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Why You Should Eat Your Fruits and Juice Your Veggies!

fruits and veggiesHow many times have you drank fruit juices? How often do you eat your vegetables? Although we agree that doing both is quite healthy, as fruits and vegetables are naturally good and contain all the vitamins and minerals needed by the body, we also need to consider that we might be doing it wrong! Why, do you ask? Let’s find out why you should eat your fruits and juice your veggies! 

Benefits of Eating Fruits Instead of Juicing Them

No doubt juices nourish your body with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients. In its liquid form, all the nutrients of whole fruit will be readily available for your body to absorb. However, juicing removes some important nutrients that can be retained by eating the whole fruit.

  1. Eating whole fruits provides your body with fiber, which is eliminated during the juicing process.
  2. A whole fruit protects you from the sensitivities that can be caused due to the heat generated by the juicer, ultimately decreasing the nutritional value of the fruit.
  3. Your blood sugar will not spike as much with whole fruits, making them recommended for people with Diabetes
  4. Fibers present in whole fruits keep you full for longer and provide relief from constipation
  5. As a snack, whole fruits relieve hunger pangs, and the digestion process takes longer compared to gulping down juice in one go. Eventually, this helps in mindful eating and keeps you fuller for longer.

Benefits of Juicing Vegetables

Eating vegetables is good for your health, but there are certain benefits of juicing them that you can incorporate in your daily diet for maximum health benefits.

  1. Juicing vegetables allows you to incorporate more than one vegetable at a time.
  2. Juicing a large volume of vegetables provide more vitamins than eating a green salad with just one or few veggies.
  3. Juices from some vegetables are more effective in lowering blood pressure and relaxing the muscles that line blood vessels.
  4. Vegetable juices may increase the speed of detoxifying your body as they are readily absorbed and digested.
  5. The water content and vitamins of some vegetables are lost during the cooking process, so juicing can help retain these nutrients.

Points to Remember

  • Our digestive system is designed to handle fiber and extract nutrients from a variety of foods, including whole fruits and vegetables.
  • Modifications can be made depending on your need, situation and availability.
  • We need at least 5 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit each day
  • Vegetables and fruits of similar color generally contain similar protective compounds. To gain more benefits, it is best to choose fruits and vegetables of different color and varieties.

We hope this article helps you make a healthy shift. Remember that there is no hard and fast rule to this. Do what works best for you but before following this, do consult your dietician or nutritionist.

For more on nutrition, fruits and veggies, check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health.

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8 Surprising Health Benefits of Black Rice

‘Rice’ is a staple in many Asian cultures. As people become more health-conscious and super foods gain popularity, the conversations around different rice varieties has also grown, especially among health enthusiast

White rice has taken a backseat as more people are turning to alternatives like red, brown, quinoa, and black rice. Yes, you read that right—black rice!

Black Rice, also known as ‘Forbidden Rice,’ is a highly nutritious variety that has been cultivated in India for centuries. It’s mainly grown in the North East (known as Chak Hao) and the southern regions (called Kavuni in Tamil) of India.

Simply put, when choosing rice, the darker the color, the more nutrients it contains. By that measure, Black Rice is the gold standard among rice varieties.

Let’s explore some of the surprising health benefits of this remarkable rice.

