Category Archives: Diet And Food

A new analysis of 121 diet studies, examining the diets of over 21,000 people, found evidence to support something many experts have been saying for years: that strict diets don't work in the long-term.

In the paper, published in the British Medical Journal, the authors concluded that many of the 14 diets they examined resulted in improved blood pressure and an average weight loss of 10 pounds at six months.

But after a year of starting the diet, most of those weight loss benefits were gone and their lowered heart disease risk was back to where it had been except for those adhering to the Mediterranean diet.

"The message is fairly clear," study author Gordan Guyatt, a professor at McMaster University, told Insider. "It doesn't really matter what diet you choose, the weight loss you will get is not very different. Diets, for most people, generally do not work. "

Some 69% of the 21,942 participants were women, with an average age of 49, with diets that lasted about six and a half months. Many of their diets were branded, like Weight Watchers to South Beach, while others were trend-based, like low fat or paleo diets.

"Lowering your blood pressure or your bad cholesterol, for a period of time, say six months, is not going to make any long term difference if it goes back up again," said Guyatt. "You have to have blood pressure and lipid lowering for years before it's really going to lower your risk of bad events like strokes and heart attacks."

Obesity levels worldwide have tripled since 1975. In tandem, America's diet industry has ballooned into a $72 billion behemoth, promising silver-bullet solutions to weight gain or persistent excess weight, without communicating the complexity of the matter.

"The study is reaffirming what we already knew," said Caroline Apovian, director of the Nutrition and Weight Management Center at Boston Medical Center. "It just adds to the evidence. It gives us reassurance with almost 22,000 patients that, yes, what we thought is actually the case."

Apovian pointed out that the study didn't tease out differences between the different diets as much as it could have, and that, given the study was an analysis of other studies, the authors had no way of examining if the participants actually ate what they said they ate.

She added that the Mediterranean diet emerged with a moderate victory in the study, as participants who did that omega-3-heavy diet seemed to retain a lowered risk of heart disease at the 12-month mark, unlike all the other diets.

Guyatt told Insider he couldn't offer any advice to people concerned about maintaining their weight.

"There is some evidence that is consistent with our results that we have genetic presets for a particular weight, at least in environments where we can get as much to eat as we want," he said. "There's nothing that we can confidently recommend people when it comes to diets. People must look to their own psychology and friends and family, knowing that it's going to be difficult."

For people who have difficulty sticking to their diets and, according to the existing research, that's most people Guyatt says they should take comfort in the notion that they are not alone.

"If it helps you feel less defeated when you can't keep the weight off to know that other people have exactly the same experience, then that is a good thing," said Guyatt. "I don't think we know what a healthy diet is. So picking something that feels healthy and satisfying is probably the best you can do at this point."

Read more:

'Intuitive eating' is on the rise, and experts say it's because people are fed up with diet culture

A former 'Biggest Loser' contestant became an obesity doctor. She says TV can never fully capture the process of losing weight.

A new kind of weight loss approach helps people deal with self-loathing instead of just ignoring it

The rest is here:
Mediterranean diet is the only diet that works long-term, study finds - Insider - INSIDER

Americans' news consumption habits are deeply polarized. Liberals tend to use a certain set of news sources; conservatives, another set. A recent series of Gallup/Knight Foundation surveys, including interviews with more than 13,500 U.S. adults, finds that polarized news media habits seem to have an independent effect on the way Americans view the news media.

News consumption diet -- the top news sources people use -- is strongly related to opinions about the news media. Only 3% of Americans with a conservative news diet have a "very favorable" or "favorable" opinion of the media, compared with 56% of those with a liberal news diet and 34% with a mixed news diet. For more information on how Gallup categorizes news diets, see the online appendix (PDF download).

