Category: Food

Improving insulin sensitivity to reducing oxidative stress

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 25 July 2023
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Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. With the increasing prevalence of diabetes, it has become imperative to explore alternative treatment options that complement conventional medical interventions. India alone has seen a 44% increase in diabetic cases over the last four years and about 100+ million people are affected by diabetes. Combined with a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, and regular exercise, Ayurvedic herbs can contribute to better blood sugar control and improve the overall quality of life for individuals living with diabetes.

Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine originating from India, offers a holistic approach to managing diabetes. Ayurvedic herbs have gained recognition for their potential for blood sugar regulation and can serve as valuable adjuncts to conventional therapies. Here is a list of Ayurvedic herbs for the natural management of diabetes.

Karela (Bitter Melon):

Karela, also known as Bitter Melon, has long been used in Ayurveda for its anti-diabetic properties. It contains an insulin-like compound called polypeptide-p, which helps lower blood sugar levels. Bitter melon also aids in improving glucose utilisation and stimulating insulin secretion, making it an excellent choice for diabetes management.

Jamun:

Jamun, also known as Indian blackberry or black plum, has hypoglycemic effects, aiding in lowering blood sugar levels. It contains bioactive compounds like anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and polyphenols, which further aid the process. Consumption of jamun or its juice helps regulate blood glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce the risk of diabetic complications. Its high dietary fibre content slows down sugar absorption, promoting better glycemic control. Including jamun in a balanced diet can effectively manage diabetes.

Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia):

Giloy, also known as Tinospora Cordifolia, exhibits hypoglycemic effects by stimulating insulin secretion and improving insulin sensitivity, helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce inflammation and enhance insulin sensitivity. Giloy’s antioxidant property helps protect pancreatic beta cells and counteract the oxidative stress associated with diabetes. Incorporating Giloy into a comprehensive diabetes management plan may provide additional support for maintaining stable blood sugar levels and promoting overall well-being.

Gudmar (Gymnema Sylvestre):

Gudmar, also known as Gymnema Sylvestre, has been recognised for its potential role in managing diabetes naturally. It may help control blood sugar levels by reducing glucose absorption and enhancing insulin sensitivity. Additionally, Gudmar has been associated with managing sugar cravings and supporting pancreatic health.

Indian Gooseberry (Amla):

Indian Gooseberry, or Amla, is a potent Ayurvedic herb that offers numerous health benefits, including blood sugar regulation. It is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help improve pancreatic function and enhance insulin secretion. Amla also aids in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which are often associated with diabetes.

While Ayurvedic herbs cannot replace conventional medical treatments for diabetes, they can play a significant role in managing blood sugar regulation and overall diabetes naturally. The herbs mentioned above offer a range of potential benefits, from improving insulin sensitivity to reducing oxidative stress.

ALSO READ-Ayurveda suggests to eat ‘right

Tags FOOD, STRESS

Food Health Lite Blogs

Healthy lifestyle choices during monsoon

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 24 July 2023
No Comments on Healthy lifestyle choices during monsoon

Vegetables such as pumpkin, bottle gourd, drumstick, ridge gourd, garlic, fenugreek etc are beneficial and supportive to sustain the body tissues….writes Dr. Subash S. Markande

With the Monsoon set in, on the health front we get to deal with a change in our diets and due to the erratic weather fluctuations, It is an important time of year to take extra care of your health. As per classical Ayurveda tenets the body tends to get debilitated during the summer due to the heat and during the Monsoons one will experience a further decrease in one’s metabolism capacity and be more susceptible to digestive discomforts and even diseases.

