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Interesting facts about Salt you should know

SaltWe all know that salt is an essential ingredient in our food. It’s hard to imagine a meal without it! But what exactly is salt, and why is it so important? While most of us are familiar with table salt, there are some fascinating facts about salt that you might not know. Let’s dive into the world of salt and uncover its role in our lives.

What is Salt?

Salt is made from sodium, a naturally occurring mineral, and is a major ingredient used worldwide. Most of the sodium we consume is in the form of sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt. But salt is more than just a seasoning—it plays a vital role in our health and daily lives.

Interesting facts about Salt

  1. Widely used Additive
    • Salt is one of the first food additives and seasonings used by humans. Today, it’s one of the most widely used additives, second only to sugar in the amount added to food.
  2. Too much salt is harmful
    • While salt is necessary for human life, over consumption can lead to health issues like high blood pressure, hypertension, and heart disease. On the other hand, consuming too little salt can cause hypotension.
    • High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. However, sodium intake alone isn’t the sole cause—factors like family history, weight, race, physical fitness, and smoking also play a role.
  3. How Much Salt Should You Consume?
    • Under normal conditions, a person needs about 2500 milligrams of sodium daily, which is roughly half a teaspoon of salt.
  4. Replenishing Salt
    • During conditions like excessive sweating (from workouts, sports, or trekking), diarrhea, or vomiting, sodium is lost, and the body’s need for it increases. This increased need can usually be met through diet, as the average diet already contains more sodium than required.

Sources of Sodium

  1. Table salt and seasoning:
    • Sodium is often added to foods during preparation in the form of table salt, monosodium glutamate (MSG), sea salt, black salt, or rock salt. One level teaspoon of salt contains about 2000 milligrams of sodium.
  2. Processed foods:
    • Salt and sodium-containing additives are commonly found in processed foods like chips, salted nuts, pickles, sauces, and ketchup. These additives also help preserve food.
  3. Natural sources:
    • All animal-based foods naturally contain sodium. Most fresh fruits and vegetables also have small amounts of sodium.
  4. Medicines:
    • Some over-the-counter drugs and medications contain sodium, so it’s important to check labels if you’re monitoring your sodium intake.

The Role of Salt in Health

Experts believe that while cutting down on salt may not prevent high blood pressure, it can help lower blood pressure for people who are “salt-sensitive.” A low-salt diet, combined with weight loss, medication, or other lifestyle changes, can effectively control high blood pressure.

Salt is a tasty and essential ingredient in our daily cooking, but moderation is key. Use it wisely to stay healthy. For instance, switching to rock salt can help keep blood pressure in check.

We hope this article equips you with valuable insights into the role of salt in your life. If you found this information helpful, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

#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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Healthy Eating: Spinach Paratha

spinach parathaIf you love parathas, roti, or chapati for breakfast, here’s a way to make the first meal of your day a healthy one! This Spinach Paratha recipe is loaded with essential nutrients to fuel your day and improve overall health. Spinach, the star ingredient, is packed with vitamins and minerals that benefit your body in numerous ways. Let’s get started!

What You Will Need

  • Spinach leaves – 200g
  • Gram flour (besan) – 2 tbsp
  • Wheat flour – 1 cup
  • Ajwain (carom seeds) – 1 tsp
  • Green chilli – 1-2
  • Ginger – 1 tsp
  • Oil – 1 tbsp
  • Salt to taste

How to Prepare

  • Step 1: Boil water in a pan and turn off the flame. Add the spinach leaves to the hot water and let them blanch for 1-2 minutes. Remove the leaves and soak them in cold water to retain their vibrant green color.
  • Step 2: In a mixer or blender, make a puree using the blanched spinach leaves, ginger, and green chillies.
  • Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine wheat flour, gram flour, and salt. Mix well, then add the spinach puree, ajwain, and 1 tsp of oil.
  • Step 4: Knead the dough well and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
  • Step 5: Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into medium-thick parathas.
  • Step 6: Heat a tawa (griddle) and roast the paratha on both sides, applying a little oil for a crispy texture.
  • Step 7: Serve hot with carrot raita or your favorite chutney.

Highlights of the Spinach Paratha

  • Nutrient-Dense: Spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense leafy green vegetables, rich in Vitamin K, which supports bone health and blood clotting.
  • Eye Health: Spinach contains lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that promote eye health and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
  • Reduces Oxidative Stress: The antioxidants in spinach help combat oxidative stress, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
  • Manages Blood Pressure: Spinach is high in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure levels.
  • Weight Loss-Friendly: Low in calories and high in fiber, spinach parathas are a great addition to a weight-loss diet.

This Spinach Paratha is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to kickstart your day on a healthy note. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for anyone looking to add more greens to their diet. Give this recipe a try and let us know how you liked it in the comments below!

Do you have any other healthy breakfast recipes you love? Share them with us in the comments below! For more healthy recipes, check out Healthy Reads or get in touch with your GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalized Health Coaching here.

Eat Healthy and #BeTheForce

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From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

Ananda Mukherjee Health StoryAs 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 conversation, celebrating the strength and uniqueness of each survivor.

