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5 Expert Diet Tips Suggested By UNICEF For Your Familys Health Amid Coronavirus Scare

UNICEF suggested some tips for healthy eating for your family. Highlights UNICEF suggested some diet tips for healthy eating.These tips will help you maintain health of your family.See what all you can do for your family's health during lockdown. As millions of families across the globe are maintaining social distancing and following quarantine in the light of Coronavirus pandemic, each one of them is facing the challenge of "what to cook today?" While juggling between official work and household chores, cooking special meals throughout the day can be a task. And this leads many people to turn to packaged food for quick meals. But, is it the right thing to do when the danger of Covid-19 still looms large? How to really take care of the nutritional needs of your family and maintain a healthy diet during the lockdown when your family' welfare is always on your minds? UNICEF drew up some tips for safe and healthy eating in times of Coronavirus pandemic, which we all can get some guidance from.

5 healthy eating tips during lockdown:

1. Try to include fruits and vegetables in diet With limited trips to grocery stores, you might not always have access to fresh produce. But whenever possible try to stock as much fresh fruits and vegetables as possible, and give them your children. You can also freeze or refrigerate some of the foods to elongate their life. Another great idea is to cook large batches of soups and stews or other dishes with fresh produce that can eaten the same day and also be frozen and reheated for near future use. (Also Read: Covid-19: 5 Tips To Properly Wash Fruit And Vegetable Produce Before Consumption)

Include healthy fruits and vegetables in your diet.   2. Use dried or canned alternatives in the absence of fresh produce If at all, you are out of fresh produce and don't have access to it at a particular point of time, there is no harm in getting healthy substitutes. Canned beans, tomato puree, fish, frozen meats and peas, dried fruit - there are plenty of options of food alternatives that can fill your daily nutritional needs of vitamins, minerals, omega 3 fatty acids and other nutrients. You can use them to make different types of dishes too. Although, fresh produce is the best but these fall-back options are not bad either during the time of adversity. Dried goods like dried beans, pulses and grains such as lentils, split peas, rice, couscous or quinoa are also great options that are easily available, are long-lasting, and nutritious. Rolled oats cooked with milk or water can serve as a great breakfast option, and can be mixed with other healthy foods like chopped fruits, nuts and seeds. 3. Stock healthy snacks Snacking is an indispensable part of our daily diet. Most of us, children especially, need to eat a snack or two in between the meals. For these cravings, stock up your kitchen with healthy snacks like roasted nuts, peanut butter, healthy cheese, fruit yogurt etc. These snacking options are healthier and more nutritious and filling, as compared to chips and fries. Build healthy eating habits in children that may last a lifetime. 4. Reduce intake of highly processed foods While fresh produce may not always be available, UNICEF still suggests limiting intake of highly processed foods. Ready-to-eat meals, packaged snacks and desserts are often high in saturated fat, sugars and salt. If you do purchase processed foods, look at the label and try to choose healthier options containing less of these substances. Try to also avoid sugary drinks and instead drink lots of water or make healthier drinks at home. Water infused with fruits or vegetables like lemon, lime, cucumber slices or berries or herbs like mint and parsley is a great way to hydrate yourself. (Also Read: Covid-19: 5 Ways The Epidemic Will Change The Way We Eat)

Proceeded food should be avoided.  5. Make cooking and eating a fun family activity Cooking and eating together is a great way to spend quality family time. Make it a fun recreational part of your daily routine by involving your family in the cooking process, involve your children in food preparation - small children can help with washing or sorting food items while older children can take on more complex tasks and help to set the table. Follow a healthy diet at home, and try to stick to fixed mealtimes as a family. Such structures and routine can help reduce anxiety for children during this difficult time.   Read the full article

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5 Fun Ways To Add Raisins To Your Breakfast Diet

HighlightsRaisins are dubbed to be rich in various nutrientsThey are also considered to be store-house of natural sugarAdd raisins to your breakfast meals to avoid sugarRaise your hand if you are one of those who eat all the raisins from a dry-fruit box! Yes, there's something about these tiny delights which make them addictive, especially for the ones who have sweet-tooth. Popularly known as 'kishmish', they are made of grapes and are golden, green or blackish in colour. Raisins are generally used as toppings for various Indian dishes like kheer, barfi, fruit shakes et al. Other than adding sweetness and texture to different food items, raisins are also dubbed to be rich in various nutrients like vitamin C, iron, calcium etc. They are also considered to be store-house of natural sugar, hence can replace the common sugar in various morning meals, making the dish healthier.

Health Benefits Of Raisins:

Due to their natural sugar content, raisins are capable of curbing your sweet cravings, sans adding any extra calorie to your body. Hence raisins can be considered as a good addition to your weight loss diet. They are also rich in antioxidants and can work as instant energy booster. Raisins are also stated to be good for bone-health, regulating blood sugar and aiding digestion.Also Read: Indian Cooking Hacks: How To Make Kishmish (Raisins) At Home

Overnight soaking of raisins is touted to have some additional health benefits

Here Are 5 Fun Ways To Add Raisins To Your Breakfast Meals To Avoid Sugar:

You can make protein-rich omelette with some raisins added to it. All you need to do is whisk 4 egg whites with half teaspoon salt till it turns frothy. Then cook it, with some raisins added to it. This adds crunch and some texture to the fluffy omelette.You can make your breakfast smoothies and shakes with raisins. Instead of adding as topping, you can simply blend with other ingredients to make the dish taste sweet.You can use raisins as topping to you morning cereals or oatmeal porridge to add crunch and sweetness to the dish.We all know adding peanuts in poha is a common phenomenon. But have your tried raisins in poha? Trust us, addition of raisins in the poha recipe make the dish tastier (sweet-salty taste)!You can have some over-night soaked raisins and nuts in the morning along with breakfast. Consumption of over-night soaked dry-fruits has always been considered to be a healthy food habit by several experts.

