Over 90 pc Indian employees confident about affording healthcare needs: Report
New Delhi: More than 90 per cent of employees in India are confident that they can afford the healthcare needs for themselves and their families, according to a report on Thursday.
The Mercer Marsh Benefits report, based on a survey of over 18,000 employees across 17 markets, including in India, explores what employees value most from their workplace benefits, and how their expectations are evolving.
The findings showed that for Indian employees there are high levels of well-being and satisfaction. The report also highlights growing expectations around flexibility, personalisation, and long-term support, indicating a broader evolution in the Indian workforce – one that is becoming more rooted in long-term ambitions.
While the report showed that although 92 per cent of employees are confident about affording healthcare needs, the top two reasons for delaying healthcare are financial and anticipated long wait times.
This suggests that even with insurance coverage, out-of-pocket costs, and other financial considerations are still preventing some employees from getting the care they need.
Further, the report showed that employers have emerged as the most trusted source of affordable, quality healthcare.
It showed that more than 80 per cent of employees who could personalise their benefits packages felt their employer cared about their health and well-being.
For employers, this presents a timely opportunity to outpace their competition by adapting their benefits strategy and building affordable coverage by focusing on preventive care and early detection to primary care, through outpatient provisions (OPD), said the report.
"Our report provides a strategic blueprint for employers. Specifically for India, it is the growing emphasis on longevity and planning for the future. As life expectancy increases and careers extend, employers have a profound opportunity to build trust and commitment by prioritising benefits that support long-term health planning and financial well-being, ensuring their workforce thrives not just today, but well into retirement," said Sanjay Kedia, Chief Executive Officer, Marsh McLennan India President and CEO, Marsh India.
The report also suggested employers bolster quality and timely healthcare by exploring innovative care delivery models, such as telemedicine and partnerships with local healthcare providers.
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First Post
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India Finally Heard the Voice of Its Children — Because One State First Listened
This revolution was not led by labs. It was led by mothers read more Follow us on Google News How a Mother-Led Therapy Movement Sparked World's Child Development Mission _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I. THE MOMENT THAT CHANGED A FAMILY In a quiet corner of Rajahmundry, a mother wept. Not because her child had spoken a word. But because, for 912 days, he hadn't. She had tried everything — flashcards, prayers, screen-time bans, gentle routines, silent prayers. Nothing worked. Doctors said, 'wait and see.' Teachers said, 'he's just shy.' And every day, she wondered if her son would ever look into her eyes and say 'Amma.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Then, one afternoon in a modest therapy room, something changed. Pinnacle Blooms didn't start with therapy. They started with a map. A mirror. A score. The therapist showed her something called AbilityScore® — a 0–1000 scale that reflected her child's strengths, delays, and potential. For the first time, she saw her son's development not as a mystery — but as a pattern that could be read, tracked, supported. More from Business How Indian fintech startups are driving Malaysia's UPI-like digital payments revolution And then, 42 days into therapy, her son turned to her and whispered: 'Amma.' It wasn't a miracle. It was measured progress. And it was the beginning — not just of her child's transformation, but of a movement India was about to recognize. