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India’s Ikigai: Centennials know the secret sauce to Longevity

It is not just about staying physically healthy-it is also about mental, emotional and social health

Mishrilal Jain, 92 years lives in Bareli in a Madhya Pradesh and still sits in their family cloth store. He totally defies age by being active, healthy and social. Every day, he makes it a point to chat with his friends. He walks on his own with a stick and has no medical conditions or lifestyle diseases. A freedom fighter who has even been to jail in 1947, Jain has a very positive outlook towards life. His granddaughter reiterates his secret to longevity is that fact he has been active throughout his life, eats only homecooked food and is happy and content.

Dr Narsingh Gulvady, 90, lives in Navi Mumbai and is a retired MBBS doctor. He says, “do not do anything to live long. I did nothing”. Born in 1929, in then Madras, Dr Gulvady is active and spends a lot of time with his books apart from enjoying his beloved wife’s company who is also 86 years of age. Dr Gulvady attributes his longevity also to people’s love all along that has kept him happy and healthy. He also does not forget to credit his gene pool for longevity. Both he and his wife have led a very active and simple life. He maintains a diary on a daily basis and does not have any medical issues.  

The above stories are just two of the examples of the many 90 plus people GOQii interviewed for their longevity study. Aging is a natural process and it is inevitable It is precisely the impermanence of life that renders it so precious. But, how about aging gracefully and disease-free? Is this even possible? Are some of the questions we asked and the answers we found were positive. Yes, it is very possible according to the latest India fit Report 2020 titled –– India’s Ikigai: The Old Know Better but the Young Don’t Care’.

As per the report, the above examples highlighted, the 90 plus years and above people attribute their longevity to simple living, being active, eating home-cooked nutritious food and to being socially active with friends and family. For many their years of living have been happy and content.

The India Fit report 2020 is in its 6th edition and it is a result of a year-long study of 5 million GOQii users. The report presents a holistic overview on the health and lifestyle of Indians across different parameters such as steps taken, lifestyle diseases (Diabetes, Cardiac and Hypertension), BMI (Body Mass Index), nutrition, water, stress, sleep, gut health and immunity, allergies, smoking and alcohol consumption; all of which are classified according to gender and key cities. This year India Fit report went a step further and decoded the secret to ‘India’s Ikigai-longevity of life’ from 90 years old and above across the country

Most of the centennials also lead a disease-free life while the younger age groups demonstrated a higher risk profile for lifestyle diseases, the study indicates. As per the health risk assessment (HRA) (framework of the study, 62% of people are either high risk or borderline on the Health-Risk Assessment spectrum. Only 38% of people are healthy. Young adults in the 19-30 age group have the unhealthiest habits and demonstrate a high propensity to be afflicted by lifestyle diseases.

The study indicates that people who report being happy and satisfied with their lives are more likely to enjoy a longer life span with good health and fewer long-term limiting health concerns. Bonding with family and friends appears to enhance health, and even increase longevity. At GOQii, our endeavour is to create awareness about preventive health while providing people with a platform to improve their health and fitness and move a step ahead to increase India’s average lifespan to 80 years and above.

 ALARMING RISE IN LIFESTYLE DISEASES

The report indicates that Diabetes has increased from 7.1% to 12% this year. The incidence of diabetes is highest among older adults at 23.81% and seniors at 36.82%. As per the report, 13.5% of Indians have Cholesterol issues. High Cholesterol can even occur among people who are underweight, or overweight, thin or fat thus regular monitoring is key in keeping cholesterol in check. Currently, 36% of the people who have high cholesterol have heart issues too while 51.7% of the people who have diabetes have abnormal cholesterol too. This past year Thyroid issues have increased from 6.8 to 10.7 %. The report also suggests that 13.4% of the people in India have high blood pressure.

SOME SURPRISES: Healthiest City is Chandigarh and Mumba slips to rank 15 in the list of healthy cities

The survey deep dives into city-wise parameters and has recorded Chandigarh to be the healthiest city in India while Mumbai slips far down in the list of healthiest cities, ranking 15th overall. Kolkata is at the lowest end of the spectrum. 18% of people in Kolkata are diabetic followed by Surat and Bhopal. In terms of allergies, Pune ranks lowest on the allergy index having the least amount of people suffering from allergies. Chennai has the worst BMI rank across all cities, Kolkata has the largest aging population in the country and the highest incidence of lifestyle diseases like diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure and thyroid. About 60% of people in Lucknow fall in the unhealthy bracket which is just 2 % below the country’s average. Ahmedabad ranks 10th in the overall ranking, manages stress better than many other cities. Bhopal has overtaken all other major cities, having the highest percentage of people who consume alcohol.