Pro-Tip:

We generally tend to have raisins in their raw form, but health experts suggest, soaking them in water over-night and then consuming next morning is a healthier option. Overnight soaking is touted to have some additional health benefits. As per Bangalore-based Nutritionist Dr. Anju Sood, the amount of vitamins and minerals that are present in the outer skin of raisins get dissolved with overnight soaking, making them more nutritional for the body.Hence, consider using over-night soaked raisins in your breakfast meals instead of sugar and give a healthy start to the day. Enjoy!About Somdatta SahaExplorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day. Read the full article

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Watch: How To Make Mutton Yakhni At Home (Recipe Video Inside)

Highlights There are a plethora of mutton curries in IndiaMutton yakhni can be paired with rice or rotiMutton yakhni is a Kashmiri delicacy Think mutton curries and our mind is filled with all kinds of mutton preparations from across the nation. From rogan josh and nalli nihari to kosha mangsho, we really have no dearth of mutton delicacies. With each varying in terms of consistency, texture and flavour, we can safely say that we have a plethora of curries to try out and explore. And there are a plenty of reasons why the Kashmiri Stew Yakhni should also make it to your bucket list. For the unversed, yakhni is a kind of a rich broth or stew that usually comprises mutton, but there two very important ingredients without which a traditional yakhni is considered sort of incomplete: yogurt and saffron. While yogurt lends a certain inimitable richness to the preparation, saffron imparts a beautiful yellow hue to the gravy. Also Read: Unique Lockdown Recipe: Lauki Ki Al Yakhni Is A Delectable Kashmiri Specialty That You Must Try (Recipe Video) If you do not have saffron at your house right now, you could proceed without it too. With the help of this recipe video, you can attempt making the mutton delicacy at home. It will take about an hour to cook, but the end results are so delicious that it is absolutely worth all the effort. Make sure you wash the mutton well in advance to avoid risk of infection. You can pair this mutton yakhni with rice or roti or bread of any kind. You can also tone down the heat quotient as per your need. Make sure you serve it hot. Also Read: Watch: How To Make Restaurant-Style Keema Meat Masala At Home

Watch Recipe Video Of Mutton Yakhni:  

Ingredients:  1 kg mutton 4 tbsp ghee5-6 black cardamom 3-4 cinnamon stick 3 cloves 3 bay leaves5-6 green cardamom1 cup hung curd1 tsp cumin seeds1 tsp garam masala 1 tsp ginger powder3-4 tsp oil 1 tsp dried fenugreek leavesSalt to tasteWater as required METHOD: 1.    In a pan add mutton pieces, water, black cardamoms, cinnamon sticks, cloves, green cardamoms, bay leaves and salt to taste.  2.    Mix everything well and let the meat cook until tender. 3.    In a bowl, pour beaten curd and add cumin seeds, garam masala, ginger powder, green cardamom, black cardamom and oil. 4.    Blend all the spices in the curd together.  5.    Add salt and fenugreek leaves in the mix.  6.    In another pan pour the curd mix until gravy becomes thick in texture.  7.    Add boiled chunks of mutton to it with some ghee on top. 8.    Mix everything well together until cooked to perfection.  9.    Serve Hot. (This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.) About Sushmita SenguptaSharing a strong penchant for food, Sushmita loves all things good, cheesy and greasy. Her other favourite pastime activities other than discussing food includes, reading, watching movies and binge-watching TV shows. Read the full article

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5 High Calorie Junk Foods, And Healthy Snacks To Swap Them With

HighlightsHealthy snacks come in a number of shapes and sizesYou can easily replace your junk food with healthy snacksHere are five easy alternatives to some unhealthy snacksSnacks form an integral part of a balanced meal, and need to be incorporated even in the most stringent of diets. It is the choice of what is eaten for snacks that makes all the difference. Cravings for junk affect everyone, especially during snack times. The urge to grab a bag of chips or indulge oneself truly breaks down our will and we can't help but give in to these unhealthy cravings. The areas of your brain associated with memory and pleasure are activated during a craving, making it very hard to resist. However, this can be taken care of by healthy food swaps.

Here Are Some Healthy Snacks To Replace 5 High Calorie Junk Foods In Our Diet:

1. Cheese PuffsSwap With: Cheese CrispsCheese puffs are inevitably one of the first things we reach out for whenever we are snacking. As it turns out, they may be quite high calorie and a major junk food item in our diet that can be avoided. A better snack option if you're really craving something cheesy would be cheese crisps. "They are low-carb, high-protein, and often come in portioned bags," says registered dietician Sharon Richter.(Also Read: 10 Healthy Eating Tips You Need to Follow to Lose Weight)

We all love some cheese in our diet. 2. GuacamoleSwap With: Fresh SalsaGuacamole is a Mexican dip made with avocado which is actually good for you in terms of containing vital nutrients and good fats, but only if taken in small portions. Eating it as a dip along with nacho crisps can often result in overindulgence. Fresh, homemade salsa could make for a healthier alternative.

