logo
Losing Hair? This Easy Masoor Dal Salad Could Actually Help

Losing Hair? This Easy Masoor Dal Salad Could Actually Help

NDTV02-05-2025

Hair fall is something most of us go through at some point. It might be the changing weather, stress, or just plain bad luck with genes. For many, it is not just a passing phase—it sticks around. While shampoos and fancy treatments are what we turn to first, what you eat makes a much bigger difference than you think. That is right. Healthy hair starts with your plate. What you eat shows up in your strands. Iron and folic acid deficiency are often to blame for weak, thinning hair. But here is the fun part—there is a super simple salad that might actually help. A nutritionist has shared a quick Whole Masoor Dal Salad Bowl recipe that is packed with everything your hair has been asking for. But before we get to the recipe, let us break down what whole masoor dal really does for your body.
Here Are 5 Health Benefits Of Whole Masoor Dal:
The hero of this salad, whole masoor dal, is loaded with nutrients that your body—and hair—love. Check this out:
1. Packed With Protein
Whole masoor dal is a top source of plant-based protein. It helps rebuild and repair tissue, which is exactly what your hair and skin need to stay strong and healthy.
2. High In Fibre
This dal is rich in fibre, which supports better digestion and gut health. When your gut is happy, your body absorbs nutrients better, especially the ones that help your hair grow.
3. Loaded With Antioxidants
Masoor dal has polyphenols and antioxidants that help your body fight off free radicals. Less stress in the body equals happier, healthier hair and skin.
4. Supports Blood Sugar
Nutritionist Rupali Datta says masoor dal has a low glycaemic index, making it great for people with diabetes. She recommends eating whole dals every day to help manage sugar levels.
5. Rich In Essential Minerals
Whole masoor dal is not just about iron—it also has potassium, magnesium, and zinc. These minerals are key for everything from stronger hair to better heart health.
Why This Whole Masoor Dal Salad Bowl Works For Hair Fall
This salad is not just tasty; it is a proper hair health booster. Nutritionist Leema Mahajan says that every 100 g of whole masoor dal gives 7.5 g of iron. Iron improves the oxygen flow to your scalp, which is crucial for healthy hair growth. That is not all. Lemon juice, bell peppers, and raw vegetables bring in vitamin C, which helps your body absorb iron better. Beetroot and masoor dal also contain folic acid, which helps raise your haemoglobin levels and prevent hair thinning. So, yes, this easy salad could be your go-to fix for hair fall—and it will leave your hair naturally shiny and strong.
How To Make Whole Masoor Dal Salad Bowl | Iron-Rich Salad Recipe
This salad recipe is super easy to put together. Nutritionist Leema Mahajan posted it on Instagram, and it is ideal if you want to include more iron-rich food in your diet. Here is how you do it:
1. Prepare Lentils And Veggies
Start by chopping up vegetables like carrots, sweet corn, and beetroot. Soak the masoor dal, then steam it along with the veggies for about 5–8 minutes until everything is soft.
2. Make The Salad Dressing
In a bowl, mix lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, cumin powder, carom seeds, pink salt, and black salt. This dressing ties all the flavours together.
3. Put It All Together
Add chopped onions, cucumbers, bell peppers, and coriander leaves to a big bowl. Add the steamed lentils and veggies. Throw in some roasted peanuts and pour the dressing on top. Mix everything well and enjoy!
Watch the full video below:
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Leema Mahajan | Nutritionist & Weight loss specialist (@leemamahajan)
Now that you know how to tackle hair fall with something this simple, it might be time to ditch the pills and try this salad instead. Your scalp will thank you.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

This Is What A Nutritionist Recommends If You Are Battling High Uric Acid
This Is What A Nutritionist Recommends If You Are Battling High Uric Acid