The GOQii India Fit Report has been administered across 16 cities in the country and data has been collected from a cross-section of 5 million GOQii app users. The study evaluates the health of users basis the Health Risk Assessment that take and also the data recorded on a daily basis that is tracked by users on the App. HRA considers factors such as current body statistics, medical parameters, current nutrition, physical activity, stress, sleep, alcohol, smoking, current illness, lifestyle diseases, immunity levels, symptoms or health indicators. The data that is tracked by the users on a daily basis is their steps clocked, food logs, sleep, water intake and their vital parameters. This edition of the report has focused on doing in-depth interviews with India’s oldest citizens. Over 100 respondents across the length and breadth of India, between 90 and 100 plus years of age were an integral part of the study.

Download the full report from www.indiafit.org

For more topics on the health benefits of foods, check out our Healthy Reads section within the GOQii App or simply tune in to GOQii Play for LIVE sessions by experts. 

#LevelUp your winter and #BeTheForce 

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7 Healthy Indian Drinks

There are only so many times you can say, “Just water for me, thanks,” Water is a healthy and safe bet, sure. In fact, it can’t be beaten. No drink can match water, isn’t it? Water is a panacea for many health problems

70 % body is comprised of water. There are innumerable benefits of having water. It promotes weight loss, boosts immunity, increases brain power, prevents hair fall, renders glowing skin, helps in clearing the gut, removes toxins from the body and many more.

So what do you do when you want more options but don’t want to stray from the healthy side of things? Luckily, there are actually several beverages that can do you one favour or another while spicing up your waterlogged palette. 

In this blog, I am going to talk about the healthiest drinks in India. Some of them are my absolute favourites and I include them in my diet throughout the year. Not only these drinks are tasty and easy to make but also offer numerous health benefits

From digestion related problems to skin issues, hair fall issues to serious problems of kidney, liver and heart, these drinks serve as pure nectar for the body.

There are sometimes when we feel like drinking something hot and cool, sweet and salty, morning and evening, summer and winters. I have chosen some most versatile health drinks

The SEVEN health drinks you must try are:

Starting with # 7 RAGI MALT

Ragi Malt Drink

If you are looking for a quick and healthy breakfast, try this one. Considering the nutritional and therapeutic value of Finger millet or Ragi for the human body, it is quite surprising and unfortunate that it is totally absent in most people’s diets today. 2 years ago, I read about it and even heard about the benefits and started having it regularly, since then this drink has been a part of my routine.

Quick Recipe:

  1. Ragi flour 3-4 tsp in a bowl with a little bit water poured in it which should be enough to make a paste of it.
  2. Then boil 1 cup of water and rock salt according to the taste and add ragi paste
  3. Keep stirring it for 2-3 mins, once it cools down to add some lemon juice 1/2 and some curd (50 gms) in it.
  4. Mix it well and your drink is ready, you can even have this in your breakfast when you are running late for work or it is a rescuer for people who have excuses to skip breakfast especially for the weight watchers.

Benefits:

Gluten free

Rich in Fibre

High in Calcium

Amino acids

Minerals

Vitamin D

# 6 Turmeric Milk

Turmeric Milk

We all must have tried it in our childhood or otherwise due to its anti-inflammatory properties but this turmeric milk recipe is quite different especially in winters.

Recipe:

  1. 1 glass of milk to boil (200gms)
  2. On boiling it add ½ tsp of turmeric
  3. Add a pinch of black pepper and ¼ tsp of Cow Ghee
  4. Let it boil with all these ingredients

Turmeric has antibacterial and viral properties and is considered a super herb since ancient times. The purpose of adding Black pepper helps in absorbing the turmeric in the body. The combination of ghee+ milk= pre nectar (acts as a panacea for many health problems) keep infections at bay this winter. Have it before 1 hour of going to bed.

