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Rice Bran Oil and its 7 benefits

Rice Bran Oil and its 7 benefits‘Good health is a boon’ According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Health is “a state of mental, physical and social well-being, not merely the absence of any disease or infirmity”. What we eat, how it’s prepared, and when we consume it all play vital roles in our health. Oil, a key ingredient in Indian cuisine, greatly influences our health depending on the type and amount used. Choosing the right oil is especially important for those with busy lifestyles. As the second-largest rice producer globally, India produces around 100 MMT of rice annually. Rice bran oil, extracted from rice husk and germ, has a high smoke point of 232°C (450°F), a long shelf life, and a mild flavor, making it ideal for high-temperature cooking like stir-frying and deep-frying. According to the latest recommendations by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the ideal oil composition is 27-33% saturated fat, 33-40% monounsaturated fat, and 27-33% polyunsaturated fat. Rice bran oil closely matches this recommendation with a composition of SFA (24%), MUFA (42%), and PUFA (34%), offering a balanced fatty acid profile.

Health Benefits of Rice Bran Oil:

Rice bran oil contains essential nutrients that benefit health in numerous ways:

  1. Rich in Vitamin E Rice bran oil contains tocopherols and tocotrienols, forms of Vitamin E with natural antioxidant properties that help neutralize free radicals—by-products of cellular metabolism that can cause cellular damage and mutations. These antioxidants support neurological health and hormonal balance.
  2. Improves Skin Health Squalene, an antioxidant in rice bran oil, acts as a natural moisturizer, protecting skin from wrinkles, delaying signs of aging, and reducing sun damage.
  3. Promotes Heart Health Oryzanol, another antioxidant found in rice bran oil, helps lower cholesterol levels in the blood and liver. Using rice bran oil in a low-carb diet can help reduce triglycerides, lower LDL cholesterol, and improve the HDL-to-LDL ratio, essential for heart health. WHO recommends rice bran oil as one of the best choices for improving cholesterol levels.
  4. Hypoallergenic Properties Being hypoallergenic, rice bran oil is unlikely to cause allergic reactions, making it a suitable choice for people with food sensitivities. It may also reduce general allergic responses, lessening sensitivity to other allergens.
  5. Relieves Menopausal Symptoms Gamma-oryzanol in rice bran oil has shown effectiveness in reducing menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. A study titled Rice Bran Oil-‘The Age Old Oil’ authored by Maulishree Jhawer, Dr Enozia Vakil and Medically reviewed by Dr Simi Paknikar abd Dr Nithin Jayan found that 90%of women who were taking rice bran oil daily found relief in menopausal symptoms by improving hormonal balance (http://www.medindia.net/patients/lifestyleandwellness/rice-bran-oil-benefits.htm)
  6. Aids in Blood Pressure Management I conducted a 60-day study in New Delhi with 300 participants with mild to moderate hypertension, divided into three groups. One group took a common blood pressure medication, another used rice bran oil, and the third used both. The results were impressive: blood pressure dropped an average of 14 points in the oil-only group, 16 points in the medication group, and 36 points in the combined group. Diastolic pressure also decreased significantly in all groups.
  7. Supports Weight Management Despite its high calorie and fat content, rice bran oil can help control weight. Its viscosity prevents it from being fully absorbed by food, reducing the caloric value while retaining flavor and nutrients. Like any other oil, rice bran oil should be consumed in moderation. NIN recommends adults with a sedentary lifestyle limit oils and fats to 25 grams per day, while those with physically demanding jobs may need 30-40 grams. Young children and adolescents should have 30-50 grams daily. Rice bran oil can also be used for post-pregnancy massages, though pregnant women should consult their doctor before using it in their diet. We hope this article helps you, let us know in the comments below. For further information or guidance, reach out to our certified experts by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here. #BeTheForce

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Easy Hacks To Control Hunger Pangs

control hunger pangs

Hunger is an important signal that should not be ignored, but how often have you felt that this is a genuine one? Although growling and gurgling in the stomach are real signals to watch out for, here are some simple and effective hacks to control hunger pangs.

