy Reads. You can get more valuable insights on the food you consume directly from your GOQii Coach by subscribing for personalised health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

#BeTheForce

August 4, 2022 By Sunita Arora 2 Comments

Top 5 Brain-Boosting Snacks For A Productive Workday!

We can’t deny that there are days when you’re a little slow, lethargic or just not focused enough to push through all the work that’s on your plate. Well, don’t worry, it is just a matter of eating the right food! Try these awesome brain-boosting snacks which will improve your memory, focus and concentration while working or even studying!

Top 5 Brain-Boosting Snacks

Nuts: It’s ironic that while referring to someone we perceive as insanely stupid, we call them a nut. While, on the contrary, nuts actually make us more intelligent. They are the powerhouse of omega-3, omega -6, and Vitamin-E! They improve brain functions and help prevent cognitive decline, especially in older adults. Eating nuts as a snacking option is good for your brain as well as for the heart. Eat a fistful of nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashews, peanuts) instead of munching unhealthy biscuits, chips, namkeen, etc. during your tea break at home. Do check with your doctor before you do, in case you’re allergic to nuts.
Pumpkin Seeds: are richer in zinc among other seeds. These seeds include other valuable nutrients like magnesium, copper, and iron which enhance memory and reduce stress. They are the precursor to the good mood chemical called serotonin and contain very powerful antioxidants that protect the brain from free radicals. Toss them with your nuts or sprinkle over salads, soup, smoothies, etc.
Blueberries: are my favourite! They provide numerous health benefits for our brain. They are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich, which helps improve communication among brain cells and improves brain memory. Many studies have suggested that the consumption of blueberries may be effective in improving or delaying short-term memory loss. You can also add blueberries in your breakfast cereal, smoothies, etc.
Whole Eggs: are great for brain power as they are a rich source of several nutrients that are linked with brain health. Many brain-boosting compounds like choline, vitamin B6 and B12 are found in eggs. Hard-boiled eggs or scrambled eggs are a wonderful snack option in the evening for busy workdays.
Dark Chocolates: are packed with brain-boosting compounds like flavonoids – which boost memory and mood. As a well-known brain food and mood booster, it’s no wonder that people who eat dark chocolate experience increased positive feelings and better performance in mental tasks. Have it any time you feel unhappy, low, depressed or find yourself in between excess work pressure and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones. Remember though – moderation is key!

All the above brain-boosting snacks are not fried. Avoid nuts with salt. These can easily be consumed and are available as well! So let’s boost brain power and make working from home more effective and enjoyable!

If you still want more healthy snacking options, you can explore healthy snacks such as Gourmet Toasted Coconut Chips, Quinoa Puffs and Protein Puffs from the GOQii Health Store within the GOQii App.

Eat healthy, eat right and #BeTheForce

June 1, 2021 By Sunita Arora Leave a Comment

Symptoms To Watch Out For When RT PCR Tests Negative

Earlier in April, my cousin visited three hospitals in Delhi with his father, trying to get an oxygen bed for him. His father was tested negative for COVID-19 in the RT-PCR test, but was showing symptoms of the disease. His oxygen levels dropped to <90 and HRCT showed infection and pneumonia. Due to the false negative RT PCR Test report, his father had not received proper and timely treatment and after a week, the disease progressed and damaged more than 50% of his lungs.

India is currently going through the second wave of COVID-19 and the virus is said to be more infectious than it was previously. Due to the new structure of the double and triple mutant variant of the virus, it is undetectable in the RT-PCR test. Earlier fever, cough and difficulty in breathing were said to be the most common symptoms of the deadly virus but now, it’s important to be aware of the newest symptoms (like diarrhoea, vomiting, conjunctivitis) to be able to identify them, to take timely treatment and avoid complications. It’s important to know the four broad factors which determine the accuracy of an RT-PCR test: the viral load in the person, the quality of sample collection and processing, the efficacy of the test kit itself, and also the benchmark for test interpretation.

The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention added new triggers and updated the list of COVID-19 symptoms:

Fever (mild or high)
Cough
Shortness of breath
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
Loss of appetite
Muscle or body aches
Headache
Nasal congestion
Loss of taste or smell
Skin rashes
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps
Red Eyes or conjunctivitis
Hearing loss
Extreme lethargy and weakness
Dry mouth or not enough saliva
Confusion state and brain fog

According to AIIMS Director Dr. Randeep Guleria, there is always a chance that it is a false negative, “If the test is not properly done or a swab is not taken properly, it shall be a false negative. If the symptoms are there and you have been in contact with a COVID positive person, then you must assume you are COVID positive too and take the necessary steps as any patient would,”

Dr Anurag Agarwal, director of the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics said, “What people should remember is that PCR has a sensitivity of 70%. The load of the virus in one’s mouth and nose remain the highest a day before the symptoms start showing. Then the virus load gradually decreases. If people get tested late after 7 to 8 days, it is possible to get a negative test report because the virus may have travelled inside the body”.