A similar relationship exists between news diet and trust in national news organizations, suggesting that favorability of the news media and trust in national news organizations measure the same underlying attitudes. Meanwhile, 27% of those with a conservative news diet express "a great deal" or "quite a lot" of trust in local news organizations, but many more with a mixed (48%) or liberal news diet (56%) say the same.

Another important predictor of media favorability and trust in news organizations is the amount of attention people pay to the news. Heavy news consumers -- those who pay "a great deal" of attention to local, national or international news -- are twice as likely as less engaged news consumers to have a "very favorable" or "favorable" opinion of the media (45% vs. 21%, respectively). Similarly, 54% of heavy news consumers express "a great deal" or "quite a lot" of trust in local news organizations, while 35% of those who pay less attention say the same.

Yet, the effect of heavy news consumption does not increase favorability toward the media or trust in news organizations equally across the various news diets, according to a statistical analysis that accounts for the effects of several demographic and attitudinal characteristics like partisanship and ideology.

The following chart shows the estimated favorability toward the media that a U.S. adult who is moderate and independent would have, based on news diet. As above, such an individual would hold a less favorable opinion of the media if they have a conservative news diet. Importantly, favorability toward the media slightly decreases if this individual has a conservative news diet and is a heavy news consumer rather than a less engaged consumer. In contrast, this same individual will hold a more favorable view toward the media if they consume a mixed or liberal news diet -- and this is even more the case if they are a heavy consumer of news.

Views of local news organizations reveal a similar pattern. Regardless of how much news this hypothetical moderate independent consumes, their trust in local news organizations will be roughly the same if they consume a conservative news diet. In contrast, this person's trust will increase if they are a heavy consumer of news with a mixed or liberal news diet, compared with a less engaged news consumer with the same mixed or liberal news diet.

A strictly conservative news diet appears to suppress the greater trust in local news organizations that often accompanies heavy news consumption. Perceived bias -- an important driver for distrust in news sources -- may partly account for why those in a conservative news ecosystem exhibit less trust in local media organizations. Six in 10 Americans with a conservative news diet say local news organizations in their area lean liberal, whereas 35% of those with a liberal news diet say these news organizations lean conservative.1

Other studies have found a connection between a conservative news diet and low media trust, specifically involving a link between conservative talk radio exposure and low media trust. These results also suggest that the general skepticism Americans with a conservative news diet hold toward the national news media might be seeping into attitudes of trust in local news organizations.

The relationships described above are not causal evidence that a conservative news media diet reduces trust in news organizations. A third factor, which is unknown or not easily measured, could be related to both trust in the media and media consumption habits, and could account for the difference between those two factors.

Alternatively, the causal relationship may go in the other direction. Americans choose to get news from some sources and not others partly because the portrayal of events and topics align with their preexisting attitudes and beliefs. Non-experimental survey data that capture attitudes and self-reported behaviors cannot rule out these alternative explanations.

To explore the causal effect of news consumption habits, Gallup, in partnership with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, will launch an online experimental platform called NewsLens. This news aggregator website will capture users' news consumption habits by tracking what articles they read, like, share and rate. These actions are complemented by surveys on the platform that capture opinions about the media and policy issues. In this way, NewsLens will advance knowledge about how media consumption habits shape attitudes and behaviors.

Polarized news consumption habits lead to a split-screen phenomenon, in which Americans are exposed to different narratives of the same events, based on the information sources they use. These narratives can influence people's opinions, beliefs and behaviors. Previous studies demonstrate the effect media exposure can have on important matters like voting intention, voter turnout and increased political engagement.

Similarly, consumption of certain news sources is related to trust in news organizations. Democrats tend to occupy an information ecosystem that reinforces their general trust of the news media, while Republicans inhabit one that amplifies their general distrust. These information pipelines create additional barriers to forming a common, fact-based narrative when interpreting important events.

[1] This relationship between news diet and perceived bias of local news organizations remains significant at p<.05 level after controlling for salient covariates like partisanship and ideology.

Learn more about classifications of Americans' news diets (PDF download).