Effective Ways To Control Hunger Pangs

  1. Chew Well: This advice has probably been repeated several times since childhood but is often ignored. Mindful eating begins by sniffing the aroma and savoring every bite. When we chew the food properly, the flavors linger in the mouth, bringing about a satiety value and a feeling of fullness. This helps curb binge eating.
  2. Stay Hydrated: Quite often, our body signals hydration, but we end up eating instead. Getting confused between thirst and hunger is very common. Drinking water from earthen pots quenches thirst more effectively than refrigerated water. You can add lemon water and buttermilk to your diet. Summer coolants like aam panna and kokum sherbet are also great.
  3. Adequate Protein: If, despite eating breakfast, you find yourself eagerly waiting for lunch, you may need to look at the protein content in your diet. Research has shown that adequate amounts of protein help keep you full for a longer period. Ghrelin, an appetite-stimulating hormone that signals you to eat, is lower with high-protein intake.
  4. Soup: is a great rescue from the immense hunger pangs, especially in the evening. The high water content, along with fiber from the veggies, helps control hunger. Having a warm soup surprisingly reduces the appetite. Stick to broth-based soups rather than creamy ones.
  5. Spice It Up: Major Hunger pangs occur due to bland and unsatisfying food. Adding a few spices not only curbs your appetite but aids digestion. Spicy food is known to increase satiety. A simple salad can become interesting if you add a dash of lemon, sprinkle some chaat masala, or throw in some mint dip!
  6. Healthy Snacking: What you eat when hungry during odd hours plays an important role in controlling hunger pangs. Having a small mid-meal snack is good, but watch out for the quantity and quality. Seasonal fruits will keep you full and healthy. Nuts and seeds, being rich in proteins, are good as well. 
  7. Limit Excessive Sugar: There is a direct link between sugar consumption and increased hunger pangs. Besides keeping a check on high-sugar food intake, watch for hidden sugars in food labels. Opt for natural sugar sources like jaggery, dry fruits and fresh fruits.
  8. Exercise: Many people believe that exercise increases appetite. However, with regular aerobic exercise, appetite actually decreases
  9. Sleep: Lack of sleep can impact our eating patterns. Inadequate sleep leads to low energy levels. To compensate for this, we often choose sugary foods, leading to a cycle of empty calories and overeating.

And that’s it! Follow these hacks to control hunger pangs. If, despite these tips, you still feel ravenous, consider consulting a doctor. Check out other articles for healthy recipes and more topics on hunger, food, nutrition and health. For further information or guidance, reach out to our certified experts by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce! 

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Want Younger Looking Skin? Try These Foods Now!

younger looking skinThey say real beauty comes from within. Well, people may have different perspectives over this quote but in the opinion of a Nutritionist, what food you put inside your body, is what reflects on your skin! Ageing is a normal physiological phenomenon which starts from the inside out. This makes it imperative to take care of your diet to prevent the effects of ageing. With advancing age, the proteins and pigments of our skin start to deteriorate. However, with a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition, in the absence of disease, one can still manage to have a plump skin. Just like our emotional troubles can be seen on the face by the way of our expressions, the internal troubles of our body show up on the skin. If you feed your body with the right kind of food, it radiates right on the skin. Let’s look at some foods to get that younger looking skin you’ve always wanted!  

Foods For Younger Looking Skin

  1. Water: As simple and feeble as it may sound, water is the most important component of a skincare regime. In all forms, whether luke warm, chilled or infused, water is the most effective tool for younger looking skin and to fight any skin abnormalities. It cleanses the excess metabolites and harmful substances that may accumulate beneath the layers of skin. Water helps keep the skin moisturised and flush out infectious agents.
  2. Berries, Melons and Citrus Fruits: Berries are natural chemical exfoliators. They contain salicylic acid which is a popular ingredient in beauty products known for anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Berries are also rich in Vitamin C and ellagic acid that can help reduce acne. Rich in Vitamin A, C and B, melons can prove to be effective in maintaining good skin health. They can also improve your digestive system and prevent constipation. This, in turn, aids in clearing up the skin. Melons are also effective in treating psoriasis, a dry skin condition that causes itchy, flaky and red patches of skin. The rich Vitamin C content of citrus fruits can effectively fight free radical action, which prevents skin ageing. Citric acid helps curb the bacterial action and pathogens present under the skin. As we age, our body’s ability to produce collagen decreases and the elasticity of the skin too. Vitamin C helps repair and rejuvenate the skin, helping in wound healing and building connective tissue, leading to younger looking skin.
  3. Turmeric (Curcuma Longa): Being the most potent spice, Turmeric helps fight cell damage, chronic disease and aging, helping maintain younger looking skin. All this due to the powerful pigment, curcumin.
  4. Nuts and Seeds: Nuts are densely packed with a variety of skin healthy nutrients such as proteins, vitamin E, essential oils, minerals, and antioxidants. Soaked almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds and sesame seeds are the richest sources of vitamin E – which are very helpful to protect the skin from the UV rays of the sun. Vitamin E also helps strengthen your skin, avoid skin infections and give it a radiant glow.
  5. Dark Chocolate: contains cocoa flavanols. These are very potent antioxidants that protect the skin from the oxidative damage caused by pollution or sunlight. It also protects the skin by enhancing blood flow, which helps by nourishing and moisturizing it. Make sure to choose only dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa in it.
  6. Tomatoes: Tomato and tomato juice are high in lycopene, a natural carotenoid that fights pigmentation and darkening due to ageing or stress.
  7. Virgin Coconut Oil: Used in cooking, it slows down the aging process by lowering oxidative stress and relieving pressure on the liver, it nourishes the skin and hair to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and clears dark patches and cellulite.
  8. Avocados: are high in monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fats that are essential to nourish the skin and prevent dryness. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory to keep the immune system effectively functioning. The lutein and zeaxanthin in this fruit may help to protect the skin from UV damage. It is also full of Vitamins A, B, C, E, and K which helps you get the glow of younger looking skin.
  9. Leafy Greens: Spinach, Collard greens, Radish greens and Kale are excellent for replenishing tired skin and dark under-eye shadows due to their high iron and magnesium content. These leafy greens are rich in Vitamin K that improve skin cell regrowth for a better complexion.
  10. Cucumbers: are more water than anything else. Oh so hydrating! Thus, they possess an extraordinary cooling effect. The peel of a cucumber contains antioxidants, Vitamin C and K, which can aid in skin whitening and can also reduce the appearance of fine lines. They also help in reducing puffy eyes and dark circles.

