Avoid these foods to avoid constipation

Constipation is an uncomfortable condition. Previously, we covered the foods that you must eat on a regular basis to tackle constipation.

On the other side of the healthy-unhealthy food spectrum, there are also some popular foods that you should avoid if you want to stay away from constipation. We give you 5 foods to exclude from your diet.

Processed food: Whether it is frozen foods or burgers and pizzas, it is going to make your mornings hard to get through, literally. When food is preserved and ready to eat, vital nutrients are drained out, plus the ingredients used are cheap. For example, all purpose flour or maida is used practically in all pizzas, breads and instant noodles.
Bottomline: Processed food has less fiber hence they linger in your system causing discomfort.

Bakery goodies: Nankhatais, kharis and tea biscuits are rich in sugar and fat. They may go well with tea and coffee, but lack fiber. But there's a solution to these good old treats, increase your fiber intake, and balance it out.
Bottomline: Sugar may go straight to your thigh, but it can also be the cause of constipation.


Red Meat without supplementing meals with vegetables: If you consume pork or beef regularly, without veggies on the side, you may have already experienced constipation. Make it a habit to accompany this precious chunk of meat with salad, cooked vegetables, and whole grain cereal; something that is rich in fiber.
Bottomline: Guess how long it takes to digest meat? No, you're wrong, it takes 90 hours to partially digest meat.


Caffeine: So no one can give up coffee, black tea and colas. They give you the much needed buzz to start your day and keep you going through strenuous meetings, commutes, and just about everything else. Unhealthy dependency aside, caffeine dehydrates the human body and dehydration is one of the main causes of constipation.
Bottomline: If you're addicted to caffeine, it's better to cut down and supplement it with food rich in fiber.

Oily food: Chips and fast foods are tempting, even for those who are determined to eat healthy. But the more oily and salty your food is, the higher your chances of developing some digestive health issues as you cross over from your 20s to the 30s. Foods that are deep fried and soaked in oil like French fries slows down the digestive process.
Bottomline: Fight your cravings and every time you feel tempted to order a round of French fries make sure you drink enough water and eat enough veggies before or after.

The goodness of coconut water

Coconut water is healthy and delicious. No wonder so many people swear by it.

Coconut water has many health benefits and one of them is losing weight quickly. Yes, you heard that right. Thus 'nut' is packed with anti-aging properties and has the right number of calories to keep you going.

The water inside the green coconuts is ones to be had. One cup of this water has around 46 calories compared to 550 calories that coconut milk has.

Coconut water is very hydrating and was given to soldiers during the World War when saline was not obtainable.

The water contains no fat and consists mostly of natural sugars and minerals. Coconut water is very rich in magnesium and potassium, as well as being very high in fibre.

It is so hydrating because of the electrolyte composition, which is very similar to human plasma.

Staying hydrated will help you feel full for longer, which in turn will reduce hunger and sugar cravings.

 This will effectively lead to you eating less, which means your total calorie consumption will go down.

Drinking this water will known to flush out toxins which will help you to lose weight faster and also reduce those cravings and hunger pangs.

So, the next time you feel thirsty or feel a hunger/craving pang, go get this nature's pure drink and sip it.   

5 Foods that are bad for your skin

With growing awareness, people have become more health as well as beauty conscious. In this aesthetic-loving age, it is very essential to let people know that what they consider 'aesthetic' is also related to their skin.

Importantly, manifestations of your nutritional status as well as body's nutritional needs reflect on the skin's health.


That's why we have today Priya Jain, Dietician, P D Hinduja National Hospital & MRC, Mahim, Mumbai who is going yo share with us a list of 10 foods that can harm your skin.


Foods that disturb water balance:
Dehydration causes drying of the skin. Wrinkling is a common side effect of lack of moisture in the skin. Dehydration and acne are interlinked because drying of skin and dead skin cells coming together cause acne.


Excess salt:
Excess salt retains additional fluid in the body causing swelling and a puffy look to the skin. The skin texture is spoilt on prolonged salt abuse. Papads, pickles, salted foods, table salt, brined/canned food products are the potential sources of salt to the body.