You can even pair salsa with your pasta!3. BagelsSwap With: Seed CrackersBagels are a staple breakfast item in many households, but they are often paired with high calorie dips and spreads which makes them unhealthy. A good option would be to eat seed crackers, which are full of fibre and heart-healthy fats. These crackers will help you stay satisfied for longer.(Also Read: 5 Ways You Can Turn Your Burger Into A Healthier Dish)

Crackers can be healthier than bagels. 4. SodaSwap With: KombuchaSoda and fizzy drinks contain dubious amounts of sugar, which can have a severe impact on your overall health. A better idea instead would be to swap to Kombucha tea which has a number of health benefits. "It has immune-boosting probiotics, and has a slightly sour taste that helps derail your desire to snack on junk," says Sara Siskind, a nutritional Counsellor.

Kombucha tea packs a punch. 5. PretzelsSwap With: Air-Popped PopcornBelieve it or not - popcorn is actually a much-healthier snack option than pretzels. Corn is a whole grain, providing fibre and helping build essential bacteria in our gut. One serving of popcorn kernels gives four cups popped, which can easily leave you full and satiated.(Also Read: Why You Shouldn't Be Over-Eating Healthy Foods)

Popcorn is actually quite a healthy snack. So, next time you're looking for a healthy snack or drink, try these options instead of the regular junk food. You will feel full, your body and mind both will be healthy and happy!About Aditi AhujaAditi loves talking to and meeting like-minded foodies (especially the kind who like veg momos). Plus points if you get her bad jokes and sitcom references, or if you recommend a new place to eat at. Read the full article

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Lockdown Cooking: 3 Easy Dessert Recipes You Can Prepare In A Pressure Cooker At Home

Here are 3 easy dessert recipes you can make at home in a pressure cooker.HighlightsWe often crave something comforting and delicious during the lockdownDesserts are for sure to satiate those cravingsHere are 3 quick and easy dessert recipes you can make in a cookerWho doesn't like desserts? Imagine a bowl full of chocolate ice-cream or a freshly baked cake! Don't you love the beautiful aroma in the bakery? With the nationwide lockdown in place due to the Coronavirus spread, all restaurants, eateries bakeries are shut with only a few of them open for deliveries. Chances are your favourite dessert place might not be even delivering these days. So does that mean you have to let go your decadent chocolate cake cravings? With our easy dessert recipes, guess not!While you might think that making a dessert like a chocolate cake at home might be too much hassle with elaborate utensils, but that's not really the case with many sweet treats. Here we have 3 delicious desserts that do not require exotic ingredients or huge utensils, in fact just a pressure cooker! Think of gooey cakes and custards.(Also Read: Lockdown Recipes: Easy Desserts To Enjoy During Quarantine)Here Are 3 Easy Dessert Recipes You Can Prepare In A Pressure Cooker At Home:1. Eggless Vanilla Cake In A Pressure CookerAs simple as baking it in an oven, eggless vanilla cake made in a pressure cooker is an easy, fuss-free recipe that can be made within an hour. The sweet, buttery flavour and light moist texture makes it perfect to celebrate any occasion! Top it with some buttercream frosting for a sinful treat. Find the recipe here.2. Caramel Custard In A Pressure Cooker Did you think a perfect caramel custard would be hard to put together? Well, here's a super easy custard recipe that you can try at home. Simply put the batter in a heat-proof mould and place it on top of a steel cup inside the pressure cooker. Fill some water and steam to a perfect homemade custard. Find the recipe here.

3. Chocolate Cake In A Pressure Cooker A rich and dense chocolate cake never fails to lure us. With a super soft and spongy texture with chocolate oozing out, chocolate cakes can be a real crowd pleaser. The good news is that you don't always need to go out and buy from a bakery, instead you can now prepare it at home that too without an oven. Here's a simple chocolate cake recipe made in a pressure cooker that you can try at home.Find the recipe here.(Also Read: Lockdown Comfort Food: 2-Ingredient Dessert Recipe By TikTok User Goes Viral)

Make the best of this quarantine period at home, try these drool-worthy recipes and let us know your experience in the comments section below. Read the full article

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Mira Kapoors Colourful Morning Breakfast Packs A Punch Of Vitamins And Proteins!

