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NDTV
15 hours ago
- Health
- NDTV
Is Beetroot Carrot Juice Good For Weight Loss? Here's What Nutritionists Say
You know that moment when you stare at the weighing scale and promise yourself a fresh start. From early morning walks to cutting down on calories, you try every trick in the book to shed those stubborn love handles. But weight loss is not just about calories. It also depends on how well your metabolism and gut behave. And finding foods that actually help without upsetting your taste buds is where the real challenge lies. What if we told you there is a drink that ticks all the boxes? It is earthy-sweet, refreshingly hydrating and naturally nourishing, while supporting your weight loss journey. Yes, we are talking about beetroot-carrot juice. Loaded with antioxidants, fibre and nutrients that promote digestion, detox and satiety, this humble blend is steadily winning hearts in nutrition circles. Let's take a deeper look into what makes it so popular among wellness experts. Also Read: 8 Monsoon Diet Tips You Must Follow For Good Health Beetroot Benefits: Why Nutritionists Swear By This Crimson Superfood Beetroot is more than just a vegetable to add to your salads and sabzis. It is rich in nitrates, which have been shown to improve blood flow, lower blood pressure and increase stamina - three key benefits for those trying to stay active during their weight loss journey. Its vibrant colour comes from betalains, powerful antioxidants that support liver function and reduce inflammation. According to a study published in the journal Nutrients, beetroot juice may enhance exercise performance and oxygen uptake, making workouts more effective. It is also loaded with iron, folate and potassium, crucial for maintaining energy levels and muscle function while cutting calories. Dr Ritika Samaddar, Chief Dietitian at Max Healthcare, Delhi, notes that beetroot's high fibre and low-calorie content "make it ideal for those looking to feel full without overeating". She adds that its mildly sweet flavour reduces cravings for sugary snacks. Carrots Are Not Just For Salads: What Makes Them A Crunchy Staple In Modern Nutrition Carrots are packed with beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), biotin, vitamin K1 and antioxidants that support skin, eyesight, and metabolism. According to a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, regular carrot intake has been associated with reduced waist circumference and improved glycaemic control in overweight individuals. Mumbai-based nutritionist, Dr Eileen Canday explains that carrots have a low glycaemic index, meaning "they release sugar slowly into the bloodstream, helping prevent cravings and energy crashes." Plus, their fibre supports gut health, which is increasingly linked to weight management. Also Read: 5 Amazing Things That Happen When You Drink Buttermilk Daily Photo Credit: iStock Why Beetroot-Carrot Juice Works For Weight Loss: Individually, beetroot and carrot are nutrition powerhouses. And together, they complement each other perfectly. The blend creates a juice that is: Low in calories but high in satiety Rich in fibre, supporting digestion and metabolism Full of antioxidants, reducing inflammation and supporting liver detox Naturally sweet, reducing reliance on refined sugar or artificial additives A study published in the journal Food And Function found that participants who consumed beet-carrot juice daily for eight weeks experienced improvements in body composition and lipid profile, especially when paired with moderate physical activity. It is also hydrating, which helps curb unnecessary snacking often mistaken for hunger. How To Make It: A Simple 5-Minute Recipe You don't need fancy gadgets or imported ingredients to enjoy this juice. Here's a basic recipe for you to try at home. Ingredients: 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and diced 1 large beetroot, peeled and chopped 1/2 cup chilled water Juice of 1 lemon A pinch of kala namak A few mint leaves (optional) Method: Blend all the ingredients until smooth. Strain if you prefer a lighter texture. Garnish with mint. Serve chilled, ideally on an empty stomach in the morning. Pro tip: For extra zing, add a slice of ginger or a dash of cinnamon - both known to support digestion and metabolism. Also Read: 6 Drinks That Can Help You Get Rid Of Belly Fat Note Of Caution: Enjoy, But Wisely Beetroot carrot juice is a wonderful addition to your diet, but balance is key. It contains natural sugars, so excess consumption might spike blood sugar in sensitive individuals. Here are some things to keep in mind: Limit to one glass a day, especially if you have diabetes Watch for beeturia (reddish urine) - harmless but surprising Always pair dietary changes with movement and hydration Pregnant individuals or those on medication should consult a doctor before making it a daily habit. Conclusion: A Small Change With Big Payoff Losing weight does not mean saying goodbye to flavour. Beetroot carrot juice offers a delicious, affordable and friendly way to boost wellness. It supports digestion, keeps you full for long, and gives your metabolism a gentle nudge in the right direction. Advertisement 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: Beetroot Carrot Juice Weight Loos Drink Beetroot Carrot Juice Drink In Morning Show full article Comments
