Latest news with #KaranRajan
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Black coffee will taste 'smoother' if you add pinch of 1 ingredient — not sugar
Black coffee can be a bit of an acquired taste for those who usually opt for sugary, milky coffees - but it can be made much more palatable with one simple ingredient Coffee is a vital part of the morning routine for countless individuals, offering that crucial caffeine hit to get the day started, with myriad ways to savour it. However, for some, the mere idea of black coffee is a bit much. Its inherent bitterness when unadulterated by sugar or milk can be daunting, yet it's recognised as a relatively healthy option if consumed in moderation. Intriguingly, its taste can be greatly enhanced with just a sprinkle of a rather surprising ingredient. This tip comes from TikTok health guru Dr Karan Rajan, who often imparts his wisdom on making daily eats healthier and tastier. One of his straightforward but ingenious culinary tips includes adding just a dash of salt to your black coffee. Dr Rajan advises: "The salt blocks the bitterness receptors on your tongue, making the coffee taste way smoother and requiring less sugar." The experts at Espresso Works concur, pointing out that salt doesn't just highlight the nutty notes in certain coffee varieties but also accentuates their natural sweetness, resulting in a flavour that's less bitter and more balanced, even sans sugar, reports the Express. Salt can also enhance the aromatic experience of black coffee, not just its flavour. Drinking your coffee black can have a number of important health benefits. One of these is a potentially reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the long-term, according to Healthline. It might even contribute to warding off various neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Black coffee might also affect fat storage and boost gut health, both of which could assist in weight management. It's also good for heart health, with one study suggesting that drinking three to five cups of coffee daily could reduce the risk of heart disease by 15 percent. How much black coffee is safe? Despite being a relatively healthy option, like everything else, black coffee should be enjoyed in moderation. According to Healthline, healthy adults should try to stick to 400 mg of caffeine per day or less. If the only caffeinated drink you have is coffee, that's about four cups. Overconsumption of caffeine can lead to headaches, insomnia and a rapid heart rate, so it's crucial not to have too much.
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
NHS surgeon suggests easy ways to add 30 g fibre in your daily diet with fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, legumes and more
Are you looking for ways to increase fibre intake in your body? According to the University of California San Francisco, the American Heart Association Eating Plan suggests eating a variety of food fibre sources, with total dietary fibre intake being at 25 to 30 grams a day from food, not supplements. Fibre-rich foods help with many gut issues, from bloating to constipation.(Shutterstock Representative image) Also Read | Gastroenterologist shares 8 foods that can lower the risk of colon cancer: From watermelon, kiwi to yoghurt In a post shared on July 5, Dr Karan Rajan, an NHS surgeon and health educator, shares easy ways to add 5 grams of fibre to your daily diet through various sources like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and other food items. So, the total would come up to 25-30 grams. Let's find out what they are: Easy ways to add 5 g of fibre Sharing the list of food items, Dr Rajan wrote, ' easy way! No need for Peruvian vine leaves or ancient Sicilian grains to get your dose of fibre.' Dr Rajan divided the food items into the categories: 'fruits, veggies, seeds, legumes, and others'. He mentioned the quantity of each food item you need to consume to complete a 5 g fibre intake. Let's find out what the NHS surgeon suggested: Fruits 2 kiwis 80 g raspberries 1 pear 1.5 oranges 1 avocado 8 dried prunes Vegetables 2 carrots 1 whole corn 5 sticks of asparagus 150 g of broccoli 1 sweet potato 80 g of peas Nuts 50 g of hazelnuts 45 g of pistachios 40 g of almonds 65 g of walnuts 50 g of pecans 50 g of peanuts Seeds 1 tbsp of chia seeds 1 tbsp of flax seeds 2 tbsp of shredded coconut 1 tbsp of psyllium husk 1 tbsp of hemp seeds Legumes 2 tbsp of hummus 80 g of edamame beans 75 g of cooked beans 75 g of lentils 80 g of butter beans 2 tbsp of chickpeas Others 35 g of popcorn 50 g of dark rye bread 1 tbsp of cacao 100 g of seeded sourdough 50 g of dark chocolate Why is fibre important? According to the Mayo Clinic, fibre may be best known for its ability to prevent or relieve constipation. But foods with fibre can have other good effects as well, including staying at a healthy weight and lowering the risk of diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer. Per a report on Harvard Health, fibre controls blood sugar, as fibre-rich foods keep blood sugar levels steady instead of causing them to spike. As for protecting our heart health, fibre protects against heart disease in a number of ways, from fighting inflammation to helping keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check. 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.