Read more:
Does News Diet Influence Views Toward the News Media? - Gallup

Consuming a Mediterranean diet may lead to higher cognitive function, according to a recently published study.

Researchers at the National Eye Institute (NEI), which is part of the National Institutes of Health, led the analysis of data from two major eye disease studies the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) and AREDS2.

The results of the new study were published in Alzheimers and Dementia: the Journal of the Alzheimers Association.

The Mediterranean diet is high in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, legumes, fish and olive oil. It also emphasizes lessening the consumption of alcohol.

In addition to the diet possibly boosting cognitive function, it may also contribute to slowing cognitive decline.

Over the course of several years, both age-related eye disease studies evaluated the effect of vitamins on age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an eye disease that causes vision loss. While AREDS featured patients with and without AMD, AREDS2 had only participants with AMD. Both studies had 4,000 participants.

In the beginning of each study, researchers evaluated participants for diet. While the AREDS study tested participants cognitive function at five years, the AREDS2 study tested cognitive function in participants at baseline and again at intervals of two, four, and 10 years. Researchers evaluated participants diet with a variety of tests. They also had participants fill out a questionnaire that asked for their average consumption of each component of the Mediterranean diet over the past year.

The results showed that participants who adhered most closely to the Mediterranean diet had the lowest risk of cognitive impairment. It appeared that consuming high amounts of fish and vegetables had the greatest positive effect. Researchers also found that after 10 years, ARED2 participants who consumed the highest rate of fish had the slowest rate of cognitive decline. Cognitive function scores showed that individuals likely wont see a difference in daily function. However, the effects show that cognition and neutral health depend on diet at a population level, the study said.

Additionally, the study showed similar benefits of consuming a Mediterranean diet for people with and without the ApoE gene, which puts them at risk for Alzheimers. That shows the effects of diet on cognition are independent of a genetic Alzheimers risk.

We do not always pay attention to our diets. We need to explore how nutrition affects the brain and the eye said Emily Chew, M.D., director of the NEI Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications and lead author of the studies.

Read more from the original source:
Study: Mediterranean diet may lead to enhanced cognitive function - Greater Milwaukee Today

Im a student preparing for an entrance examination. Over the past two weeks, I have been feeling exhausted, with body pain in the legs, shoulder and neck. What foods can I eat to help me?

The stress of studying, along with long hours of sitting, can result in body pain and loss of energy. This can get worse if you live in a city with high humidity or during rainy weather. To combat this, focus on magnesium-rich foods that can reduce muscle fatigue and even serve as natural muscle relaxants, such as pumpkin seeds (1 tbsp), rajma, chana, peanuts and coconut water. Aim to walk and stretch one minute for every 30 minutes you are sitting, to reduce the pain. Watch out for incorrect sitting posture while studying.

I am from Lucknow and have recently shifted to Delhi. I live alone in a rented house and have a very hectic study schedule and an erratic eating pattern. Over the last six months, I have had severe hairfall. Could my diet be causing this problem?

Various factors can trigger hairfall, which include a nutrient-deficient diet, stress, and water quality. Heres a list of nutrients with their sources that can help in reversing excessive hairfall:

Vitamin A: It helps in hair cell growth. Include pumpkin, carrots, sweet potato, spinach, milk or yoghurt.

Vitamin C: It helps in making collagen an important part of hair structure, and helps in iron absorption, a mineral necessary for good hair. Get your daily dose from amla, lemon, bell peppers, guava or strawberries.

Biotin: Best-known vitamins for hair growth can be easily found in almonds, cauliflower, mushrooms, eggs and wheat bran.

Iron: An iron deficiency can accelerate hair loss. Get it in roasted chana, amaranth chikki or laddoo, peas, rajma, chickpeas and cashews.

Zinc: It plays an important role in hair tissue growth and repair. Load up on dals, dalia and pumpkin seeds to get adequate amounts.