So, the bottom line is this, if you test negative but still have any of the above-mentioned symptoms then take normal precautions as one would if tested positive. Consult a doctor and also isolate yourself, have plenty of fluids, a nutritional diet and supportive care.

How To Manage Mild Symptoms If The RT PCR Tests Negative

If the RT PCR tests negative, and you have any of the above symptoms, here’s what you can do to manage the milder ones.

Isolate yourself in a separate room with a working bathroom/toilet if possible.
Wear triple sharing masks covering your nose and mouth whenever you open the door. Those entering your room should do the same. Also, discard the mask after eight hours.
Make sure to wash your hands frequently with soap or use 70% alcohol-based sanitiser. You should also clean your room yourself with a disinfectant.
If possible, open windows for better ventilation.
Utensils should be cleaned wearing gloves with soap. Best to use disposables and it is strongly advised not to use personal items with others.
Frequently check your temperature for mild fever, body ache can take a paracetamol or Dolo 650.
Monitor your oxygen levels at least every 4-6 hours. If your breaths are too fast, take a six-minute walk and try again.
Keep yourself hydrated and have a healthy diet even if you can’t taste or smell a thing. Proper hydration and a healthy diet will ensure a faster recovery.

Seek emergency medical care in any of these cases:

Oxygen level on oximeter shows less than 94%
Shortness of breath worsens
Lips or face turn blue-ish
Feeling of disorientation increases
Fever of 101 F (38C) persists for more than three days
If you feel tightness pain in the chest
Slurred speech or seizure
Unable to wake up or sudden and extreme weakness

We hope this article helps you! Do be aware of these symptoms and take necessary precautions if your RT PCR tests negative.

To read more on COVID-19 management, check out Healthy Reads or tune in to LIVE sessions by experts on GOQii Play. To directly reach out to a GOQii Coach, subscribe to personalized coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/wssu

Stay home, stay safe and #BeTheForce

May 13, 2021 By Sunita Arora Leave a Comment

How to Support Older Adults During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Currently, elderly people are vulnerable and at the highest risk of experiencing significant health complications due to the second wave of COVID-19. Being socially isolated also creates a panic, affects mental and physical health of the elderly. Due to the pandemic, most older adults are not able to take walks, exercise and have limited access to their daily healthcare needs. Though social distancing and self quarantine is necessary, it is essential for older adults to feel connected in order to avoid depression or helplessness. Loneliness, anxiety and uncertainty give rise to chronic stress, depression and insomnia in older people.

How Can You Help Older Adults In Your Neighborhood?

During this time, it becomes important to help older adults in our neighbourhood, especially the ones living alone. Here, I’ll be sharing some tips which families and caregivers can use to keep older adults disease-free, happy and mentally fit!

If you have parents or grandparents you’re not living with, give them a call to provide regular emotional support.
Ensure that an older adult’s daily needs and essential requirements like medicines, fruits, food, etc. are taken care of.
Take additional efforts to check and confirm that they are maintaining proper hand and respiratory hygiene.
Older Adults are more sensitive in the current situation. To safeguard them, it’s better that they should avoid stepping out for any reason as much as possible.
If routine check-ups can be done via phone consultation, please do so. Go to the hospital only when necessary.
Guide and educate the older adults in your area with the latest updates, precautionary measures, etc. Keep them informed!
Provide extra care if needed as some of them are on multiple medications due to chronic illnesses and sensory problems such as loss or difficulty in vision, hearing, etc.
Before self-medication with any drug, please consult a doctor.
Family members need to be super sensitive to the early symptoms of COVID-19 and testing if needed should be promptly done. This, however, should not give rise to panic, self-isolation and stigma.
Psycho-social issues are vital and families need to be sensitive to them. It is natural to be stressed, but signs of excessive panic, depression, sleep problems need urgent attention from a qualified mental health professional.
The elderly need to be involved in decision making even in times of crisis. Their rights, self-respect and dignity must be preserved and protected.

We hope this article helps. For more information or sessions on helping older adults, tune in to experts on GOQii Play.