Categories
Health Lifestyle

Dietary tips for summer

Depending on your hunger levels, one can either go for buttermilk with a pinch of cumin powder and ginger or hing around midmorning time. You can also opt to have a bowl of salad at your convenience or even coconut water…Dr Manoj Kutteri

Unlike other times of the year, during the summer we naturally lose our appetite and need extra fluid to hydrate the body. It is common to resort to cooling drinks such as lime juice, Chaas, Nira water or something that we feel cooler.

It is extremely important for us to know this body language and get into a proper dietary habit so that we don’t tax our body even more and at the same time support our body’s tissues and cells with a nourishing diet to escape from the scorching heat. With a planned diet consisting of a range of refreshing drinks and fruit, we can cool down and face summer heat.

Consuming summer fruits and drinks is one of the easiest ways to lower the body heat and protect our body. The summer diet must also provide energy and help reduce tiredness and fatigue, something many of us experience during the summer season. Let the sun’s hotness be dealt with easily with a few of the following dietary tips.

Wake up routine

During summer, we tend to sleep under a fan or in an air-conditioned room. This can further dry up the skin and throat and when you wake up it is quite natural to feel the dryness of the throat, eye irritations or skin dryness. Start your morning with 2-3 glasses of water even. If required one can also use lime juice or cinnamon soaked in the water. Following this, a cooling drink is highly recommended like Ashguard juice with a few drops of lime and Amla juice. This is highly beneficial to health in keeping the blood glucose in check and also to regularize your weight. Ash gourd juice can be replaced by wheatgrass juice, moringa juice, celery and cucumber juice or even coconut water.

Breakfast during summer

It is important to consume at least 4-5 handfuls of fruits and vegetables during the day in summer. Breakfast should always start with a bowl of healthy seasonal fruits such as melons, papaya, mangoes, lychees, plums etc. Following this one can have either a miller porridge or smoothie bowl consisting of coconut milk along with sabja, seeds, chia seeds, buts and a few dry fruits. Dry breakfast such as bread or other fermented grain items can cause indigestion if eaten on a fresh stomach. Also, reduce the number of grains and other preparations for breakfast.

Midmorning boost

Depending on your hunger levels, one can either go for buttermilk with a pinch of cumin powder and ginger or hing around midmorning time. You can also opt to have a bowl of salad at your convenience or even coconut water.

Lunch options

The meal that you have at lunch also should have abundant vegetables. If you prefer to consume carbs this is the meal you can try adding carbs along with plenty of vegetables. Make it mandatory to include a soup for lunch. Reduce the macronutrients such as carbs, proteins and fats to only half of the lunch portion.

Sundown diet

Towards the evening, you may consider taking a bowl of summer fruits and can also include a few soaked nuts along with this. This can give you good energy towards the latter part of the day and prevent any form of fatigue or tiredness after a full day’s work.

Healthy Dinner

Night meals are better to be kept as light as possible. It is preferred to have a “Budha bowl” with lots of cooked vegetables sauteed, braised, grilled or boiled along with a protein option. Include a soup before the meals and a herbal tea post-dinner. Some of the great cooling teas are chamomile tea, hibiscus tea or even mint tea.

Hydration during the day

One has to consume at least 3-litres of water during the day to keep the body cool. Besides drinking water, herbal teas, soups, infused water etc are great ways to combat body heat. Water infused with vegetables like celery, parsley, lemon, orange, cucumber, kale etc is great during this time.

ALSO READ-Prolonged sitting leads to health issues

Categories
Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Yoga for face and advantages

An eye massage where you close your fists but push your thumbs towards your eyes in a circular motion helps you get rid of dark circles and release stress…reports Asian Lite News

We live in a world where we are constantly occupied with either work, daily chores, technology, etc. and therefore we fail to take out time for ourselves. The importance of self-care, mental and physical well-being is highly undermined.