Hindustan Times
05-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
NHS surgeon explains how gut health could be the secret to your glowing skin: ‘Your face is a billboard for your gut'
We often spend thousands on skincare products, searching for that elusive glow, serums, creams, facials, and the latest beauty trends. But what if the real secret to radiant skin isn't in your bathroom cabinet but in your belly? Diet plays a crucial role in skin health, according to Dr. Karan. (Shutterstock) Dr Karan Rajan, NHS surgeon and health content creator, shared in his July 2 Instagram post the powerful connection between diet and skin health, revealing how a happy gut could be the foundation of your skincare routine. (Also read: Cosmetologist explains the role of nutrition in skincare: Why what you eat matters for healthy, radiant skin ) What's the connection between diet and skincare Dr Karan says in his post, 'If your skincare doesn't include gut health, it's not complete. Your gut and skin are in constant conversation via the gut-skin axis. When your gut's off, you get unhappy microbes, and your gut leaks inflammatory molecules into your bloodstream, your face becomes the billboard for your gut's dysfunction and that systemic inflammation.' He adds, "Studies show that people with acne, eczema, and psoriasis often have altered gut microbiomes and increased intestinal permeability. So, your gut-friendly skincare routine should start with three basic pillars." 1. Fibre "Most people get under 15 grams a day, you need at least 30 or more. Prebiotic fibre feeds good bacteria, which allows them to make short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which can lower inflammation in your gut and your skin," says Dr Karan. 2. Eat more colour Dr Karan emphasises adding more colour to your diet. "Especially red and orange vegetables, these are rich in carotenoids like beta-carotene and lycopene. These act as internal antioxidants which can protect your skin from the inside out," he explains. 3. Stress check Dr Karan explains that stress can alter your microbiome via the gut-brain axis. This can lead to gut dysfunction, which may trigger skin flare-ups and even more stress. "It's a vicious loop and won't be fixed by yet another serum," he says. He concludes with a reminder, "Good skin isn't just what you put on, it's what you put inside you." 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.
Jordan News
25-06-2025
- Health
- Jordan News
Summer Sun: Your Natural Dose of Vitamin D for Healthy Bones - Jordan News
Summer Sun: Your Natural Dose of Vitamin D for Healthy Bones Exposure to sunlight is an effective natural way to boost the body's production of vitamin D, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of bones, teeth, and muscles. اضافة اعلان With rising temperatures in summer, many people spend more time outdoors, giving them the opportunity to benefit from the sun's rays. Vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the body, both essential for healthy bone structure. However, deficiency can lead to serious health complications, such as bone deformities in children like rickets, and osteomalacia in adults—a condition characterized by bone pain due to low vitamin levels. To balance benefit and protection, experts recommend moderate sun exposure. Dr. Karan Rajan, a surgeon with the UK's National Health Service (NHS) and a popular figure on TikTok, explained that '25 minutes of sun exposure several times a week is sufficient to naturally and safely boost vitamin D production.' The NHS website also notes that while vitamin D from the sun does not pose an overdose risk, excessive exposure can cause other harms such as skin damage and increased risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is advised to use sunscreen, cover the skin, and avoid peak sunlight hours, especially during prolonged outdoor stays. Vitamin D is also available in a limited number of foods, including oily fish, red meat, and egg yolks. Supplements are recommended to fill gaps, particularly in winter months when sunlight is scarce. Source: Mirror
Daily Mirror
23-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Doctor gives verdict on how long to stay in sun to boost vitamin D
Many Brits made the most of the recent hot weather over the weekend by flocking to beaches and parks to soak up copious amounts of sun. With temperatures hitting as high as 32.5°C in London, people were urged to slap on as much sunscreen as possible while staying hydrated. Despite the safety precautions, it's worth noting that the right amount of sun exposure can be good for you. Sunshine triggers our body into producing an essential nutrient – vitamin D. This crucial vitamin plays a major role in keeping calcium and phosphate at optimal levels in our bodies, which is vital for maintaining healthy bones, teeth and muscles. A deficiency in vitamin D could lead to serious health issues. Children risk developing bone deformities such as rickets while adults might suffer from osteomalacia, characterised by bone pain associated with low vitamin D levels. Highlighting the importance of this issue, famed NHS surgeon Dr Karan Rajan, a TikTok sensation with millions of followers, shed light on the perfect amount of sun needed for optimal health. In a video posted on his account, he said: "All you need is 25 minutes of sun exposure a few times a week to max out your skin's natural Vitamin D production." But Dr Rajan is not the only one offering guidance on the benefits of vitamin D. The NHS website said the nutrient helps "regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body", which in turn "keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy". The health service did note some health conditions may worsen with too much sun exposure. When unsure, it's always important to see your GP for advice, reports Gloucestershire Live. You can't overdose on vitamin D from sun exposure alone, so enjoy the natural benefits – but always prioritise safety. Remember to cover up or protect your skin if you're out in the sun for extended periods to minimise the risk of skin damage and skin cancer. From late March to the end of September, most people should be able to get all the vitamin D they need from direct sunlight on their skin when outdoors. According to the NHS, the Department of Health and Social Care recommends that adults and children over four take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year if they: Vitamin D is also present in a small number of foods such as oily fish, red meat and egg yolks. Dietary supplements are another source of vitamin D, particularly recommended during the winter months when sunlight alone isn't sufficient.