  1. Rich in Antioxidants: Black rice is a grain which is super rich and loaded with Antioxidants. The Anthocyanin content found in black rice is way more than most grains and this is what makes this grain stand out in comparison to other superfoods like quinoa, red rice, etc. Studies have shown that the Anthocyanin antioxidants in grains help the body to protect against heart diseases, cancer and many more.
  2. Rich in Fibre: Black rice is loaded with fibre and minerals. A typical bowl of 100gms of black rice serving has over 4.9 grams of fibre. This is double the amount of fibre available in brown rice. So, if you are looking to include some rich fibre in your diet then it is better to start consuming Black Rice than any other varieties of rice.
  1. Has anti-inflammatory properties: Black rice is a natural healing food. Research has shown Black rice to reduce inflammatory compounds in your body and increase the anti-inflammatory compounds. This increase in the anti-inflammatory compounds help in reducing inflammation in various diseases like cancer, arthritis and allergies.
  1. A natural detoxifying agent for your body: Black rice is a rich and natural detoxifying agent. Studies have shown that the phytonutrients in black rice help detoxify your body and remove harmful toxins from your liver. So, next time you throw a party, have a detox week by consuming Black rice.
  1. A gluten-free grain: Black rice, like other varieties of rice, is naturally gluten-free. So, if you are allergic to gluten and have the Celiac disease (Gluten insensitivity), then you should consider having black rice in your daily diet plan.
  1. Helps fight diabetes: Black Rice bran contains fibre, which in turn helps glucose to be absorbed by your body over a longer period of time. Research has proven that eating whole grains like Black Rice helps your body lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and also keeps your weight in check in addition to boosting your energy levels. So, if you are diabetic then you should consider substituting Black Rice to white rice in your daily diet as it way better and helps fight diabetes.
  1. Aids in weight loss: Black Rice is a whole grain and super rich in fibers. This combination helps your body reduce signals of hunger thus helping in preventing overeating. In addition, researchers have found out that whole grains like Black Rice help prevent insulin resistance in your body which leads to and is related to the risk of becoming overweight/obese. If you are someone who is looking to reduce your weight, consider including Black Rice in your weight loss regime.
  1. Promotes heart health: A healing food like Black Rice has been shown to reduce the atherosclerotic plaque formation in the arteries which is the main reason for a heart attack and stroke. In addition to this Black Rice also helps to reduce the 2 common factors in heart disease, namely LDL, triacylglycerol and total cholesterol. Consider including Black Rice to promote a healthy heart and keep heart-related ailments at bay.

Hope you like this article, do let me know your views and any other health benefits I may have missed in the comments section below. For more insights on nutrition and wellness, speak to a certified expert by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

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6 Good Cholesterol Foods You Must Eat

good cholesterol foods

When someone mentions cholesterol, we often think of bad cholesterol and heart disease. However, there are also good cholesterol foods that are vital for our body. Functions like the synthesis of Vitamin D and hormones, as well as the formation and structure of cell membranes, rely on good cholesterol. 

What is Good Cholesterol? 

Good cholesterol refers to High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), which helps remove bad cholesterol, known as Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL). HDL helps transport LDL to the liver for removal from the body. Consuming foods high in saturated fats can increase LDL levels, raising the risk of heart disease and stroke.

While exercising, sleep, stress management, limiting alcohol intake and quitting smoking are essential for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, certain foods also help. Let’s take a look at some good cholesterol foods!

  1. Nuts and Seeds: They are high in healthy fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (Omega 3 and Omega 6) and low on saturated fats, which help lower LDL cholesterol. They are rich in Alpha-Linoleic acid, which reduces inflammation and improves overall fat composition. These foods prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol by free radicals, reducing plaque formation. They are also an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber which give you a feeling of fullness. They also have a good amount of micronutrients which make them an ideal post-workout meal. However if you have allergies to nuts and seeds, avoid them. 
  2. Avocados: They are both tasty and nutrient-rich. They contain a high amount of Oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that helps reduce inflammation and the risk of heart disease. Studies show that avocados can lower LDL cholesterol by 10% and total cholesterol by 8%. Additionally, avocados are high in fiber and healthy fats, which help you feel full for longer.
  3. Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, which benefit vital organs like the heart, brain and lungs. They also contain Vitamin D and A, essential for good bone and eye health. These fish are particularly effective in reducing death rates due to myocardial infarction and arrhythmia. They also help lowering plaque build-up in arteries and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, these fish contain contaminants, so cleaning them thoroughly before consuming is crucial.
  4. Eggs: They have a bad reputation due to their fat content, but not all fat in eggs are harmful. Eggs contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are heart healthy, along with saturated and trans fats, which raise bad cholesterol levels. One egg can easily provide a quarter of your daily fat serving. So including eggs in breakfast easily helps you include healthy fats in your diet. It also supports weight loss by preventing cravings throughout the day. Egg is a complete food, rich in both macro and most micronutrients and a good source of protein. Helps improve Vitamin D levels by aiding in its absorption. Having whole eggs by people who are already at risk of high cholesterol levels may worsen the condition, so include egg white as most of the fat and cholesterol in eggs comes from its yolk.
  5. Complex Carbs: Whole grain cereals like millets, wheat bran, oats, brown rice, fruit and vegetables contain longer chains of sugar that take longer to digest and convert into glucose, which the body uses for energy. Including 2 servings of whole grain cereals can help lower bad cholesterol, as the fiber in these foods aids in its removal from the body and improves HDL cholesterol levels.
  6. Lentils and Pulses: Including these in your diet is an easy and inexpensive way to get both macro and micronutrients. Lentils are a good source of polyphenols, which reduce inflammation and prevent many life threatening diseases, including some types of cancer. Proteins in lentils help prevent blood vessel constriction, improve HDL levels and reduce LDL levels. Lentils are also rich in folate, which prevents the accumulation of homocysteine, a trigger factor for heart disease. 