HighlightsMira Kapoor married actor Shahid Kapoor in the year 2015Mira Kapoor is a vegetarianMira is also a self-confessed foodieMira Kapoor has been very vocal for her love for street food and fast food on Instagram, but the mother of two often gives us a reason to take charge in the kitchen and rustle up something nutritious and filling too. It seems like the 25-year-old had a wholesome breakfast fruits and seeds on Thursday, and here's why you should take a cue as well.(Also Read: Mira Kapoor Loves The Japanese Food At This Mumbai Restaurant! (See Pics)She posted an Instagram story featuring a vibrant mishmash of pomegranate seeds, bananas, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and chia seeds. 'Vitamins', she captioned the zoomed-out image. And it was indeed a heart medley of vitamins. Pomegranate seeds are replete with vitamin C, K and a range if B vitamins, whereas bananas are enriched with vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Both bananas and pomegranate are also a good source of potassium. Coming to the seeds, pumpkin seeds are loaded with b vitamins and beta-carotene, which is essential for production of vitamin A. Additionally, they are also a good source of protein and heart-friendly omega-3 fatty acids. Sunflower seeds and chia seeds are incredible sources of protein too. Protein is called the building block of life; it helps build muscle and sustain weight loss.(Also Read: Mira Kapoor Bakes A Delicious Marble Cake At Home And Here's How It Looks (See Pics Inside)In her very next story, Mira's foodie side sprung out in open as she asked for recipe of spicy momo chutney! Could she be more relatable, we doubt! However, we can all take a lesson or two on how to maintain that fine balance between health and occasional indulgence.

About Sushmita SenguptaSharing a strong penchant for food, Sushmita loves all things good, cheesy and greasy. Her other favourite pastime activities other than discussing food includes, reading, watching movies and binge-watching TV shows. Read the full article

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Immunity-Boosting Soups: This Tomato And Black Pepper Soup Is All Things Yummy And Soothing

Tomato is plump with nutrients that could do wonders for our digestion, skin and immunity. Highlights Tomato is enriched with vitamin C and beta-caroteneTomatoes could do wonders for immunity, skin and digestionGinger is packed with antibacterial properties The lockdown has unearthed many things that we have been taking for granted for all this while. In the daily grind, we would often neglect our health completely. And now that the whole country is in a middle of a lockdown due to a pandemic, it is perhaps essential for all of us to pause, think and give our health the care and attention it deserves. Immunity could be defined as a balanced state, where our body is well-equipped to fight infection and diseases. Our body has many natural defenses; however, there are times we need to take help externally through medicines or foods to bolster our immunity. It is always a good idea to consult a certified expert before taking any medicines or supplements. Even if you are making major alteration to your diet, it is ideal to have an expert opinion. You would be happy to know that there are plenty of natural foods in our kitchen pantry that may help boost our immunity naturally. For instance, tomato and peppercorn. (Also Read: Watch: 6 Immunity Boosting Foods That You'll Easily Find At Home)

Immunity-boosting properties of tomato:

Tomato is plump with nutrients that could do wonders for our digestion, skin and immunity. Tomatoes are packed with antioxidants, most vital of them being vitamin C, E and beta-carotene. Antioxidants help prevent free-radical activity and reduce oxidative stress that takes a toll on your immunity.

Tomato is plump with nutrients that could do wonders for our digestion

Immunity-boosting properties of peppercorn or black pepper:

Peppercorn has been one of the traditional remedies to combat flu and infections. Black pepper is replete with antibacterial and antiviral properties that could have a soothing effect on your cold, and it's anti-inflammatory properties help ease discomfort caused due to seasonal infections. (Also Read: Watch: Make This Homemade Immunity Booster With Your Kitchen Spices Like Jeera, Dhania And More) Recipe of Tomato peppercorn clear soup: Soups are warm, soothing and they can cheer you up instantly. This is because they are steaming hot; they help declog the nose and have a healing property about them. This recipe of tomato peppercorn soup comprises a wealth of nutrition. Since it is a clear soup, it is good for dieters too. The soup is laden with superfoods known to boost immunity, for instance, garlic, ginger, cinnamon and onion. Serve the soup hot with sprinkle of black pepper powder and garnish with mint leaves. Try making this soup at home and let us know what you think about it in the comments section below. (This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.) About Sushmita SenguptaSharing a strong penchant for food, Sushmita loves all things good, cheesy and greasy. Her other favourite pastime activities other than discussing food includes, reading, watching movies and binge-watching TV shows. Read the full article

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This Mango Coconut Barfi Is The Perfectly Sweet Summer Delight (Recipe Video Inside)

Mango coconut barfi is a delicious summer recipe.HighlightsSweetness of mango and earthy flavour of coconut come togetherMango coconut barfi makes for a delicious summer dessertIt can be had any time during the day and is not overly sweetSummers are right around the corner and the time of the year is finally here when we can gorge on our favourite summer fruits, refreshing drinks and desserts. As the sweltering summer months begin and temperatures begin to soar, we are often on the lookout for desserts and drinks, which are light to the stomach and yet rejuvenate us from within. Mango coconut barfi is one such delicious recipe which satiates our sweet tooth without being overly sugary either.With just five ingredients and a total cooking time of thirty minutes, the Mango coconut barfi is ideal for times when you want to quickly whip up a sweet delight. The recipe has enough ingredients to make it for four servings, thus ideal for a small family gathering at home. What's more, the use of varak or a thin coating of silver foil on top of the barfi gives it a touch of royalty too!(Also Read: Healthy Summer Diet: 5 Healthy Mango Recipes That Combine Flavour With Nutrition)The generous amounts of mango pulp use in the recipe makes it the perfect summer coolant, and give it a bright looking orangeish yellow hue too. Khoya is also an essential ingredient in the barfi recipe which makes it soft and creamy in texture. Grated dry coconut is what gives the barfi the delicious earthen flavour, but fresh grated coconut can also be used in the recipe.Watch The Recipe Video Of Mango Coconut Barfi Here:Ingredients:2 cups dry grated coconut2 cup sugar2 cups water2 cups khoya1 cup mango pulpVark (Varak), as per needMethod:- Dissolve the sugar in water and cook to make a thick syrup.- Then, add 2 cups of khoya, grated coconut and 1 cup of mango pulp to it.- Keep stirring for 15-20 minutes until the mixture thickens and the colour deepen from yellow to orange.- Take the mixture out in a greased tray. Evenly spread it out.- Cut it out in squares and add a layer of Varak to each piece.About Aditi AhujaAditi loves talking to and meeting like-minded foodies (especially the kind who like veg momos). Plus points if you get her bad jokes and sitcom references, or if you recommend a new place to eat at. Read the full article