The monsoons brings about advancement in the impaired digestive fire. Therefore, all the measures, medicines, foods and therapies should be oriented towards mitigating and expelling the misbalanced doshasto rekindle the digestive fires. One should adapt changes in food and lifestyle in order to keep one’s digestive fire in balance. CGH Earth SwaSwara is a verdant 30-acre space, it’s as much a sanctuary as it is a resort. The flora and fauna of coastal North Karnataka is in abundance here. Add to these activities that are designed to let you enjoy your stay at a leisurely pace – from boat ride to birdwatching, yoga to meditation sessions, art and pottery to cooking classes. The aim is to ensure that you experience a more connected, grounded holiday that re-energises you for your return to the humdrum of daily life wherein the classical Ayurveda tenets are imparted for holistic rejuvenation.

A few principal measures to mitigate the effect of a low metabolic activity & improve the gut health would be:

Food :

The food should majorly consist of unctuous (fats and oils), (slight) sour, less sweet, salty tastes, and foods which are simple andof easily digestible nature.

Old Grains and Rice harvested and stored for more than sixty days, wheat, soups of pulses and even goat meat are beneficial. While ghee and milk should be taken with the food in order to sustain and balance the metabolism.

Vegetables such as pumpkin, bottle gourd, drumstick, ridge gourd, garlic, fenugreek etc are beneficial and supportive to sustain the body tissues.

Preparations with dals such as khichadi, kadi, rice gruels, simple jeer rice, upmaare also good to consume daily.

Food should be eaten while warm.

Chew and eat a small piece of Ginger and Jaggary or Rock salt prior to each meal – to aid your digestion.

Drinks:

Boiled water (preferrable), Ginger water, Cumin water, Coriander water in warm or even slightly hot are recommended as they assist to kindlethe digestive fire.

Preparation:

Boil approximately 1 litre of water thoroughly in container and add around ½ tsp of Ginger /Cumin seeds or Coriander seeds to it and bring to a boil.

Cover the water with a lid. Allow the preparation to settle for about 30 mins before drinking it. Important – once these herbal waters are prepared, they should be consumed within 6 hours of preparation.

Foods to avoid:
As the metabolism slows down during the Monsoons, food items and preparations which are heavy to digest should ideally be avoided eg, ice creams, dairy, oily food stuff – deep fried etc. Potatoes, leafy vegetables, tubers, raw foods and salads, pre packed foods, curd, red meat, excess water and liquids, complex food preparations such as biryani, chole, rajma etc. Such food items are to be consumed in moderation.

Lifestyle:
A Healthy Diet needs to be supported with a Healthy Lifestyle to acquire the desired benefits.

Therefore avoid sleeping during day time, avoid over exertion and over exercising too. Keep your surroundings dry and clean; do not allow water to accumulate. Avoid walking in dirty rain water and getting wet in the rain. If you happen to get wet, change into dry clothes and dry your head at the earliest. Keep your body warm. Dry clothes using loban and dry neem leaves to keep the fungus away. Use of perfumes is recommended during this season.

Body cleansing procedures like Basti (Enema) are recommended as they reduce the adverse effects of increased “ Vata” in the body. Doing an Abhyanga (oil massage) & Padabhyangam (feet massage) with warm sesame oil is advocated, to regain strength and stamina.

ALSO READ-Never reheat these food items

Tags health, monsoon

Food Lite Blogs Parenting

Nurturing healthy eaters in a junk food-filled world

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 24 July 2023
No Comments on Nurturing healthy eaters in a junk food-filled world

Teach your kids about the importance of a balanced diet and explain the negative effects of excessive fast-food consumption. Help them understand the nutritional value of whole foods and the consequences of consuming a lot of processed foods….reports Asian Lite News

When you have a child, each tiny milestone of theirs’ brings you happiness and joy. Be it the first time they grab your finger or the first few steps they take, each development makes your heart leap with joy. But, with each new step, parents are also constantly worried about their health and well-being. Parenting is often challenging and takes ample hard work and responsibilities, especially for the new parents as the formative years of children hold the utmost importance to shape their lives. One of the biggest worries of a parent is to make their kids eat nutritious and healthy meals that help them to grow. However, Kids often get fussy and demand junk food with unhealthy fats and added sugars. They also increase children’s chances of developing childhood obesity which causes multiple risk factors for many health complications in later life.