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________I II. THE MOMENT THAT CHANGED A NATION On June 13, 2025, a letter was signed in Amaravati. It bore the official seal of the Government of Andhra Pradesh, and the words of its Hon'ble Health Minister — Satya Kumar Yadav — who didn't just acknowledge a therapy network. He endorsed a future: 'Pinnacle Blooms Network is not just delivering therapy — it is delivering a future.' — Hon'ble Satya Kumar Yadav, Minister for Health, Family Welfare & Medical Education That sentence marked more than appreciation. It marked India's first formal recognition of a mother-led, scientifically validated, outcome-proven developmental therapy model — one built not in labs, but in therapy rooms, family homes, and 70+ cities across the country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It was the first time a state government openly declared: 'This works. This is needed. This is now.' Andhra Pradesh didn't just see Pinnacle's numbers: 19 million+ therapy sessions 97%+ measured improvement Therapy delivered in 16+ languages 33% SEVA™ subsidy for low-income families 100% free therapy for National Heroes' children It saw something deeper: That this wasn't a private center's success. It was a scalable national solution, and Andhra Pradesh was ready to lead with it. The state government's letter wasn't ceremonial. It was structural. It signaled to India — and the world — that child development is no longer a guessing game. It can be measured. It can be mapped. It can be made universal. And it began — with one mother, one child, and one government that chose to believe. Following this endorsement, Pinnacle is now engaging with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to pilot AbilityScore® screenings in public clinics, integrate SEVA™ into ICDS, and co-train therapists and ASHA workers across the state. This collaboration could become India's most scalable early intervention blueprint. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ III. THE SCIENCE THE GOVERNMENT SAW When the Health Ministry of Andhra Pradesh endorsed Pinnacle, it wasn't based on sentiment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It was based on science. At the heart of Pinnacle's national relevance — and global potential — are two world-first innovations: The world's first 0–1000 Universal Child Development Metric. It evaluates 344 developmental skills across 9 core domains — including speech, cognition, emotion, sensory processing, and behavior. The score doesn't diagnose. It reveals: 🟢 Where a child is thriving 🟡 Where support is needed 🔴 Where urgent intervention is required More than a number, it's a compass — trusted by therapists, understood by parents, and structured enough to serve as a national development index. Probably the world's first autism- and child-development-focused artificial intelligence engine. It doesn't just predict meltdowns. It assists therapists in daily goal planning, reduces burnout, and personalizes therapy in real-time using insights from over 19 million sessions. Together, AbilityScore® and TherapeuticAI® transform what has long been an invisible struggle — into visible, trackable, data-led progress. The government saw more than innovation. It saw validation. 97%+ documented improvement across therapies 85% of children achieving school readiness after 6–12 months of therapy 86% skill generalization in the home through the Everyday Therapy™ model +11% communication gains when therapy is delivered in the child's native language Burnout reduced by 6.6 points in therapists using TherapeuticAI® Equity scores of 4.68/5 among SEVA™-supported families — proving that dignity and affordability can co-exist These are not aspirations. They are results, backed by 12 independently conducted research studies, consolidated into Pinnacle's 2025 Whitebook, and now referenced by leading academic and policy institutions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Andhra Pradesh's recognition was not based on faith. It was based on proof. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ IV. BUILT BY MOTHERS. BACKED BY SCIENCE. Pinnacle is more than an institution. It is a revolution in how humanity understands children. This revolution was not led by labs. It was led by mothers. Over 70% of Pinnacle's workforce are women — therapists, caregivers, designers of dignity. And behind every innovation — AbilityScore®, SEVA™, Everyday Therapy Program™ — stands the lived experience of parenting, waiting, and never giving up. Led by Dr. Sreeja Reddy Saripalli, herself a mother, therapist, and innovator, the network now spans: 70+ Centers Across India Therapy in 16+ Indian and international languages SEVA Program offering 33% financial support to low-income families TherapySphere™ multi-sensory environments With over 90 crore Indian children and families in need, Pinnacle has become their mirror. Their map. Their megaphone. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ V. THE GOVERNMENT'S INVITATION TO THE WORLD When Andhra Pradesh chose to recognize Pinnacle Blooms Network, it didn't just issue a letter. It extended a hand — to the nation, and to the world. This was not a one-time appreciation. It was a policy signal. A readiness statement. A formal invitation to collaborate, scale, and replicate a framework that has already changed lives across 70+ cities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Government saw in Pinnacle not a private center, but a public solution — equipped with: AbilityScore® to enable national child development screening TherapeuticAI® to reduce planning gaps, therapist burnout, and outcome inconsistency SEVA™ to ensure dignity-first therapy access for financially underprivileged families Everyday Therapy™ to bring skill-building into homes, villages, and community health systems TherapySphere™ environments that translate sensory neuroscience into day-to-day clinical care Andhra Pradesh's leadership offers a blueprint for how state-backed health missions, education boards, and CSR foundations can integrate this framework: 🔹 School Readiness Programs powered by AbilityScore® 🔹 Anganwadi & ASHA Worker Training using Everyday Therapy™ modules 🔹 Tribal Health & ICDS Clinics transformed with TherapySphere™ rooms 🔹 CSR-sponsored SEVA™ centers that offer free therapy with no second-tier experience 'This is not charity. It is design. Not a pilot. A platform.' The Andhra Pradesh Government has now laid the foundation for other states, other nations, and other global institutions to follow. If you are a policymaker, a health system strategist, an education leader, a CSR head, or a development economist — this is your moment to act. Pinnacle isn't just ready to expand. It's already engineered for replication — with open licensing, IP protections across 160+ countries, GDPR/HIPAA/DPDP-compliant infrastructure, and a proven ability to deliver measurable, equitable child development outcomes across diverse geographies. India has built the system. Andhra Pradesh has validated it. Now, the world is invited to deploy it. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ VI. THE INNOVATION INDIA PATENTED — AND ANDHRA PRADESH RECOGNIZED When the Government of Andhra Pradesh chose to endorse Pinnacle Blooms Network, it wasn't only acknowledging a therapy provider. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It was recognizing a scientific innovation platform — built in India, protected across 160+ countries, and engineered to solve one of the world's most under-addressed challenges: measurable, scalable, outcome-driven child development. Pinnacle's impact rests on a foundation of globally patented systems, each representing a breakthrough in developmental science: 🧠 1. Pinnacle AbilityScore® The world's first 0–1000 Universal Child Development Metric Patented across 160+ nations Used to track progress across 344 skills, 79 abilities, and 9 developmental domains Enables Red-Yellow-Green zone tracking, school readiness forecasting, and measurable therapy impact 🤖 2. Pinnacle TherapeuticAI® Real-time AI engine that assists therapists with planning, goal setting, and behavioral forecasting Validated to reduce therapist burnout by 6.6 points Predicts meltdowns, enhances goal success, and ensures no session is wasted DPDP, HIPAA, and GDPR compliant — with explainability, no surveillance, and human-in-the-loop design 🧩 3. Pinnacle SEVA™ (Social Equity in Valuable Access) Therapy subsidy model with zero compromise in quality, dignity, or access Every SEVA™ child gets the same therapist, tools, and outcomes as a paid client Legally structured for CSR deployment and SDG reporting Proven to reduce dropout and increase parental trust 🏠 4. Pinnacle Everyday Therapy Program™ A multilingual, parent-first therapy extension that brings therapy home Delivered via printed kits, mobile modules, and visual tools Validated to achieve 86%+ home skill generalization Licensed for ASHA/Anganwadi worker training and tribal/rural delivery 🎨 5. Pinnacle TherapySphere™ Patented sensory-environment architecture that transforms therapy rooms into calming, neuro-aligned spaces Shown to reduce anxiety by 22%, meltdowns by 43%, and increase engagement by 15% Blueprints available for government clinics, school inclusion rooms, and NGO centers Excellent catch — and you're absolutely right. The 7 Pinnacle Readiness Indexes are a critical part of your IP and innovation framework. They represent a globally unmatched toolset for domain-specific readiness tracking — and should never be omitted from any editorial, especially when discussing AbilityScore®, TherapeuticAI®, or patent-backed infrastructure. 