Benefits

*Excellent Body detoxifier

*Blood purifier

*Cleanses Blood vessels

*Flushes out the toxins

*Kills Cancer cells

*Anti-ageing

*Improves Skin Tone

# 5 Buttermilk or Chaas

ButterMilk

Do you feel bloated after having heavy or spicy meals or feel thirsty through the day? Then it’s a must-have for people with weak digestion made in a traditional way. It helps you getting relief from all digestive and stomach related issues

Authentic recipe:

  1. In a blender add coriander leaves, mint leaves some ginger, curd, a pinch of asafoetida, rock salt, black salt and water.
  2. Blend them all
  3. Next step is flame 1tsp of ghee and add few cumin seeds in it and 1-2 curry leaves
  4. Let them splutter and later pour it on buttermilk and enjoy!

Benefits

* Rich in Vit B and Calcium

* Probiotics

* Try having this buttermilk post lunch for maximum benefit

#4 Lemon Honey Water

lemonhoneywater

One of the most popular drinks amongst the weight watchers and an excellent detoxifier. Some people complain that it causes a sore throat and acidity and is not that effective too. Which can be due to some common mistakes that people make while preparing it

Mistake 1> putting too much water and just 1 lemon to avoid acidity and increase water intake

Mistake 2 >Putting honey in hot water which may act against your body

To reap the maximum results out of it drink it early morning on empty stomach to see the miraculous results

Recipe:

  1. 200 ml lukewarm water, mix the juice of 1 lemon and 1tbsp honey
  2. Do not gulp it, gradually sip it down and finish it

Benefits

  • The citric acid in Lemon flushes out the toxins
  • Clears skin
  • Shrinks fat cells
  • Aids digestion
  • Detoxifies the body
  • Cleanses the blood
  • Boosts immunity

#3 Coconut water

Fresh_coconut_water

This is a natural energy drink detoxifies the body. Ideally, the right time to drink it before 12 noon for max benefit. And, even after an intensive workout session to hydrate our body. As it is a great mother nature’s Sports drink

Benefits:

  • Biologically pure
  • Has potassium equal to 4 bananas
  • Perfect electrolyte balance
  • Prevents hypertension

# 2 Sugarcane juice

Sugarcane Juice

It is an answer to people who have sweet tooth and crave for something sweet to drink especially in summers. It is the tastiest and healthiest of many juices, not only low in Glycaemic index is recommended to diabetics as well. It is a super juice among all other fruit juices. It is rich in nutrients as well. Adding ginger and mint to it will even more improve your digestion!

Benefits

  • Rich in iron, calcium, phosphorus, antioxidants
  • It cures a Common cold and boosts immunity
  • Fights fever and other infections too
  • Boosts energy
  • Strengthens liver
  • Relieves constipation
  • Removes Bad breath and Tooth Decay

#1 Carrot Milk

carrot milkIt’s a number one drink to try especially in winters and it’s already around. It works as a natural health supplement which can be taken from children to adults to old age

Recipe:

  1. 1 Medium sized grated carrot
  2. Half boil the carrot in a half cup of water
  3. Post that adds 200ml of milk in it
  4. Let the water evaporate and we would have a powerful health supplement ready

Benefits

  • Improves eyesight especially for people who work in front of gadgets for long hours
  • Relief from dark circles
  • For glowing skin
  • Increases strength
  • Clears vitamin deficiencies

Have it at least 2-3 times a week, if you want you can have it every day, anytime

If you wish to sweeten it, you can some jaggery powder or some honey

Honourable Mention:

Whenever you feel like drinking something Drink water! The best way is to keep it in a copper vessel on a wooden surface and keep it overnight and drink first thing in the morning and don’t pour it in other utensil and drink it straight from the copper vessel to multiply the nutrients in it.

I believe all the above drinks are very convenient and can be added in our fast-paced busy lives, as looking good is not enough- feeling good is what matters.

 

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Link between Vitamin D Deficiency & Depression

Vitamin-D- deficiency

Depression has been called the world’s number one public health problem. The American psychological association states that it is the most commonly occurring mental disorder. In India statistics show a shocking rise in the number of depression cases every single year and it affects almost every age group irrespective of gender.

Most of us know depression is a heterogeneous illness and has many different triggers. Let’s try to identify if VITAMIN D deficiency is one among them.

Vitamin D also was known as the “Sunshine” vitamin is a steroid hormone precursor. It was originally thought to play a role in mineralization of bones for keeping them strong and healthy, but over time research has linked low levels of Vitamin D levels to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, anxiety and DEPRESSION!