NDTV

time8 hours ago

  • NDTV

This Is What A Nutritionist Recommends If You Are Battling High Uric Acid

In a world where movement is optional and meals are often a side-thought between emails, it is no surprise our bodies are raising quiet red flags. Late dinners, too much screen time, endless snacking, and litres of fizzy drinks, we are unintentionally setting ourselves up for health hiccups. One of those is high uric acid. It is sneaky, it builds up slowly, and by the time you notice, the discomfort has moved in. The silver lining? Uric acid levels can be managed if you know what to eat and what to skip. Nutritionist Leema Mahajan weighs in. What Happens When Uric Acid Shoots Up? High uric acid levels are not just about random joint aches. Think kidney stones, sharp urate crystals in the joints, swelling, pain - you get the idea. It is not just uncomfortable; it is not reversible either. Which is why keeping uric acid in check is less of a lifestyle choice and more of a non-negotiable. What To Eat If You Have High Uric Acid According to nutritionist Leema Mahajan, your kitchen already has a few heroes that can help bring those uric acid levels down naturally. 1. Vitamin C-Rich Foods Vitamin C helps flush uric acid out of your system. Think oranges, amla, apples, lemons—anything that has that tangy punch. Amla juice in the morning or a citrusy fruit midday could genuinely make a difference. 2. Raw Papaya Slightly boiled raw papaya is not just easy to digest—it is packed with papain, an enzyme that fights inflammation. Mahajan suggests it is particularly good during flare-ups because it is gentle on the joints. 3. Cinnamon When uric acid rises, your metabolism takes a hit, too. A pinch of cinnamon in warm water or sprinkled over your oats can calm things down internally. It is a small addition with solid benefits. 4. Black Coffee And Green Tea These drinks come with antioxidants like chlorogenic acid and catechins, which could help control an enzyme linked to uric acid production. Just do not overdo it—one to two cups a day is enough, ideally mid-morning or post-lunch. What To Avoid If You Have High Uric Acid 1. Alcohol And Sugary Sodas Beer, whisky, sugary fizzy drinks, all packed with purines and sugar. Both are bad news for uric acid levels. Mahajan recommends switching to coconut water, herbal tea or fruit-infused water instead. Your kidneys will thank you. 2. Packaged Snacks Processed foods often sneak in high-fructose corn syrup, a sweetener known to spike uric acid. Chips, energy drinks, sugary cereals, even those so-called 'healthy' granola bars - worth a second look at the label. 3. Red Meats And Shellfish These are naturally high in purines. Eat them regularly, and your uric acid levels will follow suit. If you are looking for safer bets, opt for lean meats like chicken or plant-based proteins such as tofu or lentils. The One Mistake People Make With A Uric Acid Diet Cutting out all proteins. Mahajan is clear: protein is not the villain. Dal, peas, mushrooms - all fair but in moderation. They are not as purine-heavy as previously assumed and bring fibre, minerals, and plant protein to your plate. According to her, eating on time and making thoughtful swaps can help your body manage uric acid levels better, without drastic diet rules.

6 Classic Indian Breakfast Upgrades That Actually Burn Fat
6 Classic Indian Breakfast Upgrades That Actually Burn Fat

NDTV

time4 days ago

  • NDTV

6 Classic Indian Breakfast Upgrades That Actually Burn Fat

Nutritionist Leema Mahajan suggests healthier versions of six popular Indian breakfasts to aid weight loss. Upgrades include adding protein, fibre, and probiotics for better energy, digestion, and fat loss without extreme dieting. Many of us begin our day with well-intentioned food choices-comforting, homemade Indian breakfasts that feel nourishing. But what if those familiar meals are not really supporting your weight loss journey? Nutritionist Leema Mahajan, in a recent Instagram post, shares how some beloved breakfast dishes can be reimagined for better energy, digestion, and fat loss. The goal? No crash diets, no extreme restrictions- just smart, satisfying upgrades that work with your lifestyle... and help you lose weight fast. Let's decode six common Indian breakfasts and how to give them a healthy makeover. Here Are 6 Popular Indian Breakfasts And Ways To Make Them Work For Weight Loss 1. Idli with Coconut Chutney: Upgrade: Idli with Vegetable Sambhar While idlis are low in calories, pairing them with only chutney may leave you hungry soon after. Enter sambhar - a protein-rich, fibre-packed lentil stew loaded with vegetables. It keeps you full longer, balances blood sugar, and curbs mid-morning cravings. 2. Overnight Oats with Fruits: Upgrade: Chia Seed Pudding with Seasonal Fruits Overnight oats often include added milk, sweeteners, or nut butters, which sneak in extra calories. Chia seeds, on the other hand, offer omega-3 fats, a lower glycaemic load, and promote better satiety. Paired with seasonal fruits, it's a refreshing, weight-friendly start. Here's a chia seed pudding recipe you can try. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Leema Mahajan | Nutritionist & Weight loss specialist (@leemamahajan) 3. Aloo Masala Dosa: Upgrade: Moong Dal Dosa with Paneer Filling Aloo masala is heavy on starch and low on protein. Swap it for a dosa made from moong dal-light, protein-rich, and gut-friendly. Stuff it with paneer for added protein, which supports lean muscle growth and keeps you energised for hours. 4. Suji Upma: Upgrade: Millet Upma (Jowar or Bajra) Suji (semolina) is processed and can spike insulin levels. Millets, on the other hand, are gluten-free, rich in minerals, and offer complex carbs that digest slowly. The result? Longer-lasting fullness and improved metabolic health. Also Read: 5 Morning Rituals To Kick-Start Weight Loss Journey And Cut Belly Fat 5. Ragi or Oats Chilla: Upgrade: Besan + Moong Dal Chilla While ragi and oats are healthy, besan and moong dal bring in high-quality, bioavailable protein that's easy on the gut. These chillas stabilise blood sugar and offer sustained energy-great if you're balancing work and workouts. 6. Plain Paratha with Chai & Achar: Upgrade: Missi Roti with Curd Paratha with chai and pickle is delicious but low on protein and probiotics. Missi roti (a blend of besan and whole wheat) with curd delivers the perfect trio of complex carbs, good bacteria, and quality protein- ideal for digestion and hormone balance. Check out these tips to make perfect missi roti. These changes aren't about eating less, they're about eating smarter. By upgrading your breakfast thoughtfully, you support your body's natural fat-burning mechanisms, reduce bloating, and enjoy better energy throughout the day. No crash diets. No deprivation. Just better choices that feel and taste good.