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Is your Vitamin, magnesium supplement really the magic pill you think it is? Experts reveal truths behind India's new health obsession
The Arora family in a plush condominium of Noida believes an apple is simply not enough to keep the doctor away. Ever since COVID-19 instilled the idea of immunity, they have built their safety dome to disperse every bug coming their way, with a wellness store in the premises addressing all their fears and concerns. Naveen Arora, 52, has been on shilajit supplement for reverse-ageing and energy. His mother Ashalata, 75, still swears by ashwagandha capsules post her Covid near-death scare, hoping her lungs can breathe better. Wife Prerna Sharma has been on Vitamin D supplements for bones and magnesium oil massage for insomnia. Teen daughter Aradhana takes biotin gummies for her thinning hair and collagen powder for shapely nails. And they all pop multivitamins. The catch? None of them has ever consulted a doctor on whether they need these health boosters at all, relying instead on pharmacists, peer groups and social media-driven advisories. None of the benefits these supplements claim is supported by clinical trials. Most aren't even regulated. Worse, the Aroras still fall sick every season as before. Last week, Naveen was shocked to discover elevated liver enzymes despite not drinking alcohol or having fatty liver. 'That was the side effect of shilajit,' he says. Prerna ended up with more muscle cramps than ever. 'I kept taking the daily Vitamin D pills, thinking my pain was symptomatic of a deficiency. I didn't get tested or know I was supposed to stop in between,' she says. 'It's not that you won't need vitamins ever. But you need to get tested first and go to a doctor who is best placed to guide you on their usage,' says Dr Rommel Tickoo, Director, Internal Medicine, Max Healthcare, Delhi. Preventive healthcare is being misinterpreted by Indians across age groups. It is seen as a magic pill that can eliminate the need for doctors and gives them agency over their bodies. That's the promise that beckons everyone as they walk into a pharmacy that has aisles glistening with Omega 3 globule jars, collagen creams and capsules, fat-burner and protein powders, the sugar-lowering lauki and jamun juice, magnesium gummies and vitamins, the many colours and letters of which you didn't know. Like you have uncorked the boring B complex syrup bottle to release hidden powers. In attractive packages and with reassuring claims, health supplements are redrawing the contours of new age consumerism, preying on your fear and anxiety of disease and fluffing up an illusion of security. On the pretext of developing health awareness, the supplement industry is building a culture of dependence instead of encouraging you to make actual changes in your lifestyle and diet. It bleeds you insidiously while letting you think that you are saving up on the doctor's fee and medical bills. That's tempting. And that's why the global supplement industry is projected to be a $200 billion juggernaut by 2025. The Indian health supplements market is projected to reach $16.42 billion by 2032, according to Market Research Future. The dietary supplement market is projected to reach $10,198.57 million by 2026, according to estimates by the Food Processing Industry in India. 'The push for promoting and marketing supplements comes from the industry which seeks a shortcut from science to commerce, ignoring the fact that individual nutrients packed in a pill or pouch cannot replicate the goodness of multiple nutrients present in a food item. These balance, modify and modulate each other's actions. We need agriculture and food policies which provide wholesome foods rather than a hardsell of illusory quick fixes,' says public health expert and cardiologist Dr K Srinath Reddy, professor at the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI). Dr Reddy finds that dietary supplements, being marketed as nutraceuticals, are irrational or unnecessary with some being even harmful to health. 'A diverse, balanced diet will provide most of the nutrients we need while a healthy gut microbiome, which is nurtured by dietary fibre, manufactures some essential vitamins. A beneficial interaction between phytonutrients, present in natural fruit and vegetables, is usually absent in supplements,' he says. He even cites clinical trials of antioxidant supplements which showed no benefit for heart disease prevention (Vitamin E, Vitamin C) or even harm (beta carotene) while cohort studies with natural foods showed benefits. 'Protein supplements overload the kidneys if injudiciously consumed by body builders,' he says. Dr Tickoo has seen too many cases of supplement overdose. He recounts how a 25-year-old patient was admitted with kidney failure after a Vitamin D overdose. 