Lose weight naturally with these 9 summer foods that also keep you hydrated, beat the heat
Including nutrient-rich and hydrating summer foods into your diet not only supports healthy weight loss but also ensures you stay nourished and energised, says Madhura Paroolkar Behki, Head Nutritionist and Dietician at Cult Transform. She emphasises the importance of selecting foods that not only aid in weight loss but also help manage the sweltering heat. If you are wondering what you should eat this summer to achieve double benefits like weight loss and heat management, Behki has some suggestions for you (Image: Canva)Watermelon: This juicy delight is not only a summer staple but also aids in weight loss. Packed with fibre, watermelon provides satiety while keeping calorie intake in check, with 90 percent of its weight comprising water. Additionally, it contains arginine, an amino acid that aids in fat burning, making it a perfect addition to salads or paired with feta cheese for a refreshing twist (Image: Canva)Cucumbers: With just 16 calories per cup, cucumbers are the epitome of low-calorie foods. Their high water and fibre content make them ideal for promoting a feeling of fullness while acting as natural detoxifiers. Whether enjoyed as a raita with curd or combined with iceberg lettuce, cucumbers offer a crisp and hydrating addition to summer meals (Image: Canva)Ice apple: Rich in fibre, ice apples support digestion and act as natural diuretics, aiding in flushing out excess water from the body. With 87 percent water content, they are a guilt-free indulgence for those managing their sweet cravings during weight loss endeavours (Image: Canva)Yoghurt: Yoghurt's protein content makes it an excellent snack choice for weight loss, while its gut-cooling properties offer relief from summer heat. Low in carbs, yogurt can be enjoyed topped with nuts or blended into refreshing buttermilk for a nourishing treat (Image: Canva)Bottle gourd: Fibre-rich and low in calories, bottle gourd helps in prolonged satiety and easy digestion. Its low glycemic index makes it an ideal vegetable for diabetic individuals. Include it into dal khichadi or enjoy it as a soothing soup for a nourishing meal option (Image: Canva) Corn: High in fibre, corn helps reduce appetite and promote fullness, while its probiotic properties support metabolism and digestion. Additionally, it is packed with potassium, magnesium, and Vitamin A, and can be steamed and enjoyed in salads for a flavourful and nutritious meal (Image: Canva)Iced green tea: With its fat-burning properties and ability to boost metabolic rate, iced green tea serves as a refreshing alternative to sugary drinks. Add a slice of lime for a zesty twist and enjoy its rejuvenating benefits throughout the summer (Image: Canva)Kokum fruit: The hydroxycitric acid (HCA) in kokum is good for appetite suppression and weight loss, while its anti-inflammatory properties soothe digestion and cool the gut. Indulge in kokum juice or savour solkadi for a tangy and nutritious addition to your summer diet (Image: Canva)Guava: Guava's high fibre content keeps hunger at bay while its vitamin C content boosts metabolic rate. With antioxidant properties that reduce inflammation, guava makes for a satisfying salad or a frozen dessert for guilt-free indulgence (Image: Canva)
2024-04-23T03:38:30Z
Best hair oils: These 9 oils will nourish, protect, and shine your hair in summer
Summer brings with it a myriad of hair woes, including dryness, frizz, breakage, and scalp irritation. Exposure to UV rays can lead to protein damage in the hair shaft, resulting in dryness and brittleness. Additionally, the humidity can cause the hair to swell, leading to frizz and loss of definition in curls or waves. It's essential to follow a proper hair care routine to combat these issues and keep your locks looking and feeling their best.One effective way to maintain good hair health is through the practice of hair oiling. This ancient practice involves massaging herbal oils into the scalp and hair to nourish, strengthen, and protect the strands. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), regular oiling can help improve hair texture, reduce breakage, and promote hair health Here are 9 different herbal oils that can help keep your locks luscious this summer (Image: Canva)Coconut oil: A go-to oil, it is a powerhouse when it comes to hair care. Coconut oil creates a protective layer around the hair, sealing the cuticle and locking in moisture.. According to studies cited by the NIH, coconut oil can help prevent protein loss in the hair, making it an excellent choice for combating dryness and damage (Image: Canva)Argan oil: Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids, argan oil is known for its moisturising and nourishing properties. It helps repair damaged hair, reduce frizz, and add shine. Research suggests that argan oil can improve hair elasticity and protect against environmental damage (Image: Canva)Jojoba oil: It closely resembles the natural oils produced by the scalp, making it an excellent choice for balancing oil production and moisturising the hair and scalp. Studies have shown that jojoba oil can help improve hair texture, reduce dandruff, and promote hair growth (Image: Canva)Olive oil: Research suggests that olive oil can improve hair softness and manageability. It is rich in vitamins E and K, and also antioxidants, which help to nourish and strengthen the hair. Beaides, it beneficial for dry, damaged hair, as it helps restore moisture and prevent breakage (Image: Canva)Almond oil: A oil that is lightweight and easily absorbed, almond oil is ideal for all hair types. Almond oil contains fatty acids with double bonds that shield against UV damage. It softens and moisturizes dry hair as an emollient. Additionally, it boosts hair elasticity by filling gaps between cuticle cells (Image: Canva)Castor oil: Castor oil offers multiple hair care benefits. Its moisturising effect, attributed to ricinoleic acid, hydrates the hair. The oil's fatty acids deeply nourish the hair follicle. As per a study in NIH, the ricin and ricinoleic acid in castor oil provide germicidal and fungicidal properties, protecting against infections. In androgenetic alopecia, ricinoleic acid may promote hair growth by inhibiting prostaglandin D2 synthase (Image: Canva)Avocado oil: It is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that nourish and hydrate the hair. It helps repair damage, smooth frizz, and promote shine. Research indicates that avocado oil can penetrate the hair shaft and strengthen the strands from within (Image: Canva)Amla oil: It possess antifungal properties against various fungi, attributed to unsaturated C18 fatty acids. It contains antioxidants like Vitamin C, gallic acid, ellagic acid, and tannins, which absorb reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus potentially preventing graying of hair. Additionally, it demonstrates potent antibacterial activity against various bacteria (Image: Canva)Rosemary oil: This oil helps improve blood circulation to the scalp, and may also promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. Studies have shown that rosemary oil can help increase hair thickness and density (Image: Canva)
2024-04-23T10:39:30Z
Best exercises: 7 short but effective routines to reach your fitness goals even with a busy schedule
You might argue that your life is too hectic to fit in exercise, but remember, excuses will not get you far. Prioritising your health is essential, as they say, "health is wealth" for a reason. Spoorthi S, Fitness Expert at Cult shares some quick workouts that are designed especially for you if you are juggling the rigors of a busy lifestyle. "These exercises provide doable ways to maintain an active and motivated lifestyle even in the middle of the workday," says the expert (Image: Canva)Walking: Probably the easiest yet least appreciated type of exercise, the best thing about walking is that it does not take a lot of time, only requires minimal equipment, and can be done almost anywhere. Moreover, walking can be a great way to improve your cardiovascular health and reduce stress. Take a brisk walk during your lunch break or a stroll around the neighborhood after dinner (Image: Canva)HIIT (High-intensity interval training): Perfect for busy schedules, it involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief rest periods. These workouts are super effective and keep burning calories even after you are done, thanks to the "afterburn" effect (Image: Canva)Stretching: The simple act of stretching often gets overlooked. However, it is really important for staying flexible and avoiding injuries, especially if you tend to sit a lot. You can stretch almost anywhere – on the couch, at your desk, or while waiting for the kettle to boil. Even just a little bit of stretching each day can help reduce stress, fix your posture, and make you feel better (Image: Canva)Tabata: In just four minutes, Tabata delivers maximum results with 20 seconds