Dr. Pallavi Rao Chaturvedi, a parenting coach, educator, and founder of Get Set Parent shares few ideas to raise your kids in a junk food-free environment:

Why do our bodies craves junk food?.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Be an example for kids to follow: Children often imitate their parents and look up to them for everything. Hence, it is very important to make sure you are setting a good example by choosing nutritious, home-cooked meals over fast food. Show them that healthy eating can be delicious and can make all the difference.

Converse and educate: Teach your kids about the importance of a balanced diet and explain the negative effects of excessive fast-food consumption. Help them understand the nutritional value of whole foods and the consequences of consuming a lot of processed foods.

Involve them in meal planning and preparation: Get your children actively involved in meal planning and preparation, ask for their suggestions, and try to implement them. Let them pick out fruits and vegetables at the grocery store and help in the kitchen. This will give them a sense of ownership and make them more likely to enjoy healthier meals.

Limit fast food as a treat: Instead of completely saying no to fast food, consider it as an occasional treat rather than a regular meal option. Set clear rules about how often it can be consumed, such as once a week or for special occasions.

Make healthy snacks accessible: Keep a variety of healthy snacks readily available for your child to choose from. Stock the pantry with options like fresh fruits, cut vegetables, whole grain crackers, and yogurt. Limit the availability of processed snacks and sugary treats.

Choose healthier alternatives: When eating out, choose restaurants offering healthier options or a wider range of choices. Look for places that have salads, grilled options, and fresh ingredients. Encourage your kids to make healthier choices by explaining the benefits of those options.

Remember that changes in eating habits may not happen overnight. Be patient, consistent, and supportive as you work towards improving your child’s eating habits and patterns for a better and healthier tomorrow.

ALSO READ-Food allergy can be lethal

Tags FOOD

Food Lite Blogs

Never reheat these food items

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 19 July 2023
No Comments on Never reheat these food items

Even the best foods can turn toxic if they are prepared improperly. When consumed raw, spinach is tasty and incredibly nourishing. But when softly melted over oil in a pan, it creates a really lovely side dish or even a beautiful sauce….writes Olivia Sarkar

It’s not always simple to estimate how much food you’ll actually consume when cooking. especially if you’re cooking for a larger group. You will undoubtedly have some leftovers the following day if you think that having too much food is preferable to having not enough. Therefore, if you intend to store them, keep them in the refrigerator to prevent the growth of bacteria that could become dangerous to your health.

But hold on, have you ever questioned whether the food you are reheating is still ediblet? Well, given that they frequently lose their nutritional content when reheated, several of the foods we eat on a daily basis might not be as safe.

And as long as you are aware of which items you should never reheat, that isn’t necessarily a negative thing.

SEAFOOD

Fresh seafood usually tastes better than frozen seafood. But given that this preservation method is more tightly regulated by food safety organisations, purchasing it frozen may be safer.

But what should you do if you prepare a gourmet meal, like seafood paella, and there is simply too much to eat? Once more, as soon as it has slightly cooled off, place it in a refrigerator.

RICE

The same is true of rice, another common component of dinner. You can safely reheat the dinner the following day if you store it in the refrigerator as soon as it has cooled off a bit. If you don’t and leave it out on the counter for too long, the Bacillus cereus bacteria may begin to grow.

SPINACH

You shouldn’t subject it to heat again after the first time. Use any leftovers in a salad or simply consume them cold. Nitrates are abundant in spinach, and when they are heated to a high temperature, they can transform into nitrosamines, the majority of which are carcinogenic.

EGGS

We all know that eggs are a great source of protein, but repeatedly heating fried or boiled eggs can be dangerous. Eat fried eggs right away, but if they’ve been kept for a while, don’t reheat them; instead, just eat them cold because high-protein foods contain a lot of nitrogen. Reheating could cause this nitrogen to oxidise, which would then cause cancer.

BEETROOT

Beet-containing cooked meals also fall under the category of foods that shouldn’t be heated up again. The narrative is same to that of the spinach.