Protein: No matter how many vitamins and minerals you are able to get, unless youre eating enough protein you cannot combat hairfall. Hair is made of protein, and to get enough raw material you must choose at least three different proteins to include in your daily diet: yoghurt, milk, egg, lentils, chicken, fish, or paneer.

Lovneet Batra is a nutritionist, a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, USA; lecturer at IHM Pusa; a consultant to the Sports Authority of India, having counselled the Indian boxing, gymnastics, cycling and archery teams; and a consultant at Fortis La Femme Hospital, Delhi

Nothing in this column is intended to be, and is not, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek independent advice from a licensed practitioner if you have any questions regarding a medical condition. Email us your questions at mp_health@thehindu.co.in

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What diet will help me reduce hairfall? - The Hindu

Jessica Alba has a secret to staying so fit without making extreme sacrifices, starving, or suffering through a craving to treat herself. She follows the Fab Four diet, designed by her nutritionist Kelly LeVeque, author of Body Love: Live in Balance, Weigh What You Want, and Free Yourself from Food Drama Forever. The principles are quite simple: it consists of eating anything as long as the meal contains a balance of four food types: protein, fat, fiber and vegetables.

The foundation of this method is that the Fab Four are elements that elongate your blood sugar curve and therefore reduce that anxiety-inducing, urgent sense of hunger that causes to you satisfy cravings at any time of the day or night. The diets equilibrium also offers nutritional and hormonal balance to help your body stay healthy.

The actress, who is also a mother and an entrepreneur, turned to a nutritionist because she felt tired and suspected that not getting enough sleep wasnt the only issue. In an interview with Well + Good, celebrity health and wellness consultant Kellyrevealed that when she reviewed Jessicas typical daily diet, she discovered that the star sometimes skipped breakfast and had eliminated sugar, leading her to crave carbs during the day. The nutritionist therefore recommended the celebrity start her day with a power-packed smoothie, for example one made with a handful of greens, banana, chia seeds, almond milk and almond butter.

More:
This is the fab diet Jessica Alba follows it allows you to eat anything! - HOLA! USA

Rumors surrounding North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's ill heath have intensified after media reports suggest that he has died or is in a vegetative state following heart surgery.

CNN firstreported that Kim is in "grave danger" following a heart surgery according to a US official who also said that the country is closely monitoring the situation. A later report from a Japanese magazine statedthat the North Korean leader was in a "vegetative state". Further unconfirmedreports emerged that Kim had died this week.

Reports also emerged of North Korea's closest ally, China, sending medics to the country to "advise on" the North Korean dictator's health. The 36-year-old leader's condition remains a mystery as North Korea is one of the world's most secretive states.

However, experts have long been warning about Kim's diet and eating habits. Kim has been known to be a chain smoker and has been seen puffing away on cigarettes in public appearances, as well as on the sidelines of summits with US President Donald Trump.

Personal chef to Kim's father, Kim Jong-il for 13 years, Kenji Fujimoto had spoken to the Daily Mail in 2015 about the dictator's extravagant and luxurious eating habits. The chef used a fake name out of concern for his safety.

He told the publication, "I used to make sushi for the General (Jong-il) at least once a week and Jong-un always joined the dinner. So I could say Jong-un liked sushi."

Kim also reportedly had a fondness for champagne as Fujimoto revealed that the North Korean leader's favorite was Cristal and that he would finish "usually about two bottles [in a sitting]." The leader also reportedly drank "10 bottles of Bordeaux" during a meal.

In 2012, Fujimoto attended an extravagant banquet in North Korea on a personal invitation from Kim. The banquet served up delicacies such as Kobe beef steaks and shark fin soup. On the occasion, Fujimoto said, "I was so drunk when I visited North Korea in 2012 and when I woke up, I was in my bed, so I don't remember what was on the table well."

