Tag: lifestyle

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Food Lite Blogs

‘Health and happiness go hand in hand’

For me, eating healthy is a way of life. So even if I want to indulge myself on a ‘cheat day’, I will always make sure I pick a healthier version of the food…says Anushka

Actress Anushka Sharma is known to be particular about nutrition, lifestyle and the impact of products on the environment. The actress and entrepreneur has now invested in and become the brand ambassador of Slurrp Farm, a brand that is reviving the use of super grains, driven by a strong vision of providing healthy snacks and mealtime options for young children and adults.

Through its innovative portfolio of millet, ragi and oats-based packaged food products (devoid of preservatives, artificial flavours and colours), it is successfully contributing towards inculcating healthy eating habits among children and adults alike. The actress and new mommy will be making her rap debut in the campaign with three films, each of which depicts a family situation involving children with funky lyrics and groovy mood. We spoke to youth icon for more details: Read Excerpts:

Q: What does a healthy lifestyle mean to you?

A: For me, a healthy lifestyle is one where you are prioritising both physical and mental health. It’s also about being consistent — we all have those days where we don’t want to work out or feel like indulging in a sweet treat but it’s important to do it in a way that still allows us to be consistent with the lifestyle goals we’ve set out for ourselves — for example, switch out the gym for a refreshing swim or have the sweet treat you want but make it using a natural sweetener like jaggery powder instead of using refined sugar. At the end of the day, the most important part of a healthy lifestyle is doing things that make you feel happy.

I strongly believe that health and happiness go hand in hand.

Q: Your body plays a big part in determining your mental health and happiness … Do you agree and why?

A: Absolutely. In fact, the reverse is also true — mental health and physical health cannot exist in isolation. And we’ve seen the proof of this in the last two years more than any other time. A healthy body enables you to feel good and a healthy, active mind pushes you to be physically healthy as well.

Q: When you choose to eat healthy what do you choose and why?

A: For me, eating healthy is a way of life. So even if I want to indulge myself on a ‘cheat day’, I will always make sure I pick a healthier version of the food.

One of the things I have always consciously included in my diet are millets like ragi and jowar. These millets truly are supergrains — they are easy to make, taste incredibly yummy and do not need a complete overhaul of your existing recipes. And they are literally power packed with proteins, carbohydrates and fibres.

Millets are my go-to grains — I tend to use millet flour for my chapatis, substitute rice with ragi when we’re eating idlis and even use ragi in the porridge my daughter eats.

In fact, millets are at the centre of Slurrp Farm’s mission to change the way children eat and that was one of the key factors for me to come on board as a strategic partner, investor and brand ambassador at the company. Through the partnership and the new ‘Yes Ka Time Aa Gaya’ campaign, I hope to help nurture India’s rich heritage of millets, and enable today’s generation to leave behind a healthier lifestyle and planet for those to come.

Q: Please tell us about the ‘Yes Ka Time Aa Gaya’ campaign with Slurrp Farm?

A: I’m happy about Slurrp Farm’s ‘Yes Ka Time Aa Gaya’ campaign. It’s based on the powerful insight that mothers have to constantly fight a battle with the world to feed their children right. Mothers deal with a flood of opinions and options on giving their children the right kind of nutrition. Yet, they are compelled to constantly say ‘No’ so that their children can have an early start to eating healthy.

And honestly, it’s never easy to say no — more so when it’s to people who have your best interests at heart. ‘Yes Ka Time Aa Gaya’ brings this exact predicament to life and offers a wholesome, and convenient solution. As a mother, I identify strongly with this message and I am so thrilled to take it to homes across India in this fun manner.

I am confident that the campaign will inspire not just mothers, but families, to dig a little deeper and pay attention to the food their kids are eating.

Q: Many celebrities are self-confessed food snobs, are you one too and what is your favourite food?

A: I wouldn’t call myself a food snob but I do get genuine joy from eating good food. And for me, good food doesn’t mean fancy dishes or eating out. Wholesome, home-cooked food made using local ingredients will always be my go-to.