Excess caffeine
Caffeine is a known stimulant which increase the cortisol production in the body and enhances the ageing process by thinning the skin. This dehydrates the skin and even leads to wrinkling. In addition, caffeine is a diuretic which further increases the risk of dehydration. So beware when you decide to go for an additional helping of coffee, tea or chocolates too!


Alcohol:
Alcohol inhibits the Anti-Diuretic Hormone secretion thus causing dehydration. Furthermore, it also causes vasodilatation, which then leads to excess water loss through the skin. This is also known to be a contributing factor to acute phases of psoriasis as per the American Academy of Dermatology.

Foods with high glycemic load:
These foods cause drastic fluctuations in the blood sugar. This leads to excess secretion of insulin and androgens during the high and low bouts respectivel. A major reason to contribute to surplus sebum production, enhanced skin cell division and aggregation of dead skin cells - leading to acne.

Health benefits of pure ghee

Ghee is mostly considered unhealthy (and is unhealthy when consumed without the necessary portion control), but there are a few parameters that make 'pure ghee' healthy.

"Pure ghee contains only those fatty acids or saturated fats that are primarily (89%) short chain fatty acids, unlike some other animal fats," says nutritionist, Pallavi from Evolve Medspa. She lists out the health benefits of pure ghee. Let's take a look.


Before you indulge in pure ghee, here are the basic guidelines:

- Consume pure ghee if you are free from cardiovascular diseases, are not overweight.
- Completely avoid ghee if you are obese.
- The recommended amount of fat consumed in the entire day is 10 to 15 grams per person.

So, is ghee healthy for you?

Regular consumption of pure ghee enhances physical and mental strength, and keeps the body healthy. It also helps in taking out the impurities from the body. It enhances eyesight, keeps muscles and tendons healthy.


For people with cholesterol problems, ghee is a better option as compared to butter as pure ghee is lower in fat than butter.

Because of lesser amount of fat in desi ghee, it is easier to digest.
Pure ghee can last for a longer duration of time. It can be stored without refrigeration.
Some people believe that ghee can restore balance to the mind and enhance brain function.


Ghee also helps in stimulating the digestive system and hence also aids in weight loss provided your diet is well balanced and you are exercising.

It is full of Vitamins A, D, E, and K. These vitamins are fat-soluble, meaning they have to be digested with other fat molecules in order for these vitamins to make it into our bloodstream. Ghee has lots of dietary fats (mostly saturated fats) that help our bodies absorb and make use of these vitamins.

Ghee is an excellent cooking medium because it does not break down in high heat like many cooking oils do, resulting in free radicals. Ghee has a high burning point, so it will neither smoke nor burn when cooked.


The body needs certain fats in its diet in order to perform vital functions, including protecting the stomach wall from digestive acids, building and strengthening cell membranes and supporting nerve, skin and brain health. The fats in ghee provide these benefits without any of the trans-fats, hydrogenated oils or oxidized cholesterol of butter and other oils.


Keep in mind, that we are only attaching these benefits to pure homemade ghee made with zero preservative or vegetable fats. Store-bought ghee or ghee prepared with any artificial methods will not fit in the same category as pure ghee.

Foods that don't let you slim down

Your diet staples could be sabotaging your efforts to slim down and denying you vitamins and minerals

Those low-fat, low-taste alternatives passed off as 'health foods' could, in fact, be costing you your health. It's easy to be misled with labels such as 'high fiber', and 'natural'. In reality, many so called 'healthy' foods contain high levels of fat, sugar and salt. Reading the ingredient list and nutrition facts column could help you choose the right items. Here's a round up of the things you consider good that may actually be bad:


Honey:
You think honey is healthier and more natural than sugar? You are wrong. Both contain similarly high levels of glucose. Because honey is denser, one tablespoon actually contains more calories than the same sized spoonful of granulated sugar. Eat too much honey and you'll gain just as much weight as you will gorging on other sweet stuff.


