Tag: Health

We suggest some ways to keep your armpits smooth and free from itchy rashes. There are some parts of our body, which are sensitive to a lot of things, especially areas where hair removal is a common practise, including armpits and private areas.

Certain people get rashes when they use a deodorant near their armpit because of the chemicals. Here are certain tips for sensitive armpits that can keep you comfortable and irritation free.

Razor
If you are a regular user of razors then pay a little more attention to the blades. Try and get the best ones. Disposable razors or blades work best for people who are sensitive. When you use a normal razor hair and soap gets stuck in the blade and become a breeding ground for bacteria. So it’s advisable to change the blade every week.

Wax
Waxing is the best method for people who have sensitive armpits. Since you only have to wax every four to six weeks, you will not be irritating the skin in the armpit between sessions.

Deodorant
Chemicals from deodorants and antiperspirants can further irritate sensitive armpits. If you know that deos do not suit you, consult a doctor. Otherwise, using a talcum is the best option.

Fungus
Sweating leaves the armpits moist and warm, which may result in fungal growth in that area. You should dry your armpits well after showering and try not to keep them wet to avoid any infection.

Fashion to the extremes often causes problems. One such example is that of sky high heels. With more and more women sporting high heels, health experts are increasingly concerned about the long-term damage these shoes are doing to their feet. Recent research suggests that up to a third of women suffer permanent problems as a result of their prolonged wearing of ‘killer heels’.

Ailments include hammer toes, bunions and damage to leg tendons. Many of these problems are caused by the increased pressure high heels put on the ball of the foot. In fact, experts say that the higher the heel, the greater the pressure. The knee and back can also be affected. Orthopaedics say that every woman must pay attention to her foot health.

When a shoe causes blisters or soreness, do not ignore it. Suffering from painful corns is not easy and this should not be unnoticed. These are again one of the common and minor problems caused by wearing high heels. If you must wear high heels then pay attention to the comfort level. Most women can avoid this by sticking to heels no higher than 1.5 inches. Of course, one doesn’t have to be wearing high heels every day, limit them as occasion wear.

You’re supposed to drink 8 glasses of water a day but how many of us actually do that? Here are some ways you can eat your water content and deliciously hydrate your body by eating certain foods When you exercise or workout, you usually tend to lose a lot of water through sweat leading to your electrolyte levels going below normal. A wise move for replenishing your hydration levels is to drink electrolyte-rich fresh juices and eat hydration-promoting foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Also, drinking too much water can actually cause a critical loss of vitamins and minerals as they get whooshed out of the body with every trip to the bathroom. When you start ‘eating’ water, you don’t need to count your glasses. You can replace at least one glass of water a day with one serving of raw fruits or vegetables and you will be able to stay hydrated significantly longer. Moreover, you’ll get the added boost of fiber, antioxidants and other healthpromoting phytonutrients. In fact, by sticking to a healthy diet, you’ll end up ‘eating’ most of the water needed each day to stay hydrated.

Hydrating foods to eat every day
Our body is constantly replacing damaged cells, so it is imperative that we eat and drink to promote our cellular health. The best way to do this is to keep the body flooded with cell-protecting antioxidants and the building blocks of stronger cell membranes. Here are foods that contain high levels of nutrients and ‘structured water’.

Mangoes
If your skin frequently feels parched, just eat a mango! Mangoes are bursting with vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin A. Vitamin A normalises the production and life cycle of skin cells. Mangoes also improve your skin if you suffer from acne. In skin with acne, there is an overproduction of cells in the stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of the skin and is composed of biologically ‘dead’ cells. These excess dead cells combine with sebum (the skin’s own natural oil) to form comedones – the pore plugs that are the defining element of acne. Taken as a dietary supplement, vitamin A helps to prevent overproduction of skin cells in the stratum corneum. You can add 3 to 4 slices of mango to every meal as a refreshing and hydrating naturally sweet treat.