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Delhi Government Begins Hunger Helpline To Ensure Food Supply During Lockdown

Hunger helpline has been started by the Delhi government.HighlightsDelhi Government has started a new initiative of 'Hunger Helpline'The aim is to give free cooked meals to the homelessThere are 11 helplines for the 11 districts of DelhiNovel Coronavirus is a respiratory virus that transmits through contact with an infected person. A countrywide lockdown has been declared to prevent the virus from spreading further in India. People have been asked to stay at least a metre away from each other in case they need to go out, while practicing quarantine and social distancing at home. Though essential supplies and groceries would be maintained for the general public, a valid concern that arose was the availability of food for the destitute and homeless. The Delhi Government has taken a step in the direction by starting a new 'Hunger Helpline' for the same purpose.The Delhi government on Wednesday issued new 'Hunger Helpline' numbers to ensure that people get food during the 21-day nationwide lockdown. There are 11 numbers that are currently active, one for each district in the national capital.Folks in delhi please RT @_SinghShivam@vikramhegde@BBTheorist@JethmalaniM@aashna_jamal@MeghnadBose93@arundhatikatju@suruchisuripic.twitter.com/zWWHKFn9wC— Mugdha Pande (@MugdhaPande) March 26, 2020Chief Secretary also says that regular access to cooked food will be ensured for everyone. "There may be certain homeless, destitute, deprived or distressed members of the society who may not have enough means to access cooked food. Therefore, in order to ensure regular access to cooked food for these people, a Hunger Helpline will be operational between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. in the control rooms set up in all the offices of the District Magistrates in Delhi," said an order issued by the Chief Secretary.The helpline will guide and assist people to the nearest night shelter for availing a cooked meal. The helpline numbers currently in use are: East district (8375879007), North East (9136469416), Central (7428210545), New Delhi (7290978054), North (8595364814), Shahdara (8595269577), South East (7048998835), West (8595269589), South (9818523225), South West (9871662109) and North West (8595552073).We hope to see more such initiatives across the country to ensure steady supply of food for everyone!(This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.) Read the full article

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Excess Sugar Intake Increases Risk Of Death Irrespective Of Your Weight: Study

Whether you are obese or not, eating excess sugar will prove harmful to your health, a recent study reveals. A new research in fruit flies indicates that high consumption of sugar may kill you irrespective of your body weight, and that the risk of early death is unrelated to metabolic problems.   The negative impact on health independent of obesity should not be taken lightly, said researchers from MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences in the UK, who discovered that the shortened survival of fruit flies fed a sugar-rich diet is not the result of their diabetic-like metabolic issues. "Just like humans, flies fed a high-sugar diet show many hallmarks of metabolic disease - for instance, they become fat and insulin resistant," says Dr Helena Cocheme, principal investigator of the study. Obesity and diabetes are linked with increase mortality in humans, hence it is a popular assumption that excess sugar leads to weight gain and together they are life threatening. The paper published in the journal Cell Metabolism, brings to light a new dimension in the relationship between sugar and mortality Consuming too much sugar does increase our risk of developing metabolic disorders, such as obesity and diabetes, and simultaneously it could also shorten our life expectancy by several years, the researchers revealed. Like salt, sugar also causes dehydration. In fact, thirst is an early symptom of high blood sugar and diabetes. "Water is vital for our health, yet its importance is often overlooked in metabolic studies. Therefore, we were surprised that flies fed a high-sugar diet did not show a reduced lifespan, simply by providing them with an extra source of water to drink," said Cocheme. It was found that these flies still exhibited the typical metabolic defects associated with high dietary sugar. Based on this water effect, the team tried to focus on the fly renal system. The excess dietary sugar caused the flies to accumulate uric acid, researchers said. Uric acid is an end-product from the breakdown of purines, which are important building blocks in our DNA. However, excess accumulation of uric acid may also lead to crystallisation, giving rise to kidney stones in the fly. The stones could be prevented either by diluting their formation with drinking water or by blocking the production of uric acid with a drug. In turn, this protected against the shortened survival associated with a sugar-rich diet. But that does not mean you can have all the sugary treats you want, as long as you stay hydrated. "Unfortunately not. the sugar-fed flies may live longer when we give them access to water, but they are still unhealthy. And in humans, for instance, obesity increases the risk of heart disease," noted Dr Cocheme. The study suggests that disruption of the purine pathway is the limiting factor for survival in high-sugar-fed flies. Consequently indicating that early death by sugar is not necessarily a result of obesty. Uric acid levels also tend to increase with age, and can predict the onset of metabolic diseases such as diabetes. "It will be very interesting to explore how our results from the fly translate to humans, and whether the purine pathway also contributes to regulating human survival", said Dr Cocheme. (This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.) About Sushmita SenguptaSharing a strong penchant for food, Sushmita loves all things good, cheesy and greasy. Her other favourite pastime activities other than discussing food includes, reading, watching movies and binge-watching TV shows. Read the full article