You run the risk of receiving a dose of toxins instead of all the wonderful advantages of this vegetable in its raw or lightly cooked form if you put the leftover beetroot stew or curry in the oven, microwave or hob.

MUSHROOM

White and brown button mushrooms, for example, may be okay to eat raw, but the majority of the other mushrooms should absolutely be cooked. Again, the next day, you absolutely should not microwave them. Unless you put it in the fridge quickly enough after cooking.

Mushroom proteins can be harmed by enzymes and bacteria that begin to grow at room temperature if they are not stored appropriately. An unpleasant stomach may result from this.

CHICKEN

You already know how delicious hot chicken is, but if you are preserving the curry for the next day, remember not to reheat it constantly. When this staple is heated from the refrigerator, its protein makeup is completely altered. The digestive system may experience issues as a result. Be careful not to heat it at a high temperature.

POTATOES

Have you ever noticed how poorly leftover cooked potatoes taste? Maybe you haven’t since the flavour would merely blend in if you fried them again in a skillet or heated them along with other dishes. But if you give it a shot, I’m confident that you’ll never want to eat leftover potatoes again.

Long-term room temperature storage of cooked potatoes can result in the growth of clostridium botulinum bacteria. Eating food contaminated with this bacteria can have very serious implications.

ALSO READ-Ever best Kebab recipes by Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi

Tags FOOD, reheat

Lite Blogs London News Restaurant Reviews

Ding Dong, Lola’s calling! The Sweetest Delivery Direct to Your Door with New Nationwide Cakes

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 18 July 2023
No Comments on Ding Dong, Lola’s calling! The Sweetest Delivery Direct to Your Door with New Nationwide Cakes

Home delivery just got an extra layer of deliciousness with the recent launch of the nationwide cake delivery service from everyone’s favourite London bakery, Lola’s Cupcakes; writes columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

From Port Isaac to Peebles, the beloved brand’s fresh, delicious, handmade cakes can now sweeten up someone’s special day, no matter where they call home.

Choose from Lola’s classic Chocolate or Vanilla, iconic Red Velvet, indulgent Cookies & Cream, resplendent Rainbow, or Vegan Caramel Biscuit, then give it that perfectly personal touch with a free hand-piped message, beautifully written in milk chocolate or icing. Candles, cards, sparkles and more can also be added, making Lola’s your one-stop party shop!

We know what you’re thinking…a cake? In the post? Recipe for cake-tastrophe! Luckily, Lola’s don’t do things half-baked. They’ve put time and effort into developing innovative packaging and testing the delivery process over and over again to ensure your special treat arrives without a crumb out of place.

Handled with the love and care each cake deserves, Lola’s master bakers carefully pack each creation into a snug-fitting cardboard belt, designed to stop any sliding about in transit. Dry ice is added to the box to keep everything at optimal temperature, even in the midst of summer heatwaves, and those lovely people at DPD let you know via text on the day what time to expect its arrival.

It doesn’t stop there. Once you’ve unboxed your perfectly baked cake, help Lola’s to help the planet by sending the packaging back, using the free returns label, or arranging a free collection following the in-box instructions.

The packaging is exceptionally done, their communication for delivery is also extremely professional. This deliver sure is a treat to unbox! The flavours and taste is amazing and so is the presentation. The quality is high and freshness is on point. Birthday, baby shower, anniversary or an excuse to indulge, Lola’s has made nationwide delivery a piece of cake!

ALSO READ: Regional Indian cuisine at its best in London: Kachori

Tags Cakes, Lola’s, London, Restaurant Review

Food Lite Blogs

Culinary creations to the next level through art of plating

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 18 July 2023
No Comments on Culinary creations to the next level through art of plating

Chefs and culinary professionals understand the importance of thoughtful plating techniques to create visually stunning dishes that captivate diners…writes N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

When it comes to culinary artistry, the way a dish is presented can be just as significant as how it tastes. They say we eat with our eyes first.