Low-fat salad dressing:
Scientists at Iowa State University, US, have found that low-fat dressing cancels out the goodness in salad. Conversely, using olive oil, or a little butter, boosted vitamin intake because fat helps your body absorb nutrients from vegetables more efficiently.


Breakfast cereals:
Studies show that people who eat cereal for breakfast tend to be slimmer than those who don't — but only if they're opting for a healthy brand. Choose the wrong box and you may as well start your day with a slice of cake, as some cereals are high in sugar and fat. The main ones to watch out for are your flavoured, chocolate and sugar-coated or frosted kids' ones. So always read the label. .


Skimmed milk:
Although guzzling whole milk has been demonised as a health no-no in recent years, research shows that it could be a better choice than its skimmed counterpart.

Whole milk only contains around 4 per cent fat per 100ml as opposed to the 20 per cent plus deemed to be in the 'high fat' category. Skimmed milk contains 0.1 per cent fat. So switching from whole to skimmed milk won't make a huge difference.

Skimmed milk is less nutritious because cream contains fatsoluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Research reveals that full-fat milk boosts metabolism and help you burn more calories, while also lowering the risk of heart disease.


Raw vegetables:
Cooking is believed to kill the vitamins and minerals, but studies have found the opposite. While cooking may destroy some (but not all) vitamin C, the process boosts the uptake of disease-fighting nutrients — antioxidants. A 2008 study found that vegetables such as carrots, spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, cabbage and peppers supply more antioxidants when cooked than when eaten raw. 


Diet drinks:
They seem like a straightforward way for soft drink lovers to cut calories but experts think diet drinks could actually scupper weight loss. While the artificial sweeteners in such drinks can convince the taste buds they're consuming sugar, the brain can't be tricked so easily. When it's denied the calories it's expecting, your body goes on a calorie hunt, making you feel hungry and eat more.  

Health benefits of Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Everyone is familiar with amla or the Indian gooseberry, it is used in a variety of products like sweets, jams, powder, pickles, while some simply like to pluck and eat them.

But are the health benefits of amla overrated? Along with Dr. Jaishree Bhattacharjee, Ayurvedic consultant with Satvikshop, we explore this popular Indian fruit.


Amla is known as a good source of vitamin C, but is that all? What are the other health benefits of the Indian gooseberry? Dr. Jaishree gives us a detailed list, "Amla has loads of benefits. It is a super food of Ayurveda due to its antioxidant property. It has beneficial effects on almost all the systems and organs of body." She explains:


-It controls blood sugar in diabetes

-Lowers cholesterol level

-It is a natural anti ageing agent for skin; nourishes scalp and hair roots and encourages hair growth

-It improves digestion and alleviates constipation

-It improves blood circulation

-It ensures proper functioning of liver.

-It is a strong immunomodulator and protects from the onset of many diseases if taken regularly

-Amla is a good hematinic as it raises hemoglobin level

She also goes on to list out other sources of vitamin C, "There are many good sources of vitamin C beside amla:

-All leafy vegetables like palak, bathua etc.

-All kind of peppers have loads of vit-c

-Fruits like mangoes, pine apple, oranges, kiwi, strawberry, berries, papaya,

-Vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, red cabbage, etc

-Herbs like basil, mint, coriander, rosemary"

You can get these health benefits by including amla and the other vitamin C rich foods in your diet. On the other hand, if fresh produce is a problem, you can invest in some organic amla products.

Will eating corn make me fat?

It's difficult to say no to a delicious, piping hot corn on the cob seasoned with spices in this monsoon weather. But lately, it seems that many people are more reluctant than eager to take a bite.

This is because of the latest health buzz that eating corn will make you fat. As a matter of fact, nowadays many people have parted ways with corn altogether because of the fear of weight gain. Today, we take a look at this dilemma and help you answer the question: Will eating corn make me fat?

Tender corn has about 1/3rd the calories of dry corn. At 125 calories per 100 g, it contains about 5 g of protein and negligible amount of fat.