To date my favourite foods are those that I grew up eating — ‘khichdi and palleyo’, which is this yummy dish made with millets that we would have whenever we went to my nani’s home in Uttarakhand, are my top picks.

Q: It’s often said that Indian meals are extremely well balanced and nutritious because of the diversity of items we have on the plate. Do you agree and what do you think is lacking?

A: The Indian meal plate definitely ranks high when it comes to nutrition. But I do think that we have forgotten some of the ancient superfoods that are true to our roots. Like millets!

Our parents grew up eating these incredible grains and so did most of us — bajre ki roti, raggi mudde, jowar bhakri — we were familiar with these dishes but somewhere along the way, we slipped into eating only wheat and rice and forgot the incredible benefits of these grains. It’s heartening to see that millets are slowly coming back into the spotlight and people are rediscovering their benefits — I do think that we need to bring these supergrains back to the centre of our plates to have truly well-balanced and nutritious meals.

ALSO READ-Have some healthy vegetarian options for Eid

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Health Lite Blogs

Here’s how you can tackle belly fat

Certain yoga asanas are specifically designed to reduce belly fat. They burn calories, increase muscle flexibility, and boost metabolism while targeting abdominal flab… reports Asian Lite News

Belly fat develops as a result of age, genetics, a sedentary lifestyle, poor eating habits, a lack of regular exercise, and stress. And it can further cause stress by making you insecure. Yoga and a well-balanced diet can help you lose tummy fat.

Yoga is a great way to lose weight. And it’s also safer than gym workouts, putting less unnecessary strain on your muscles, and allowing you to reduce fat in a natural way. Certain yoga asanas are specifically designed to reduce belly fat. They burn calories, increase muscle flexibility, and boost metabolism while targeting abdominal flab. All you have to do is stick to the schedule and practise the yoga poses on a regular basis.

Janu Sirsasana (Head to Knee Pose)

Sit on the floor with your right leg extended forward.

Bend your left knee out to your side. Make sure your left foot is pressing into your right inner thigh.

Inhale deeply and raise your arms above.

As you exhale, bend at your hips, folding forward towards your right leg.

Hold your outstretched right foot with your hands, stretching forwards.

Hold this pose for a few seconds and then relax.

Repeat with left leg.

Halasana (Plow Pose)

Lie on your back with your hands to your side.

Lift your legs to the point that they are perpendicular to the floor.

Bend your elbows, placing your palms under your waist.

With your hands, push your legs over your head till they are at a 180 angle. Try to touch your toes to the floor.

Hold this position for a few seconds and then relax.

Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

Lie flat on your stomach, face down.

Put your hands beside your rib cage with your palms flat on the ground.

Press your palms to the floor, inhaling deeply while you lift your upper body (that is, your head, neck, shoulders and upper chest) off the ground.

Keep your breathing normal and steady.

Hold this position for 30 seconds.

Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)

Lie face down.

Bend your knees. You should be able to hold onto both of your ankles with your hands. Your knees should be hip-width apart.

Inhale deeply. Lift your chest and your thighs off the floor.

Hold this pose for 20 seconds.

Exhale as you relax.

Balasana (Child’s Pose)

Begin in a kneeling pose, sitting on your heels.

Inhaling deeply, bring your forehead to the ground.

Your arms should be placed on either side of your body. Breathe deeply.

Bring your right arm underneath your left shoulder and look to your right fingers.

Repeat on the other side.

Practicing these asanas on a regular basis with a healthy, well-balanced diet and some lifestyle changes can do wonders for you. If you want to explore weight loss through yoga further, you can also sign up for Yog Love’s Weight Loss and Detox Diet course which offers daily LIVE yoga classes to help you achieve your fitness goals.

ALSO READ-Yoga the best medicine for neurological disorders

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Food Health Lite Blogs

Let’s make this summer ‘cool and fruity’

Apple is a delicious and nutritious fruit that is popular in almost all seasons. Apples are delicious in salads, smoothies, pies and desserts, and as a snack…writes Olivia Sarkar

Consuming water-rich fruit can help you meet nutrient requirements while also keeping you hydrated. If you don’t drink the recommended amount of water per day, fruits and vegetables can provide you with extra fluid, keeping you nourished and healthy. Fruit that is high in water content are popular in juices, smoothies, and snacks.