Today, we bring you the inspiring survival story of our player ‘Anand Mukherjee’, a testament to courage, determination, and the unwavering human spirit. Anand’s journey is not just a story of battling cancer but a celebration of life, love, and the unique ways in which he turned challenges into triumphs, with help from his GOQii Coach. His story reminds us that while cancer may be a common adversary, every survivor’s path is extraordinary, and their voice deserves to be heard.

We present before you Ananda’s journey and reflect on the power of unity, hope, and the unique story that binds us all in the fight against cancer.

Going From Slender To Overweight 

Ananda Mukherjee had a very poor work-life balance. This coupled with bad eating habits such as drinking several cups of coffee, eating unhealthy and sleeping less really took a toll on his body. “I could never sleep, so I was on sleeping pills,” says Ananda. 

Not being able to sustain such a lifestyle, Ananda Mukherjee quit his job in 2018 but didn’t do much for his health. When COVID struck, he couldn’t exercise or go out – which made his life pretty sedentary. The only positive outcome he says was that he was able to add certificates to the hobbies he indulged in such as Interior Design and Gardening & Landscaping.

In the course of time, before he realized, his weight had increased from 56kg to 83kg. “I was asked by people, what has happened to you?” Ananda says that he was slender from the age of 15 till 45 and his weight had remained the same. So when he gained weight, it was noticed by everyone. 

More Bad News…

In 2021, he was diagnosed with a terminal medical condition that affected his intestine  (Adenocarcinoma in the small intestine i.e. Cancer of the Intestine). The first thing his doctor told him was to quit smoking and get active. His food habits also needed to change. He had to bring some discipline in his life. 

As his medication and radiation treatment began, the side-effects such as weight loss, loss of appetite, digestion issues like gas, bloating, etc. began to show. All of this also affected him mentally and emotionally. He was on antidepressant pills for his anxiety issues as well. 

During this time, he was introduced to GOQii by a friend and from social media. When he did his research, he realized that it’s not just a fitness tracker but a service that offers personalized health coaching as well. He says, “Without any hesitation I decided to get a GOQii and try it”. 

Getting Back On Track With GOQii 

Ananda Mukherjee joined GOQii in September 2021. At the time he joined, he weighed 70kg, his HRA was 43 and his BMI was 25.71. His health goal was to lose fat, gain muscle, improve sleep, get rid of stress and anxiety and control his BP. 

Since he was under radiation therapy, after each radiation session, his health goal would change as per the side effects he faced. He had lost 5kg due to the radiation therapy. His health goals fluctuated between improving oxygen levels, heart rate, getting rid of GI issues like gas, bloating, indigestion, nausea as well as respiratory problems like cough, cold, chest congestion, etc. Along with help from his GOQii Coach Vaishali, he had to manage lifestyle changes accordingly.

Coach Vaishali suggested simple healthy changes in his lifestyle which included eating fruits, drinking lukewarm lemon water in the morning, including lemon zest, and having wheatgrass and aloe vera juice to boost immunity. For protein and omega 3, she suggested dry fruits.

During the course of their journey, she got him away from sugar and smoking. Ananda was asked to engage in his hobbies and meditation to improve his mental and emotional wellbeing as well as remain stress-free. 

Ananda also shared his journey with us in detail as he spoke to our Founder & CEO Vishal Gondal

What Changes Did Ananda Mukherjee Experience? 

When asked about his journey so far, Ananda said, “GOQii has played a huge role. It brought about positivity in my life. My Coach Vaishali just created new habits based on my health goals and helped me follow those habits.” 

His radiation treatment is now complete and he is happy that he is able to sleep without taking any pills. His neighbors and friends are surprised at how fresh and healthy he looks now and his wife has also complimented him.

“I blindly follow what my coach suggests and that has given me results. She has been a mom at times, an elder sister at times and has been able to get me to do things. I am totally off smoking and alcohol and my diet is simple,” he says. 

Ananda has been getting all his exercise lessons and nutrition tidbits from GOQii Play classes. He loves the recipe classes on GOQii Play and has been able to make quite a few dishes at home to avoid eating out.

He jokes with his friends saying, I am just chilling and losing weight and has been advocating GOQii to all of them. He says, “This current life is a tectonic shift in my life.” He is able to get back to his medium sized clothes from having gone upto XL size. 

He says, “A coach is necessary to achieve your goals especially when it is about health. There has to be someone to motivate you to do the right things. I have always believed in mentors and with a coach or a mentor your journey only becomes that much more interesting and easier”. 

Ever since being on GOQii, in almost 9 months’ time, Ananda has been able to get into the Elite category. He is following a healthy lifestyle, enjoying his life and is now a landscape designer and also loves gardening. He walks daily for physical fitness and meditates for mental and emotional wellbeing.

Currently his HRA is 81. He has stopped taking antidepressant and sleeping pills as well. His current weight stands at 67kg.

What Does Coach Vaishali Vibhute Have To Say About Her Player?

