Diet

In countries such as the UK, US and Canada, ultra-processed foods now account for 50 percent or more of calories consumed. This is concerning, given that these foods have been linked to a number of different health conditions, including a greater risk of obesity and various chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and dementia. Ultra-processed foods are concoctions of various industrial ingredients (such as emulsifiers, thickeners, and artificial flavors) amalgamated into food products by a series of manufacturing processes. Sugary drinks and many breakfast cereals are ultra-processed foods, as are more recent innovations, such as so-called 'plant-based' burgers, which are typically made of protein isolates and other chemicals to make the products palatable. The intense industri...

You may be wondering how to cut down sugar and what the benefits of doing so might be. Sugar is often demonized by health and wellness gurus, but is it really all that bad for us? We’ve spoken to the experts to get their view on sugar and how best to reduce your sugar intake. It is important to know how much sugar is in the foods you’re eating in order to make informed dietary choices. We’ve broken down how you can identify the sugar content of your food and how to read product labels, which are often confusing. Increasing your protein intake is a great way to curb your appetite, as protein has been shown to increase feelings of satiety and fullness. Read the full story at Fit and Well

If you're into lifting weights, knowing the right foods to eat—and avoiding the wrong ones—is integral to your overall success. Working out and maintaining a proper diet go hand in hand, since the food choices you make will directly impact how you feel when exercising, as well as your performance. The goal of pumping iron is to build muscle—not put on unwanted fat. We are here to point out the absolute worst foods for weight lifting, so you ensure you stay on the right track. Eat This, Not That! spoke with Melissa Pfeister, founder of the health and wellness brand Stripped with Melissa and member of the ETNT Medical Expert Board, who points out the many foods for weight lifters to stay away from. Read the full story at Eat This

dinburgh [Scotland], July 30 (ANI): Children rate foods they perceive to be natural as having greater levels of taste, safety, and desire than the ones they perceive to be manufactured, suggests the findings of a recent study. Researchers say the tendency in adults to prefer natural food is well documented. However, the latest findings found this food bias exists in early and middle childhood as well. Researchers at the Universities of Edinburgh and Yale studied the preferences of more than 374 adults and children in the United States when presented with apples and orange juice and told of their origins. In one study, 137 children aged six to 10 years old were shown three apples. They were told one was grown on a farm, one was made in a lab, and another grown on a tree inside a lab. Re...

he inflammation is the body’s response to confirm that the natural defences have been engaged. It occurs when cells travel across the body, to reach the affected area. Thus we feel the sensation in the form of inflammation. The idea of healthy living is not just restricted to maintaining the shape of one’s body or keeping the body weight under check. It is much more than that. It involves the overall health of the body.  Recently, an anti-inflammatory diet has been widely promoted because of the benefits it possesses for the whole body. It is being followed by a large population around the world and is something to ponder over.  What is inflammation? It is a common belief that inflammation is not good for the body. On the contrary, it is the body’s natural response system triggered by ...

Though some prefer non-organic products as these are cheaper, switching to all-natural and organic foods may prove to be more cost efficient in the long run given their health benefits. Antibiotic resistance The use of antibiotics is banned in organic agriculture but is still common in conventional animal rearing. Using antibiotics in agricultural settings can add to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria that can be passed on to humans. Improved heart condition  Leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and fruits that are grown organically and without the use of harmful chemicals and fertilizers have a high potential to keep an individual’s heart healthy. Organic foods boost the immune system as you get the full value of vitamins and minerals minus the foreign chem...

Millions of Americans have food allergies. Our DIY hacks and some savvy shopping can help you avoid the most common triggers when you're hosting, packing school lunches, or managing an allergy of your own. 1 Eggs For the occasional egg substitute in baking, use a flax "egg." Mix a tablespoon of ground flaxseed with a scant three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then add it to your recipe. The seeds will basically disappear into the final product. If you bake regularly, pick up Bob's Red Mill Egg Replacer, a powder that's primarily potato starch and tapioca flour. And for egg-forward preparations, like frittatas and scrambles, opt for a plant-based egg substitute, like Just Egg. Made from mung beans, it mimics the flavor and texture of beaten eggs surprisingly well...

When Alison Izzo was feeling bloated and tired, she turned to a cleanse to help her feel better. But explaining to friends and family reminded her of the unhealthy connotations these programs often carry. Here's how she navigated the two-week detox, and came out the other side with a fresh perspective. There's a hard to explain allure about the idea of 'getting clean'. Whether that be Marie-Kondo-ing your wardrobe, kicking your caffeine habit or even doing a mass unfollow on Instagram to clear out your social media feeds - cleansing is cathartic, and leaves us feel lighter (emotionally) and more able to focus on the things that matter. But when it comes to detoxing your diet, things can get problematic. Get the full story at Body and Soul

Do you often experience a strong urge to eat something unhealthy which persists till you actually give in to that craving and end up regretting each time? Eating more than your body requires and consuming high calorie and high fat diet frequently could lead to disastrous consequences for your health over a period of time. Pregnancy is known to be one such phase when expecting mothers tend to crave a specific kind of food. There could be other factors too which can cause food cravings from PMS, lack of sleep, poor nutrition and hydration, eating processed foods. Stress and mood swings could also trigger unhealthy cravings. (Also read: Intense exercise during diet can help reduce fatty food cravings, says new study) Gurpreet Kaur, Senior Clinical Nutritionist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, ...

Summer is here! Needless to say that your calendars are filled with fun summer activities. And to enjoy them to their fullest, you must be at your best. Being at your best means being able to maintain your energy levels and feeling great all summer, and it all starts in the gut. A healthy gut microbiome - the community of microorganisms living in your digestive system - is of utmost importance to your health. These sets of healthy bacteria are essential for a healthy metabolism, energy levels, digestion and much more. However, they can also be potentially harmful due to the change in their composition when the gut ecosystem undergoes abnormal changes due to the use of antibiotics, illness, stress, ageing, bad dietary habits, and lifestyle. Check out the list of foods that you must feed th...