While summers can be extremely exhausting and force you to spend more time indoors to protect yourself from the sun, the exciting aspect of summer is delicious ice creams and fruit such as watermelons, strawberries, pineapples, and many more. This list of summer fruit is a great addition to your diet.

Mangoes

We know how much you love mangoes and they are undoubtedly our favourite part of the summer season! Mangoes are not only our favourite, but they are also used in a variety of desserts. They are high in antioxidants and, as a result, can boost immunity. They lower cholesterol and improve eye health. Mangoes are one of the best summer fruits because of all of these factors.

Watermelon

Watermelon is a summertime favourite for many people because it is not only delicious, but it is also high in nutrients. With a water content of approximately 90 per cent, this wonder fruit aids in the prevention of heart disease. Watermelon also aids in the production of the amino acid arginine, which aids in the immune system’s function.

Strawberries

Strawberries have numerous health benefits due to their high levels of vitamin C, manganese, folate, potassium, B vitamins, and flavonoids. Strawberries are extremely beneficial in preventing heart disease and in lowering bad cholesterol. Strawberries have a high fibre content, so if you have digestive issues, including them in your diet can help.

Pineapples

For its rich flavour and juicy texture, this delicious and juicy fruit is a favourite of many. Pineapples are high in Vitamin C, which is important for fighting cell damage and boosting your immune system. Pineapple’s high manganese content benefits bone health. It is also high in fibre and antioxidants.

Apples

Apple is a delicious and nutritious fruit that is popular in almost all seasons. Apples are delicious in salads, smoothies, pies and desserts, and as a snack. Apples have been shown to increase metabolic rate, improve heart health, and regulate blood sugar levels. They are high in vitamins and minerals, which help to maintain healthy bones, teeth, and skin.

We all believe in the adage, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” and without a doubt, it does!

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupes are high in vitamin C and A, both of which help to boost immunity. Cantaloupes’ high potassium content aids in blood pressure regulation. Cantaloupe contains beta carotene, which aids in the prevention of cataracts and improves vision.

Because of its sweet flavour and health benefits, this low-calorie fruit is used to make a variety of delectable desserts. Cantaloupe infused in water makes an excellent summer health drink!

Papaya

This fruit is high in Vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants. Including papaya in your diet can help prevent cholesterol buildup in your arteries, boost immunity, and be an excellent source of vitamins for people with diabetes and those looking to lose weight.

Oranges

Oranges are a favourite fruit of those who enjoy working out because it hydrates and energises your body, which is essential during workouts. Oranges have numerous health benefits, including lower cholesterol, improved heart function, and improved skin health due to their high Vitamin C content.

ALSO READ-Papri chaat : Traditional…but fast!

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Health Lite Blogs

Try out some alternative therapies for healthy lifestyle

Yoga is about developing inner awareness and focusing on the present moment, not just physical poses to increase strength and flexibility…writes Dr. G Prakash

To protect themselves from serious health issues, people are forming new habits or adopting healthier lifestyle choices such as going vegan, cutting sugar, or eating organic. This has received a lot more attention since the COVID-19 pandemic, which made people realise how important it is to live a healthy lifestyle and eat well.

Obsession with good lifestyle choices or healthy eating, on the other hand, can have serious physical and emotional consequences. Eating healthy, nutritious food is beneficial to the body, but for those suffering from orthorexia, the harm outweighs the benefit (a term used to define an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating).

It’s like pushing healthy eating to the point where it causes problems in everyday life, and the situation spirals out of control. One of the most important aspects of recovering from an eating disorder is learning to better manage one’s overall health, which is where alternative therapies can help.

Obsession with Healthy Eating

Smart food choices can obviously benefit the body in a variety of ways, but problems arise when someone becomes overly obsessed with restrictions. When a person’s behaviour becomes too disruptive as a result of such constraints, it can interfere with personal and professional relationships, eventually leading to psychological disorders.