Ananda started his journey on Sept 20, 2021. The day he joined as a player, he was very depressed, stressed, feeling low both mentally and physically, emotionally disturbed and overweight. He smoked a lot. When I started coaching, he weighed 70kg, HRA was 43 and BMI was 25.71.

Despite being a fitness freak and having a gym at home, he had stopped exercising when he had quit his banking job, which led to a lot of weight gain. To get him back on track, I gave him a target of completing 3k steps and gradually increased it to 5k. I also gave him a few challenges like doing light weight exercises, and following pre and post workout meals. He completed all these tasks diligently. 

When GOQii launched the SAFE (Sedentary, Active, Fit and Elite) model, I told him I would like to see him in the ELITE category, as he was in the sedentary category. He accepted the challenge as he had a burning desire to achieve his health goals.

It is never easy to achieve a health goal. It requires some sacrifices, discipline, consistency and determination. If you are able to handle these 4 aspects well, nothing can stop you and Ananda has proven this fact! Though it was challenging for him to maintain his weight due to his medical condition, his endless efforts and discipline helped him achieve what he aimed for.

We’re wishing Ananda Mukherjee well on his journey of being healthy and fit! Does his Health Story inspire you? Do you want to make a radical lifestyle shift as well? Subscribe for GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching and start now: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

For more inspiring Health Stories, check out Healthy Reads.

#BeTheForce  

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11 Unhealthy Habits That Are Destroying Your Health

unhealthy habitsOld habits die hard and that’s true. Habits are stored in our subconscious mind. We keep on carrying out tasks or habits, without even realizing we are doing it. While some habits help us complete day to day activities, there are some which aren’t good for our health, especially the ones which affect our diet. It is crucial to follow habits which have a positive impact on health. It is time to identify unhealthy habits and get rid of them for good health’s sake.

Unhealthy Habits You Need to Stop 

  1. Skipping Breakfast: For some people, skipping breakfast is an easy way to cut calories. However, if you skip breakfast, you’ll probably overeat during lunch. Secondly, in the morning, our metabolic rate is high. To maintain it, we need to give enough fuel to our body in the form of breakfast. So you should not skip your morning meal at any cost.
  2. Emotional Eating: If you are stressed or if you’ve had a bad day, call a friend, listen to music, write in a journal or try going for a walk. These options are better than binge-eating junk food due to emotional reasons.
  3. Including Unhealthy Drinks: At some point, we all reach out for a soft drink after a meal. It has somehow become a norm. Sweetened/Aerated drinks increase your daily calorie intake and cause other health issues. Instead, drink lemon water, coconut water or buttermilk. In fact, you can make your own healthy energy drinks!
  4. Eating Out Frequently: Avoid the habit to grab something unhealthy when going out for a long day. Take healthier shortcuts! Eat a vegetable sandwich, protein salad, whole grain crackers & veggies with humus. You can even carry fresh fruits.
  5. Munching While Watching TV or During Long Drives: Try to avoid unnecessary munching while watching your favorite program or when you are on a long drive or a road trip. Instead of having processed foods like chips, cookies, etc. you can have a handful of nuts, air popcorn, seed trail-mix and unsalted peanuts.
  6. Lack of Sleep: Sleep works as nutrition for the brain. Our body needs 8-9 hours of sleep every night. Less than 8 hour of sleep triggers a cortisol spike and hampers our metabolism and contributes to weight gain. Shut your computer, mobile, and TV at least an hour before sleeping.
  7. Long Gap Between Meals: There shouldn’t be a huge time gap between meals. When you are on a weight loss journey, you shouldn’t just be careful about the food you eat but the time you eat as well! Many studies show that, if you are not eating at the right time, you might not be able to achieve your weight loss goals. The ideal gap between breakfast – Lunch & lunch –dinner should not exceed 4 hours.
  8. Eating Late at Night: You should not eat dinner very late as it promotes weight gain. Your last meal or your dinner should always be 3 hours before bedtime.
  9. Consuming Extra Salt: Eating a lot of salt can cause an increase in water weight and fat in your body. If you eat too much salt, extra water gets stored in your body which can raise your blood pressure.  Higher blood pressure leads to heart attacks, strokes and kidney diseases. Avoid sauces, pickles, sprinkling extra on salad & curd in your meals.
  10. Eating Heavy Meals Close to Bedtime: Avoid eating heavy meals close to bedtime, it can cause acidity, severe heartburn and make difficult to fall asleep. Also avoid tea, coffee, and chocolate in the evening because caffeine can stay in our system for 5-6 hrs and suppress the sleep hormone.
  11. Putting Calorie Restrictions: Eating more calories than your body needs will lead to weight gain. Whereas, eating lesser calories than your body needs will lead to weight loss. However, restricting calories too much may slow down metabolism, can cause fatigue, nutrient deficiencies and lower immunity too.

These 11 unhealthy habits can contribute to weight gain, affect metabolism and can be extremely detrimental to your health. Avoid them and adopt a healthier lifestyle. For more tips on living a healthier lifestyle, check out Healthy Reads or ask an expert by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

We hope this article has helped you. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below!

#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 […]