Reports also suggest that the leader's massive weight gain since he took the position as the Supreme Leader could be accounted to his love for Emmental cheese. The UK's Metro claimed in 2014 that Kim had vanished from the public eye due to his love for cheese and alcohol which reportedly caused gout.

According to the Metro's report, Kim likely picked up a taste for Emmental cheese during his education in Switzerland. Made from whole cow's milk and is not low in fat content. Reportedly, in 2014, Pyongyang officials visited a French dairy college in an attempt to secure more fine cheeses for their country.

Ermanno Furlanis, an Italian chef recruited to make pizza for the regime in 1997 as North Korea, also spoke to Daily Mail, saying that Kim Jong-Un's father, Kim Jong-Il was a "maniac" for food and that his interest in food was "not normal."

Furlanis added that Kim may have inherited his father's taste for meat, saying, "They loved so much the meat, the salami, the prosciutto, the ham." He further explained, "In North Korea, they are very fond of bulgogi (Korean-style marinated beef), and we know that meat is not healthy if you eat too much."

Kim Jong-il died of a heart attack in December 2011. According to the Daily Mail, the elder Kim was obsessed with luxury food and drink and would often send Fujimoto on missions to retrieve the finest ingredients from around the world, such as Uzbek caviar and Czech beer.

Though Kim Jong-Il lived to the age of 69, his son's penchant for smoking may have resulted in poorer health. According to reports, Kim prefers French designer cigarettes. The Yves Saint Laurent variety that he prefers sell for $44 per pack and the accompanying leather case to carry them in costs $165.

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Kim Jong-Un's poor health could be a result of his diet that included lots of cheese, meat and alcohol - MEAWW

Celebrity Weight Loss Diet: 5 weight-loss friendly meals film stars swear by Last updated on - Apr 27, 2020, 08:00 ISTShare fbsharetwsharepinshare01/6Celebs's favourite meals for weight lossWhile trying to lose weight, we look for anything from exercise to foods that could aid in our weight loss regime. Most of the times we have to face disappointment as none of it works efficiently. We always end up eating foods that do more harm than good to our weight, What do film stars eat? They are definitely not starving to get those amazing bodies. With lots of time on their hands during lockdown, these days celebrities are sharing their fitness secrets. Check out these weight loss meals that our Bollywood celebrities like to eat. readmore02/6Malaika AroraA few months back, Malaika Arora revealed how she has turned vegan. In a recently posted video on her social media account, Malaika shared what she was cooking during the lockdown. She has been using her time constructively while staying safe and healthy, she prepared Malabari vegetable stew which is great for improving immunity.readmore03/6Karishma TannaDuring the lockdown, we have come across many food secrets that celebs have shared with us. Karishma Tanna recently posted a video on her social media of a green juice that she prepared herself, "Healthy green juice Have this green juice every day before your breakfast." She used ingredients like cucumber; which cooling properties and aids in weight loss, amla, palak and lemon juice. readmore04/6Alia BhattAlia is a foodie but being apart of the film industry, it is important to keep herself fit. We got a glimpse of Alia Bhatt's diet when she shared a video of herself cooking her favourite foods, one of which is Chia Seed Pudding. Since she loves desserts, chia seed pudding is her favourite dessert that her head chef prepares for her. The high fibre content in chia seed aids weight loss, so you must try it. readmore05/6Shilpa ShettyWe all know that Shilpa Shetty is a fitness enthusiast and wellness influencer. She even has her cooking show in which she shares some amazing recipes that we can make at home. In one of her recent videos, she talked about Sattu and showed us how to prepare a delicious sattu drink. she said, "This healthy protein-enriched and cooling Sattu Drink will keep you hydrated and satiated during the day, especially in times when you are hungry and dont want to have something heavy. It's an energy booster that will also help improve digestion and maintain your weight." readmore06/6Ayushmann KhurranaIn summers, Sattu is a refreshing drink that keeps you hydrated. In a post on his social media account, he said, "Sattu powder mixed with buttermilk is a natural and a potent protein shake. Thanks, @luke_coutinho and @deepika_rathod9 for giving me this valuable recipe for lockdown." While you get the benefits of a protein shake, both sattu and buttermilk are cooling summer beverages. readmore