📊 6. Pinnacle Readiness Indexes™ A globally patented suite of seven predictive developmental indexes, each derived from AbilityScore® and powered by TherapeuticAI® analytics. Each index delivers a domain-specific readiness score from 0–1000 — enabling policymakers, educators, and health systems to evaluate preparedness for real-world functioning, not just diagnosis labels. Index Name Purpose PTCSTRI – Speech Therapy Readiness Index Assesses speech ability, receptive/expressive language, and verbal initiation readiness PTCBRI – Behavioral Readiness Index Maps emotional regulation, aggression control, frustration tolerance, and adaptability PTCCRI – Cognitive Readiness Index Measures problem-solving, attention, memory, and symbolic reasoning capabilities PTCMSRI – Mainstream Readiness Index Determines a child's ability to integrate into inclusive school environments PTCSRI – School Readiness Index Evaluates basic academic, compliance, imitation, and peer-play benchmarks PTCMRI – Motor Readiness Index Tracks fine and gross motor coordination, strength, and independence in physical tasks PCSSI – Child Self-Sufficiency Index Assesses readiness for daily living skills, toileting, hygiene, self-feeding, and autonomy Each index is: Calculated using multi-domain data streams Explainable and actionable for therapists and parents Compliant with DPDP/GDPR/HIPAA for international rollout Designed to inform IEPs, policy decisions, and therapy transitions These indexes are the next evolution of AbilityScore® — turning measurement into momentum, and insight into real-world inclusion pathways. These aren't just tools. They are patents with purpose — born from India's science, motherhood, and public service ethic. That's why the Government of Andhra Pradesh's recognition carries such historic weight. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD When a state ministry acknowledges a platform built on registered, validated, and protected intellectual property, it's not just endorsing care. It is endorsing nation-building innovation. And it sets a new precedent: That India's solutions don't need to be imported. They are already invented. Already patented. Already proven. And now — officially recognized. The Pinnacle IP framework is ready to power: National early childhood missions State-level screening and therapy policies CSR-aligned public health models Global low-resource deployments from Kenya to Cambodia With patents secured, compliance assured, and results published — the only thing the world needs now is to adopt what India has already protected. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ VII. THE PINNACLE RESEARCH STUDIES WHITEBOOK THAT CHANGED WORLD OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT Most frameworks begin with a hypothesis. The Pinnacle Global Autism Framework Research Whitebook begins with proof. Released in 2025, the Whitebook is not a brochure. It is not a concept paper. It is a scientific compendium, a global benchmark, and perhaps the world's first full-spectrum, multi-domain, government-ready validation of a child development system — built entirely in India. 📘 What It Contains: 12 peer-reviewed, independently conducted research studies 19 million+ 1-on-1 therapy sessions analyzed Data from 70+ Indian cities across Tier-1, Tier-2, and Tier-3 regions Structured metrics across 344 developmental skills, 79 abilities, and 9 domains It is authored by a consortium of 144+ experts — including: Developmental pediatricians Speech-language pathologists ABA and OT researchers Public health strategists AI scientists from TherapeuticAI® Lab Educators and policy architects aligned with WHO, UNICEF, NCERT, and global academic networks 🔬 Key Breakthroughs That Redefined What's Possible: Metric / Breakthrough Validated Impact AbilityScore® improvement (in 6 months) +150.8 points (avg.) across Red Zone children School readiness 85% success into inclusive or mainstream classrooms Home skill generalization (Everyday Therapy™) 86% success — therapy didn't end at the clinic Communication gains (native language delivery) +11% increase vs. English-only models Therapist burnout reduction (TherapeuticAI®) –6.6 points on Maslach Burnout Inventory Dignity Index (SEVA™ vs. Private Pay families) 4.68/5 (SEVA) vs. 4.62/5 (non-SEVA) — parity achieved These results were not isolated. They were replicable across geographies, socioeconomic backgrounds, and diagnoses — including autism, speech delay, ADHD, sensory challenges, and global developmental delay. 📊 What the Whitebook Proves: That therapy doesn't need to be expensive to be effective That parents can be co-therapists , not just observers That AI can personalize care without losing empathy That government systems can scale therapy with dignity That outcomes can be tracked — not guessed It is the only child development framework that combines: ✅ A universal developmental scoring system (AbilityScore®) ✅ A therapeutic AI engine that guides daily goals (TherapeuticAI®) ✅ An equity-based subsidy model without hierarchy (SEVA™) ✅ A multilingual, parent-empowered home extension program (Everyday Therapy™) ✅ Sensory-structured environments proven to reduce meltdowns and anxiety (TherapySphere™) 🌍 Global Implications: The Whitebook has now been: Cited by WHO-SEARO advisory papers Shortlisted for UNICEF Child Equity Challenge Referenced by