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Is fasting actually good for you? Expert shares 6 eating tips that can fuel holistic wellness

Is fasting actually good for you? Expert shares 6 eating tips that can fuel holistic wellness

Hindustan Times5 hours ago

Food is medicine if we eat right. What we put on the plate decides the way our body functions and moves. When we eat right, it shows – physically, mentally and also emotionally. The correct balance when it comes to having a healthy dietary pattern ensures overall wellbeing. Also read | Dietary guidelines that promote balanced diet: 8 key recommendations for healthy eating
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Monica B Sood, CEO, Navjivan Health Service said, 'Wellness practices shape eating habits based on balance, mindful choices, and seasonal awareness.'
Dr Sood shared tips on how mindful eating can contribute to our wellness:
You can maintain the balance when you eat according to your body's constitution. Following your dosha in just about this way can aid equilibrium. For example, warm grounding meals can work for some, while others can benefit from cooling meals. Eating specifically for you relies on wellness.
Six tastes present upon a plate are balanced like sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, as well as astringent. This supports digestion, along with reducing cravings, also ensures satisfaction with complete nourishment. This wisdom is exemplified by a classic Indian thali naturally. Rice is joined with lentils, with vegetables, with pickles, and with chutneys.
Fresh produce that is grown locally can help in maintaining balance on the plate. Seasonal fruits and vegetables support immunity inside nature's cycles to align the body. Eating food helps us reduce the chances of illness onset. Also read | Nutritionist recommends 6 diet habits that changed her life: 'I order a kid's size of my Starbucks drink'
How you eat makes your body's wellbeing. Meals should be able to be taken in a calm atmosphere and eaten slowly. Savour them without distractions. Recognising hunger plus satiety signals and chewing thoroughly are as vital as the food itself.
Periodic light fasting or consuming easily digestible foods like khichdi (a rice-lentil porridge) helps rest the digestive system, eliminate toxins, and restore energy. This gentle detox supports metabolic health and mental clarity.
Spices like ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper are everyday healers. They kindle digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, and help prevent disease. Also read | Live long and healthy: Follow these simple diet tips
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

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Cardiologist reveals top 7 foods to protect your heart against sudden cardiac arrest: Millets to lentils and legumes
Cardiologist reveals top 7 foods to protect your heart against sudden cardiac arrest: Millets to lentils and legumes

Hindustan Times

time13 minutes ago

  • Hindustan Times

Cardiologist reveals top 7 foods to protect your heart against sudden cardiac arrest: Millets to lentils and legumes

He said, 'Currently, in India, heart disease is emerging as the leading cause of death. Changing lifestyle and dietary habits have been identified as the primary risk factors for the development of heart disease. Several studies have proven that adopting a healthy lifestyle and following a heart-healthy diet play a crucial role in the prevention of heart disease.' Dr Sandeep added, 'India has a variety of cuisines. The traditional Indian diet is practised in accordance with the principles of moderation, variety and balance in a dietary approach befitting the dietetics paradigm recommended for overall health." With urbanisation and the modern-day lifestyle seeping in, there has been an increase in consumption of processed foods, which, in the long run, has a negative impact on the heart, he said. Dr Sandeep said, 'Long-term cardiovascular health can be fostered by reassessing our traditional dietary patterns and blending them with the principles of contemporary nutritional science.' According to Dr Sandeep, national and international cardiac guidelines list the following foods as 'the top foods to protect your heart': 'Some of the millets, such as ragi, jowar and bajra, are considered superfoods that could be consumed by diabetic and heart patients. These foods are high in nutrients, full of fibre, and low glycemic. They can help manage blood sugar and cholesterol, two of the big risk factors leading to heart disease,' he said. Dr Sandeep added, 'Leafy greens, such as palak and methi, are also packed with essential nutrients such as potassium and nitrates. These essential nutrients boost arterial functions and also help lower blood sugar greens like palak (spinach), Methi (fenugreek), and so on are also dense with nutrients, including potassium and nitrates. These nutrients increase the function of the arteries, and also work to reduce blood sugar.' According to him, 'Nuts like almonds and walnuts contain high levels of omega-3 fats and plant sterols. Eating a handful of nuts each day can increase the HDL, or good cholesterol, properties in your body and lower your bad cholesterol, i.e. LDL levels, which in turn lowers the risk of plaque in the arteries — another deadly contributor to heart disease.' 'Oils that are cold-pressed as mustard or groundnut, etc., are less processed with chemical solvents and high heat. These oils are rich in unprocessed vitamins and oils. As a part of a balanced diet, these oils offer heart-healthy, unsaturated fats as opposed to the trans-fat-laden vanaspati,' Dr Sandeep said. He added, 'Lentils are rich in plant-based proteins which help in reducing cholesterol. They are also helpful for weight control. Chana, rajma, moong, beans, peas, dals, etc. are brilliant instances of lentils and legumes.' 'Include fresh and seasonal fruits such as guava, amla and pomegranate, which are a good source of antioxidants and vitamin C to reduce oxidative stress on the heart,' Dr Sandeep said. He concluded, 'Many of the spices and aromatics used in Indian cooking, such as turmeric and garlic, have antibacterial, cholesterol-lowering, and anti-inflammatory effects. They promote healthy arteries and help with blood circulation.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