The artistic procedures of food plating and presentation turn a basic meal into an aesthetically pleasing and mouth-watering masterpiece.

Mastering the art of food plating can take your culinary creations to new heights, whether you’re a home cook seeking to impress your guests or an aspiring chef looking to hone your talents.

Food is not only the important stargazing factor but its plating plays an important role too. The way food is presented on a plate can enhance its visual appeal, stimulate the appetite, and even elevate the perceived taste.

Chefs and culinary professionals understand the importance of thoughtful plating techniques to create visually stunning dishes that captivate diners.

Celebrity chef and founder of Palate Culinary Academy, Rakhee Vaswani, author and consultant celebrity chef Ananya Banerjee give six food plating and presentation suggestions that will help you take your culinary creations to the next level.

Choosing the right plate: In food plating and presentation, choosing the appropriate dish is crucial to improving the whole eating experience. Your culinary masterpiece is shown on the dish as a canvas. The dish’s visual appeal might be enhanced or diminished depending on its colour, shape, and size. To attain the proper composition and balance, various dishes call for different plate styles. How the components of the meal are organized and divided depends on the size and shape of the plate. The star components of your cuisine might be better emphasized with the right platter. A textured or patterned plate can offer visual interest without detracting from the major pieces, as opposed to a plain white plate, which allows brilliant colours and detailed details to stand out.

Balance and Composition: Balance and composition are fundamental elements in food plating and presentation, contributing to the overall visual appeal and aesthetic harmony of a dish. It produces a visually appealing appearance that grabs guests’ attention right away. You can ensure that the varied flavours and textures are evenly distributed around the plate by attaining balance and composition. Effective harmony and composition highlight the dish’s star ingredients or focal points. You may direct the diner’s attention and highlight the star elements by placing the important items in strategic locations, which will result in a visually compelling presentation. The placement of the components on the plate should convey a sense of movement and flow, leading the eye from one piece to the next. As diners explore the many flavours and textures on the plate, this visual journey makes the dining experience more engaging and interesting.

Attention to detail: Attention to detail is of utmost importance in food plating and presentation as it elevates the overall dining experience and showcases your professionalism and commitment to excellence. Every component on the plate is expertly arranged when even the slightest details are paid attention to, which improves the dish’s aesthetic attractiveness. It indicates your commitment to making an enticing presentation that is aesthetically stunning. Your culinary product exudes quality and precision when you pay attention to the little things. You show your dedication to delivering a superior dining experience by meticulously arranging each ingredient, garnish, and sauce. Your culinary identity and brand are cultivated by paying attention to detail consistently throughout all of your plating endeavours. It creates a distinctive look and guarantees that each dish you serve adheres to a strict aesthetic and quality standard.

Utensil Placement: Utensil placement is an often overlooked yet essential aspect of food plating and presentation. Utensils that are arranged properly add to the plate’s overall visual harmony. The diner’s comfort and practicality should come first when placing the utensils. The diner will be able to easily switch between different components of the dish if the utensils are placed in a convenient location and within easy reach. Keep in mind that utensil placement may change depending on the cuisine served, the setting, and individual preferences. In order to achieve a polished and aesthetically acceptable presentation, it is important to establish a balance between aesthetics, practicality, and cultural factors.

Layers & Heights: Using layers and heights in food plating and presentation is a powerful technique that adds dimension, visual interest, and sophistication to a dish. The use of layers and heights enables cooks to express their artistic flair and originality. It gives you the chance to try out various plating methods, set-ups, and presentations, turning the dish into a gourmet masterpiece. In order to generate visual contrast on the plate, several pieces are layered with contrasting colours, textures, and shapes. Contrasting layers give the meal interest and excitement while also adding to its visual appeal.