of intense exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated for eight rounds. It torches calories, boosts metabolism, and improves cardiovascular fitness, making it perfect for your busy days (Image Canva)Mobility workouts: Your body can suffer from spending a lot of time standing or stooping over a desk. A quick mobility exercise session, lasting 15 to 20 minutes, can significantly reduce the aches and pains that come with leading a busy lifestyle. To increase the range of motion and lessen pain, concentrate on exercises that target the hips, shoulders, and spine; areas that are prone to stiffness (Image: Canva)Running: Put on your shoes and head outside, or onto the treadmill if you have to. Running is a great way to fit in a cardio exercise, even if you only have 20 or 60 minutes to spare. It not only increases heart rate and blood flow, but it also releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones that can improve mood and reduce stress (Image: Unsplash)Full body: A full-body bodyweight workout is your best bet when you are pressed for time. These exercises use only your body weight as resistance to work all of the major muscle groups. Consider exercises like planks, lunges, squats, and push-ups that are all done in a circuit to increase efficiency. They not only increase strength and burn calories, but they also enhance functional fitness, which makes completing daily tasks simpler (Image: Canva)
2024-05-06T09:28:59Z
Keep your gut healthy with these summer drinks: From kombucha to kefir, ginger lemon iced tea, coconut water and more
Summer brings with it an array of delightful and refreshing beverages that not only quench your thirst but also support your gut health. Imagine stepping into a world of fizzy teas, creamy elixirs, and vibrant blends, each crafted to nurture your body from within. These drinks are not just ordinary thirst quenchers; they are a symphony of flavors and health benefits that cater to your digestive wellness. Let’s take a look at some of the coolest drinks that can not only taste delicious but is also magical for your gut health and easy digestion (Image: Canva)Kombucha: An ancient drink, kombucha is filled with good bacteria called probiotics, which are important for a healthy gut, says nutritionist Radhika Arora of HealthyEating. It's a fizzy tea that comes in many tasty flavours, like fruity or tangy.Kefir: Packed with good bacteria called probiotics, kefir is made from dairy. Its smooth texture and slightly tangy taste make it a yummy summer drink. You can drink it plain or mix it with fruits, says Arora. When you sip on kefir, you're not just enjoying a tasty treat—you're also giving your gut the good bacteria it needs to stay healthy and balanced (Image: Canva)Lemon Ginger Iced Tea: This cool drink isn't just for summer refreshment; it's secretly good for your digestion too. Lemon and ginger are well-known for helping with digestion. When you drink this tea, your stomach feels soothed and your digestion gets a little help, giving your gut a gentle boost each time you take a sip (Image: Canva)Coconut water: This one isn't just a refreshing drink for hot days but is also full of prebiotics. These are like food for the good bacteria in your gut, helping them grow and stay healthy. Coconut water is also rich in electrolytes, which are great for when you need to replace fluids on a really hot summer day. (Image: Canva)Water Kefir: It is like regular kefir but made with water instead of milk. It's packed with helpful bacteria that are good for your gut. You can make it even tastier by adding fruits like berries or citrus. This yummy drink gives your gut a boost of probiotics to keep it healthy and balanced (Image: Canva)Green smoothies: This green smoothie is packed with things that are good for your gut. When you add a spoonful of yogurt or kefir, it makes it even better for your gut. The fiber from the greens and fruits helps your digestion work well, and the probiotics from the yogurt or kefir keep your gut healthy. It's a tasty way to take care of your tummy (Image: Canva)Aloe Vera Juice: Famous for its soothing and healing abilities, aloe vera juice is a gentle tonic for both your body and your gut. When you mix it with lemon, which is good for digestion, and a touch of honey for sweetness, aloe vera juice becomes a refreshing drink that helps to calm the stomach and keep your digestion feeling good. It's a gentle and refreshing way to support your gut health (Image: Canva)
2024-04-17T07:43:53Z