Furthermore, people with orthorexia frequently avoid social invitations and interactions, fearing that they will have to compromise their healthy eating habits. Even if they engage in social interactions, they will refuse to eat, even if they are hungry. Some people may also spend hours shopping for specific groceries or conceal their habits from friends and family.

How Alternative or Complementary Therapies Help with Obsessive Health Consciousness

Alternative and complementary medicine’s basic philosophy includes a holistic approach to care that focuses on a person’s health as a whole rather than focusing on one organ or bodily system. These systems are based on the belief that the human body is capable of self-healing. Healing frequently entails a combination of techniques involving the mind, body, and spirit. The goal is to achieve balance, as imbalance frequently leads to disease. Here are some complementary therapies to help you cope with a healthy or good eating obsession.

Yoga

Yoga is about developing inner awareness and focusing on the present moment, not just physical poses to increase strength and flexibility. According to surveys and studies, regular yoga practitioners are less critical of their bodies and more satisfied with them. That is also why yoga is an essential component of eating disorder treatment and programmes that promote body positivity and self-esteem.

Additionally, because yoga cultivates mindfulness in a person, yoga practitioners are more mindful eaters. Yoga practise makes one more aware of how their body feels. This increased awareness can be carried over to mealtime by savouring each bite and paying attention to how food tastes, smells, and feels in the mouth.

Meditation

The perception of one’s own body can elicit a variety of feelings and thoughts that can occupy one’s mind. However, for the majority of people, the critical lens through which they view themselves is not an exact reflection of how everyone else sees them. Meditation is the way to open the mind and navigate negative, judgmental thoughts about body image while remaining comfortable.

Feelings and thoughts, especially negative ones, are the most difficult obstacles to overcome in life. Meditation practitioners are able to see beyond the nature of thought entirely. It is a natural human tendency to become engrossed in negative conversation. People give weight and meaning to their thoughts, and meditation teaches how to let thoughts come and go without becoming entangled in self-created storylines. Meditation teaches people to be kind to themselves rather than judge them.

Acupuncture

When their eating habits are disrupted, people with orthorexia may experience intense anxiety or frustration. Furthermore, any disruption in their self-imposed dietary habits is likely to result in self-loathing or guilt. Such issues, if left untreated, can cause irreversible damage to a person’s health.

Acupuncture, depending on the placement of the needles, can produce painkilling chemicals and jump-start the body’s natural ability to heal itself, or it can stimulate the part of the brain that controls emotions, including anxiety. All of these can help people maintain a healthy balance and treat various illnesses. The therapy can significantly reduce worries about things over which a person has no control.

A health-conscious person is concerned about his or her body, whereas a health-obsessed person is obsessed with it. It is critical to ensure that the diet does not cause anxiety. While some foods are healthier than others, no food can kill you if you eat it once or twice.

Living a healthy life does not mean rejecting people and experiences, but rather embracing life as a whole while constantly working to maintain physical and mental health.

(Dr. G Prakash, Deputy- Chief Medical Officer, Jindal Naturecure Institute)

ALSO READ-Simple yoga poses to improve spinal health

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Lite Blogs

Fun ideas for fun-filled get together

Brush up on the fundamentals of tie-dyeing and introduce it to your children as a fun family activity. They’ll have a great time sewing new shirts, socks, blankets, and pillowcases…writes Olivia Sarkar

It’s important to plan your family time consciously, as it’s easy to get caught up in a busy schedule. Once that’s done, you may want to turn your open house into housework or just a relaxing invitation. Avoid temptation and instead, look for a fun way to spend this time as a family. Instead of sitting at home and getting bored on weekends watching TV all day, here are some fun ideas for a fun-filled family weekend at home.

Solve a Puzzle

Completing a puzzle becomes a manageable task when everyone works together. Choose one that depicts a meaningful scene or location, as this will bring a lot of stories with the completion of the puzzle, and you will be able to laugh your heart out.

Go Camping Inside

Do you long for the great outdoors? Even if the campgrounds are closed, you can create a makeshift experience in your living room! Set up blanket forts or tents, tell stories around a “fire” made of candles or a lantern, and eat foods such as hot dogs, sandwiches, or a tandoor.