Limited sun exposure, darker skin tone, higher altitudes, poor diet, liver and kidney diseases, age etc., are few risk factors for Vitamin D deficiency.

Diagnosis:  The most accurate way to measure how much Vitamin D is in your body is the 25- hydroxylated blood test (25(OH)D). In my practice, I have observed not many have enough or optimal Vitamin D levels which should be over 35 ng/ml

I personally feel that it’s the most underrated and undervalued vitamin of all

Symptomology:  If you have a Vit D deficiency you may experience following physical symptoms

  • Aching bones, joint pains
  • Poor muscle endurance
  • Muscle cramps and weakness
  • Fatigue and generalized weakness
  • DIFFICULTY LOSING WEIGHT
  • Low immunity
  • Decreased stamina and endurance

You may also experience symptoms of Depression that include:

  • Overwhelming sadness, hopelessness, feeling empty
  • Diminished interest or pleasure in activities
  • Loss of appetite
  • Significant weight loss(when not on diet) or weight gain
  • Insomnia or Hypersomnia(excessive sleep) nearly every day
  • Lethargy
  • Problems concentrating
  • Headaches, back and neck pains
  • Psychomotor agitation/retardation(restlessness or sluggishness)
  • Recurrent suicidal ideations.

A link between Vitamin D deficiency and Depression

Many research studies have concluded that Vitamin D receptors have been found in the areas of brain that are linked to the onset of depression, It has also been found that Vitamin D affects the number of chemicals called Monoamines such as serotonin, dopamine (also known as ‘happy hormones’) and how they work in brain. Many anti-depressants medications work by increasing the number of monoamines in the brain.

A review of an international research shows Over 31,000 people participated in 13 studies that efficiently studied this area and the results showed a significant relationship between low levels of Vitamin D and depression.

According to a study in the Netherlands involving 1,702 people found that significant low levels of Vitamin D cause the developing of depressive symptoms in individuals. A 2 year follow up suggested that Vitamin D could be a cost-effective part of prevention and treatment interventions for depression.

One type of depression that appears to be even more strongly associated with Vitamin D is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a mood disorder characterized by depressive symptoms during times of year when there is relatively less sunshine. It occurs majorly during winter seasons. Symptoms of SAD coincide with a reduction in Vitamin D which in turn effects serotonin levels in the brain, thereby causing depressive symptoms.

Food sources of Vitamin D:

  • Fatty fish like tuna, mackerel, salmon, sardines and herring
  • Cod liver oil contains 450 IU of Vitamin D per teaspoon(5ml)
  • Oysters, shrimp
  • Egg yolks
  • Mushrooms: Like humans, mushrooms synthesize D when exposed to UV light
  • Vitamin D fortified cereals, milk, orange juice or soy milk.

Other helpful options are to get enough sun (at the least for around 15 mints daily) around midday which can be between 11 am to 1 pm. At this time sunlight is at its highest point and your body may manufacture it more efficiently in less time.

Also, get Vitamin D supplements if your D levels are at extremely low levels, recommended daily allowance (RDA) would be of 600 IU daily, plus a 60,000 IU Vitamin D sachet in milk/curd once every month for 4-6 months(see your physician for more information)

Of course, Vitamin D supplementation is only a part of a comprehensive treatment plan. A plan whether based on pharmaceuticals or natural methods should include psychotherapy. However, low levels of Vitamin D can impair and prolong recovery from depression. Hence, it’s always best to treat a problem holistically!

NOTE:

  • Healing properties of natural sunlight cannot penetrate glass, you cannot sit inside your home or car and reap its benefits
  • If you have darker skin, you will need about 25 times more exposure than a light-skinned individual to produce the same amount of D
  • You are looking at months of sunlight/supplements before levels return to normal
  • Kidneys and liver activates Vitamin D, having a kidney disease or damaged liver will hinder the activation of Vitamin D
  • SUNSCREENS- From strongest to weakest prohibit the body from making vitamin D by 95%. Your body needs sunlight without sunscreens to produce vitamin D. Even SPF 8 creams can prevent the production of vitamin D

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Invisible Health Hazards Lurking In Your Kitchen

health hazards in your kitchen

Intro:

Two months ago, we had a suggestion from one of our players on how the pesticide residues in food products can cause harm to our health including diseases like cancer, over a period of time. “From food grains to vegetables to fruits, everything is grown and ripened with the help of chemicals. Even so-called organic foodstuff is not 100% trustworthy. Moreover, organic food is not available everywhere and for every food item, and is very expensive. Having a pesticide-free diet is impossible in today’s India – it’s the bitter truth of current times,” he said. According to him, despite consuming a healthy diet, we have also been unknowingly consuming harmful chemicals with it. This also includes some cooking aids (like non-stick cookware, and cooking techniques like over grilling/ charring of meat in barbeques/ fire). Given that we encounter these hazards on a daily basis, it has become imperative for each one of us to be cautious. We need to be aware of which food and food parts (eg peels) are most likely to be laced with pesticides or harmful chemicals (just an example being mangoes ripened with calcium carbide or apples polished with wax) and how best to remove these. 

GOQii’s content team has come up with 3 blogs around these issues. Today, we publish the first of the blog in this series- ‘Invisible Health Hazards Lurking In Your Kitchen’. 

  Invisible Health Hazards Lurking In Your Kitchen

The kitchen is, in fact, the most sanitary zone in our houses. It is so because the food is prepared in the kitchen and none of us wants to consume food which is prepared under unhygienic conditions. When you read the title, you might think to yourself that it can’t be possible because I always keep my kitchen clean. Unfortunately, the health hazards mentioned in this blog doesn’t revolve around hygiene but focuses on the invisible dangers that lurk in your kitchen, which on a normal day does not meet your eye or cross your mind.

Is your kitchenware poisoning you?

Yes, you read that right. Did you know that certain utensils in your kitchen might be discharging toxic fumes and chemicals into your food? Over a period of time, these substances sediment in your body, posing a great threat to your health.

  1. Non-Stick Pans

IMG-5845

Teflon is also known as PTFE is the name of that special coating on your pan which makes it Non-Sticky. When these pans are overheated or left on the stove for too long, PTFE releases fumes which are toxic, causing symptoms like flu in human beings. The chemical perfluorooctanoic acid, also known as PFOA used in the production of PTFE has been condemned by experts for its carcinogenic properties.

 2. Plastic Food Containers

IMG-5847

Despite the recent ban of plastic in some parts of the country, Plastic still plays an important role in most people’s everyday life. From wrappers to containers, plastic is all over. Plastic contains chemicals like Bisphenol A and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) that can infiltrate your food. When you carry hot edibles in these plastic containers or microwave your food in them, the heat accelerates the emission of these chemicals, serving you a toxic delicacy.

3. Plastic Cutting Boards

IMG-5849

While, the debate over what kind of cutting boards are the safest to use continues, plastic definitely should not be your choice. After all the slicing and dicing carried out on your cutting board, you might notice little cuts and nicks across the surface like a soldier’s battle scars. Those cuts and fissures are the breeding grounds of many a dangerous bacteria, mainly E.Coli and Salmonella. Ever wondered where those fractions of plastic from the crevices disappeared? Think no more, they were in the food you chopped and later on consumed.

Is your cooking technique making the food toxic?

That might probably be the truth. In today’s world where there’s not enough time for anything, fast cooking has definitely claimed a spot for itself. Here’s how your technique maybe poisoning your food:

  1. Charring Food

charred-roasted-roots-spinach-hot-winter-salad-1

This process not only takes away almost every nutrient present in your food but also adds toxins to fill the gaps. One should always try to grill your food lightly to avoid charring. Grilling should only be done to an extent where the outsides of the foods are barely brown in texture and the insides are grilled to a minimum.

  1. Deep Frying

IMG-5854

Fried food is undeniably delicious but it is important to know that deep frying the food makes it bathe in oxidized fats, denatured proteins, and glycated sugars. The high temperature involved in deep frying creates toxic compounds which lead to cancer. Think twice before pouncing on to those French Fries next time.

  1. Frequent Microwaving

Microwave

In today’s fast-paced life that we all lead, Microwave could be considered as a boon. But, did you know that the food loses most of the nutrients after it’s put into the microwave? It is advised to stay use them only when it’s very necessary and not as a matter of convenience on a daily basis. It is also advised to stay away from the microwave while it is working as the device emits electromagnetic radiations which over time can have very adverse effects on human health. Long-term exposure might considerably increase your chances of developing illnesses like cancer.

 

 

 

 

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