Bangalore-based Registered Dietitian and Wellness Consultant, Sheela Krishnaswamy answers the top 5 FAQs on corn for us:

Corn is full of natural sugars and carbs; does this make it unhealthy? Corn is not at all unhealthy. Since it's rich in carbs, it's a great source of energy. High in nutrients, corn is extremely rich in Vitamin B1, Vitamin B5 and Vitamin C, which helps in fighting diseases and generating new cells. High in fibre, corn also helps in lowering cholesterol levels in the body by reducing the levels of blood sugar in diabetics too. A whole grain product, it can be easily included in a healthy diet.

If raw and fresh corn is healthy, then why is popcorn unhealthy? Popcorn is not unhealthy either. It's a great filler between meals, as long as it's unbuttered and contains less salt. The buttered and salted popcorn should be restricted because of the fat and sodium content in it. Also, since popcorn is normally eaten while watching television or a movie, there's a greater chance of eating large quantities of popcorn because one is more engrossed in the film rather than the quantity of popcorn eaten. Excess intake of fat and sodium has its consequences on health, as we all know.

Will eating corn chips make me fat? Yes, if the chips are fried and it's consumed in large quantities and the excess calories are not burnt off, they are sure to make you fat. Weight gain is not about just one food, but an energy balance.

Are cornflakes healthy? Cornflakes are very low in fat and contain mostly starch. Also it's eaten in combination with milk, which brings in a balance of carbohydrates and protein.
Regular consumption of corn, in moderate quantities, has been associated with better cardiovascular health. How true is the statement? Corn by itself cannot protect the heart. But yes, it's as good as any other grain like brown rice, wheat, ragi, jowar, etc.


Corn can be used in many ways - as a breakfast cereal, as a snack (boiled corn / corn cup / popcorn), as part of a salad or soup, as an ingredient in a baked dish, etc. At the risk of sounding cliched, weight loss or gain is not about one single food. It's about a healthy lifestyle.


Bottom-Line. Add corn to your meals and snacks to receive its health benefits. Just watch the amount you eat and practice portion control when eating corn and it will not make you fat!

Never skip your breakfast

In spite of health experts going blue in the face trying to get people to understand the importance of having breakfast, there are thousands who skip the first (and most crucial) meal of the day citing a motley of reasons. Dietician Dr Sunita Dube says that having a hearty breakfast helps control excess hunger throughout the day. "Since we technically fast overnight while sleeping, forgoing breakfast adds to this fasting period and may disrupt blood sugar balance and insulin output. Skipping breakfast also triggers bad eating habits during the day, as cravings ensue and quick-fix fast foods are often eaten. Having breakfast boosts metabolism and increases your energy levels throughout the day. When you miss it, your energy is reduced and physical activity levels decline," reckons Dr Dube.

An ideal, healthy breakfast A healthy breakfast provides 25 per cent of the total energy and nutrients required by the body. "Ideally, your first meal of the day should comprise a perfect combination of carbohydrates, protein and fibre. Make sure you include fruits, whole grains, berries and and good fats. Opt for light and soft idlis with sambhar, plain dosas with green chutney, milk with cornflakes or wheatflakes, vegetable poha or upma with a milkshake and sprouts. Also, include high fibre fruits like apples, papayas, muskmelons, oranges or watermelons," says dietician and sports nutritionist, Deepshikha Agarwal.


What to avoid in the morning l Processed, deep fried or oily food, preserved meat, left over or junk food, cakes, pastries, and only juices are a no-no. l Avoid refined foods like white rice and white bread. Instead opt for whole wheat bread and cereals. Stay away from deep fried pakodas, puris, samosas, doughnuts, cookies, potato chips, candy bars and sodas. l Food items like vada pav, bhajias, wafers, pizzas and French fries are loaded with fat, salt and calories and have very little fibre — keep them at an arm's length.