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How To Make Authentic Besan Ka Cheela For A Light Breakfast

Cheela is mostly made with besan or moong batter.HighlightsCheela is a popular desi breakfast stapleCheela can be made with minimal oilCheela can be incredibly versatile tooA light and delicious breakfast can set you up for a great start, so why would you want to ruin a good day by tucking into something overtly spicy and heavy? Or, skipping breakfast altogether? Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day; it helps refuel and revitalise you after a long slumber, kick-start your metabolism and keep you satiated for the first half of the day, keeping lethargy at bay. A healthy breakfast has been linked to weight-loss benefits too.Also Read: Indian Cooking Tips: Make Delicious Chilla With Your Leftover Rotis (Recipe Video)In India, breakfast is mostly seen as a greasy affair. An extra dollop of butter on parathas, bhaturas dripping with oil, and deep-fried kachoris- are some of the visuals that come to mind the moment one mentions 'Indian breakfast'. But, you would be surprised to know that there are a plethora of light options that are both desi and delectable. Cheela, for instance, is an Indian version of really thin pancake or crepe that is often consumed for breakfast. There are plenty of reasons why it rules our breakfast spread. For starters, it is healthy. If made with less oil, cheela could keep you full and replenish you with essential nutrients. Cheela is mostly made with besan or moong batter. Besan is gluten-free flour, packed with great amount of fibre. Moong on the other hand is replete with protein. Another reason why cheela is so massively popular is because it is super easy and quick to prepare at home and offers enough room for experiment. If you do not like plain cheela, you can infuse it with goodness of greens and spices. You can also stuff it with aloo or paneer. Cheela is also easy to eat; if you are pressed for time, you can roll it up and have it on the go.Also Read: This Low-Cal, Fibre-Rich Oats Cheela Is Perfect For A Heathy Breakfast (Recipe Inside)Cheela usually requires less oil to prepare, but it is still advisable to use a non-stick pan to fry your cheela. It is also not advisable to pour the batter on very hot pan; it may not give you enough time to spread the batter evenly.  Here's the recipe of besan ka cheela that you can try at home. The classic recipe will surely help ward off morning blues and prep you up for your day.  Try making this recipe at home and let us know how you liked it in the comments section below. (This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.)About Sushmita SenguptaSharing a strong penchant for food, Sushmita loves all things good, cheesy and greasy. Her other favourite pastime activities other than discussing food includes, reading, watching movies and binge-watching TV shows. Read the full article

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Kareena Kapoor Swears By This Detox Soup, Suggests The Same To Rhea Kapoor On Instagram

HighlightsKareena Kapoor recently joined InstagramRhea Kapoor produced Veere Di Wedding starring Kareena KapoorKareena Kapoor is a fitness icon for millionsKareena Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor have redefined friendship goals from time to time. They became thick pals during the shooting of 'Veere Di Wedding'. While Kareena was the lead actor in the movie Rhea produced the 2018 multi-starrer. The actor-producer duo remain good friends till date and it appears that they often take notes on health and fitness from each other. In a recent Instagram story, Rhea Kapoor shared a picture of soothing palak soup. In her caption she wrote, "using the quarantine to get back to my fitness-step 1 Palak soup #for life inspiration @kareenakapoorkhan. Kareena Kapoor, who joined instagram a while back, replied to the story saying "start doodhiiii soup too". For the unversed, doodhi or lauki refers to bottle gourd. The seasonal veggie is all water and nutrients, it is extremely cooling and full of minerals like zinc, thiamine, iron, magnesium and manganese. Doodhi is also very low in calories, saturated fats and cholesterol.(Also Read: Revealed! Kareena Kapoor Khan's Week-Long Diet Plan For 'Chandigarh Mein' Song)

Palak (or spinach), on the other hand, is an incredible source of fibre. If you are having palak in form of soup, you do not even lose out on many fibres. Spinach is also enriched with potassium, magnesium, iron, and folate. It is fairly easy to make both doodhi and spinach soup at home. It takes bare minimum time and promises holistic nutrition. It is a good idea to have clear soups, instead of the creamy versions to keep the calorie quotient in check.(This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.)About Sushmita SenguptaSharing a strong penchant for food, Sushmita loves all things good, cheesy and greasy. Her other favourite pastime activities other than discussing food includes, reading, watching movies and binge-watching TV shows. Read the full article

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Indian Cooking Tips: Make Green Chilly Pickle At Home Within 5 Minutes (Recipe Video Inside)