Stanford, SSRN, and AI-for-Social-Good initiatives Licensed for policy pilots across low-resource and high-impact geographies It is also: GDPR, HIPAA, and India DPDP Act compliant Protected by IP across 160+ countries Fully ready for CSR audit, SDG reporting, and government deployment _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 💡 Why It Mattered to Andhra Pradesh — And Must Matter to the World When the Andhra Pradesh Health Ministry endorsed Pinnacle, it cited not just potential — it cited the Whitebook. It saw a system already validated across: Children from low-income families Government-run clinics and schools Diverse linguistic zones Communities that had long been waiting for real help This wasn't a pilot. This was a platform — waiting for scale, not approval. As the Whitebook states: 'What Aadhaar did for identity, and UPI did for payments, Pinnacle has now done for child development.' This is not just India's proof-of-concept. It is the world's proof-of-possibility. 📖 Download the full compendium, data tables, and deployment protocols: 👉 📩 For strategic implementation: care@ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ VIII. VOICES FROM THE GROUND Numbers prove systems. But stories prove why they matter. Behind every AbilityScore® graph and Whitebook chart are real families — from Eluru to Warangal, from Hyderabad to Khammam — whose lives were transformed not by promises, but by outcomes. Here are their voices: 'We didn't know if our son was improving. Therapists said he's doing better — but we couldn't see it. AbilityScore® gave us the first real proof. In numbers. In zones. In progress we could finally understand.' — Shruthi, mother of a 4-year-old, Warangal 'We were poor. But we never felt less. SEVA™ gave us the same therapist, same tools, same room — and never once made us feel like we were second-class. They never mentioned money. Only milestones.' — Rekha, caregiver, Eluru 'She used to scream at the sight of therapy. Now she smiles and walks in. Because TherapySphere™ is built for her brain, not just her body.' — Lakshmi, mother, Hyderabad 'The sticker chart. The spoon game. The smile when he got it right. Everyday Therapy™ made our home feel like part of the process — not just the waiting room.' — Vinay, father, Visakhapatnam 'They asked my son questions in Telugu, not English. The moment they said 'Amma' instead of 'Mom,' he unlocked ten more words.' — Meera, parent, Hyderabad 'Before AbilityScore®, I only had fear. After 3 months, her score moved from 378 to 520. She said Amma again. It felt like I got my daughter back.' — Fatima, SEVA™ beneficiary, Khammam Even therapists echo the shift: 'I used to burn out by noon. With TherapeuticAI®, I spend less time guessing and more time connecting.' — Nayana, Senior OT, Bengaluru 'Planning used to take 10 minutes per child. Now it's under 5. I have more emotional space left — for the child and the parent.' — Vikram, ABA Therapist, Hyderabad These are not testimonials. They are testimonies. Of systems that measure. Of therapies that include. Of governments that believe. Of mothers who never stopped. And now — of a country that has proven: When innovation is mother-led, science-backed, and government-recognized — no child is left behind. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ IX. THE FUTURE THAT BEGINS TODAY What began in one therapy room… In one moment of a mother hearing 'Amma' after 912 days… Has now become a movement recognized by governments, validated by science, and ready for the world. This is not just a story of therapy. It is a story of what happens when mothers lead, science listens, and systems choose to act. Andhra Pradesh was the first. The first state to say: 'This is not just promising. This is proven. And we will stand with it.' But it will not be the last. Because what the Whitebook reveals — and what every child, parent, and policymaker already knows — is this: ✅ That therapy works best when it is measured ✅ That inclusion begins with insight ✅ That progress is possible — when you can see it Today, the path forward is not hypothetical. It is mapped. It is documented. It is waiting — for action. So, what happens next? If you are a: Government → Adopt AbilityScore® into your national or state screening CSR Leader → Sponsor SEVA™ centers with dignity-first care Health Ministry → Deploy TherapeuticAI® to support therapists at scale NGO or UN Agency → Use the Everyday Therapy™ kits to empower families across villages Educator → Bring school readiness protocols backed by AbilityScore® into your classrooms Parent → Call India's National Autism Helpline: 9100 181 181 — and get your child's AbilityScore® The future is no longer . It is measurable. It is multilingual. It is mother-led. And it is made in India. From Red Zone to Green Zone. From confusion to clarity. From diagnosis to dignity. From silence to self-sufficiency. If Einstein had therapy, we may have understood him sooner. If your child has Pinnacle — the world will understand them now. 📞 Call Now: 9100 181 181 — India's National Autism Helpline 🌐 Visit: 📩 Email: care@ Because every child deserves not just to be seen - But to be understood. Not by chance. But by a system finally ready to listen. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