Pomegranates
Pomegranates are a wonderfully hydrating source of antioxidants. They may be the world’s most prolific source of polyphenols. The unique combination of elements in pomegranates increases the protective abilities of sunscreens, which can help prevent sun damage. Add pomegranates to your morning cereal or yogurt, fresh green or fruit salads for a refreshing snack or breakfast.

Avocado
The buttery-fleshed avocado may not seem like a hydrating food, but these healthy gems replenish potassium and contain healthy fats and fiber, which help your body hold on to water. As a bonus, the monosaturated fats in avocados contain oleic acid, which has been found to improve fat levels in the body and help control diabetes and cholesterol. Layer your sandwiches with avocado slices, toss diced avocado into your salads or simply scoop avocado out of its peel as a snack.

Cucumber
Not only are cucumbers delightfully crunchy and low in calories, they are composed mostly of water, which will keep you feeling hydrated longer. In addition, cucumbers are an excellent source of silica, a trace mineral that contributes to the strength of connective tissue. Do not peel the cucumber skin! It is a good source of vitamins A, C and folic acid. You can add diced cucumber to green and grain salads or fan sliced cucumber on the side of your plate as a refreshing side dish. You can also cut cucumber into batons for an afternoon snack.

Broccoli
Your mom was right when she said to eat your greens. Broccoli and other green foods, such as spinach, are a great source of alpha lipoic acid which is a potent fatand water-soluble antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. Toss raw broccoli into your salads or simply snack on this hardy vegetable all by itself.

Johns Hopkins researchers believe they may have solved the mystery behind sleepless nights associated with restless legs syndrome (RLS), a symptom that persists even when the disruptive, overwhelming nocturnal urge to move the legs is treated successfully with medication. Neurologists have long believed RLS is related to a dysfunction in the way the brain uses the neurotransmitter dopamine, a chemical used by brain cells to communicate and produce smooth, purposeful muscle activity and movement. Disruption of these neurochemical signals, characteristic of Parkinson`s disease, frequently results in involuntary movements.

Drugs that increase dopamine levels are mainstay treatments for RLS, but studies have shown they don`t significantly improve sleep. The small new study, headed by Richard P. Allen, Ph.D., an associate professor of neurology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, used MRI to image the brain and found glutamate — a neurotransmitter involved in arousal — in abnormally high levels in people with RLS.

The more glutamate the researchers found in the brains of those with RLS, the worse their sleep. “We may have solved the mystery of why getting rid of patients` urge to move their legs doesn`t improve their sleep. We may have been looking at the wrong thing all along, or we may find that both dopamine and glutamate pathways play a role in RLS,” Allen said. For the study, Allen and his colleagues examined MRI images and recorded glutamate activity in the thalamus, the part of the brain involved with the regulation of consciousness, sleep and alertness.

They looked at images of 28 people with RLS and 20 people without. The RLS patients included in the study had symptoms six to seven nights a week persisting for at least six months, with an average of 20 involuntary movements a night or more. The researchers then conducted two-day sleep studies in the same individuals to measure how much rest each person was getting.

In those with RLS, they found that the higher the glutamate level in the thalamus, the less sleep the subject got. They found no such association in the control group without RLS. Previous studies have shown that even though RLS patients average less than 5.5 hours of sleep per night, they rarely report problems with excessive daytime sleepiness.

Allen said the lack of daytime sleepiness is likely related to the role of glutamate, too much of which can put the brain in a state of hyperarousal — day or night. If confirmed, the study`s results may change the way RLS is treated, Allen said, potentially erasing the sleepless nights that are the worst side effect of the condition.

Dopamine-related drugs currently used in RLS do work, but many patients eventually lose the drug benefit and require ever higher doses. When the doses get too high, the medication actually can make the symptoms much worse than before treatment. As more is understood about this neurobiology, the findings may not only apply to RLS, he said, but also to some forms of insomnia.

Sex adds more pleasure to life for sure and is also necessary for a healthy relationship. But sometimes your sex life can take a hit and one of the reasons for that could be asthma. Your asthma symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness can affect your sex life drastically. An asthmatic sufferer many not be able to experience sexual satisfaction due to those symptoms. If, asthma has brought your sex-life to a halt, then this article is meant for you.