In the continuous mission to help one age gracefully and radiate a feeling of internal harmony, many individuals are looking for a natural, reasonable choice that will help them look and feel good. Face yoga is a natural choice to help achieve enduring outcomes.

Face yoga includes massage and activities that stimulate the muscles, skin, and lymphatic framework. This procedure is intended to mellow and loosen up your face muscles to help get rid of tension, stress, and worry. This may also assist you to stop making facial expressions associated with these feelings. In addition to this, individuals these days have trouble falling asleep. People all over the world are not enjoying the average amount of sleep that they used to decades ago. Face yoga has also proved to be beneficial in helping one sleep at night.

Aditya Arya Co-Founder Yes Madam shares types of face yoga you can practise anywhere:

* Forward folds carry fresh blood and oxygen to the skin, which boasts a healthy glow.

* Back bending tones up and makes the front neck muscles firm, while twists firm the side of the face and release neck pressure.

* Slower kinds of yoga that include holding poses for increased periods might offer you a greater amount of a chance to carry this attention to your facial muscles. This includes Hatha, Yin, or supportive yoga. You can likewise deal with loosening up your face muscles during your meditation, pranayama, or yoga Nidra practice.Some simple Facial yoga exercises are as follows:

* An eye massage where you close your fists but push your thumbs towards your eyes in a circular motion helps you get rid of dark circles and release stress

* The simple exercise of blinking your eyes helps in improving vision

* Lifting your chin by your thumbs helps you get rid of your double chin, cheek squeezing to improve blood circulation by squeezing and grabbing the flesh

* Placing both index fingers on either side of the nose directly next to the corner of the inner eye helps to sleep better

Everyday Facial Yoga harmonizes our human connection to our facial expressions, movements, facial muscles and nerves. Facial yoga is less painless than surgery which temporarily makes fine lines and wrinkles disappear. This is one reason it’s been gaining so much popularity. Facial yoga gives you the benefits of a facelift without any chemicals injected into your skin. Though achieving results is really slow, good things usually take time. Facial yoga is the latest craze in India for people regardless of their age.

ALSO READ-Alia shines in ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ with flawless performance

Categories
Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Unique ideas to use Zipper Bag for a hassle-free lifestyle

These zipper bags keep your chopped fruits fresh for an extended period of time. The fruit combinations, as well as the day and meal time, can be listed on the label, and you’re done…reports Luve Oberoi

The global pandemic has undoubtedly taught us the importance of time management and the use of multi-utility products to organise our lives. High quality zipper bags are a recent innovation for a hassle-free and organised experience. These bags have caused a significant revolution in kitchens and are also suitable for other items that need to be kept organised and in one location.

These zipper bags are a godsend for work-from-home couples and nuclear families in India who need to make their food preparations last longer and eat healthier, especially since they must balance meal prep with work or other household responsibilities. Asahi Kasei, Japan’s No. 1 Premium Wrap and silicone-coated foil & sheet brand, has launched a unique seal-tight double line zipper bag that gives it a competitive advantage over other zipper bags on the market. Here are six unique ideas to use Zipper Bags:

Store one week’s meal: Use an Asahi Kasei Zipper Bag to make one week’s worth of meal prep and organise it by labelling the bags with the designated day/type of meal stored in them. This can make your week’s meals less stressful and save you time on last-minute preparations. In fact, if any of your meals contain curry, the leak proof double seal technology prevents it from spilling. Furthermore, the label space makes it easy to organise.

Keep leafy vegetables fresh for longer time: Leafy vegetables, such as coriander leaves, mint leaves, methi leaves, spinach, or spring onions, generally spoil even when refrigerated. To keep them fresh for a longer period of time, first dry them out (if there is any water) by leaving them open in the room on a piece of paper. Once the water has dried up, place it in a Zipper Bag and place it in the refrigerator. The innovative Zipper Bag traps moisture and thus keeps your leafy greens fresh and in good condition for a long time.