Use Edible Garnishes: Using edible garnishes in food plating and presentation adds a touch of artistry and enhances the overall dining experience. Edible garnishes offer the chance to enhance a dish’s bright colours, textures, and visual appeal. They can improve the plate’s presentation, making it appear more alluring and delicious. In addition to adding to the aesthetic appeal of a dish, garnishes can also improve its overall flavour profile. A burst of freshness and aromatic notes can be added with fresh herbs, microgreens, or edible flowers. The possibility to add contrast and balance to the dish is provided by garnishes. By introducing various colours, shapes, and textures, they can provide a contrast to the primary elements. For instance, delicate, vibrant green herbs can be used to contrast with hearty, earthy proteins, or red chilli flakes can be used to provide a splash of colour to a creamy white sauce.

The significance of meal presentation and plating cannot be emphasized. Food has the ability to stimulate our senses and produce life-changing experiences in addition to merely sustaining our bodies. A basic meal may be turned into a piece of art that satisfies the senses and provides amazing culinary experiences by paying attention to every detail, from the arrangement of components to the choice of colours and textures.

ALSO READ-Ever best Kebab recipes by Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi

Tags FOOD, RECIPE

Food Lite Blogs Recipes

Ever best Kebab recipes by Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 18 July 2023
No Comments on Ever best Kebab recipes by Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi

As World Kebab Day is celebrated on the 2nd Friday of July, i.e., the 14th of July, Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi has curated recipes using Godrej Yummiez Kabab.

LUCKNOW SEEKH HOT DOGS

Ingredients:

Godrej Yummiez Chicken Lucknowi Seekh Kabab

Hot Dog Buns

Green Chutney

Fresh Cream

Chutney Mayo

Mayonnaise

Lettuce

Onions Slices from

Mustard Mayo

Peri Peri Mayo

Oil for Cooking

Method

In a nonstick pan, pour oil and heat.

Add frozen Godrej Yummiez chicken lucknow seekh kabab and brown on all sides.

Add fresh cream, green chutney, mint mayo and regular mayonnaise and mix well.

Cook until the seekh kababs and well coated with chutney.

Now slit open the hot dog buns, arrange lettuce and onions slices.

Add the coated chicken seekh kababs and drizzle the peri peri mayo, mustard mayo.

Serve hot.

CHICKEN HARIYALI TIKKA PITTA POCKETS

Ingredients

Godrej Yummiez Chicken Hariyali Kabab

Pitta Bread

Mint Chutney

Garlic Hummus

Lettuce torn

Indian Kachumber Salad

Hot Garlic Mayo

Oil for Cooking

Method

In pan pour oil and heat the Godrej YummiezHariyali Kabab

Slit Open the pitabread to create pockets.

Spread Garlic Hummus and Mint Chutney Inside the pita pockets.

Add lettuce and onions

Stuff the pockets with chicken hariyali tikka

In a non-stick pan, now heat the filled pita pockets for some time.

Top the pita pockets with indian Kachumber Salad and drizzle hot garlic mayo

CHICKEN GALOUTI KABAB TACOS

Ingredients:

Godrej Yummiez Chicken Galouti Kabab

Taco Shells

Lettuce Leaves

Indian Salsa

Tomato chutney

Onions slices from

Tandoori Mayo

Oil for cooking

Method

Remove 6 pieces of Godrej Yummiez Chicken Galouti Kababs and Grill in a non stick pan.

To assemble, fill the readymade crunchy taco shells with Lettuce leaves and onion slices.

Add Grilled Awadhi Chicken Galouti Kababs

Top with Indian Salsa, Tomato Chutney.

Dress with Tandoori Mayo and serve hot.

ALSO READ-Ramadan special juicy Chicken Kebabs

Tags kebab, RECIPE

Food Lite Blogs

‘Eat better and exercise more’ leads to weight loss

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 13 July 2023
No Comments on ‘Eat better and exercise more’ leads to weight loss

Chronic back pain?(IANSLIFE)

Within the sample, 17,465 individuals had lost less than 5% of their body weight, maintained their weight or gained weight in the past year. The other 2,840 reported intentional loss of at least 5% of their body weight in the same time frame…reports Asian Lite News

A recent study that looked at information on more than 20,000 American adults found that eating better and exercising more leads to weight loss that lowers the risk of heart disease, but that skipping meals and taking diet pills leads to only little weight loss, weight stabilization, or weight gain.