Disadvantages of skipping breakfast Experts say that skipping breakfast may put you on the fast track to weight gain, heart disease, osteoporosis, irritability or mood swings, menstrual irregularity, low energy levels, low memory and hormonal stress. "A study shows that people who skipped breakfast developed higher bad LDL cholesterol levels, and were less sensitive to insulin than people who ate breakfast every day," says Dr Dube. And for those who skip breakfast in a bid to lose weight, you ought to read this. "People who miss breakfast tend to feel fatigued early on in the day and have low concentration levels, affecting their efficiency. Skipping breakfast also decreases metabolic rate making weight loss difficult. Research proves that people who skip breakfast tend to be heavier than people who eat a healthy breakfast. So, if you're looking forward to losing weight, have a nutritious breakfast to get a healthy start to the day," suggests Dr Agarwal.


Importance of a healthy breakfast in children and teens The amount of food that a child needs varies according to height, built, gender, and activity levels. "Most kids will usually eat the amount of food that's right for them, however, it is up to the parents to ensure that their children have the right foods available to choose from. Eating a meal should be both a healthy and an enjoyable occasion — a fact that many parents overlook when planning a meal for growing children. Good eating habits start from home so be a good role model.    

The goodness of coconut water

Coconut water is healthy and delicious. No wonder so many people swear by it.

Coconut water has many health benefits and one of them is losing weight quickly. Yes, you heard that right. Thus 'nut' is packed with anti-aging properties and has the right number of calories to keep you going.

The water inside the green coconuts is ones to be had. One cup of this water has around 46 calories compared to 550 calories that coconut milk has.

  

Coconut water is very hydrating and was given to soldiers during the World War when saline was not obtainable.

  

The water contains no fat and consists mostly of natural sugars and minerals. Coconut water is very rich in magnesium and potassium, as well as being very high in fibre.

It is so hydrating because of the electrolyte composition, which is very similar to human plasma. Staying hydrated will help you feel full for longer, which in turn will reduce hunger and sugar cravings.

This will effectively lead to you eating less, which means your total calorie consumption will go down. Drinking this water will known to flush out toxins which will help you to lose weight faster and also reduce those cravings and hunger pangs.

So, the next time you feel thirsty or feel a hunger/craving pang, go get this nature's pure drink and sip it.   

Health benefits of Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Everyone is familiar with amla or the Indian gooseberry, it is used in a variety of products like sweets, jams, powder, pickles, while some simply like to pluck and eat them.

But are the health benefits of amla overrated? Along with Dr. Jaishree Bhattacharjee, Ayurvedic consultant with Satvikshop, we explore this popular Indian fruit.

Amla is known as a good source of vitamin C, but is that all? What are the other health benefits of the Indian gooseberry? Dr. Jaishree gives us a detailed list, "Amla has loads of benefits. It is a super food of Ayurveda due to its antioxidant property. It has beneficial effects on almost all the systems and organs of body."

 She explains:

-It controls blood sugar in diabetes

-Lowers cholesterol level

-It is a natural anti ageing agent for skin; nourishes scalp and hair roots and encourages hair growth

-It improves digestion and alleviates constipation

-It improves blood circulation

-It ensures proper functioning of liver.

-It is a strong immunomodulator and protects from the onset of many diseases if taken regularly

-Amla is a good hematinic as it raises hemoglobin level

She also goes on to list out other sources of vitamin C, "There are many good sources of vitamin C beside amla:

-All leafy vegetables like palak, bathua etc.

-All kind of peppers have loads of vit-c

-Fruits like mangoes, pine apple, oranges, kiwi, strawberry, berries, papaya,

-Vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, red cabbage, etc

-Herbs like basil, mint, coriander, rosemary"

You can get these health benefits by including amla and the other vitamin C rich foods in your diet. On the other hand, if fresh produce is a problem, you can invest in some organic amla products.

5 surprising facts about cholesterol

Cholesterol is mostly considered a villain, since so many have so much of its bad variety - LDL.

As result of this, we always consider it to be bad and harmful to heart health in particular. Yes, it is true, that high cholesterol isn't good for your heart. But, there are some other important facts about cholesterol that are just as important. Let's take a look...