How can sex trigger asthma?
Sex involves a combination of physical movements and increased breathing; these two factors can cause trigger asthma. Extreme emotions can also temporarily worsen your asthma symptoms. Besides, some people may experience asthma symptoms during sex and the asthma attack caused by sex is called as ‘sexerciseinduces asthma’

How to control it?
If your bedroom life is going to the dogs because of your asthma then you should speak to your physician. Your physician can prescribe bronchodilators, which can help to relax your muscles in the large and small airways thus increasing ventilation. Overdose is dangerous; hence consult your doctor before taking it. Besides, you should also change your bed sheets and pillow covers regularly to avoid common dust triggers present in the sheets.

Tips to enjoy normal sex-life
Change positions – Avoid putting too much of pressure on your chest. Constantly keep on changing positions to avoid asthma attack. Try a comfortable penetration position that will not threaten to trigger your asthmas attack. Adopt various love-making techniques – Don’t just focus on vigorous love making techniques. Adopt other techniques to pleasure each other in a less vigorous manner.

Here’s something that will interest a lot of men. And, even women. Here’s something that will interest a lot of men. And, even women. A new study has revealed that lack of sleep makes women feel grumpy the next morning — so don’t take their attitude too personally next time. While lack of sleep can affect both men and women, it seems that women are more affected because they require more sleep than men and can suffer mentally as well as physically if they don’t get their precious snooze time.

So if you haven’t got adequate sleep the night before and are looking to change your mood, here are simple ways… – Feel like biting everyone’s head off ? It is best you avoid interacting with people unless necessary. Stay alone for some time and ask yourself if it is worth saying or doing something that you might regret later. – When you’re in a bad mood, you are tempted to stick to a story that justifies it. Don’t. Let it go.

Only you are in charge of your mood and can change it. – Generate positive feelings. Read inspirational quotes, listen to songs that uplift your mood, watch a movie, read your favourite book, go out shopping or eat your favourite snack. – Spend some time with your pet. Just petting your pet will evoke a sense of calmness and well-being.

Penelope Cruz stripped off for scorching sex scenes with Emile Hirsch in new Italian film ‘Venuto Al Mondo’. The 38-year-old Spanish actress plays a single mother who takes her teenage son to Sarajevo where his father died in the Bosnian war 16 years earlier, the Mirror reported. Cruz goes topless, as she has flashbacks to lots of steamy sex scenes with her former lover, played by the ‘Into The Wild’ star.

NEW YORK (TIP): Researchers, led by an Indian-origin scientist, have identified genes which help female mice and some other mammals delay the onset of pregnancy. Unlike in humans, the remarkable ability, known as embryonic diapause, is a temporary state of suspended animation that occurs when environmental conditions are not favourable to the survival of the mother and the newborn. A new study, published in the journal Open Biology, reveals the molecular mechanism responsible for pausing and resuming a pregnancy.

After an egg is fertilized, it forms a cluster of cells known as a blastocyst, which implants in the wall of the mother’s uterus, ‘LiveScience’ reported. However, in diapause, the blastocyst is prevented from implanting and preserved in an dormant state until pregnancy resumes. How this process occurred was a mystery till now. Researcher Sudhansu Dey, from Cincinnati Children’s Research Foundation, and colleagues were studying the process of embryo implantation in mice when they noticed that a gene called MSX1 was very active just before implantation.

They began to suspect that it might play a role in diapause, Dey said. Researchers used hormones to induce pregnancy delays in mice, mink and Tammar wallabies to investigate further. During this delayed state, Dey’s team measured how active the MSX1 gene and other related genes were in generating protein-making instructions. They imaged tissue from the animals to see where the gene was active.