However, the findings of the study indicated that many of the study sample did not have their risk factors for cardiovascular disease eliminated even after dropping a “clinically significant” 5% of their body weight. In actuality, regardless of reported weight changes, either up or down, the average composite score on eight heart disease risk factors was the same across the whole study sample.

The study is the first to compare weight-loss strategies and results in the context of the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8,” a checklist promoting heart disease risk reduction through the pursuit of recommended metrics for body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, smoking, physical activity, diet and sleep. The AHA first defined a construct of cardiovascular health with “Life’s Simple 7” metrics in 2010, and updated the recommendations to the “Life’s Essential 8” in June 2022.

The Ohio State University researchers found that overall, U.S. adults had an average score of 60 out of 100 on the eight measures — suggesting there is plenty of room for improvement even among those whose diet and exercise behaviors helped move the needle on some metrics.

“The Life’s Essential 8 is a valuable tool that provides the core components for cardiovascular health, many of which are modifiable through behavior change,” said senior study author Colleen Spees, associate professor of medical dietetics in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at Ohio State.

“Based on the findings in this study, we have a lot of work to do as a country,” she said. “Even though there were significant differences on several parameters between the groups, the fact remains that as a whole, adults in this country are not adopting the Life’s Essential 8 behaviors that are directly correlated with heart health.”

Data for the analysis came from 20,305 U.S. adults aged 19 or older (average age of 47) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2007 and 2016. Participants reported their smoking status, physical activity, average hours of sleep per night, weight history and weight loss strategy, and what they had eaten in the previous 24 hours. Health exams and lab tests measured their body mass index, blood pressure, LDL (bad) cholesterol and blood glucose. The Ohio State researchers used the data to determine individuals’ values for Life’s Essential 8 metrics and assessed their diet quality according to the Healthy Eating Index, which gauges adherence to U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

“Clinically significant weight loss results in improvements in some health indices,” Spees said. “People should feel hopeful in knowing that losing just 5% of their body weight is meaningful in terms of clinical improvements. This is not a huge weight loss. It’s achievable for most, and I would hope that incentives people instead of being paralyzed with a fear of failure.”

In this study, adults with clinically significant weight loss reported higher diet quality, particularly with better scores on intakes of protein, refined grains and added sugar, as well as more moderate and vigorous physical activity and lower LDL cholesterol than the group without clinically significant weight loss. On the other hand, the weight-loss group also had a higher average BMI and HbA1c blood sugar measure and fewer hours of sleep — all metrics that would bring down their composite Life’s Essential 8 score.

A greater proportion of people who did not lose at least 5% of their weight reported skipping meals or using prescription diet pills as weight-loss strategies. Additional strategies reported by this group included low-carb and liquid diets, taking laxatives or vomiting, and smoking.

“We saw that people are still gravitating to non-evidence-based approaches for weight loss, which are not sustainable. What is sustainable is changing behaviors and eating patterns,” Spees said.

With federal data estimating that more than 85% of the adult U.S. population will be overweight or obese by 2030 (compared to the current rate of 73%), Spees said that to fend off related increases in heart disease and other health problems, a paradigm shift toward prevention is in order.

“We absolutely need to be moving toward prevention of disease versus waiting until people are diagnosed with a disease. This becomes quite overwhelming, and individuals may feel it’s too late at that point,” she said.

One idea to consider, she said, would be prescriptions for regular visits with registered dietitians trained in behavior change, complete with insurance reimbursement — similar to physical therapy.