We hope this article helps you achieve that younger looking skin you’ve always desired. Before you switch to any of these foods, please ensure that you reach out to your doctor, nutritionist or dietitian in case you have allergies or any underlying medical conditions. For more on skin care, check out Healthy Reads or speak to 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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Effective Tips To Motivate Your Child To Exercise

motivate your child to exerciseObesity in children has become a common occurrence. At an age when the body needs to be built in a healthy way, diseases like obesity become a risk for a healthy future. As per Indian culture, till the child comes of age, practically all the decisions of their life are taken by their parents. In such a scenario, if the parents themselves do not know the importance of a healthy lifestyle, how will they encourage their children to follow it? So, before children, parents need to be educated regarding the importance of exercise for children. As these formative years are the building blocks for a healthy lifestyle, it is important to guide and motivate your child to exercise. 

How Does Exercise Help Children? 

Physical activity helps children sleep better and handle physical as well as emotional challenges more effectively resulting in control/check of weight, hypertension, cholesterol, sugar and also chronic diseases like cancer and anxiety. It further improves psychological well being, self-confidence and self-esteem. Training children to exercise regularly at an early age helps them grow up to be disciplined adults. 

Tips To Motivate Your Child To Exercise 

The most effective way to train children to exercise is by practicing what we preach and be a role model by including regular physical activity in our own lives. 

  • Besides arranging family picnics, hiking expeditions, morning/evening walks and other sports and games, one can also add activity by walking or riding bicycles instead of driving, using stairs instead of elevators, helping in housework and gardening.
  • Another effective way to encourage children to get active is by praising them for their efforts. Instead of making them compete, they should be encouraged to cooperate with others and excel in their own records, as competition with others can lead to teasing, bullying and a sense of public failure and embarrassment. Children are more sensitive than average grownups and need all the support and encouragement to try again once they fumble or fail, which is a common phenomenon in case of children. Instead of nagging or negative comments, parents should become their cheerleaders. 
  • Children love the company of their friends; it is a good idea to encourage them to invite their like minded friends over for a game or an excursion. If a child likes a team sport, they should be encouraged for the same. But here too, the focus should be on fitness, fun and learning new skills and not on competition as this can remove the fun from the activity and many children get discouraged by it.
  • Exercise and activity should come as a reward after a homework well done rather than as punishment by forcing a child to run laps or do pushups after a mistake or some mischief played by them as this may backfire and the child may start hating exercise and activity. 
  • Often children are so overburdened with homework, private tuitions, and other planned activities that they do not have time for physical activity of their own choice. So think of adding some activity of their choice as an informal fun game rather than a training session. 
  • A variety of games and sports equipment should be left on hand, like an assortment of balls, hula-hoops, and jump ropes, etc. this can make children enjoy the games and activities for hours. 
  • If a child is lazy, they should be given incentives like a favorite food or book for an hour’s activity on a regular basis as this could be a great motivating factor.  

We hope the above suggestions help you motivate your child to exercise. As an incentive to exercise and to monitor their health, you can also gift them the GOQii Smart Vital Jr. which could be a huge motivational factor for your child to take their health seriously. With a personal coach and a pediatrician on board, you can rest assured that your child’s health is in safe hands!

For more tips of kid’s health and nutrition, check out Healthy Reads or tune in to sessions by experts on GOQii Play. For more effective tips on kid’s health, weight loss, home workouts, etc. speak directly to your GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

As we observe World Cancer Day under the powerful theme ‘United by Unique’ (2025-2027)**, we are reminded that every individual’s journey with cancer is distinct, yet united by shared resilience, hope, and the collective fight against this disease. This theme places people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the […]