Finally, they tested whether these genes were being made into proteins. Researchers found that the MSX genes were more active when pregnancies were delayed, and found this was true for all three animals. The results show that MSX genes, which are part of an ancient family of genes, have been preserved over much of evolutionary time, and play an important role in delaying pregnancy under harsh conditions, Dey said. He wants to know whether the same genes may enable delayed pregnancies in other animals and if it could have implications for humans.

Here’s something that will interest a lot of men. And, even women. Here’s something that will interest a lot of men. And, even women. A new study has revealed that lack of sleep makes women feel grumpy the next morning — so don’t take their attitude too personally next time. While lack of sleep can affect both men and women, it seems that women are more affected because they require more sleep than men and can suffer mentally as well as physically if they don’t get their precious snooze time. So if you haven’t got adequate sleep the night before and are looking to change your mood, here are simple ways…

Feel like biting everyone’s head off ? It is best you avoid interacting with people unless necessary. Stay alone for some time and ask yourself if it is worth saying or doing something that you might regret later.

– When you’re in a bad mood, you are tempted to stick to a story that justifies it. Don’t. Let it go. Only you are in charge of your mood and can change it.
– Generate positive feelings. Read inspirational quotes, listen to songs that uplift your mood, watch a movie, read your favourite book, go out shopping or eat your favourite snack.
– Spend some time with your pet. Just petting your pet will evoke a sense of calmness and well-being.

Sex adds more pleasure to life for sure and is also necessary for a healthy relationship. But sometimes your sex life can take a hit and one of the reasons for that could be asthma. Your asthma symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness can affect your sex life drastically. An asthmatic sufferer many not be able to experience sexual satisfaction due to those symptoms. If, asthma has brought your sex-life to a halt, then this article is meant for you.

How can sex trigger asthma?
Sex involves a combination of physical movements and increased breathing; these two factors can cause trigger asthma. Extreme emotions can also temporarily worsen your asthma symptoms. Besides, some people may experience asthma symptoms during sex and the asthma attack caused by sex is called as ‘sexerciseinduces asthma’

How to control it?
If your bedroom life is going to the dogs because of your asthma then you should speak to your physician. Your physician can prescribe bronchodilators, which can help to relax your muscles in the large and small airways thus increasing ventilation. Overdose is dangerous; hence consult your doctor before taking it. Besides, you should also change your bed sheets and pillow covers regularly to avoid common dust triggers present in the sheets.

Tips to enjoy normal sex-life
Change positions – Avoid putting too much of pressure on your chest. Constantly keep on changing positions to avoid asthma attack. Try a comfortable penetration position that will not threaten to trigger your asthmas attack. Adopt various love-making techniques – Don’t just focus on vigorous love making techniques. Adopt other techniques to pleasure each other in a less vigorous manner.

Your reflection reveals more about your health than you think. Ancient Chinese beliefs say that your face can tell you about the health of your inner organs…

Acne on the forehead
Your forehead is linked to the digestive system and the space between the brows is connected to your liver. When you eat too many foods that are rich and oily, or go on an alcohol bingeing spree, it results in a breakout in these areas. Improve your eating habits. Eat a nourishing diet and keep your body hydrated. Spots on the cheeks There could be many reasons for this. While dirty bed linen and hormonal imbalances could be a few, cheeks are linked to your lungs. So recurring spots indicate respiratory problems.

Excessive body hair
Excessive hair could point towards an underlying endocrine disorder — get yourself checked by a doctor. One of the symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is excessive body apart from acne, infrequent periods and weight gain.

Spots on the chin
As women go through stages in their menstrual cycle, imbalances cause spots and breakouts on the chin and jaw line. However, persistent spots could be a hormone imbalance or an endocrine disorder like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Get your hormone levels checked.
Dark circles
While in some cases dark circles are hereditary, if you notice a dramatic increase or realise they’re getting worse, it may point to some problems. The area under your eyes is connected to your kidneys, so big changes indicate dehydration or accumulating toxins. Increase water intake and avoid excessive coffee, alcohol and salt. Other reasons include anaemia.
Discoloured tongue
If you have a lack of iron or vitamin B12), your tongue will get red and sore. If there is a blue discolouration, it could indicate a lack of oxygen in your blood stream. White lesions are a sign of oral thrush.