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Why you should invest in health and wellness sector for improved financial health

You've heard it time and again — 'Health is wealth.' But as one approaches middle age, this adage becomes more than just a cliché. Rising medical costs, especially due to chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular complications, and lifestyle diseases, begin to weigh heavily on personal finances. These costs also tend to push up health insurance premiums, affecting your financial planning. But what if you could turn these rising healthcare expenses into an investment opportunity? by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Support elderly mothers. Donate Today HelpAge India Donate Now Undo As the saying goes, 'Peter's loss is Atul's gain.' While illness may be a personal financial setback, investing in the health and wellness sector — through sector-specific mutual funds — can allow you to benefit from the very dynamics that are otherwise draining your savings. Beyond acting as a natural hedge against medical inflation (which in India has historically been twice the rate of overall inflation), here are three compelling reasons why the healthcare sector deserves a dedicated allocation in your investment portfolio: 1. Demographics Are Destiny Life expectancy in India has more than tripled over the last century and continues to rise. By 2050, 21% of India's population is projected to be aged 60 and above. This aging demographic will drive demand for healthcare services, creating sustainable long-term business opportunities across pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, home care, and insurance. Live Events 2. Healthcare Is a Lifelong Necessity From infancy to old age, healthcare expenditure is constant — only its nature and size change over life stages. According to BCG, the current decade will see a 34% rise in cardiac and diabetes cases, and a 41% increase in cancer incidence. This realization probably explains why a 2024 McKinsey study found that Indian consumers lead wellness and fitness spending across emerging markets — indicating a societal shift towards preventive care and lifestyle management. 3. A Deep, Diversified, and Growing Investable Universe The health and wellness sector has expanded beyond traditional pharmaceuticals and hospitals. It now includes Clinical Research Organisations (CROs), Contract Development & Manufacturing Organisations (CDMOs), Medtech, Diagnostics, Insurance, Nutraceuticals, and Fitness brands. Over 100 companies, with a combined market capitalisation of $200 billion, offer a deep and diverse pool of investment — across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap segments. India's pharmaceutical sector, in particular, highlights the country's global dominance: Supplies 50% of Africa's generic medicine needs Accounts for 40% of generic drugs in the US Covers 25% of the UK's medicine requirements This leadership is driven by low R&D costs (one-fourth of the US) and manufacturing costs (less than half of the US), ensuring global competitiveness that is unlikely to diminish soon. Proven Performance The BSE Healthcare Total Return Index has outperformed the BSE 500 Total Return Index over 1, 3, 7, and 15 years, as the earnings of the healthcare index constituents have outpaced those of the BSE 500 constituents over the past 14 years. This shows that investors with a medium- to long-term investment horizon may find it beneficial to have a satellite allocation to a sector fund betting on this theme. Conclusion As medical costs rise, smart investors are turning to the health and wellness sector not just as a hedge, but as a high-growth investment theme. By aligning your portfolio with this essential and ever-expanding sector, you not only safeguard your wealth — you also grow it. Sanjay Chawla is CIO – Equity, Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund

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