'Calcium levels spiked dangerously in his blood, which constricted the blood vessels of the kidneys. Excess calcium led to irregular heartbeats or arrhythmia. He needed dialysis, steroids and days at the ICU.' Another case involved a 68-year-old woman self-dosing on Vitamin D for joint pain, unaware she needed a blood test to assess levels. 'Sunlight suffices for most. Supplementation is advised only under certain health conditions or for the elderly with malabsorption issues, that too for a certain period. A serum level of more than 100 ng/ml (nanograms per millilitre) is toxic. A daily vitamin D intake of more than 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) is dangerous,' says Dr Tickoo. Fertility specialist Dr Mannan Gupta of Elantis Healthcare, Delhi, recently had a 34-year-old man, who had self-medicated himself with shilajit as he had been trying to conceive with his partner for over two years. 'For nearly a year, he consumed unregulated doses. Not only did that fail to resolve his underlying condition, it affected his liver. What he needed was a minor surgery, lifestyle changes, hormonal support and antioxidants. Over the next six months, his semen parameters showed significant improvement. Within a year of guided treatment, the couple conceived naturally,' he says. Protein supplements continue to be misused the most. Dr Deepak Kumar Chithralli, nephrologist at Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru, hospitalised a 30-year-old man who had consumed 250 grams of protein daily to build muscle on the advice of his trainer. 'A healthy adult needs only 55-60 grams unless they are athletes. He had body ache, so he took OTC painkillers. This cocktail caused kidney damage. He required dialysis and IV hydration.' He sees many gym enthusiasts, who take steroids on the advice of their trainers and end up in the emergency. 'Get this: you can get your required protein in two portions of either animal and plant proteins. That portion has to be a palmful or a quarter of your plate,' he says. Turmeric capsules — concentrated with 95 per cent curcumin compared to three per cent in natural turmeric — have also triggered liver problems. If stores in Delhi are a microcosm of popular choice, then the top-selling supplements are immunity boosters, vitamins, protein powders, creatine (for muscle building), ashwagandha, shilajit and biotin. But magnesium is the new king as supplements fly off the shelves rapidly. 'Yet magnesium is not needed at all because you can get it from a balanced diet. Only those with diabetes, Irritable Bowel Disease (IBS), heart arrhythmia, osteoarthritis, absorption issues and the elderly may need it. When taken in very large amounts (greater than 350 mg daily), magnesium is unsafe, triggering irregular heartbeats, low blood pressure, confusion and slowed breathing. Most important, extra magnesium interferes with the absorption of certain drugs like antibiotics and those recommended for diabetes,' warns Dr Tickoo. People often end up having a cocktail of supplements without realising that they could be working at cross purposes with each other. 'Calcium blocks the absorption of iron, zinc blocks copper. So taking high doses of one nutrient can actually cause a deficiency in another if you don't ask a doctor,' says Dr Tickoo. Such is the hype around magnesium for sleep that most people, as Dr Rakesh Gupta, internal medicine specialist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi, found out, take the wrong compound. 'Magnesium oxide is one of the most commonly available forms. Unfortunately, it's poorly absorbed and acts like a laxative. So people land up in the OPD with diarrhoea,' he says. He even lists the compounds and their uses. Magnesium glycinate relaxes the nervous system and improves sleep quality. Magnesium threonate eases brain fog, magnesium malate is for chronic fatigue, citrate supports digestion and helps with constipation. Meanwhile, magnesium taurate supports normal blood pressure. 'Many people make the mistake of focusing only on magnesium, forgetting that certain nutrients help it work better. You need Vitamin B6 and Vitamin D3 for better absorption. Taking zinc or calcium supplements along with magnesium at the same time can interfere with its absorption. It's best to stagger them by a few hours,' adds Dr Gupta. Dr Tickoo crosses out biotin and detox teas altogether as he does vitamin C and multi-vitamin infusions. 'IV drips are the worst aberration of supplement use as high levels damage organs, trigger infections and blood clots at the injection site,' he warns. Extra vitamin C and E, particularly through supplementation, can lead to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea and nausea. While both are antioxidants, taking very high doses do not offer additional benefits and could interfere with the body's natural antioxidants. Chennai-based Krishna Ganpathy, 38, says she relied on peer chatter to try out magnesium. 'Everyone around me swore by it, especially in office and walking groups. I even checked advice online, including AI tools. But my doctor later clarified most studies were small, unverified and inconclusive,' she says. Dr Tickoo blames misinformation on social media and gym culture. 