Some symptoms of high cholesterol are visible to the naked eye

Generally, you come to know about high cholesterol through your doctor. But many a times reddish bumps show up on the body. They are known as xanthomas, and are caused by high cholesterol.

Exercise can increase good cholesterol:

Daily exercise is very beneficial for healthy living; more so if you want to control cholesterol. Regular exercise can help lower bad cholesterol and increase the density of good cholesterol naturally.

Cholesterol rises after menopause:

Before menopause, estrogen helps to keep cholesterol levels in check. But after a woman's last menstrual cycle, the level of estrogen falls, making the bad cholesterol rise sharply. As the level of cholesterol rises, it also increases the risk of heart problems in many women.

Low cholesterol can be bad as well:

Though we all know that high cholesterol is bad for health, on the other hand, very low cholesterol is also associated with health problems. It is important to have a steady level of cholesterol, because if the cholesterol level drops below 160 mg/dL it may increase the chances of certain types of cancer, depression and early delivery.

Kids can have cholesterol as well:

Due to obesity or family history of heart disease, kids as young as two can have high cholesterol. Hence, it is important to have a medical checkup done as early as possible and keep your diet in check. 

Will eating corn make me fat?

  

It's difficult to say no to a delicious, piping hot corn on the cob seasoned with spices in this monsoon weather. But lately, it seems that many people are more reluctant than eager to take a bite.


This is because of the latest health buzz that eating corn will make you fat. As a matter of fact, nowadays many people have parted ways with corn altogether because of the fear of weight gain. Today, we take a look at this dilemma and help you answer the question: Will eating corn make me fat?

Tender corn has about 1/3rd the calories of dry corn. At 125 calories per 100 g, it contains about 5 g of protein and negligible amount of fat.

Bangalore-based Registered Dietitian and Wellness Consultant, Sheela Krishnaswamy answers the top 5 FAQs on corn for us:
Corn is full of natural sugars and carbs; does this make it unhealthy? Corn is not at all unhealthy. Since it's rich in carbs, it's a great source of energy. High in nutrients, corn is extremely rich in Vitamin B1, Vitamin B5 and Vitamin C, which helps in fighting diseases and generating new cells. High in fibre, corn also helps in lowering cholesterol levels in the body by reducing the levels of blood sugar in diabetics too. A whole grain product, it can be easily included in a healthy diet.
If raw and fresh corn is healthy, then why is popcorn unhealthy? Popcorn is not unhealthy either. It's a great filler between meals, as long as it's unbuttered and contains less salt. The buttered and salted popcorn should be restricted because of the fat and sodium content in it. Also, since popcorn is normally eaten while watching television or a movie, there's a greater chance of eating large quantities of popcorn because one is more engrossed in the film rather than the quantity of popcorn eaten. Excess intake of fat and sodium has its consequences on health, as we all know.

Will eating corn chips make me fat? Yes, if the chips are fried and it's consumed in large quantities and the excess calories are not burnt off, they are sure to make you fat. Weight gain is not about just one food, but an energy balance.
Are cornflakes healthy? Cornflakes are very low in fat and contain mostly starch. Also it's eaten in combination with milk, which brings in a balance of carbohydrates and protein.
Regular consumption of corn, in moderate quantities, has been associated with better cardiovascular health. How true is the statement? Corn by itself cannot protect the heart. But yes, it's as good as any other grain like brown rice, wheat, ragi, jowar, etc.


Corn can be used in many ways - as a breakfast cereal, as a snack (boiled corn / corn cup / popcorn), as part of a salad or soup, as an ingredient in a baked dish, etc. At the risk of sounding cliched, weight loss or gain is not about one single food. It's about a healthy lifestyle.

Bottom-Line. Add corn to your meals and snacks to receive its health benefits. Just watch the amount you eat and practice portion control when eating corn and it will not make you fat!

