Latest news with #AmitaGadre
NDTV
12 hours ago
- Health
- NDTV
Are Potatoes Good Or Bad For Diabetics? An Expert Says This...
Potatoes are among the most widely consumed vegetables globally. They can also be cooked in a myriad of ways, making them super versatile. Whether you prefer them boiled, fried, roasted or baked - they taste delicious in all these forms. While potatoes are a go-to for many of us, some avoid them completely, thinking they're not healthy. Diabetics are especially particular, as they fear that eating potatoes can cause a spike in their blood sugar levels. But is this really true? Should you exclude the humble potato entirely from your diet? Recently, nutritionist Amita Gadre took to her Instagram page to reveal the truth and clear the confusion once and for all. Also Read: Diabetes Diet: 6 Diabetic-Friendly Sabzis You Can Make For A Hearty Lunch Can A Diabetic Eat Potatoes? So, now the question arises: can potatoes be a part of a diabetes diet? Amita explains that potatoes contain complex carbohydrates, but they primarily consist of starch, which gets digested quickly. Whether you enjoy them boiled, par-boiled, fried or in any other form, the starch in them breaks down rapidly, causing a spike in blood sugar levels. Due to this reason, she recommends diabetics avoid or limit their intake of potatoes. What's The Healthiest Way To Consume Potatoes? The healthiest way to enjoy potatoes is by baking, roasting, par-boiling or boiling them. These methods help preserve their nutrients and avoid adding unhealthy fats. However, this doesn't mean they won't cause any spikes in your blood sugar levels. According to the nutritionist, the basic nature of starch persists even if you use a healthy cooking method. To prevent spikes in blood sugar, she suggests pairing potatoes with vegetables or a source of protein. Check out the full video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amita Gadre | Nutritionist (@amitagadre) Which Potatoes Are Best For Diabetes? The market is filled with different varieties of potatoes, and deciding which one is the best option for you can be tricky. For diabetics, sweet potatoes and waxy potatoes like Carisma and Nicola are considered better choices. They have a lower glycaemic index (GI) and contain less starch compared to white potatoes like Russet. How To Make Potatoes Insulin Resistant? To make potatoes more suitable for insulin resistance, opt for baking, boiling or roasting instead of frying, and pair potatoes with protein-rich foods or veggies to balance out carbs. Eating smaller portions and adding herbs and spices for flavour can also help manage carb intake and make potatoes a part of an insulin-resistant diet. Also Read: Diabetics can still enjoy potatoes by being smart about the type, amount and cooking method.
NDTV
07-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Why Store-Bought Dahi Is Thicker Than Homemade Dahi
Quick Take Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. Store-bought dahi is typically thicker due to the ingredients used to make them. Here are two major reasons why homemade dahi lacks thickness. An expert also shares which type of dahi is better for your health. Summer meals are just not the same without a bowl of chilled dahi, right? It is calming, cooling, and works with almost everything—whether you are eating dal-chawal or stuffing your parathas. If you enjoy spending time in the kitchen, then you would know that making dahi at home feels like a win. But let us be honest, getting that thick, creamy texture like the market ones can feel impossible sometimes. The good part? There is no big secret or fancy method involved. The difference comes down to a few small, smart tweaks. So, what actually makes store-bought dahi thick and smooth? Let us break it down. Why Is Store-Bought Dahi Thicker Than Homemade Dahi? It is not about big factories or top chefs—store-bought dahi turns out thicker because they follow some easy but smart techniques. 1. They Use Full-Fat Milk Most brands use full-fat or whole milk to make curd. This kind of milk has more cream, which helps the dahi turn out naturally thick. At home, many of us end up using toned or low-fat milk, and that usually results in thinner curd. 2. They Add Milk Solids Take a look at the back of any curd pack and you will notice 'milk solids' on the list. In simple terms, the International Dairy Foods Association says milk solids are the 13 per cent of milk that stays behind after removing the water. These solids help curd become firm and creamy. Many packaged curd options also contain additives and thickeners to keep the curd set and even. Another major difference is that store-bought dahi is made in temperature-controlled settings, which helps the curd stay thick without moving around too much. At home, we usually let it sit in big bowls or open spaces, and the changing temperature affects how it sets. Store-Bought Dahi Vs Homemade Dahi: Which One Is Better For You? Nutritionist Amita Gadre says both are good in their own way. Homemade dahi is fresh, packed with live probiotics, and does not have the preservatives that are found in packaged versions. Store-bought dahi, though, wins on convenience. There are so many types to choose from - from Greek yoghurt to flavoured curd and more. Plus, you know the texture and taste will be the same each time. The only thing to be careful about, according to her, is to look for the term 'lactobacilli culture' in the ingredients and go for options that have no more than five grams of added sugar. To know how to set curd fast at home, click here.