'Online testimonials may have been the result of paid partnerships. Inexperienced trainers recommend muscle-building creatine without blood work or fitness tests. It leads to bloating,' he says. The surge in supplement use is directly linked to a post-COVID health consciousness and rising lifestyle diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol, fatty liver and cancer. 'Supplements feel like a quick fix, a shield. Online platforms make them easily accessible and you get them delivered at your doorstep. That ease matters, ' says Dr Sanjeev Sharma, clinical pharmacologist and medical advisor at Apollo Research and Innovations. The elderly fuel the demand for bone, heart and cognitive health products. 'The emphasis on plant-based diets is driving demand for plant-derived proteins, vitamins, minerals and herbal products,' he explains. That's why even organised players like Apollo, Sun Pharma, Zydus and Dr Reddy's now command 30–40 per cent of the nutraceutical market, with smaller brands and international entrants following suit. Major brands claim scientific backing for their products. But regulation is thin. In India, dietary supplements fall under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), with guidance from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). 'There are recommended permissible limits of ingredients to be used. The manufacturing units must have a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certificate and adhere to licensing and labelling norms. The FSSAI even monitors standards and ad campaigns of the products, ensuring they do not make dramatic claims like a cure. Even the smallest of claims should be backed by big data sets. You can't say we saw results in five or 10 per cent of subjects,' says Dr Sharma. Yet, reports of contamination with heavy metals and poor ingredient control — especially in herbal products — persist. That's why Dr Sharma suggests a risk categorisation for supplements at the policy level. 'High-risk items should be prescription-only. This will curb misuse,' he says. India may be mimicking the supplement boom in the West but that happened because of expensive healthcare and limited accessibility to doctors at the primary level. 'In India, doctors are more available, even at the primary care level. That's why we must base choices on medical advice,' reasons Dr Sharma. Supplements can never lessen the disease burden. Clinical researchers are working around the world on thousands of molecules and compounds that can have therapeutic uses. Only a few make it to clinical trials and fewer to an acceptable, viable medicine. Supplements are even lower on the pecking order. 'Is it worth waiting for such a miracle?', asks Dr Tickoo.
Indian Express
16-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Can one samosa or vada pav a day really impact your health? Experts break down the truth behind your favourite fried snacks
Ever since the health ministry has asked schools, offices and public institutions to display a nutrition board at their canteens, listing the fat and sugar component of desi snacks like samosa, jalebi and vada pav, many are questioning if the freshly prepared snacks can be harmful. But the real issue is about more than just calories. 'When we talk about controlling obesity and blood sugar, we just count the calories of fried snacks. But we conveniently ignore the quality or the source of calories,' says Ritika Samaddar, Regional Director, Dietetics, Max Healthcare. For example, a calorie each from a fruit and a sugary drink may have the same energy value but the fruit provides fibre and micronutrients while the sugary drink is refined carbohydrate which spikes blood sugar. 'Similarly, calories from food fried in olive oil and refined oil may have the same value but the former has beneficial Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids but the latter contains Omega 6 in excess, which can be inflammatory, has low levels of vitamins and antioxidants and can quickly turn to trans fats on reheating,' she adds. That's why this directive, she feels, is about generating awareness about oils and cooking techniques rather than questioning the caloric value of the fried food itself. What are the calorie values of samosas, kachoris and vada pav? According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), one samosa (100 g) yields 362 kilocalories (kcal) with 28 g of fat, kachoris (40 g) produce 166 kcal and 10 g of fat, one vada pav (127 g) yields 263 kcal and 9.5 g of fat, 10 pakoras (130 g) are equivalent to 351 kcal and 26 g of fat, banana chips (28 g) yield 147 kcal and 9.5 g of fat while one gulab jamun (62 g) releases 203 kcal and 32 g of sugar. A pair of jalebis can set you back by 300 calories, nearly all from sugar and reheated oil. 'While the average adult requires around 2,000 calories a day, just one samosa can consume nearly 20 per cent of that allowance. Pair it with a cup of sweetened chai or a soft drink, and you're easily pushing beyond 500 calories in one sitting with minimal nutritional benefit,' explains Dr Subrat Akhoury, chairman, cath lab and interventional cardiologist, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, Faridabad. Why oil is the real problem The real danger isn't just in the calorie count. 