Smoothie Meal Prep:
Health-conscious individuals who enjoy smoothies and include them in either of their meals on a daily basis can now relax about taking time away from their chores to prepare them. These zipper bags keep your chopped fruits fresh for an extended period of time. The fruit combinations, as well as the day and meal time, can be listed on the label, and you’re done. The recyclable Zipper Bag allows you to maintain a healthy lifestyle without having to chop fresh fruits every day.

Store Marinated Meat:
Even when frozen, it is difficult for non-vegetarians to keep meat fresh for an extended period of time. But they no longer have to be concerned because, unlike a regular zipper bag, the Asahi Kasei Zipper Bag not only keeps your meat fresh but also keeps your kitchen smelling fresh by locking in the odour. So use these zipper bags for fresh, odor-free storage.

Streamline the freezer:
You can save freezer space by freezing food flat in zipper bags for easy stacking instead of using a hard plastic container. Because these double-line zipper bags are leak-proof, you can use them for soups as well; just don’t put anything heavy on top before it sets.

DIY pastry bag: When you’re ready to bake and realise you’re out of pastry bags, turn to the Zipper Bag for assistance. You only need a ZipperBag and a pair of scissors, and you’ll be done in no time. To fill cupcake moulds, cut half the bag off, place the filling inside, roll it from above, cut a slightly thicker part off the corner, and easily fill the moulds. To pipe a long-winded birthday message, simply snip off the tip of the corner.

While the Zipper Bag appears to be a simple household item, it can be used for a variety of purposes. Savouries, dry fruits, curries, purees, and even marinated meat can be stored and labelled, and it also makes snacking on the go easier and less clumsy. You can refrigerate leftover food in the bags, store dry spice powders, organise jewellery, carry travel essentials, and even organise medicines.

ALSO READ-Second Bangladesh Film Festival kicks off; to showcase Liberation War

Categories
Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Try some quirky, fun makeover to glam up your nails

To bring the jewellery-inspired mani a bit more front and centre, pair the colours together on your nails to copy this simple glittery manicure…reports N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

While the general vibe of the year still feels uncertain, at least we’re sure of the best nail designs with a bit of imagination, you can give a quirky, fun makeover to glam up your nails. Enrich beauty brigade breaks it down:

Modern French manicures: We’ve all tried the classic French manicure at some point, but the colourful twist to a classic manicure is great. This season instead of reaching for the white nail polish, change it up with something that packs a punch, like a red, black, metallic, or your favourite bright shade. You can opt for gold or silver-hued tips and amp up your style quotient in no time.

Wavy swirls: For a party-ready look, try accenting your fingernails with a single statement nail adorned with eye-catching swirls. From vivid pink nail polish to shimmering silver, start by polishing your nails with contrasting colours.

Elevated glitter: For the love of all things glittery and glamorous a high-coverage glitter is your best bet. To bring the jewellery-inspired mani a bit more front and centre, pair the colours together on your nails to copy this simple glittery manicure.

3D nails: As with many of our fave weird and wonderful beauty upgrades, the trend for 3D manis making its way around the globe and onto the fingertips. The nail art sees 3D accents like squiggles, flowers, comic stickers, water droplets, tiny cartoon characters, or anything else that interests you to add to nails for a little extra swag.

ALSO READ-Try this yummy ‘Shaami kebabs’ with melt-in-mouth texture

Categories
Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Ideas to kick start your self-love journey

Simply put, allow your thoughts to flow. Proactively writing allows you to set intentions that lead to positive thoughts, self-image and overall happiness…reports Asian Lite News

When you hear the term “self-love”, images sheet masks or spontaneous road trips in films and spa days come to mind. However, self-love is more than this. It can take different forms for each of us. A rigorous pilates workout can be as relaxing as a spa treatment. Self-love entails accepting your true self — with all of the flaws and imperfections that make you unique as an individual. Smytten lists down five ideas to kick-start your self-love journey!