Plan a Treasure Hunt

A scavenger hunt is irresistible to children! Parents can plant small dime-store jewels and treasures in the garden, and then draw a map with directions for their children. You can even hide the map somewhere in the house and let the kids find it, which will make the hunting game a little more exciting.

Cooking Classes

For cold or rainy days, don’t forget about indoor family activities. Baking or cooking together is one option. Because they can squish the dough with their fingers, kids especially enjoy making cupcakes, cookies, and pizza. When the baking is finished, take a seat and enjoy a bite with a refreshing drink.

Tie-Dye creativity

Brush up on the fundamentals of tie-dyeing and introduce it to your children as a fun family activity. They’ll have a great time sewing new shirts, socks, blankets, and pillowcases!

Plan a Picnic

If your family misses picnics in the park, you can replicate this summertime activity in your own backyard! Begin by making a traditional picnic lunch, such as sandwiches, fruit, and potato chips. Load everything into a basket and transport it to your picnic location, which could be a blanket on the lawn or a patio table. Your family will benefit from fresh air and vitamin D!

ALSO READ-Importance of kids’ immunity

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Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Style your table and liven up the party

Nothing uplifts the ambience of a party more than an exquisite serving platter laden with mouth-watering nibbles…writes Sanjeev Agarwal

You’ve sent out the invitations, planned the menu, bought all the ingredients and readied a playlist. You’re almost set for your lavish dinner party at home except for one important detail – the table decor! It’s probably just as important as the food and is likely to make a lasting impression on your guests.

At any dinner party, the highlight is always the food and drinks. You’ll find your guests milling around the dinner table throughout the night, so it’s probably a good idea to add a statement piece or two to lift the aesthetic around the table. Sanjeev Agrawal, CEO & Founder, Orvi Surfaces suggests a few tableware and decor accessories you can use to liven up your party.

Raku Vase

Raku firing is an ancient Japanese technique of alternating hand firing and rapid cooling on ceramic to reveal intense colours and patterns. Place a Raku-fired vase topped with a bunch of fresh flowers in the centre of your dining table and watch your table transform into the centre of attention at the party.

Tarkashi Serving Platter

Nothing uplifts the ambience of a party more than an exquisite serving platter laden with mouth-watering nibbles. Handcrafted from Acacia wood with intricate floral brass detailing, Tarkashi serving platters may be guilty of drawing attention away from your food! They’re ideal for presenting finger food and appetisers in a sophisticated way. Plus, you contribute towards sustaining the centuries old art of Tarkashi, an intricate art dying a slow death due to lack of awareness.

Pietra Dura Serving Tray with Handles

Inlaid with the semi-precious Mother of Pearl, the Pietra Dura serving tray is the perfect vehicle to ferry food to and from the table, or even to use as a makeshift charcuterie board. It’s sturdy, light and extremely convenient to use, not to mention a superbly striking accessory for any dinner table.

Intarsio Cake Stand

The combination of natural stone and brass inlay makes the Intarsio cake stand a dinner party must-have. This is a multi-functional handmade decor-piece – when you’re welcoming your guests, top it with delicate flower arrangements or use it as a cheese board, and towards the end of the night, use it to serve cakes, cookies and muffins. This piece is available in a contemporary geometric pattern and also in a delicate flower pattern.

Gravure Coasters

If you’re planning an intimate sit-down dinner, a set of Gravure coasters is the perfect addition to your table setting. These hand engraved pieces have an eye-catching print, inspired by the Jaipur block prints and Paisley design that has been carved into the stone to give them a signature quality. A felt back and sealant coating mean you don’t have to worry about drink spills and stains.

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Lifestyle Lite Blogs

‘I want to make fitness accessible for entire world’

Fitness talks were formed with a basic idea of positively affecting people’s health and lifestyle so they lead a happier, fitter life… Pranit Shilimkar speaks with N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

Besides a great body, fitness and working out has amazing benefits and paybacks. It keeps your body conditioned, your mind disciplines and your heart happy. Don’t take out word for it, Pranit Shilimkar Health and Fitness Entrepreneur, Digital content creator and Founder of Fitnesstalks speaks about why fitness is the need of the hour.