Staring at the monitor, TV screen and smart phones puts constant strain on the eyes. Not giving your eyes adequate rest and lack of required nutrients only hampers your vision.

But there are other habits that you could be practicing unknowingly that could reduce your vision. Dr. Bharti, Medical Director of Bharti Group of Eye Hospitals reveals important tips to improve vision and what mistakes you should avoid making. Dr. Bharti admits there are ways you can boost vision, “It is something which is not very easy to achieve but it is possible that your eye sight will not deteriorate if you have a healthy and balanced diet including good protein, vitamin intake and minerals which are available in green vegetables and fruits.”

Common mistakes for vision eye care
There are few habits that strain the eyes and reduce vision. Dr. Bharti says, “One should not read in low light but should read in a good light. Watching TV lying down and in a dark room should be avoided.” “Most common mistake which people make is splashing water in their eyes without knowing the cleanliness of that water. This is the most common cause of infections,” explains the doctor.

But he also gives you another option. If you have to splash water in your eyes, “The nature has provided a system where the eyes are cleaned by itself so we don’t need to clean it by washing it. But in case people want to wash it is recommended to use Filter/RO water which they use for drinking.” “Second most common mistake eople do is to drink a lot of water in the morning as it is written in a lot of books as well which cleans your system.

But drinking a lot of water in the morning (like 1 liter) in one go can increase the eye pressure and doing it again and again can cause Glaucoma. Specifically people who have Glaucoma should not drink a lot of water in the morning and those who do not have it, they should also not drink water in one go but slowly.” “Thirdly, women use a lot of kajal for the eyes. Ideally women should not use kajal on the lid margin but use kajal outside the skin only since that is the biggest source of infection,” suggests the doctor

Regularly tucking into sausages, bacon, ready meals and pies dramatically increases the chances of developing heart disease and cancer, a new study has warned.

People who live on processed meat increase their risk of dying by 44 percent, the Daily Express reported. Experts said that three percent of early deaths could be prevented each year if people ate under 20 grams of processed meat a day – less than a single rasher of bacon. But there was good news for those who enjoy a steak or a Sunday roast.

A small amount of red meat such as beef, pork or lamb could be beneficial as an important source of vitamins and nutrients.

The research by the University of Zurich, one of the largest studies of its kind, involved half a million men and women aged 35 to 70 with widely ranging diets from 10 European countries. They filled in questionnaires about the food they had eaten over the previous 12 months with meats grouped into red, white and processed. Red meat included pork, horse and goat as well as beef and lamb, while white meat included chicken, turkey, duck and rabbit. High consumption of processed meat was defined as 160 grams or more a day, the equivalent of around three sausages or six rashers of bacon.

Researchers from Fox Chase Cancer Center have found that omega-3 fatty acids and their metabolite products slow or stop the growth in the number of triple-negative breast cancer cells more effectively than cells from luminal types of the disease. The omega-3s worked against all types of cancerous cells, but the effect was observed to be stronger in triple-negative cell lines, reducing proliferation by as much as 90 per cent. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in oily fish like sardines and salmon, and also in oils derived from plants like hemp and flax. Previous studies suggest these compounds can negatively affect critical mechanisms in cancer cells, namely those responsible for proliferation and for apoptosis, or programmed cell death.

Lead author on the study Thomas J. Pogash, a scientific technician in the Fox Chase Cancer Center lab of Jose Russo, MD, said that the new work underscores the important role common compounds found in food may play in keeping cancer at bay. “When you compare a western diet to a mediterranean diet, which has more omega-3s, you see less cancer in the mediterranean diet. They eat much more fish,” Pogash said. When a cancer cell digests omega-3s, the fatty acid is broken down into smaller molecules called metabolites.