HighlightsPickles are our favourite accompanimentWe relish many different kinds of pickles in IndiaGreen chillies have umpteen health benefits tooPicture this. You rush back to home after office; you are starving, but you hold back from grabbing a snack from outside. You have resolved to eat at home, which is a good choice any day. However, you go back home and find dal chawal. You are wishing if only there was something that would spruce up the modest meal, some delicious accompaniment, perhaps?  This is when delish pickles come in handy. In India, pickles are of many kinds. We can wait for seasons to have a bite of our favourite pickle, but guess what, we have a recipe with the help of which you can get spicy and lip-smacking pickle in a matter of few minutes. Yes, you heard us. This chilli pickle recipe by YouTuber Reshu is sure to make you drool.(Also Read: Green Chilli Seed Benefits: Here's Why You Should Add Spice To Your Food)To make this pickle, take some green chillies. Ask for chillies that are commonly used to make pickles; they are lighter in colour and are slightly longer than regular chillies. In terms of heat too, it is much mellower. Other ingredients you would need are fennel seeds, salt, mustard seeds, vinegar, turmeric and mustard oil. The recipe was posted on the YouTuber channel 'Cooking With Reshu'. Try this recipe at home and let us know how you liked it in the comments below. Make sure you practice moderation and not have too much of this achaar at one go, it may take a toll on your health.(Also Read: Know Your Chillies: Ultimate Guide To Various Types Of Indian Chillies)About Sushmita SenguptaSharing a strong penchant for food, Sushmita loves all things good, cheesy and greasy. Her other favourite pastime activities other than discussing food includes, reading, watching movies and binge-watching TV shows. Read the full article

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Keto Diet May Prompt Flu-Like Symptoms Initially, But There’s Nothing To Worry: Study

One of the major reasons behind its popularity is the immediate weight loss resultKeto diet in the recent time has gained much popularity among the fitness enthusiast, who are trying to shed those extra kilos. Are you among those who swear by keto diet? One of the major reasons behind its popularity is the immediate weight loss result. Keto diet basically zeroes down carb intake and includes high-fat foods to fuel the body. But did you feel nausea, dizziness and several such symptoms during the initial few weeks of the diet? If yes, then fret not! A recent study has found that ketogenic diet can lead to several flu-like symptoms within the first few weeks of the eating plan, but gets diminished with time. The research was published in Frontiers in Nutrition.The researchers of this study analysed the symptoms reported on social media platforms by several keto diet followers. As per the report, there were some common symptoms like flu fatigue, nausea, dizziness, decreased energy, feeling faint and heartbeat alterations. The online testimonies, an article by ANI says, also mention that these symptoms peak in the first seven days and dwindle after four weeks and range in severity."The experiences of symptoms by many people strengthen the evidence for side-effects following the initiation of a ketogenic diet," said Dr Emmanuelle Bostock of the Menzies Institute for Medical Research of the University of Tasmania, in Australia, adding, "These consumers have the most immediate experience of effects and side-effects and many choose to report and share these in online forums."On this note, 'keto flu' is one of the most commonly discussed side effects of this diet, which as per the article is a cluster of transient symptoms occurring within the first few weeks of the diet. For a better understanding of these symptoms, the researchers identified 43 online forums referring to 'ketoflu' and manually gathered personal experiences of 101 people describing symptoms, severity and time course.After conducting the study, the researchers reported that some of the common flu-symptoms that the dieters faced were headache, difficulty concentrating and gastrointestinal discomfort, flu, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, decreased energy, feeling faint and heartbeat alterations.The results of this study also highlighted, "the sudden onset of symptoms, peaking in the first, dwindles after four weeks. Once symptoms are manifested, most of them got resolved within little more than two weeks." Read the full article

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Post Holi Detox: 5 Easy Diet Tips To Cleanse And Recharge Your Body

Highlights We indulge in heavy foods, sweets and alcoholic drinks during Holi.Our body may feel lethargic and stuffed after Holi.Follow these diet tips to recharge yourself post the festival. Holi is all about having fun. We eat, drink, play with colours and water, and let out the child in us. The problem is that most of us need to go for work the next day and with our bodies totally feeling the opposite, we drag ourselves through the whole week exhausted and tired. It doesn't need to be so; we can recharge ourselves by following simple diet tips to help lift up our spirits and energise our bodies post the high-octane festival.  First and foremost, please understand that our body has a fabulous, efficient detox process. All it needs is our conscious support so that its various processes function optimally. To do so, keep in mind the following.

Diet Tips For Post Holi Detox

  1. Hydrate yourself:  Drink lots of non-alcoholic, non-sugary fluids. Festivals usually have us drinking alcohol or sweet drinks, both of which dehydrate as they induce frequent urination. While passing urine, one also loses electrolytes which are a major cause of tiredness.  What to have: Plain water is the best hydration fluid that your body needs. Adding some salty drinks also help you recover faster as they build up the lost electrolytes. Fresh lemon water with a little salt, fresh coconut water, clear soup, kanji are other good choices as they also help getting over hangover symptoms. Fluids also help flush out end products of metabolism, which may have accumulated with all the food bingeing.   (Also Read: 11 Delicious Detox Drink Recipes You Must Try To Recharge Yourself)