Tell us about your journey into fitness? What was the toughest part of your weight loss journey?

Pranit: My fitness journey began during my college days. I was always a chubby kid with more than a few extra pounds, and that led to insecurities and low self-esteem. It was drastically impacting my mental health. When I first started working out I was surprised with the way my body and mind reciprocated. I soon started to develop a passion for looking and feeling good and that was the first major catalyst for my fitness journey. The toughest part has always been the injuries and dealing with them and the time I cannot work out.

How was Fitnesstalks India formed?

Pranit: Ever since I started working on myself, I realized I had a passion for teaching. I wanted people to experience the same happiness and joy which I experienced from being fit. Fitness talks was formed with a basic idea of positively affecting people’s health and lifestyle so they lead a happier, fitter life.

Tell us about your 37 days challenge? How are you combining Mental and Physical Health in the challenge?

Pranit: The #37dayschallenge is a fitness challenge that attempts to get the best out of you through a rigorous fitness regime over 37 days. You’re provided with a nutritionist and a personal trainer who aid you throughout these 37 days. The aim is not just fat loss, but an improvement in the quality of life through better health. This is why we have also started providing our clients with psychologists in order to understand their mental health conditions and what help they require from us in order to deal with stress and other issues.

What is your vision with Fitnesstalks India?

Pranit: I want to make fitness accessible and engaging for the entire world. It’s my way of leaving a positive impact on the planet, by making people aware of their health and its potential.

What do you do on days when you don’t feel like working out?

Pranit: It usually doesn’t happen that I don’t feel like working out, because not only am I a fitness influencer, but also a fitness entrepreneur. I need to be in a good shape not just for my profession but also for my own mental health. I’m also really passionate about working out, so it’s something I actively seek throughout my day. On the days when I’m recovering or taking a break, I usually take some time off for my family and travel or meet friends I cannot usually see due to my congested schedule.

Advice for people who are just starting their fitness journey?

Pranit: Show up every day i.e be consistent. Start with tiny steps, focus more on being disciplined as opposed to following rigorous diet or workout trends. Also, focus on changing your lifestyle – it has a long-term positive effect on your life. The rest are basics that you shouldn’t ignore – daily physical activity, mindful eating, rest and recovery, and hydration.

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FEATURE Lifestyle

Danube Home launches all-new kids furniture collection

Danube Home launches all-new kids furniture collection

Danube Home launches its all-new kids’ furniture collection that focuses on creating a Happy Space at home for infants, toddlers, tweens, and teenagers…reports Asian Lite News

Every parent wants to give the best life can offer to their kids, but growing minds also need a space of their own to hone their skills, to get a peaceful well-rested lay, while also serving their educational and play needs. Keeping this in mind, Danube Home has launched its all-new kids’ furniture collection that focuses on creating a Happy Space at home for infants, toddlers, tweens, and teenagers.

Every single item in this collection truly captures the spirit of childhood. Every child is different in the way they learn, play, and grow. Danube Home’s all-new kid’s collection embodies this thought process which is why each piece is thoughtfully crafted to seamlessly grow with the child, straight from infancy to their blooming teenage. The collection comprises everything a mom would envision in her motherhood journey, such as nursery cribs, cots, nightstands, bunk beds, study desks, tables, bean bags, and comforter sets.

The Expect the Unexpected collection revolves around a child’s journey from an infant to teenagehood, where anything and everything is uncharted territory. Their new ELIT collection features a convertible nursery range-furniture that grows with the child’s age, from newborn to toddler to kids up to 9yrs of age, nursery day bed with storage, and built-in LED nightlight inspired from the fantasy world of a child.

ALSO READ: Danube Home launches new garden theme catalogue

While the process of pregnancy and childbirth can be overwhelming, Danube Home is here to support mothers with their new range of maternity pillows that provide comfort during the pregnancy and after.

“Today’s millennial parents and children have varied demands and requirements, the ideation of a fully functional collection took birth while I was looking for furniture for my two toddlers and one infant. Our collection’s main aim is to provide a welcoming and nurturing space for children of all age groups to play, grow and learn. I’m sure our transitional furniture collection is something a growing family in the region will love to use” Quoted Adel Sajan Group Managing Director Danube Group.