'Most of these snacks are fried in the same batch of oil again and again. Reheated oil produces toxic compounds like acrylamides, which not only damage the heart and impact digestion but are also linked to cancer,' says Dr Akhoury. When cooking oil is repeatedly heated, especially at high temperatures, the chemical structure of its fatty acids changes. 'The cooking oil becomes trans fat, which is known to raise LDL (low density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol) and lower HDL (high density lipoprotein or good cholesterol) increasing the risk of heart disease,' says Samaddar. Cooking in the same oil can form Advanced Glycation End Products (AGES), harmful molecules resulting from a chemical reaction of sugars binding to protein or fat. 'AGES are linked to chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart and kidney disease as well as Alzheimer's,' says Samaddar. What if fit people say they have accounted for samosa in their daily recommended calorie allowance? Dr Subrat responds, 'Not all calories are created equal, so 300 calories from almonds can support your metabolism and provide essential nutrients. But 300 calories from deep-fried snacks are loaded with trans fats and refined carbohydrates that trigger inflammation and insulin resistance. These snacks offer almost no fibre, vitamins or satiety. In fact, they often lead to overeating later in the day.' How does one enjoy these snacks then? Cook them in fresh oil, preferably at home, use healthier substitutes rather than refined carbs and make them part of an otherwise balanced diet. 'What we need is awareness, not anxiety,' says Dr Subrat.
Business Upturn
14-07-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Max Healthcare shares jump 3% as Jefferies reaffirms bullish outlook despite regulatory concerns
Max Healthcare shares climbed 3% in Monday's trade, even as the broader hospital sector faced pressure over concerns of tighter regulations on health insurance claims. A recent media report suggested that the Indian government may introduce stricter norms to curb overcharging by private hospitals, which raised short-term caution among investors. Despite this, brokerage firm Jefferies has maintained a bullish stance on the sector, retaining Max Healthcare and Fortis Healthcare as its top picks. Jefferies noted that such regulatory headlines often lead to temporary weakness but eventually create attractive buying opportunities. The brokerage emphasized that private hospitals play a vital role in expanding India's healthcare infrastructure and warned that aggressive price caps could impact bed capacity additions. Max Healthcare continues to lead in the NCR region, backed by strong ARPOB metrics, while Fortis benefits from improving margins and network growth. Jefferies believes the long-term demand outlook and solid fundamentals remain intact for the sector, despite intermittent regulatory noise. Max Healthcare shares opened at ₹1,230 and touched a high of ₹1,258 during the session. The stock also hit a low of ₹1,220. Over the past 52 weeks, the share price has moved between a low of ₹836.60 and a high of ₹1,314.30. Disclaimer: The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Stock market investments are subject to market risks. Always conduct your own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions. Author or Business Upturn is not liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Max Healthcare, Aston University Partner for Academic and Research Collaboration
New Delhi/Birmingham: Indian healthcare provider company Max Healthcare and Aston University , UK, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance academic and research collaboration in healthcare, medical sciences, and related fields. The agreement is intended to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration between scientists, clinicians, epidemiologists, data analysts, public health experts, and industry professionals working in shared areas of research. It is indicated that the partnership will include joint training programs, fellowships, and exchange visits. Both institutions also plan to organise joint symposia, conferences, and research-focused meetings. The MoU was signed during a visit by the Max Healthcare team to Aston University, with Professor Osama Khan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), and Dr. Vinita Jha, Director – Research & Academics at Max Healthcare, formalising the agreement. Commenting on the development Dr. Sandeep Budhiraja, Group Medical Director, Max Healthcare, said, 'Collaborating with Aston University will enhance our capabilities in clinical research , innovation, and capacity building—ultimately helping us deliver better care to our patients and contribute to the global healthcare landscape.' Professor Osama Khan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (academic) at Aston University, said, 'Bridging continents and disciplines, Max Healthcare and Aston University unite to pioneer transformative healthcare solutions , blending India's clinical expertise with the UK's academic innovation to shape a healthier global future.'