“We have fantastic research, we have incredible educators,” she said. “What we don’t have is policy that promotes optimal health across the lifespan, from pregnancy through older adulthood.” (ANI)

ALSO READ-Healthy and energy-filled snacks for road trip

Tags Weight loss

Food Lite Blogs

Vietnamese cuisine to the energetic coastal state of Goa

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 13 July 2023
No Comments on Vietnamese cuisine to the energetic coastal state of Goa

Vietnamese restaurant VietNom, renowned for its genuine Vietnamese fare, opens its newest location in Assagao, Goa. This expansion, which brings Vietnamese cuisine to the energetic coastal state of Goa, is another significant step for the restaurant after the establishment of its locations in DLF Cyberhub and Worldmark, Gurgaon.

VietNom seeks to bring its visitors to the heart of Vietnam’s colourful legacy in the region where adventure meets leisure. Inspired by the historic city of Vietnamese culture and drawing inspiration from the lyrical river Hoai, a branch of the Bon that is an intrinsic emblem of the old town.

The menu at the Goa restaurant showcases the best of Vietnamese culinary traditions, offering a tantalising array of dishes that are guaranteed to satisfy the most discerning palates. From the delicately crispy Soft-Shell Crabs to the aromatic and comforting Duck Pho, the flavourful Pulled Duck Lettuce Wraps to the savoury Grilled King Oyster Mushrooms, guests can embark on a culinary journey that captures the essence of Vietnam’s rich gastronomic heritage. Noteworthy dishes also include the delectable Coconut Kaffir Lime Fried Rice and the indulgent Vietnamese Coffee Basque Cheesecake, providing an exquisite blend of sweet and savoury delights. In addition to the exceptional food offerings, an impressive cocktail menu designed to complement the Vietnamese flavours. Divided into two distinct themes, guests can indulge in the GOAT selection, featuring cocktails dedicated to the greatest artists of all time, as well as the Vietnamese Signature collection, where each drink is inspired by indigenous ingredients of Vietnam. The carefully crafted cocktails perfectly harmonise with the culinary creations, offering a complete sensory experience for diners.

Not to mention the interiors, which with their organic designs, floating decks, and lush green surroundings brilliantly reflect the essence of the rustic hamlet and pay respect to the natural beauty of the Vietnamese countryside. VietNom has carefully picked materials that showcase Vietnam’s natural beauty in order to provide an immersive experience. The interior uses a natural colour scheme of bamboo, wood, straws, terracotta, and stucco texture to create a cosy and welcoming ambiance.

The seating arrangements have been painstakingly designed to accommodate up to 96 guests, guaranteeing a comfortable experience for everybody. The restaurant has a wide variety of seating arrangements to accommodate different tastes. Enter the interior seating area to find yourself in a warm and welcoming environment that is evocative of traditional Vietnamese houses.

The waterbody seating area is the perfect place to unwind and take in the peaceful atmosphere of the river for those seeking peace and a connection to nature. Enjoy your meal outside while taking in Goa’s stunning scenery and fresh air, or head up to the terrace for breath-blowing views. Families, parties of friends, and travellers will all enjoy the cuisine at VietNom.

“We are thrilled to announce the opening of VietNom in the beautiful coastal city of Goa as it’s known for its captivating charm and international appeal, attracting adventurers and explorers from around the globe. It serves as the perfect backdrop for our culinary voyage through Vietnamese culture of dining bringing the serene ambiance of the river with traditional low table and mat sitting area for an authentic and intimate dining experience” said Sahil Sambhi, the Owner of VietNom. “A thoughtfully designed space inspired by rustic Vietnamese villages pays homage to the breathtaking beauty of the Vietnamese countryside. To bring a piece of Vietnam’s scenic charm to Goa, VietNom now resides in the valley of flowers – surrounded by hills in Assagao.”

“The appetising menu, from the aromatic and comforting to savoury and sweet delicacies our guests can embark on a culinary journey with freshly picked ingredients that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine & beverages,” explained Aakash Nakra, The Brand Chef at VietNom. “We aim to transport our guests to the heart of Vietnam, offering them a truly immersive and unforgettable dining experience where the richness of flavours and the quality of ingredients shine through.”

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Tags goa, vietnamese