SAYED HABIB, DIRECTOR, DANUBE HOME AND ECOMMERCE: ” The expectation of parents have increased in terms of what they want in their home and children these days have a mind of their own when it comes to how they want their room to look. Keeping this in mind, the EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED collection meets both these demands. Colour schemes like ivory, grey, muted coral, sky blues, and pinks are aesthetically pleasing and appeal to both parents and children. In addition, we have paid close attention to the quality and durability as we believe these pieces are an investment that will pay off for many years to come.

ALSO READ: Danube Unveils Skyz Tower

With a wide variety of sub-collections like Masal Gen C, Piedra, Retro, Elit, and Golden, Danube Home has hit a home run with this cleverly designed line. This collection also features a wide range of soft furnishing products like comforter sets, cushions, bean bags, curtains, and more in fun and quirky prints.

Danube Home has launched this collection in their flagship store in Al Barsha, but the brand aims to have this collection across all their stores and franchise outlets in no time.

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Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Just say ‘goodbye’ to dandruff with simple tricks

We often forget to drink water during the winter, which dehydrates the skin and hair, causing more dandruff…reports Asian Lite News

A dry, itchy scalp is the most common cause of dandruff in the winter. A number of variables contribute to this, including dry, chilly air and a high prevalence of the Malassezia fungus. If you want to reduce and treat dandruff, you’ll need to utilise the correct hair care products for the job. Dandruff is by far the most inconvenient and humiliating hair issue.

Dandruff can be caused by stress, a change in climate (severe heat or cold), an overabundance of fatty foods, a change in shampoo, excessive sweat, and even pollution. Dandruff flares up when Malassezia, a naturally occurring microorganism on the scalp, is worsened by any of these circumstances.

Dr Amrendra Kumar, Consultant Dermatologist and Hair Transplant Surgeon, Director of DermaClinix shares 10 tricks to drive away dandruff this winter are as follows-

. Avoid direct heat- One of the most common causes of a flaky scalp is excessive heat. Wet hair can cause headaches and colds, which is why hair dryers are so popular in the winter. However, direct heat exposure, such as from ironing boards and hair dryers, dries the scalp. Instead, towel-dry your hair before allowing it to air dries.

. Cut down on sugar- Sugar is bad for both your skin and your hair. It turns out that it’s also bad for your hair! Excessive oily flakes are caused by high blood sugar levels, which increase dandruff in the winter. Reduce your sugar intake and replace it with honey or jaggery.

. Drink more water- We often forget to drink water during the winter, which dehydrates the skin and hair, causing more dandruff. The average daily water consumption limit is set at 5 litres, but if it’s getting too cold, 4 litres will suffice!

. Use biotin and zinc supplements- Biotin is a hair vitamin that can be found in a variety of foods and is also available as a supplement in pharmacies and supermarkets. Biotin has been found to be “likely effective” in the treatment of biotin deficiency and to be safe when used in the recommended amounts. Deficiency can lead to dandruff. Rule out fungal infection, psoriasis if it is not responding to medicines.

. Change your diet- Vitamin B, zinc, and omega 3 fatty acids are all good for the hair and scalp. Fruits and raw salads should be part of your daily diet. These nutrients are abundant in eggs, fish, bananas, and spinach.

. Brush your hair often- It may aid in scalp stimulation and blood circulation. This will aid in the production of oils that keep the hair and scalp healthy.

. Use a cotton towel- After you’ve washed your hair, wipe it dry with a cotton towel. Towels with a rough texture should be avoided because they can cause more frizz.

. Visit a dermatologist- If your dandruff problem becomes out of hand; seek the advice of a reputable dermatologist. In these situations, an expert will be able to provide you with the best solution, so don’t hesitate to seek advice.

. Use shampoo containing zinc pyrithione, selenium sulphide or 2% ketoconazole- Many anti-dandruff shampoos contains zinc pyrithione shampoo. It is antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial, which means it, can kill fungus, bacteria, and microorganisms that cause itchy, flaky scalp. If you’ve tried these shampoos and other home remedies and still don’t feel better, then consult a dermatologist. The contact period of shampoo should be a minimum of 5 minutes. These shampoos make the hair dry, so use conditioner as well.

