Vitality Vibes: "Embrace Wellness and Fitness"

Does an apple a day keep the doctor away? A nutritionist explains the science behind 'functional' foods We've all heard that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but how true is that? Apples are not high in vitamin A, nor are they beneficial for vision like carrots. They are not a great source of vitamin C and therefore don't fight off colds as oranges do. However, apples contain various bioactive substances - natural chemicals that occur in small amounts in foods and that have biological effects on the body. These chemicals are not classified as nutrients like vitamins. Because apples contain many health-promoting bioactive substances, the fruit is considered a 'functional' food. For years, I have taught university classes on nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, carbs,  proteins and fats. But recently I developed a course specifically on functional foods. The class explores the various bioactive substances in food and how some may even function like medic...

These tips could help you lower blood pressure levels Most people in India suffer from hypertension, which is a serious health concern. A case of high blood pressure indicates potential cardiovascular problems and should be managed with lifestyle modifications. Nutritionist Anjali Mukherjee shared an Instagram post on how one can manage your blood pressure levels. "Many people accidentally discover that they have high blood pressure. A reading of 120/80 is considered normal, whereas a reading of 140/90 is considered pre-hypertensive, and above 140/90 is hypertensive," the expert wrote. Many foods and dietary factors affect blood pressure. "Research shows that a person having a high sodium diet is prone to have high blood pressure. People who are overweight or diabetic are also prone to it. Individuals who smoke and drink excessively tend to have high blood pressure," the post read. Tip 1 Wheatgrass juice: This is proven to be an elixir for those suffering from hyper...

Food that can give you a longer Life We all desire a long and fulfilling life, and one of the most effective ways to achieve that is through our diet. The food we consume plays a vital role in determining our overall health and longevity. Incorporating certain foods into our daily meals can significantly contribute to a longer and healthier life. In this article, we will explore a variety of foods that have been shown to promote longevity, providing you with a roadmap to better health and well-being. Imagine a life filled with vitality, energy, and a sense of well-being. The foods we consume hold the key to unlocking this treasure trove of health benefits. Research has shown that adopting a balanced and nutrient-rich diet can significantly increase our chances of living a longer and more vibrant life. The Mediterranean Diet: A Blueprint for Longevity One dietary pattern that consistently stands out for its health-promoting properties is the Mediterranean diet. Rich in fruits, veget...

Kidney Stone Diet: 8 Foods For Hydration, Calcium Absorption Kidney stones or renal stones are essentially formed out of hard waste material that builds up in the kidneys developing into round crystals. While small kidney stones pose a lower risk, severely large stones can cause intense pain in the abdomen, vomiting and bleeding. Most times, kidney stones are formed due to excess stores of calcium that remain unprocessed but are also stored in the body instead of being expelled. Kidney stones are then many times simply calcium oxalate stones that cause blockages in the urinary system. Other kinds of rare kidney stones can be uric or cysteine but calcium oxalate stones are the most common occurrence in the body. Experts suggest that once kidney stones occur in the body, the risk of their recurrence is magnified. This means, it is extremely critical to first fortify kidney function to prevent stones altogether and if recovering, make some slight alterations to the diet to reduce the tend...

Oral Health: 5 Foods To Keep The Bad Breath At Bay Oral hygiene is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Apart from brushing twice daily, we also need to keep our mouths fresh for the whole day. It is very embarrassing to be caught with bad breath. According to a report by the Cleveland Clinic, the main cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. However, it can be caused by other reasons as well, like dry mouth, heartburn, or diseases like cavities. The bacteria from the leftover food in the mouth can also create an unpleasant smell if not cleaned well. But we cannot carry a toothbrush or mouthwash everywhere. The food you are consuming has a crucial role in oral health. According to WebMD, garlic, onions, coffee, and alcohol are some food items that contribute to bad breath. It is also important to drink water frequently to flush out the bits of food that bacteria feed on. So, if you also want to keep bad breath at bay for a long time, here are five foods that can help: Green T...

Easy and healthy breakfast ideas Here are some easy and healthy breakfast ideas: • Overnight oats with fruits and nuts. • Greek yogurt topped with honey and fresh berries. • Whole grain toast with avocado and a sprinkle of chia seeds. • Smoothie bowl with blended fruits, spinach, and almond milk, topped with granola and sliced bananas. • Scrambled eggs with sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, and tomatoes. • Chia seed pudding with almond milk and mixed fruits. • Quinoa breakfast bowl with roasted sweet potatoes, kale, and a fried egg. • Whole wheat pancakes with a side of fresh fruit. • Veggie omelette with mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. • Cottage cheese with sliced peaches and a drizzle of honey. Enjoy your nutritious breakfast!

Palaeolithic diet  The Paleolithic diet, also known as the Paleo diet, is a dietary plan that aims to mimic the eating habits of our Paleolithic ancestors. It typically includes foods that were available to humans during the Stone Age, such as lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, while excluding modern processed foods, grains, dairy products, and legumes. The idea is to focus on whole, unprocessed foods similar to what early humans would have consumed. However, it's important to note that the actual diets of Paleolithic humans varied greatly depending on the region and period, so the modern Paleo diet may not be a perfect reflection of our ancient ancestors' eating patterns. As with any diet, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your eating habits. Palaeolithic diet plan A typical Paleolithic diet plan would consist of the following food groups: • Lean meats: Including beef, chicken, turkey, pork, a...