What Is The Best Time To Drink Cinnamon Water - Morning Or Night? Find Out Here
What Is The Best Time To Drink Cinnamon Water - Morning Or Night? Find Out Here

NDTV

time05-06-2025

  • NDTV

What Is The Best Time To Drink Cinnamon Water - Morning Or Night? Find Out Here

Cinnamon Water Benefits: Cinnamon is extensively used in Indian households, either as a whole spice or in powdered form. From curries and sabzis to desserts, this spice enhances flavour and nutritional value. But it's not just whole cinnamon, its water also offers significant health benefits. Many people have started incorporating cinnamon water into their daily routine. It's believed that this simple concoction can improve digestion, manage blood sugar and aid in weight loss. However, confusion often remains about the right time to drink cinnamon water - morning or night? Are you also unsure about this? Let's find out the answer below! Also Read: The Ultimate Cinnamon Guide: Types, Uses, and Health Benefits Cinnamon Water In The Morning: Why It Works Drinking cinnamon water first thing in the morning, preferably on an empty stomach, can help: 1. Kickstart Your Metabolism If your metabolism is slow, drinking cinnamon water in the morning can help as it helps fasten it. A faster metabolism ensures that your body burns more calories. 2. Flush Out Toxins According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), cinnamon has powerful antioxidant properties, so drinking its water aids in flushing out toxins from the body. 3. Curb Sugar Cravings Cinnamon also has the ability to manage blood sugar levels, which helps curb sugar cravings. Drinking its water is beneficial for those who tend to reach for something sweet for breakfast. Cinnamon Water At Night: Is It Better? Now that you know the benefits of drinking cinnamon water in the morning, let's discover how it can transform your health at night. 1. Aid Digestion According to nutritionist Rupali Datta, cinnamon has the ability to stimulate digestive enzymes, which is necessary for breaking down food, especially after a heavy dinner. 2. Stabilise Blood Sugar Levels Overnight A study by NIH states that cinnamon may slow down the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract, resulting in stabilised blood sugar levels. 3. Soothe The Body Cinnamon is also rich in anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking it at night can help reduce inflammation in the body, potentially easing pain and providing comfort. So, What's The Best Time To Drink Cinnamon Water? It really depends on your health goals. If your aim is to reduce weight or boost your metabolism, then morning is an ideal time to drink cinnamon water. On the other hand, if you wish to manage your blood sugar levels overnight or promote digestion, then night is a great choice. For overall health, you can drink it either in the morning or at night, but keep the quantity moderate. Also Read: 5 Delicious Cinnamon Drinks That Are Good For Diabetes Diet Who Should Avoid Drinking Cinnamon Water Regularly? Pregnant women (especially in large amounts) Those with low blood sugar or on diabetes medications People on blood thinners Anyone with liver issues There's no one-size-fits-all answer to when you should drink cinnamon water. Whether you choose to sip it in the morning, at night, or both, consistency is key to seeing results.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store