* Clean and organise: There is nothing better than getting something done first thing in the morning. Starting your day with a win can instantly boost your mood and self-esteem. You will end up getting more done than usual as a subconscious attempt to replicate that feeling. Devoting some time to organising your room can also significantly aid in the decluttering of your thoughts.

* Meditate: Meditating allows you to quiet your mind and refocus your attention on the present moment. While there are numerous approaches, here’s one you can try: spend at least three minutes doing a slow, breath-work meditation that focuses on your inner strengths. Finally, express your gratitude for a fully functional body. And, while it may seem counterintuitive, complimenting yourself aloud can be a game-changer!

* Experiment with self-care: The internet is flooded with self-care tips that can confuse a reader to the point of doing nothing. This is where experimentation comes into play! Find what works for you, whether it’s the viral Moroccan Argan Oil Facial Kit or taking a bubble bath. Although it may appear time-consuming and tedious, trying something new is always rewarding. At the end of the day, when you find the perfect match, it will all be worth it!

* Maintain a journal: Write as if you were writing to a friend. Document your dreams, goals, dilemmas, or even a single day in your life. Simply put, allow your thoughts to flow. Proactively writing allows you to set intentions that lead to positive thoughts, self-image and overall happiness.

* Buy yourself flowers: Break the stereotype of waiting for someone else to present you with flowers by representing a tangible form of love. Shower yourself with fragrance and love by selecting the right flowers and bringing freshness to your home or office. Alternatively, you could treat yourself to the ideal floral perfume — the choice is entirely yours!

Finally, choose to love yourself on a daily basis. It’s simple: hydrate, eat at least three meals a day, get eight hours of sleep, limit screen time and avoid activities that are harmful to your physical and mental health.

ALSO READ-Tips to clean your gold ornaments at home

Categories
Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Home basics for wonderful WFH experience

When you work from home, you have access to snacks and beverages at all hours of the day. Drowsiness after lunch can be overcome with a steaming cup of coffee…reports Asian Lite News

Just when we thought things were going back to normal, the third wave swept the country, ushering in a new era of work-from-home workers who must juggle family and work. Because we don’t know how long this will last, it’s great to think of methods to improve your work-from-home situation! Here are five home basics to help you make the most of your work-from-home experience.

Dishwasher

If the eat-sleep-work-repeat cycle continues, at the end of the day, one will be confronted with the full day’s dishes in the kitchen sink. Work may consume a significant portion of your day, and getting out of bed during the winter months might be difficult. At the end of the day, rather than doing the dishes, a dishwasher may efficiently handle all problems. It’s an easy-to-use, hassle-free, noise-free, and time-saving machine that deep cleans even the hardest stains with minimal water usage. This is an investment that will allow you to relax after a long day at work.

On the market, you may find some fantastic offers on Bosch’s Serie|4 and Serie|6 dishwashers.

Smart Assistant

Everyday multitasking might be difficult, but your life can be made easier with your own virtual smart assistant. You can browse the internet for anything at any moment with hands-free, voice-controlled interaction. With the smart assistant at your disposal, you can order groceries, get your astounding fact of the day, or listen to music during your downtime at work. With the best smart assistants on the market, Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant, you can also set task reminders and more. On any of the online retailers, you may get your hands on the most up-to-date technology.

Coffee Maker


When you work from home, you have access to snacks and beverages at all hours of the day. Drowsiness after lunch can be overcome with a steaming cup of coffee. Having a coffee maker can help you be more productive and make your life easier. These gadgets don’t take up a lot of room and perform according to your preferences. You can get refills and put them in your coffee tumbler in minutes, so you can enjoy the beverage throughout your e-meeting. You may choose from a large range of coffee makers at the market, depending on your demands and convenience. For starters, look at the Siemens iQ700 Built-In Fully Automatic Coffee Machine.