NDTV
06-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Is Gond Katira Good for Your Bones? What Experts Really Say
If you have ever taken a quick look through your mother's stash of home remedies or flipped through a desi health guide, chances are, you have seen the ingredient - gond katira. Also called tragacanth gum, it is a translucent edible gum that puffs up into a jelly-like texture when soaked in water. Gond katira has held a solid place in Indian kitchens for generations. It is known as a natural coolant and is packed with nutrients that support overall health. But the real question is - does it actually help your bones? Or is it just a viral trend with no truth? Here is what we found. Also Read: Yoga Teacher Suggests Drinking Khus And Gond Katira Water Every Day In Summer. Learn Why What Is Gond Katira? As we said, gond katira is an edible gum that looks like a see-through crystal and turns into jelly when mixed with water. It comes from the sap of specific plants, mostly found in the Middle East and some Indian regions. Gond katira does not have any noticeable smell or taste. What really grabs attention is that this ingredient works both ways - it cools your body in the summer and keeps it warm during the winter. You can stir soaked gond katira into coolers, sharbat, desserts, smoothies and even some savoury dishes to make them more nutritious. Image Credit: iStock Is Gond Katira Good For Your Bones? Nutritionist Amita Gadre spoke about this in one of her Instagram posts, where she tackled some common myths around gond katira. She mentioned, "Gond katira for good bone health is a trend that's doing the rounds on social media. This claim is viral, but not scientific." Breaking It Down: Facts Vs Myths About Gond Katira According to the expert, gond katira (or tragacanth gum) is a polysaccharide, much like Isabgol (psyllium husk), which helps with digestion and metabolism, and in turn, supports gut health and immunity. "It forms a gel-like texture but contains no bone-building nutrients," she clarified. Amita Gadre added that three grams of gond katira give only about 15mg of calcium, which is not enough to meet your body's daily needs for bone strength. Should You Leave Gond Katira Out Of Your Bone-Healthy Diet? A study published in the Journal of Functional Foods shared that some polysaccharides may support better calcium absorption in the body. So, it might help to pair gond katira with calcium-rich meals to boost nutrient intake. But the smarter choice would be to speak to a doctor or nutritionist and understand what suits your body best before using it as a fix. Also Read: Bone Health Alert: Stay Away From These 5 Everyday Foods Photo Credit: Canva Here Are 6 Key Nutrients You Really Need For Strong Bones: Nutritionist Amita Gadre also listed out the nutrients you should focus on for long-term bone health. 1. Protein: It supports the formation of collagen, helps retain muscle mass and keeps bones strong. Protein Sources: Eggs Greek yoghurt Lentils Chickpeas Chicken Paneer Nuts and seeds 2. Calcium: It builds bone density and structure and lowers the risk of weak bones and fractures. Calcium Sources: Milk and dairy products Leafy greens Almonds Sesame seeds Fortified plant-based milks 3. Vitamin D: It helps your body absorb calcium better, which is vital for bone development and maintenance. Vitamin D Sources: Fatty fish Egg yolks Fortified cereals and dairy Mushrooms 4. Vitamin K2: It supports calcium transport into the bones and keeps bone loss in check. Vitamin K2 Sources: Cheese Egg yolk Chicken Fermented foods 5. Magnesium: It plays a major role in using calcium and vitamin D effectively, both of which are vital for bones. Magnesium Sources: Dark leafy greens Avocados Nuts Whole grains Bananas Black beans 6. Phosphorus: It supports bone metabolism, encourages growth and helps in bone mineralisation. Phosphorus Sources: Meat Fish Dairy products Lentils and beans Whole grains Sunflower and pumpkin seeds The Bottom Line Gond katira is a traditional superfood that has quietly made its way back into our daily routines. It is a simple, natural add-on for boosting general health. But if bone strength is your goal, make sure your diet has the right mix of nutrients and use gond katira with calcium-rich food to help with absorption. Advertisement Comments 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: Gond Katira Bone Health Gond Katira For Bones Show full article Comments
NDTV
30-04-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Does Drinking Cold Water Lead To Weight Gain? Hear It From An Expert
Water is the ultimate thirst quencher, but while some of us drink it with ease, others struggle to meet their daily quota. And then there are the myths surrounding water that can leave us confused! One of the most popular misconceptions is that drinking cold water can lead to weight gain - but is this myth or reality? Recently, nutritionist Amita Gadre set the record straight on her Instagram handle, revealing the truth. The reality may not be what you think it is, and it's time to get the facts right! Let's dive in and uncover the truth behind this common myth. Also Read: Is It Safe To Drink Bottled Water Kept In Your Car? The Answer May Surprise You The Truth About Cold Water And Weight Gain According to Amita, water is a weight loss wonder, boasting zero calories. The myth that cold water makes your body store fat is just that - a myth. She points out that drinking cold water won't freeze your fat cells, just as sipping warm water won't melt them away. The real goal is to stay hydrated, plain and simple. Without enough water, you'll feel sluggish and your metabolism might take a hit. Amita advises focusing on drinking enough water, rather than obsessing over its temperature. So, go ahead and enjoy that cold glass of water, it won't sabotage your weight loss efforts. Watch the full video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amita Gadre | Nutritionist (@amitagadre) Other Common Questions About Cold Water And Weight Gain: 1. Is Drinking Cold Water Good For Your Digestive System? Not really. Cold water, like other chilled treats, can dampen your digestive fire (agni) and isn't good for your digestive system. To maintain optimal digestion, it's best to stick to lukewarm water. 2. How Much Water Should One Drink In A Day? According to consultant nutritionist Rupali Datta, aim for 35 ml of water per kilogram of body weight. The goal is to stay hydrated and feel your best. 3. Does Cold Water Have Any Side Effects On The Body?
