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August 13, 2024 By Luke Coutinho 6 Comments

Why Your Body Needs Curcumin or Turmeric Extract!

CurcuminMany mails, white papers and journals have been written on the power of turmeric extract, now termed as ‘Yellow Gold’ in the west. The fascinating part is that the consumption of Curcumin has been linked to positive benefits in almost every possible disease or ailment one can think of. From cancer to arthritis, to the possible prevention of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

How Curcumin Eases Disease

Cardiovascular Disease
Numerous studies show that it may have a protective role in cardiovascular diseases. Since cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death, one can argue that everyone should include turmeric in their diet, or perhaps take a turmeric supplement. One study discusses how the antioxidant effects of Curcumin may prevent diabetic cardiovascular complications.

The same study shows that the anti-thrombotic, anti-proliferative, and anti-inflammatory effects of Curcumin and the effect of it decreasing the serum cholesterol level may protect against the pathological changes occurring with atherosclerosis.

Another study demonstrates how dietary Curcumin is effective at inhibiting maladaptive cardiac repair and preserving cardiac function after ischemia and reperfusion. It also goes on to say that it has potential as a treatment for patients who have had a heart attack.

Diabetes
This, of course, also ties into cardiovascular health but there have been separate studies which show how Curcumin can help with diabetes. One study involved people in a pre-diabetic population who were taking Curcumin (or a placebo) for 9 months. The study concluded by showing that it significantly lowered the number of pre-diabetic individuals who eventually developed Type-2 diabetes. The same study also showed that it appeared to improve overall function of beta cells. Another study concluded that Curcumin supplementation could improve diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction significantly. Yet, another study demonstrated how it attenuates diabetic neuropathic pain.

Asthma and Allergies
A few studies have shown that it might be beneficial for people with asthma and allergies. One study showed that Curcumin treatments markedly attenuated the inflammation in asthma by regulating T regulatory/Th17 balance. The findings supported the possible use of Curcumin as a therapeutic drug for patients with allergic asthma. Another study showed that it alleviates the pathological changes of chronic asthma, and might be a promising therapy for asthma in the future

Skin Diseases
It can even help with certain skin conditions! One study discusses how it protects the skin by quenching free radicals and reducing inflammation. The same study also mentioned how it reduces wound-healing time, improved collagen deposition and increased fibroblast and vascular density in wounds, thereby enhancing both normal and impaired wound-healing. The study concluded by suggesting that Curcumin might be a potent nontoxic agent for treating skin diseases. Another study suggests that Oral Curcumin might be beneficial in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis, although it concluded by stating that large placebo-controlled studies are necessary before recommending Oral Curcumin as a psoriasis treatment.

Autoimmunity
To no surprise, because it can help greatly with inflammation, this herb can be extremely valuable in the treatment of certain autoimmune conditions, including Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Thyroid cancer is the most common type of cancer when it comes to the endocrine system. A recent study reported that Curcumin inhibits multiple metastasis steps of K1 papillary thyroid cancer cells. These findings showed that it might be effective for the treatment of aggressive papillary thyroid carcinomas.

Other Benefits
There are even more potential benefits of taking Curcumin. One study discussed how dietary Curcumin is a strong candidate for use in the prevention or treatment of major disabling age-related neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and stroke. Another study suggested that it has enormous potential in the prevention and therapy of cancer. It might also be useful as a treatment for ulcerative colitis as well as benefit people with osteoarthritis.

Want to know more about Curcumin or Turmeric Extract? Ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

For more articles on nutrition, tune in to Healthy Reads.

#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.

August 10, 2024 By Urvi Gohil Leave a Comment

2 Healthy Snacks Using Leftover Chapati

Looking for a way to turn your leftover chapatis into something tasty and nutritious? We’ve got you covered with two quick and healthy snack recipes. These easy-to-make dishes are not only a great way to minimize food waste but also provide essential nutrients, making them perfect for a satisfying snack between meals.

1. Chapati Chilla 

As the name suggests, it is a quick version of chilla or a roll for an evening snack. 