Foods that don't let you slim down

Your diet staples could be sabotaging your efforts to slim down and denying you vitamins and minerals

Those low-fat, low-taste alternatives passed off as 'health foods' could, in fact, be costing you your health. It's easy to be misled with labels such as 'high fiber', and 'natural'. In reality, many so called 'healthy' foods contain high levels of fat, sugar and salt. Reading the ingredient list and nutrition facts column could help you choose the right items. Here's a round up of the things you consider good that may actually be bad:

Honey:

You think honey is healthier and more natural than sugar? You are wrong. Both contain similarly high levels of glucose. Because honey is denser, one tablespoon actually contains more calories than the same sized spoonful of granulated sugar. Eat too much honey and you'll gain just as much weight as you will gorging on other sweet stuff.


Low-fat salad dressing:

Scientists at Iowa State University, US, have found that low-fat dressing cancels out the goodness in salad. Conversely, using olive oil, or a little butter, boosted vitamin intake because fat helps your body absorb nutrients from vegetables more efficiently.


Breakfast cereals:

Studies show that people who eat cereal for breakfast tend to be slimmer than those who don't — but only if they're opting for a healthy brand. Choose the wrong box and you may as well start your day with a slice of cake, as some cereals are high in sugar and fat. The main ones to watch out for are your flavoured, chocolate and sugar-coated or frosted kids' ones. So always read the label. .

Skimmed milk:

Although guzzling whole milk has been demonised as a health no-no in recent years, research shows that it could be a better choice than its skimmed counterpart.

Whole milk only contains around 4 per cent fat per 100ml as opposed to the 20 per cent plus deemed to be in the 'high fat' category. Skimmed milk contains 0.1 per cent fat. So switching from whole to skimmed milk won't make a huge difference.

Skimmed milk is less nutritious because cream contains fatsoluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Research reveals that full-fat milk boosts metabolism and help you burn more calories, while also lowering the risk of heart disease.


Raw vegetables:

Cooking is believed to kill the vitamins and minerals, but studies have found the opposite. While cooking may destroy some (but not all) vitamin C, the process boosts the uptake of disease-fighting nutrients — antioxidants. A 2008 study found that vegetables such as carrots, spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, cabbage and peppers supply more antioxidants when cooked than when eaten raw. 


Diet drinks:

They seem like a straightforward way for soft drink lovers to cut calories but experts think diet drinks could actually scupper weight loss. While the artificial sweeteners in such drinks can convince the taste buds they're consuming sugar, the brain can't be tricked so easily. When it's denied the calories it's expecting, your body goes on a calorie hunt, making you feel hungry and eat more.  

Will eating corn make me fat?

It's difficult to say no to a delicious, piping hot corn on the cob seasoned with spices in this monsoon weather. But lately, it seems that many people are more reluctant than eager to take a bite.

This is because of the latest health buzz that eating corn will make you fat. As a matter of fact, nowadays many people have parted ways with corn altogether because of the fear of weight gain. Today, we take a look at this dilemma and help you answer the question: Will eating corn make me fat?

Tender corn has about 1/3rd the calories of dry corn. At 125 calories per 100 g, it contains about 5 g of protein and negligible amount of fat.

Bangalore-based Registered Dietitian and Wellness Consultant, Sheela Krishnaswamy answers the top 5 FAQs on corn for us:
Corn is full of natural sugars and carbs; does this make it unhealthy? Corn is not at all unhealthy. Since it's rich in carbs, it's a great source of energy. High in nutrients, corn is extremely rich in Vitamin B1, Vitamin B5 and Vitamin C, which helps in fighting diseases and generating new cells. High in fibre, corn also helps in lowering cholesterol levels in the body by reducing the levels of blood sugar in diabetics too. A whole grain product, it can be easily included in a healthy diet.

If raw and fresh corn is healthy, then why is popcorn unhealthy? Popcorn is not unhealthy either. It's a great filler between meals, as long as it's unbuttered and contains less salt. The buttered and salted popcorn should be restricted because of the fat and sodium content in it. Also, since popcorn is normally eaten while watching television or a movie, there's a greater chance of eating large quantities of popcorn because one is more engrossed in the film rather than the quantity of popcorn eaten. Excess intake of fat and sodium has its consequences on health, as we all know.