Ergonomic Work Set Up

Working long hours in front of a computer or laptop can be exhausting. The use of an ergonomic workstation promotes excellent posture and increases productivity throughout the day. Whether you like to work seated in an ergonomic swivel chair or standing with an adjustable table, maintaining an ergonomic posture is essential for safety and health. It’s time to change your office and ensure you’re de-stressing your body with healthier posture. You may improve your health and well-being by investing in a smart table from Flowlyf’s online store or visiting your local furniture store to browse the ergonomic furniture selection.

Home gym essentials- Exercise Bike

When working from home, it’s critical to maintain your physical health. With little to no physical exercise available these days, you might choose for at-home fitness to stay in shape. For many working professionals, an exercise bike is a must-have piece of equipment. It is a cost-effective purchase that will benefit you and your entire family. The exercise bike is available in a variety of pricing ranges and designs, and it may also fit into smaller places. You may immediately start your workout routine by getting your ideal exercise bike from retailers such as Decathlon, Amazon, and Flipkart.

ALSO READ-Colour therapy as a mood booster

Categories
Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Worth trying hair extension tricks

High-quality hair extensions are versatile. They not only create a long-hair look but are also perfect for different hairstyles. Hairstyle is not always about length…writes N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

Offering an emergency fix in uncertain situations hair extensions require low maintenance and are very easy to use.

Have you been thinking about trying hair extensions but are not sure if it’s worth trying? The elegance of long and shiny hair is not easy to describe in words. Hair extensions come in a variety of types, colours and lengths so that you can match your perfect style. However, the availability of ample options can make it harder for you to make a decision about what you need.

If you are willing to try something new for your hair, these might be exactly what you are eyeing. Let’s view them in detail to show why hair extensions are worth trying! shared by Jitendra Sharma, Founder of Hair Originals.

Amuse Your Look With Different Colours:
Everyone enjoys colouring their hair but it affects healthy hairs and may even damage the scalp. Hair colours mark lasting damage to the hairs which take place gradually even if the product used in colouring is of the best quality. In this scenario, hair extensions can come to the rescue. Hair extensions can be the right tool to save your hair from such repercussions. The market is filled with highlights and lowlights ombre extensions which are already coloured but you can also add colour to the extensions to make your look different.

Add Length and Volume: For some people, hair growth is not easy and can be frustrating. If you desire long hair but your own hair stops growing after a definite length, then you can switch to hair extensions. They will provide effective results instantly. Adding extensions to your logs will increase the layers and provide volume to your hair. It will make your hair appear a lot thicker. The girth of your hair will give you a prettier look. Hair extension is extremely beneficial to people with hair growth issues. As they struggle for long hair and are fed up with trying remedies, installing hair extensions will sort out their problem in a blink of an eye.

Create Special Styles:
High-quality hair extensions are versatile. They not only create a long-hair look but are also perfect for different hairstyles. Hairstyle is not always about length. Hairstyling is a way to spice up your look. They can also be used to create other different styles that might not be possible with your natural hair. By using hair extensions, you can opt for any hairstyle that makes your appearance more charming. Few additional strips of hair will let you play around with numerous looks. Just style it the way you want and flaunt your look.

Emergency Fixer: We all have been there; you pay for a haircut but the outcome is not as expected. Unfortunately, If you see a hairdresser who is not able to meet your expectations, it’s possible that they chop off your hair more than you wanted. It can lead you to a lot of stress and anxiety. Fortunately, hair extensions offer an emergency fix in such situations. You can use Remy hair extensions that will quickly fix the issue. They let you create a different hairstyle like Up-do, low bun, high bun, ponytail or French braid by covering major portions of your bad haircut.

Ideal for Special Occasions: You can easily go for creative and unique styles by using hair extensions, which can be ideal for special occasions. You can use them for weddings, proms, parties, vacations, etc. You go shopping for new apparel and get your make-up done before attending any special occasion. Therefore, it’s logical to upgrade your hairstyle to the next level as well. Installing some hair extensions will definitely make you stand out from the crowd. The versatility of hair extensions makes them excellent in a range of scenarios.