Add more fluids to your diet to fight dehydration and low blood pressure   2. Eat normal fresh homemade food:  Not only drinks but all the fried, spicy treats from the Holi parties have a tendency to throw your digestion out of order. Eating fresh light food helps settle the system while energising you with nutrients your body is craving. What to have: Light meals consisting of fresh seasonal vegetables, dals with minimal tadka; khichri would be a great choice and so would a light pulao with spices like jeera and ajwain, both of which will help alleviate gas and bloating. These meals also give your body the much-needed energy to start afresh.   3. Feed the gut:  The first thing that affects our mood and feeling of wellness is our gut health. If the digestion isn't working well then one feels low because our body may not be able to absorb nutrients or because of symptoms like gas, bloating, loose motions etc. What to have: Lots of soft fibers from seasonal fruits, soft vegetables, whole grains that work by bulking up our stools, make our bowel movement easier. Fibers also help by providing food for the healthy bacteria to flourish. They are prebiotic in nature. Dahi or curd is another superb food for replenishing our bacteria; a potent probiotic, curd helps get the gut back on its feet. Drinks like carrot kanji provide both pre and pro biotics along with electrolytes. 4. Work out:  Exercise those muscles so that they get your heart beating faster and a better blood aka oxygen and nutrient supply reaches the cells. Exercise helps relieve cramped and tired muscles. Exercise also results in the release of 'happy hormone and endorphin, helping wash away the post-festival blues. What to do: Nothing strenuous, just a gentle walk, breathing exercises, warm ups, stretching are all good enough to get going. Build on it gently and do it 5 days a week. It will also help you be ready for the next round of festivities at a better level. (Also Read: Feeling Low? Beat The Post Festive Blues With These Detox Drinks)

Regular exercise can help you feel active   5. Take rest: Sleep, sleep and sleep. The one thing that revives the entire system is a good rest. Quality is better than quantity. Science tells us that the cycle of sleep is related to light and darkness. Light stimulates the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the brain that starts our body in day mode; it also regulates melatonin hormone, which starts releasing as darkness sets in.  Tips for a good sleep: Find a nice cosy dark corner and bunk down. A glass of hot milk will give you tryptophan that triggers melatonin and serotonin, both of which induce sleep. Other things that you could try are soft music, chanting or meditating to calm down the mind.  Try all of these post festive detox tips for at least a week till your body gets back in its groove   About Rupali DattaRupali Datta is a Clinical Nutritionist and has worked in leading corporate hospitals. She has created and lead teams of professionals to deliver clinical solutions for patients across all medical specialties including critical care. She is a member of the Indian Dietetic Association and Indian Association of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. Read the full article

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How Dry-Ginger Powder Or Saunth May Help Aid Weight Loss

Highlights Ginger is a herb replete with many antioxidantsGinger is also packed with anti-inflammatory propertiesFaster metabolism leads to quicker weight loss It is difficult to imagine a day without ginger. We use it to flavour food and tea, and a couple of home remedies too. Ginger is easily one of the most nutritious foods we have in our pantry. It is packed with antiviral and antibacterial properties. It also has anti-inflammatory effects, which help eases pain and discomfort due to cold and cough. Ginger is also a traditional remedy for indigestion and bloating. An effective tool to beat morning sickness and nausea, ginger is a perennial herb that plays an intrinsic role in our daily lives. Ginger can be consumed in a myriad ways; one of the popular ways is saunth or dried-ginger powder. Saunth powder is used in a bevy of Indian preparations like chutneys and chaat. Did you know it could also come in handy for healthy weight-management too?! Read to know how.

Ginger's Role In Weight Loss

Healthy digestion is key for weight loss. Poor digestion leads to hampered absorption of nutrients and elimination of food, which could lead to weight gain. According to the book Healing Foods says that ginger "protects and heals the gut, hastens the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract, and reduces wind, bloating and cramps. It also awakens the taste buds, and gets digestive juices flowing." Ginger's digestive powers are very popular in Ayurveda too. "The first key to prevention of indigestion is to enhance the digestive fire. One of the best herbs to kindle agni is ginger," writes Dr. Vasant Lad. Ginger also fastens metabolism, if your metabolism is faster, you burn calories faster too. (Also Read: Weight Loss: Have Ginger Shots Every Day To Lose Weight And Enjoy Good Health)

Ginger's digestive powers are very popular in Ayurveda too

How To Make Weight Loss Friendly Ginger Water

You can find dry ginger powder in any of your local stores. You can also make it at home. Just grind few ginger pieces until you get a smooth powder. With this dry powder, you can make your own weight loss potion. Add two teaspoons of ginger powder in four cups of water and boil it; drink it every morning on an empty stomach. Doing so would not just cleanse your system but also fasten your metabolism. (Also Read: 9 Incredible Uses And Health Benefits Of Ginger - From Digestion To Flu And Cold) It must be understood that weight loss is a mix of good diet and work-out. You cannot just work on your diet and neglect work-out completely. You would also have to tweak your diet a little bit according to your bodily requirements. Make sure you do so with expert guidance.   (This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.) About Sushmita SenguptaSharing a strong penchant for food, Sushmita loves all things good, cheesy and greasy. Her other favourite pastime activities other than discussing food includes, reading, watching movies and binge-watching TV shows. Read the full article