Will eating corn chips make me fat? Yes, if the chips are fried and it's consumed in large quantities and the excess calories are not burnt off, they are sure to make you fat. Weight gain is not about just one food, but an energy balance.
Are cornflakes healthy? Cornflakes are very low in fat and contain mostly starch. Also it's eaten in combination with milk, which brings in a balance of carbohydrates and protein.
Regular consumption of corn, in moderate quantities, has been associated with better cardiovascular health. How true is the statement? Corn by itself cannot protect the heart. But yes, it's as good as any other grain like brown rice, wheat, ragi, jowar, etc.

Corn can be used in many ways - as a breakfast cereal, as a snack (boiled corn / corn cup / popcorn), as part of a salad or soup, as an ingredient in a baked dish, etc. At the risk of sounding cliched, weight loss or gain is not about one single food. It's about a healthy lifestyle.

Bottom-Line. Add corn to your meals and snacks to receive its health benefits. Just watch the amount you eat and practice portion control when eating corn and it will not make you fat!

Top 10 quirky food facts

Do you know what makes up Worcestershire sauce? Do you know what's different about Tibetan tea? Did you know that a banana tree is not a tree? We have given you foods that are beneficial to your health; we now present 10 quirky facts about food that you did not know. From Hippo soup to coconut water, let the countdown begin.
Peanuts: We love peanuts as much as monkeys do. Add some salt and masala, and you have chakna or an accompaniment with alcohol. But did you know that peanuts were used to help make bombs?
When peanut oil is processed, you get glycerol that is made into nitroglycerin a constitute in dynamite. But times have changed and before you head to the kitchen to make your own explosives, you should know that peanut oil is rarely used in dynamite anymore. 
Worcestershire sauce: A great ingredient for Chinese or Mandarin food, there's something fishy about this sauce. Did you know what's in this sauce? Here's a clue - vegetarians might not like this.


Worcestershire sauce is made of anchovies, a particular kind of fish that is available in England. The sauce is prepared by taking these fish, and soaking them in vinegar till all the bones dissolve. Bon Appetite!

Butter tea: This is for all the tea lovers here and we hope you will still love tea after reading this. For the adventurous, Tibetian tea is a must try. You need an empty road to dry Chinese tea that is boiled for half a day and churned with a bamboo with salt, soda and rancid butter. Tibetians even love to add flour and tsu to it, a mixture of hardened cheese, butter and sugar.


Bananarama: Indians are more open to experimenting with herbs, but did you know that we have been eating this herb for a very long time? The banana tree is actually a herb; if you have checked out the 'tree', it does not have a wooden trunk, the plant dies and like a phoenix is reborn. Banana is the fruit of this herb.



Apples, Onions, Potatoes: What do they have in common? Nothing you may say, but close your nose and then taste them, they will all taste alike. Crazy, right? Try it - block your nose and taste them one at a time. The textures are the same, hence you will not know what you have eaten till you breathe again.


Soupy waters: Clear chicken soup is the most popular soup known to mankind, but was it the first soup known to mankind? Well, no, the leathery mammal, the hippopotamus was the main ingredient used in the first soup.


Coconut water: Caution - follow this only in an emergency. Apparently, it is believed that coconut water can be used as a substitute for blood plasma. The sterile water contains appropriate levels of pH, as it surround the embryo and provides nutrition.


Purple carrots: What is the colour of carrots? Orange or purple? Against popular belief, carrots were traditionally purple. This is what happened - the Dutch took strains of purple, white and yellow carrots, and developed them into plump and sweet orange carrots.


Hairy scary: This is not very appetising, but your food can legally contain a certain amount of rodent hair, molds and parasites. Not the thing you want to know, but we just had to share.
Radioactive curries: Westerns may find it hard to handle, but if you love spicy food and have it withing limits, it will help you lose weight. Additionally, spices also have other healthy properties; for example, haldi or turmeric is an antiseptic and a natural liver detoxifier.