ALSO READ-Precautions to focus while getting inked

Categories
Fashion Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Precautions to focus while getting inked

After receiving a tattoo, apply lotion, cream, or petroleum jelly. Remember to stick to this moisturizer application routine for at least two weeks.

Like fashion trends, tattoo trends too vary from year to year. There are several new trends set to emerge in 2022.

Tattoos of Lightning, which represent power, strength, and wisdom and are related to Greek mythology, and will be prominent in 2022. Hologram Tattoos, which are temporary tattoos with rainbow colours and a shimmering look, are gaining popularity. Hologram Tattoos are popular because they change colour depending on the light. Tattoos with bright colours and abstract designs will be trendy in India.

The Minimalist design trend will continue to be popular in 2022. These feature small and fine lines so they are easy when deciding whether to get inked or not. One should always choose a tattoo design that appeals to you and is in line with your beliefs.

The tattoo industry is booming, there’s a lot of demand for it, and new trends and styles emerge every year. Dr. Vidushi Jain, Medical Head Dermalinks talks about the precautions you need to focus on while getting inking:

Before a tattoo:

1. Never consume caffeine or alcohol the night before a tattoo. Because they dilute the blood the risks of bleeding during the tattoo making process are higher.

2. For at least a week, drink plenty of water, at least two litres of water every day. Drinking plenty of water keeps our skin smooth and healthy.

3. Finally, before getting a tattoo, be sure your tattoo artist is using new needles. It has the potential to infect the body with a large number of viruses.

After tattoo:


1.Skin diseases are easily spread by tattoos. To prevent infection, they are frequently wrapped with a bandage, bandage, or cling wrap.

2. Clean your hands with antibacterial soap before cleaning the tattoo after a few hours of covering it with a bandage. Wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a soft towel, but do not rub it vigorously.

3. After receiving a tattoo, apply lotion, cream, or petroleum jelly. Remember to stick to this moisturizer application routine for at least two weeks.

3. It is fairly typical for the colour to shift and fade. But the most important thing is to keep it away from hazardous chemicals and the sun’s ultraviolet rays. As a result, make sure you’ve adequately applied sunscreen to your tattoo before going out.

4. Don’t be concerned if your tattoo becomes wet. But don’t expose it to swimming or hot tubs for at least three weeks.

ALSO READ-Jewellery fashion switches to new trends

Categories
Food Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Benefits of having spiced tea in winter

Cinnamon tea, Cinnamon is usually used to flavour black teas, but it can also be used to flavour green, oolong, or puerh teas. It has a sweet, warming taste that goes well with fruit ingredients in tea drinks…writes Bala Sarda

Because they keep the body warm from within, hot beverages are synonymous with winter. Wearing your cosiest woollens and sipping a steaming hot beverage on a bright and sunny day is the order of the day this season. Did you know that adding a few spices to your tea can be extremely beneficial to your health?

In the winter, a hot cup of spiced tea can provide your body with much-needed warmth to combat the bone-chilling cold. Spices such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, saffron and ginger warm the body while also increasing metabolism and immunity.

Spices have been used in tea for nearly as long as tea has been consumed, and there are many different spiced tea drinks to choose from. Three of the most well-known spiced teas that should not be overlooked in the winter are:

Masala chai, also known as “chai tea”, is a popular spiced beverage. It can be made with a single spice (such as ginger or cloves) or with a combination of spices. Despite its origins in northern India, chai is now consumed in a wide range of locations worldwide.

Ginger tea, many spiced tea blends and freshly brewed spicy teas contain ginger tea. Green tea, black tea, puerh tea, and even oolong tea complement ginger well. It gives teas a warming, tangy, slightly sweet flavour. Ginger has been used in tea since antiquity and can now be found in teas all over the world.