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5 weight-loss friendly meals film stars swear by - Times of India

According to reports, a fruitarian diet or fruit diet is an entirelyvegan diet. In this diet, one must exclude all animal products, including dairy products. People following this diet must primarily consume a lot of raw fruits. One can also eat vegetables, nuts and dried fruits while following the diet. Heres taking a look at the types of food that one can consume during this diet.

While following this diet one might wonder what to eat. Here is a list of food items that one can consume. As it is known as a fruitarian diet, one can reportedly eat fruits such as apples, bananas, pears, peaches, melon, kiwi, grapes, cherries, blueberries, mangoes, grapefruit, oranges, coconut and many more. One can also have dried fruits such as dried plums, grated coconut, dates, mulberries, apricots and goji berries.

As per reports, Fruitarian consumers can also have fruit vegetables such as avocado, tomato, cucumber, eggplant, olives, pumpkin, pickles and much more. One can also reportedly have nuts and seed items such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, chestnuts and much more.

One can substitute their sugar by having coconut sugar, corn syrup, rice syrup, date syrup and more. And can also consume flavourings such as pepper, salt, cumin, nutmeg, chilli sauce, olive oil, vinegar and much more.

Also read |Deepika Padukone And Ranveer Singh's Healthy Diet Plan Costs A Fortune

While one can eat all of the above, heres taking a look at a few items that one must not consume while they are on a fruit diet. As per reports, one must avoid eating animal products, leafy vegetables, root vegetables, herbs, sprouts, mushrooms, yeast, peanuts. All that contains animal products or parts of plants should not be consumed.

Also read |Fact Check: Warm Water With Lemon Cures COVID-19? Is The Patient Recovery Diet Chart True?

As per reports, a fruit diet is good to maintain for a few days or weeks. On this diet, one must also make sure that that they are getting enough nutrients that the body needs throughout the day. It is also reportedly said that this diet is not good for a long time food plan.

Also read |Benefits Of Curd Which Will Encourage You To Add It To Your Everyday Diet

Also read |What Alaya F Eats In A Day; Check Out Her Breakfast To Dinner Diet Plan

Image courtesy: Unsplash.com

DISCLAIMER | The content provided above is for information purposes only. It is not at all intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Continued here:
Fruitarian diet: What one must consume and refrain from when following this diet? - Republic World - Republic World

In modern times, the COVID-19 pandemic is the most severe public health challenge. India has pulled out all the stops in keeping its people safe. Yet, every citizen needs to play her/his part by adhering to the official directives in ensuring the overall well-being of the nation.

In dealing with this infectious epidemic, considerable discussions have revolved around the human defence mechanisms and the role of vitamins in boosting the same.

Deficiencies and Diseases

Undoubtedly, nutritional deficiency can impair immune functions which are meant to protect against disease or potentially-damaging foreign bodies. Accordingly, maintaining a healthy immune system is critical at all times more so during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Multiple factors weaken immunity, particularly poor diet and malnutrition, stress, lack of sleep, excess alcohol consumption, smoking and similar bad habits. Nonetheless, vitamins can play a key role in optimising immune functions by boosting the bodys defence mechanism and resistance to infection.

Vitamins are essential dietary constituents, which the body requires to function normally. Our bodies do not produce most vitamins, except vitamin D, which are required in small amounts to maintain good health. Therefore, these must be obtained via the food we eat. Together, vitamins and minerals are termed micronutrients because their requirement is minuscule unlike those of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, which are referred to as macronutrients.