What You Will Need 

  • Chapatis – 2
  • Gram flour (besan) – 4 tbsp
  • Onion (finely chopped) – 2 tsp
  • Green chillies (finely chopped) – 1 small
  • Turmeric, salt, red chilli powder as per taste
  • Oil

Method:

  1. In a small bowl, add gram flour, onions and the spices. Then, add some water and whisk the contents well to make a medium thick batter.
  2. Now take a chapati and apply the batter on it.
  3. Heat a pan and place the batter-coated chapati on it. Cook well on both sides and enjoy with green chutney.

This recipe is rich in protein and makes for a health snack!

 2. Chapati Khakhra 

Crisp and topped with fresh veggies, this makes for a great snack option.

What You Will Need

  • Chapati – 1
  • Onion (finely chopped) – 2 tbsp
  • Tomato (finely chopped) – 2 tbsp
  • Cucumber (finely chopped) – 2 tbsp
  • Coriander (finely chopped) – 2 tbsp
  • Salt and chilli powder to taste

Method:

  1. Heat a pan and toast the chapati.
  2. Press it against the pan using a spatula or cloth, roasting both sides until it becomes crisp.
  3. On the freshly made khakhra, add onion, tomato, cucumber and coriander. Sprinkle salt and chilli powder over it and enjoy!

This recipe is high in fiber and tastes great! 

We hope you try these healthy snacks using leftover chapati. Do let us know your experience in the comments below. For more healthy recipes, check our Healthy Reads or you can also get customized recipes and diet plans tailored to your health goal, directly from a GOQii Coach, by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

July 7, 2024 By Navnee Garg 4 Comments

Why Chocolate Is So Good For You | World Chocolate Day

world chocolate day

Whatever be the season, whatever be the reason, the very thought of chocolate can make us lick our lips in eagerness. The sweetest day of the year, World Chocolate Day, sometimes called International Chocolate Day, is celebrated annually on July 7.

This day gives us the excuse to indulge in our favorite chocolate, be it milk, hot, a candy bar, a cake, brownies or something layered in chocolate. The world loves chocolate for there’s nothing a chocolate can’t do. It can lift your senses, turn your frown around, fix a heartache and can possibly turn a sad day into a good one!

Whether you’re happy, sad, celebrating, want to gift something- chocolates are what most of us prefer!

Sweet History of Chocolate 

Chocolate may be the “food of the gods,” but for most of its 4,000 year history, it was actually consumed as a bitter beverage rather than the sweet edible treat it is known as today. The creation of the first modern chocolate bar is credited to Joseph Fry, who in 1847 discovered that he could make a moldable chocolate paste by adding melted Cocoa butter back into Dutch Cocoa. By 1868, a little company called Cadbury was marketing boxes of chocolate candies in England.

Science Behind Chocolates 

We all remember the epic line from Forrest Gump – “Life is like a box of chocolates! You never know what you’re gonna get.” However, for chocolatiers, this statement may suggest more than chocolate variety. At the microscopic level, there is more than what meets the eye when it comes to the chocolate we consume.

Chocolate has its own temper, considered a polymorph, which means it can take on different shapes when it solidifies from a liquid form. It gives you the meltdown, to get into the desired shape and flavor. There are various types of chocolate – dark, milk, white and ruby being the most recent.

world chocolate day 2These are made with varying proportions of chocolate liquor, cocoa solids, cocoa butter, milk and sugar. Cocoa is a source of flavonoids and alkaloids such as theobromine, phenethylamine and caffeine. These acts as stimulants to the central nervous system.

The Hormonal Connect 

We crave chocolate because it is good! It tastes good, it smells good and it feels good when it melts in your mouth! And all of these ‘feelings’ arise because our brain releases chemicals in response to each chocolaty experience. The experience of eating chocolate results in feel-good neurotransmitters Dopamine.

Chocolate triggers the brain to release endorphins – hormones that cause your pulse to speed up and give you a pleasant high feeling, rather like being in love. Theobromine and Phenylethylamine in cocoa are also thought to affect levels of serotonin. This can boost your mood and ease depression.

We have to be grateful to the Mayans and the Aztecs for discovering the delight that the cocoa trees have to offer!

Feel like eating one? Go ahead! Today is World Chocolate Day and you must reap the benefits of this awesome treat to the senses. You can learn more about the benefits chocolate offers you here.

Do leave your thoughts or your best chocolate moments in the comment section below!