We hope this article helps you understand the difference between bad cholesterol and good cholesterol foods, as well as what to eat to stay healthy. For more tips, check out Healthy Reads or ask an expert by subscribing for GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health.

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How to Create a Better and Healthy India

women's healthA young woman, who seemed slightly on the heavier side, approached me on the walking track at the Coimbatore-Race Course. She asked for tips on health management and weight reduction, even suggesting that I create a group to help with these goals. This encounter inspired me to share my thoughts in this blog.

Creating awareness among women about the importance of staying physically fit is the first step towards building a healthier India. In my opinion, healthy women are the cornerstone of healthy societies. Health and fitness are two sides of the same coin, both essential for living a healthy and happy life.

While women excel in many areas, taking care of their health is often not one of them. The reality is that women are more likely than men to neglect preventive health care. My conversations with women reveal that fitness is one of their top wellness challenges. But why is that?

Following are the commonly cited reasons by women as barriers to exercise:

  1. Women are too busy taking care of others to focus on themselves. Their dedication to family creates significant time and logistical barriers to being physically active. Many women juggle household responsibilities and jobs, leaving little time for their health or self-care.
  2. They may not have access to resources such as parks and gyms, and they often lack motivation and confidence to exercise.
  3. Reasons for weight gain may be attributed to the inheritance of genetic predisposition or caesarean sections undergone by them.
  4. Lack of energy is yet another factor as fatigue is a by-product of a tiring lifestyle and women are often tired.
  5. Women with low incomes are less likely to exercise regularly.  They do not realize that not all exercises require expensive clothes or a gym membership. One of the most beneficial forms of exercise is free – brisk walking!
  6. Mindset is yet another factor, as women feel that going outside for a walk or to hit the gym is not necessary for them.
  7. Breaking the laziness barrier is the main hurdle for most people irrespective of gender.
  8. Women feel that they are constantly being looked at by others when walking in public. They are reluctant and shy to wear jogging suits and walk with their cellulite jiggling appearance, as they feel that they will be laughed at. This is true especially among South Indian women as cultural factors play a major role in this part of India. The fear of judgement is greater than the women’s self-confidence.
  9. Women who believe that child-rearing and domestic chores are ‘women’s work’ are less likely to take time to exercise – perhaps they feel guilty taking time out for themselves. Sexism proves to be one of the barriers.
  10. Some others think that to be useful, exercise must be painful, sweaty and gruelling, which of course is not true.

How Can Women Improve Their Health?

Women, as health managers or promoters within their families, have a significant role in influencing overall family health. It’s time for women to prioritize their well-being and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

  • Lose weight if you are overweight, start with just 15 minutes of walking a day.
  • Eat a balanced diet. Cook healthy meals for yourself and your family instead of relying on takeout or processed foods.
  • Eat the right food in correct proportions at the right time as women have the habit of delaying their meal timings owing to the pressure of work.
  • Create time for walking as walking is considered the king of exercises. It offers numerous benefits without risking injury or stress on the body.
  • Regular Brisk Walking can help you maintain a healthy weight. It prevents and/or manages various medical conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
  • Find a walking partner if you are not motivated to walk alone. For instance, your husband, parents, friends, relatives or your children. You can even join a local walking group.

Delaying simple aerobic exercise can lead to obesity and various health issues. Without proper awareness, women may feel lost when it comes to maintaining their health. By overcoming initial reluctance, women can adopt a balanced approach to fitness, directly influencing the well-being of their families. Women are the backbone of India, and their health is crucial to the nation’s well-being.

We hope this article encourages you to prioritize your health. If it did, share your thoughts in the comments below! For more tips on fitness and nutrition, explore our Healthy Reads. Ready to take charge of your health? Get personalized guidance from GOQii’s health experts by subscribing here.

#BeTheForce for a healthier you!

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