Russo, Pogash, and their colleagues tested the effect of large omega-3 parent molecules, as well as their smaller metabolic derivatives, on three luminal cell lines and seven lines that included basal-type triplenegative cells. Omega-3 and its metabolites were observed to inhibit proliferation in all cell lines, but the effect was dramatically more pronounced in the triple-negative cell lines. In addition, the metabolites of omega-3 reduced the motility, or ability to move, by 20-60 percent in the triple-negative basal cell lines.

If you thought eating a bar of chocolate can satisfy your mood swings, then you’re wrong.

Chocolate facial, a new fad in the beauty circle will not only enhance your complexion but also ensure that your skin is healthy and glowing in the long run.

Chocolate cream, paste, scrub etc – used for chocolate facial has a smooth and creamy texture with the fragrance of chocolate that ensures that your skin is detanned and glows. Chocolate helps in getting rid of the tan.

Why is it good for your skin?
-Chocolate is high in anti-oxidants and contains anti-ageing properties too.
-Chocolate also imparts a healthy glow to your face.
-It increases the production of collagen and lightens blemishes and acne marks.
-It hydrates your skin and softens delaying the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
-It suits all skin types and is known to be one of the best ways to relax and rejuvenate yourself after a tiring week at work.
How to do a chocolate facial at home
Start with cleansing your face. Use a cleanser of your choice – one with raw milk and turmeric or rose water and besan.
Once you’ve cleansed your face, you can now opt for a home-made scrub. Grind brown sugar and coffee beans and apply this paste on your face for approximately 10 minutes. Once you’ve done scrubbing, use the chocolate paste as a massage cream. Clean your face and apply the chocolate pack for 20 minutes until you wash it off with cold water. Pat your face dry.

Things were going swimmingly well until your last outburst. He has suddenly gone into a shell and snapped all communication with you. You fear having meandered into a forbidden territory, and that things might never be the same again. But still can’t point at what exactly went wrong? One scathing remark is all it takes to shut him down, so even while you are in the middle of a serious fight, remember your vocabulary is key. Jesting about his mom, reminding him of an ex, are just some of the terrible things you can ever say to him. And in so doing create lasting scars in your relationship. We list six awful phrases that turn him red in the face, and need to be done away with … pronto.

‘Look how smart my brother is, you can never be like him’
Comparisons drive men away! So, simply stop making them, even if they are genuine. Particularly comparisons with your brother, father or worst of all another guy friend can trigger resentment in him. Feels Santosh Krishna, a software engineer, “As long it is a fair argument, I am all for it. But the moment my wife brings her father or brother in the frame, I withdraw. It is extremely demeaning for a guy who is doing his two bit to make her happy.” Agreed, he may not have control over situations the way your father does and usually fidgets his way out, but never insult him by telling him so, even in the most deranged of moments.

‘I just know you can’t get over her’
If you think this is the best way of getting back at him, then think again. Fine, you want to find out a few intimate details about his past life, but just watch out – never force your way through. He shall not take such an intrusion kindly. Furthermore, it’ll only distance you from him, and he might think of you as someone very insecure in relationships. It’s best to leave it at that and save him the discomfort. On many instances you end up reminding him fondly of an ex. So, simply steer clear of the subject. If it is out of bounds, so be it. Chips in Ashrita Reys doing her masters in English, “I had a bad fight with my boyfriend once and accused him of still loving an ex. He gave me a glowering look and offered to drop me back home. It was strange, hadn’t thought he would take serious offence.”

‘God, how much money do you blow on your friends!’
Remember, they are ‘His’ friends, and he shall splurge on him as he desires. Your constant reminders can make him jerky, and one day he might simply stop sharing money matters with you. Guys hate to be told how to spend, especially on their friends. And if you are having trouble with his spending ways, tell him so in other words, but never accusingly. “My boyfriend always ends up paying up for dinner, drinks etc when he is out with his friends. Oddly, they never even offer and he is okay with it. But gets annoyed when I tell him not to do so,” says Sunaina Verma, a travel consultant. For him, money is one thing and friends another. He will take you as a friendship breaker if you attempted to blend the two together. So, save your lecture on managing finances for another occasion!