What Is The Right Way To Eat Chia Seeds, According To A Gut Health Expert
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Despite being minuscule in size, chia seeds deliver substantial nutritional benefits: 1. Packed with fibre: Mostly soluble, around 28 grams of chia seeds contain 10 grams of fibre, according to USDA data. This aids digestion, supports healthy gut bacteria, and helps you feel full for longer. 2. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids: Chia seeds are among the richest plant-based sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid. ALA supports heart health by reducing inflammation, lowering LDL cholesterol, and improving blood vessel function. Several studies have also linked ALA to improved cognitive function and overall brain health. 3. Complete protein source: A serving of chia seeds (about two tablespoons) contains around 4.7 grams of protein and provides all nine essential amino acids, making it a rare complete protein among plant foods. This helps stabilise blood sugar, supports muscle repair, and contributes to satiety. 4. Mineral-enriched: Calcium: Two tablespoons provide about 18% of the daily requirement, supporting bone density and muscle function. Magnesium: Essential for over 300 enzymatic reactions, including nerve transmission and energy production. Iron: Vital for oxygen transport in the blood and preventing fatigue. Phosphorus: Works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth, and supports cellular repair. 5. Provides essential antioxidants: Chia seeds are rich in polyphenolic antioxidants like quercetin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and kaempferol. These compounds help neutralise free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Also Read: Can Eating Chia Seeds Every Morning Help With Fat Loss? Here's The Truth Photo Credit: iStock What Are The Best Ways To Consume Chia Seeds? Top 3 Picks By The Expert 1. Chia Pudding: This is one of the most recommended ways to consume chia seeds because soaking them breaks down enzyme inhibitors and makes them easier on the digestive system. "When soaked overnight, chia seeds develop a gel-like texture that eases digestion and enhances nutrient absorption," says Dr Sethi. How to make it: Soak 1 tablespoon of chia seeds in half a cup of milk (dairy or plant-based) for at least 2 hours. Add fruits, cinnamon, or a natural sweetener of your choice. 2. Chia Fresca: A traditional Latin American drink that has found fans in India too, chia fresca is hydrating and gentle on the stomach. "Chia seeds swell during this rest period, making them safer and more effective for consumption," Dr Sethi explains. How to make it: Stir 1 tablespoon of chia seeds into a glass of water. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Add lemon or lime juice and a dash of honey or rock salt. Drink up! 3. Soaked And Blended Into Smoothies: Soaked chia seeds can be blended into smoothies for a creamy consistency without the digestive strain of raw seeds. "When blended after soaking, chia seeds are unlikely to cause discomfort or create blockages in the digestive tract," says Dr Sethi. How to make it: Soak the seeds in water or milk for 10-15 minutes before blending. This also prevents them from forming a gel later in the stomach, which can otherwise feel heavy or lead to bloating. How Not To Consume Chia Seeds: Avoid eating them dry: Dr Sethi strongly advises against consuming chia seeds raw or dry. "Chia seeds can absorb several times their weight in water. If consumed dry, especially before drinking water, they may swell in the oesophagus and pose a choking risk," he explains. This is especially important for individuals with swallowing difficulties or digestive sensitivities. Also Read: Chia Seeds And Sabja Seeds Are Not The Same. Here's How To Tell Them Apart Final Thoughts: Chia seeds are undeniably powerful - but only when eaten right. Soak them, blend them, hydrate with them, and follow expert guidance to ensure you're gaining benefits without risking gut discomfort. Advertisement About Somdatta Saha Explorer- 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. For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Chia Seeds Benefits How To Eat Chia Seeds Dr Saurabh Sethi Chia Seeds Show full article Comments
