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News18
13-05-2025
- Health
- News18
Hypertension, Fatty Liver, Obesity: Why Our Daily Diets Need a Natural Reset
Last Updated: Experts call for a shift to whole, natural foods and urban farming to combat the growing burden of lifestyle diseases In today's fast-paced world, convenience often trumps nutrition. From quick packaged meals to sugary drinks and ultra-processed snacks, modern dietary habits are not only stripping meals of their natural goodness—they're also silently fuelling a health crisis. Rising rates of hypertension, fatty liver disease, and obesity have made it clear: our diets need a natural reset. 'Modern dietary patterns, often dominated by ultra-processed foods, high sugar intake, and unhealthy fats, are directly contributing to a surge in lifestyle-related conditions," says Dr. Kapil Kumar Kursiwal, Senior Consultant – GI Surgery, GI Oncology, Bariatric and Minimal Access Surgery at Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Delhi. 'The liver, being a central metabolic organ, bears the brunt of this nutritional imbalance." According to Dr. Kursiwal, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)—once a rare diagnosis—is now a common condition even among non-drinkers. It's closely tied to insulin resistance and is exacerbated by diets rich in refined carbs, trans fats, and added sugars. Meanwhile, hypertension continues to be a major public health concern, often worsened by excessive salt and processed foods. 'The body is not designed to handle this sustained metabolic load. What is urgently needed is a shift toward natural, whole foods—rich in fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats—coupled with moderation and mindful eating," Dr. Kursiwal emphasizes. 'A 'natural reset' in our diets is not a trend but a necessity." That's where urban farming comes into the picture—as both a preventive and sustainable solution. 'The surge in lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, fatty liver, and obesity is deeply tied to our modern diets, often laden with chemicals and processed foods," explains Maninder Singh Nayyar, CEO and Founder, CEF Group. 'Urban farming, through the production of natural, locally grown foods, offers a powerful remedy." Nayyar highlights how fresh produce grown in urban spaces—like spinach, kale, broccoli, and cabbage—can be game-changers for health. Leafy greens are excellent sources of potassium and magnesium, which help regulate blood pressure. Cruciferous vegetables support liver detoxification and reduce the risk of fatty liver. Herbs such as parsley and cilantro, also easy to grow in compact spaces, further aid liver function and toxin elimination. Additionally, fruits like tomatoes, citrus, and berries, commonly cultivated in home gardens and urban farms, offer high doses of antioxidants, fiber, and essential vitamins that help manage weight and support heart health. 'By embracing urban farming, we are not only improving the quality of our food but also providing our bodies with the necessary nutrients to fight lifestyle diseases naturally," says Nayyar. 'This shift towards natural farming holds the potential to revolutionize both our health and the health of our planet." As both experts assert, this isn't about restrictive eating or the latest superfood trend. It's about getting back to basics—choosing real, unprocessed ingredients, growing what we can, and being mindful of what we eat. A healthier body, a stronger immune system, and a sharper mind might just start with what's on our plate.
Hindustan Times
10-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Heart-healthy garden: What to grow indoors and eat for lower BP and better blood circulation
As environmental and health concerns converge in today's world, the concept of cultivating a heart-healthy garden emerges as a simple, accessible and deeply impactful solution. What we choose to grow has a direct influence on both our well-being and the planet's health. She advised, 'Adding bitter gourd (karela) to your garden can provide even more heart-protective benefits—it's known for regulating blood sugar levels and promoting healthy lipid profiles. Herbs like basil aren't just flavorful—they contain antioxidants and natural compounds that may help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation.' For your indoor spaces, Dt Pooja Gupta recommended, 'Consider adding oxygen-rich plants like Aglaonema, Peace Lily, Snake Plant, and Spider Plant. These not only purify the air but also create a calming, clean atmosphere that supports overall well-being, including cardiovascular health. With a thoughtful mix of vegetables, herbs, and houseplants, your garden can nourish both your body and your environment, naturally and beautifully.' According to Maninder Singh, Founder and CEO at CEF Group, by growing crops that naturally aid in lowering blood pressure and promoting better circulation, individuals take active steps toward preventive health, while also supporting a broader movement toward sustainable living. Certain plants have well-documented benefits in this space. Maninder Singh explained, 'Garlic helps reduce arterial stiffness; beetroot, rich in dietary nitrates, aids in blood vessel dilation; spinach provides magnesium and potassium, essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure; while herbs like basil and turmeric deliver anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support.' Maninder Singh elaborated, 'These are not just culinary ingredients; they are nature's preventive tools, offering everyday solutions for cardiovascular health but the benefits extend well beyond individual health. Cultivating these crops at home, like on rooftops, balconies, or in shared urban plots, reduces dependence on resource-intensive food systems. It lowers transport emissions, cuts down packaging waste and minimises exposure to synthetic chemicals. Each plant grown with purpose contributes to reducing our ecological footprint.' At the same time, these practices nurture greener, more resilient communities. Maninder Singh said, 'Decentralised cultivation models, like vertical gardens and rooftop farms, are essential for climate-smart urban planning. They make nutritious, heart-healthy food more accessible, improve urban air quality, reduce heat islands and strengthen local food resilience.' He concluded, 'This model of growing for health aligns with the principles of circular development, where wellness, food systems and environmental care reinforce one another. It's about fostering ecosystems where growth is measured not only in yield but in long-term impact on lives, cities and the climate. Promoting a heart-healthy garden is part of a larger vision: where well-being begins in the soil, thrives in local communities, and flourishes in harmony with nature. Because sometimes, the most powerful transformations begin with something as humble as a seed planted for the heart, for the planet and for the future.' 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.
Zawya
26-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Minerals and Petroleum Resources Committee Encouraged by the Central Energy Fund (CEF) Group's Healthy Balance Sheet to Fund Operations until 2030
Having been briefed on the 2025-2030 strategic and annual performance plans as well as the 2025/26 budget of the Central Energy Fund (CEF) Group and subsidiaries, the Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Petroleum Resources is encouraged by the healthy balance sheet of the CEF Group. The CEF Group's balance sheet will fund the company's operation until 2030, and the group is projecting a net profit of R398 million by 2030. The committee views this information as positive, considering that CEF together with its subsidiaries, except for the Petroleum Agency South Africa (PASA), are Schedule 2 state-owned entities required to generate revenue to fund their operations, without allocation from the state. The CEF Group's subsidiaries are PASA, the African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation (AEMFC), iGas, PetroSA and the Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF). Meanwhile, the CEF Group is in an advanced stage to merge PetroSA, iGas and SFF to establish a single state petroleum company called South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC). SANPC is established as part of government's initiative to repurpose and rationalise state-owned enterprises to support the country's growth and development. The committee, however, raised a concern with the missed target for SANPC to go live by 1 April 2025, as it was promised in February this year. CEF Group announced a new date of 1 May 2025. Although noting the challenge of transferring the current employees and some assets from PetroSA, iGas and SFF to SANPC, the committee is comforted by relentless efforts to find an amicable solution with the organised labour as well as the authorities in Ghana to approve the transfer of assets belonging to PetroSA Ghana Limited back to PetroSA in South Africa. The committee further welcomed the commitment by the Board of CEF Group to fill existing vacancies at the executive level to strengthen governance and improve delivery. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