‘What’s with your mom, does she always have a poker face’
He may have promised you the moon and the stars and to love you till the end of the world, but one snide remark directed at his mom can suddenly turn you into a villain. Yes, that is one relationship he jealously guards, and shall not let even you meddle with. His mom’s cold indifference or those long glances may have you squirming in discomfiture, but steer clear of voicing them to him. He will simply regard you as snooty and disrespectful towards elders. Sritapa Roy who recently got engaged to her long-time boyfriend has a say, “My would-be-mum-inlaw always makes me uncomfortable, she casts long, considering looks when I talk. I did try to broach the issue with my fiance but he turned it down calling me selfish and cynical.”

‘Not today, I am too sleepy’
Using a line like this will not only turn him off, but also make him wonder if he is with the right girl. He might start considering that a life with you would be full of drab domestic chores, grocery shopping and winding up before the television by day end. By depriving him of any kind of bedroom thrill you might pass on the message, though inadvertently, that ‘sex with you is no longer pleasurable’. And wake up to a sea change in his mannerism. As a couple it is fair to talk it out, but to come up with banal excuses each time you don’t want to have sex is sacrilege.

Experts suggest how you can fortify your child’s meals so that they are wholesome. We are a health-conscious generation and in theory, know the nutritional value of almost every food. But our taste buds are not slaves of the information we’ve gathered. In fact it’s clearly the other way round! Some fruits are just non-seasonal the year round, while some veggies can never make it to the menu. If we don’t like the taste of one, the smell of the other makes us say “eew” (the calcium-rich milk has my vote!). Well, we all may just get to keep our lists of outcasts without having to ever hear the doctor announce the deficiency we invited ourselves. Just grasp the tricks of food fortification.
A pinch of this and a pinch of that!
Fortification is not new to Indian cuisine. Our spices are a storehouse of vitamins and other nutrients, informs nutritionist Naini Setalvad. Think of an ailment, and our good old turmeric’s ready to fight. She reminds us of its anti-septic, antihistamine and even cancer fighting properties. And indeed, the yellow power is rich in tonnes of nutrients – dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, niacin, manganese, iron, potassium, magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids, omega 6 fatty acids and phytosterols.

Sow the seeds for a healthy heart
Cardiologist Dr Dhanashri Chonkar prescribes sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds to ensure that bad cholesterol doesn’t come knocking. These seeds contain good monounsaturated fats that help keep cholesterol levels low and also lower blood pressure. While in the Western countries these seeds often land on buns and bakes, she suggests that we can incorporate them in our chutneys. “In fact, the traditional Maharashtrian diet serves interesting chutneys made from these seeds with bakhri.”

Substitute nutrition

While for the non-vegetarians, fish serves as a great source of the very important omega 3 essential fatty acids not produced by our body, those not into seafood can include in their meals flaxseeds, says Setalvad. “And to ensure that your family’s diet in rich in calcium, mix oats and barley to the flour,” she suggests. For sulphur, onions are very good, woch the Indian cooking uses almost be default. For a dose of zinc, she counts the other seeds already suggested by Dr Chonkar.
Fortifying desserts
Nutritionist Namita Jain says honey makes for the perfect topping sauce thanks to glucose, B complex, C vitamins and some antioxidants. What’s more, honey is always welcome to our taste buds, and works well practically with all the desserts says, Chef Arindam Bahel. More concerned with the taste aspect, he suggests marrying honey with cream, nuts and even chocolates.

For the kids
It’s the kids who are the most fussy, agree all mothers worried about ensuring that their little ones receive a balanced diet. Paediatrician Dr Deepa Bhandarkar shares some sneaking tips for them, “Mix jaggery in dal.
It’s a rich source of iron.” She also says that if kids don’t like vegetables, prepare a blending and knead the dough in that liquid. “Like this you can sneak in their requirements of vitamin A and B, she says. And according to her, allow them to indulge in bhel. If made with chana, peanuts and sprouts, it’s not really junk food.”