#BeTheForce 

July 6, 2024 By Vaishali Vibhute 4 Comments

Useful Tips To Boost Immunity During Monsoon

boost immunity during monsoonWe all welcome the monsoon every year to find relief from the scorching summer heat. Rains are beautiful and can quickly elevate your mood. Since monsoon weather is damp and humid, it is the perfect environment for microbes to grow and flourish. Thanks to this, people with low immunity are prone to suffer and fall sick frequently during this season. The weather can ruin your immune system and a good immune system is needed during the rainy season. There are a number of ways to build immunity and one of those ways is by eating healthy food! So, let’s look at some useful tips to boost immunity during monsoon! 

Tips To Boost Immunity During Monsoon 

Here’s how you can improve immunity during monsoon by eating the right kind of food to support your immune system. 

  • Switch to herbal teas: Herbal teas such as Tulsi and ginger tea are your best friends to boost immunity during monsoon. Drinking tea will keep you warm and safe from cold and flu while boosting your immunity. Add a few drops of honey for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties instead of sugar.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated, as due to colder climate, the water intake is considerably reduced, which is bad for the body. It is the best source to flush out toxins from your body and doesn’t have calories and sugar. Make sure water should be potable to keep waterborne diseases like Jaundice and Diarrhea at bay.
  • Have protein rich food: Protein, a major macronutrient, increases immunity, wound healing and muscle building. Food like dal, pulses, curd, eggs, chicken, paneer, soy, tofu are rich in protein.
  • Have a low salt diet: High blood pressure may weaken the immune system. So, it is always better to have a low salt diet as it prevents high blood pressure and water retention. Fruits like watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber can also lead to water retention. 
  • Prefer curd or yogurt over milk: Curd and yogurt are fermented food, rich in probiotics and the good bacteria present in it can help increase immunity and fight infection and can help your digestive system function well.
  • Include spices: Include more immunity boosting Indian spices in your food like turmeric, fenugreek, cloves, pepper, cinnamon, ginger and curry leaves. They help in digestion and flush out sinus from the body and improve Immunity. Warm water with honey, ginger and black pepper can be a miraculous cure to avoid cold, cough and flu.
  • Improve sunshine vitamin level: Vitamin D or the sunshine vitamin, is an essential micronutrient which can help boost your immune system. It can modulate the innate and adaptive immune response. A deficiency of Vitamin D can make you more prone to common infections. Improve your Vitamin D levels by exposing yourself to morning sunshine and consuming egg, cheese, mushroom and fortified cereals.
  • Eat healthy fats: Include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats to your diet. These healthy fats boost your body’s immune response to pathogens as well. These fats are anti-inflammatory and good for your heart too. Nuts, seeds, fish, soy milk, almonds, avocados, walnuts, sunflower, pumpkin, and sesame seeds are prime examples of healthy fats.
  • Eat fruits: Fruits help to build immunity, give energy and are loaded with nutrients such as Vitamin A, C and fiber. Apple, Guava, Banana, Orange, Amla, Papaya, Pomegranate, etc. are the best additions to your diet. Vitamin C helps in iron absorption too.
  • Incorporate vegetables: All vegetables, including green leafy vegetables like cabbage and spinach are good sources of immunity boosting Vitamins A, C, and E as well as folate, antioxidants, and fiber.
  • Limit simple sugar: Most people are aware that eating sugar has negative consequences on their health, leading to things like obesity and diabetes. However, most of them are unaware that it has an effect on the immune system as well. It lowers the ability of white blood cells to fight and destroy bacteria.
  • Avoid outside food: Foods like sandwiches, pani puris, samosas, etc. may seem tempting during monsoons but they may contain bacteria that might cause indigestion. Avoid pre-cut or raw foods/fruits as they could contain germs which may lead to food poisoning and lower your immunity.

Apart from the above food tips, you also require adequate, good quality sleep. Keeping your mind stress-free also helps. Don’t forget to exercise regularly as it boosts your immune system by regenerating your immune cells. 

Underactive and poor immunity can make the body more prone to a host of gastrointestinal problems and monsoon related ailments. Under the current circumstances as well, keeping your immunity level high could be the only way to cherish good health while enjoying the rains.

If these tips to build your immunity during monsoon helped, let us know in the comments below! Find more tips on staying healthy during the monsoon here.

You can also get these tips directly from a GOQii Coach by subscribing to Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

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