. Always keep your hair and scalp clean- When going out in the sun, cover your head with a scarf, hat, or cap. Keeping your hair free of pollutants will aid in its growth. Sweating is normal, but excessive sweat can cause hair buildup. After you’ve exercised or had a particularly sweaty day, always dry your hair.

. In females, oily scalps and severe dandruff may be signs of hormonal imbalance, so rule out that as well. Usually, dandruff does not happen in children, but if it happens, rule out lice infection or fungal infection.

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Lifestyle Lite Blogs

STUDY: Toxic elements in imported creams

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), mercury is hazardous to health and has the potential to cause damage to the central nervous system, the gastrointestinal system and the kidneys…reports Asian Lite News.

A study of 15 known brands selling imported skin whitening creams in the Indian markets has found that they contained dangerously high levels of mercury, a heavy metal and neurotoxin.

“A total of 15 skin whitening creams of different brands manufactured in India, Pakistan and Philippines were enlisted for the study. Samples were collected from different cities, i.e., Mumbai, Vijayawada, Delhi and Thiruvananthapuram and tested at the Shriram Institute for Industrial Research in Delhi using Inductively-Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP- MS) by a standardized method,” Toxics Link said in its latest report “Dark truth of skin whitening creams: Presence of Mercury in skin whitening creams”.

Toxics Link is a Delhi-based environmental research organisation working on the issue of waste and chemicals for the last 20 years. Toxics Link is part of the global alliance of zero mercury Working Group and involved in this mercury policy project.

The Zero Mercury Working Group (ZMWG) is an international coalition of more than 110 public interest environmental and health NGOs from 55 countries from around the world formed in 2005 by the European Environmental Bureau and the Mercury Policy Project.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), mercury is hazardous to health and has the potential to cause damage to the central nervous system, the gastrointestinal system and the kidneys.

The study detected mercury in six out of 15 samples; five samples had alarming levels of mercury ranging from 4,000 to 14,000 ppm (parts per million) and only one out of six samples had mercury concentration below 1 ppm i.e., 0.3 ppm, a release from the Toxics Link said.

The study also revealed that all the six samples containing mercury were manufactured in Pakistan, according to the labels on the packaging. “However, the test results revealed that all the samples manufactured in India had mercury below detectable limits,” it said.

India has a stringent regulation, under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules 2020, to prevent mercury from being added to cosmetics. Manufacturing and import of cosmetics containing mercury compounds are completely prohibited; but unintentional mercury is allowed up to 1 ppm.

Chandni Whitening Cream, Fresh Face, Faiza Beauty Cream, Golden Pearl Whitening Beauty Cream, Goree Day and Night Whitening Cream, Goree Beauty Cream (all from Pakistan) Kojie San (Philippines), Lotus Herbal White Glow Skin Whitening and Brightening Gel, Face Crema (India) are some of the brands.

However, the present study is an indicator that the mercury-containing products are still available in the Indian market. India has also ratified the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which restricts mercury use in cosmetics to 1 ppm.

“It is disturbing that the mercury concentrations in some of the imported samples were found to be as high as 1,000 times more than the current permissible limit of 1 ppm. It is also important to mention that a previous study by Toxics link in 2019 had also reported high mercury concentrations in the same brands. For that study, released on Thursday, the samples were purchased from the online portals Amazon and Flipkart,” the release said.

“Availability of highly toxic and non-compliant products in shops and from online portals are serious breach of the national rules and need to be acted upon immediately by the regulators,” said Associate Director, Toxics Link, Satish Sinha.

The use of these products could result in severe health risks. Therefore, there is an urgent need for periodic monitoring of imported skin whitening creams by the regulatory authorities, to safeguard the health of the consumers. “A proper surveillance system needs to be in place to prevent high mercury-containing toxic skin whitening creams from being imported into India,” Senior Program coordinator, Toxics Link, Piyush Mohapatra said.

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