Cinnamon tea, Cinnamon is usually used to flavour black teas, but it can also be used to flavour green, oolong, or puerh teas. It has a sweet, warming taste that goes well with fruit ingredients in tea drinks.

Some of the few benefits of having spiced tea in winter season are —

Boosts immunity: Antioxidants in spiced tea help to boost the body’s immune system and fight cold and flu symptoms.

Inflammation: Warm blends aid in the reduction of inflammation and pain. It is said that drinking saffron-infused tea or putting a few cloves in a boiling kettle of drinking water can help relieve pain by lowering inflammation in the body.

Weight loss:
Because spiced teas are low in calories but high in nutritional value, they are an ideal beverage for anyone looking to lose weight. Squeezing a few drops of lemon juice into your tea acts as an excellent body tonic and aids in hunger control.

Blood circulation: Due to a lack of activity, our bodies stiffen and blood circulation weakens during the winter months. Cinnamon tea improves blood circulation while also controlling blood sugar levels.

Improved digestion: During the winter, heavier foods, as well as a tendency to sit and avoid movement, increase the risk of digestive problems. Tea steeped with ginger, mint or star anise can aid digestion and relieve gastric distress, especially when consumed after or in between meals.

Boosts energy: Because energy drinks frequently contain high amounts of caffeine, which can be harmful to one’s health, spiced tea can be used as a natural energy booster with few to no negative side effects because it is high in critical nutrients and minerals.

ALSO READ-Superfoods to cook, share and eat

Categories
Fashion Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Tips to purchase authentic Pashmina shawls

Forget spoiling its luxuriousness; glue doesn’t hold on to cashmere wool for long. So, if there’s one stuck on a shawl, it’s a fake…reports Asian Lite News

Pashmina shawls are a source of pride for many Indians, including weavers, because of their opulent elegance, artistic beauty, and great warmth. They are a lavish and vital component of Indian traditional dress, handcrafted with rich embroideries, and with winter approaching, many of us may be considering presenting one to a loved one, or even to ourselves! However, because of its high price, there are many fakes and knockoff Pashmina shawls on the market. It would be simple to be entirely swindled and disappointed if you didn’t know how to spot the genuine ones.

So, to help you out, Nishant Malhotra, Founder, Weaverstory shares five tips to keep in mind while buying Pashmina shawls this winter!

100 per cent Cashmere: Pashmina shawls are made of cashmere, the wool of Himalayan goats, and so always make sure to check or inquire about what the shawl is made of. All authentic Pashmina shawls are made of 100 per cent cashmere, and authentic sellers are also aware and particular about the same.

Fibre diameter:
Authentic pashmina fabric will have fibres just about 15 -19 microns in diameter, making them thinner than human hair. That low micron count is what makes Pashmina shawls feel light and soft, yet luxurious. So, checking the fibres before buying one is a must.

Uneven weave:
Cashmere wool is extremely delicate, because of which it can only be spun by hand. As such, authentic Pashmina shawls will always have irregularities in the weave, making them uneven in places, which won’t be there in machine-woven fakes. That painstakingly exquisite handwork is what makes them so expensive as well.

Check for static electricity:
By rubbing the fabric with your hands, you’ll be able to check if it is made from authentic animal wool fibres or not. Synthetic fabrics create a lot of static electricity when rubbed together, causing the hair on your body to stand on end.

Check the label: As a rule of thumb, all authentic Pashmina shawls will carry a label calling out the make and composition proudly. But real Pashminas will always have the tag stitched onto the hem because it cannot be glued or stuck onto the fabric. Forget spoiling its luxuriousness; glue doesn’t hold on to cashmere wool for long. So, if there’s one stuck on a shawl, it’s a fake.

You can also perform other tests to determine the authenticity of a pashmina shawl, such as a single-thread burn test or pilling inspection. But these are the five essential things to look for when purchasing a Pashmina shawl, so you may be the proud owner of an authentic and elegant Pashmina shawl!

ALSO READ-Kashmir handicraft all set to conquer European markets