Goodhealth

It’s Halloween…the first day of a three-day observance of Allhallowtide; the second day being All Saints Day followed by All Souls day. So before you plan your costume parties, go trick-or-treating, or decide how to spook your friends, you have to carve jack o’lanterns from huge orange pumpkins. What better day then, to write about this nutrient-de …

Having cardiac disease, diabetes or trying to lose weight is hard enough. Trying to manage your cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels or weight during the festival season is sometimes harder. My patients often ask if they can have ‘cheat days’ when they can consume, albeit in moderation, one of their favourite foods. Something they can …

The word “osteoporosis” means porous bones. When this occurs, the bones become so weak and brittle that even mild stresses like bending over to pick up a wallet, pushing a grocery cart in a food mall, or coughing, can cause a fracture. Our bone strength is related to its mass or density due to minerals like calcium, phosphorus etc presen …

The theme for this year’s World Arthritis Day is ‘The future is in your hands, take action’.  We must encourage arthritic patients to take action daily and to live their life to the fullest, in the healthiest way that they possibly can. Living with rheumatoid arthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases is not easy and can be physically and men …

Back in the day, the rich would use slivers of pistachio as a garnish for mithai while the poor would have to make do with pumpkin seeds. These flat green seeds are one of nature’s most nourishing foods. Here is why : – They contain high amounts of vitamin E, B-complex, magnesium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.- Pumpkin seeds promote overall pr …

Native to Central and South America, sweet potatoes are one of the oldest vegetables known to man. They were brought to India by the Portuguese in the 16th century. These tuberous roots are very nutritious. They are the unsung heroes of a balanced diet for the following reasons: They are rich in antioxidants like beta carotene and vitamins A, D, E & …

What do whiskey, rum, beer, brandy, gin, vodka, wine, sake, ouzo and koumiss have in common? These beverages all contain ethanol – a form of alcohol. Even though each gram of alcohol provides 7 calories of energy, alcohol is not a food nutrient but a mind-altering drug. Each standard drink (45 ml liquor or 150 ml wine) has 13 to 14 gms of alc …

“Think global, eat local” is a thought which is on most peoples minds when it comes to super foods and their health benefits. Today lets talk about chia seeds and their so-called “local” counterpart, sabja seeds. Chia seeds are tiny, mottled grey, black and white seeds of the plant Salvia hispanica. These seeds were used by A …

 The worries and strains of daily life can be overwhelming and even exhausting. Surprisingly, positive events like an engagement or marriage, moving into a bigger and better home or workplace, going on a trip can also tire us. Understandably, emotional shock from bad news, a failed relationship or the death of a loved one can make us feeled dr …

The mineral manganese is a catalyst for enzyme action and synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol. It is necessary for the digestion of protein, for glucose regulation and thyroid activity. It is also needed for normal bone formation and development. Manganese has also been found to increase the activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismuta …

The dangers of aluminum toxicity Aluminum, a non essential metal which we are regularly exposed to, is particularly poisonous to the nervous system. The symptoms of aluminum poisoning include disturbed sleep, nervousness, emotional instability, memory loss, headaches, and impaired intellect. It can stop the body’s ability to digest and make use …

After the scorching summer heat, the monsoon showers are welcomed by all. They bring down the temperatures, ensure lush greenery everywhere and are a blessing for our farmers and for us 🙂 The smell of the wet earth immediately after a heavy downpour conjures up images of a steaming hot cup of pudina chai and yum pakodas…baked, fried or airfried!!! Ea …