Known to influence the immune system, vitamins A, C, D and E have received specific attention in recent years as these boost immune functions. Vitamin A plays a central role in vision, skin, genes, growth and immunity. This vitamin is found as carotenoid a pre-vitamin in many foods such as green leafy vegetables, spinach, broccoli, carrots, pumpkins, melons, mangoes. Carotenoids are converted into active vitamin A in the body. Vitamin As active form is found in liver, egg yolk, butter, whole milk and cheese.

Its deficiency is a major problem in populations subsisting on cereals with limited intake of green leafy vegetables and fruits. Vitamin A deficiency is widespread in India. Its supplementation in preschool children decreases mortality and morbidity from some forms of diarrhoea, measles and malaria by improving immunity.

Dietary Intake and Immunity

Another key one is vitamin D, synthesized by the body with the help of sunlight while some foods are natural sources. These include oily fish, egg yolk, veal and mushrooms. Its deficiency is universal. Even in countries such as India with ample sunshine, it remains deficient. Epidemiological studies show vitamin D deficiency is present in most parts of India and across age, gender and socio-economic groups. The best-known function is in calcium absorption and bone health while its role in supporting immunity is complex. Nonetheless, it improves innate and adaptive immunity while enhancing the pathogen-fighting ability of white blood cells.

Next comes vitamin C, which plays multiple roles synthesizing collagen, absorbing iron, scavenging free radicals and defending against infections and inflammation. Fruits (especially citrus), cabbage-type and green leafy vegetables, lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes, and liver comprise rich sources. Its deficiency can cause scurvy with symptoms such as bleeding gums, bruised skin, fatigue, appetite and weight loss as well as lower resistance to infections. A potent antioxidant, it contributes to immune defence by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system.

Then there is vitamin E naturally available as a group of eight fat-soluble compounds. The liver converts these into alpha-tocopherol the chemical nomenclature for vitamin E. Nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils are among the best sources of alpha-tocopherol. Green leafy vegetables are also rich in vitamin E. It is a potent antioxidant and can modulate immune functions. Although its deficiency is rare, supplementation significantly enhances immune functions, especially in the elderly.

Collectively called micronutrient deficiencies, vitamin and mineral deficiencies are widespread across India. The National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau (NNMB) monitors the populations dietary intake. A series of surveys by NNMB highlight the poor dietary diversity in our population. More than 75% of children and women receive less than 50% of their daily dietary requirement of vitamin A. The recent Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey revealed that barely 6.4% of Indian children below two years received a minimum acceptable dietary intake.

The ideal way to augment vitamin and mineral intake is by diversifying the diet, which is a sustainable, long-term approach. But to quickly boost a persons micronutrient status in the short term, it is best to rely on fortified foods (including home fortification) as well as vitamin and mineral supplements, under the guidance of a doctor or dietician.

The writer is Senior Advisor, Nutrition Tata Trusts

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Covid-19: Proper intake of vitamins and minerals in your diet boosts immunity, heres how - Hindustan Times

Is it true that occasionally following a fasting diet can reduce my risk of heart disease?

Maybe. Researchers aren't sure why, but it seems that regularly fasting severely restricting food and drink for a 24-hour period on one to two days a week can potentially improve your risk factors related to heart health.

It's difficult to tell what effect fasting has on your heart health because many people who routinely fast often do so for health or religious reasons. These people generally tend to not smoke, which also can reduce heart disease risk.

However, at least one study has indicated that people who follow a fasting diet may have better heart health than people who don't. This may be because people who routinely fast show self-control over how many calories they eat and drink, and this behavior may translate into weight control and better eating choices when they aren't fasting.

Regular fasting and better heart health may also be linked to the way your body metabolizes cholesterol and sugar. Regular fasting can decrease your low-density lipoprotein, or "bad" cholesterol. It's also thought that fasting may improve the way your body metabolizes sugar. This can reduce your risk of gaining weight and developing diabetes, which are both risk factors for heart disease.

However there are concerns about the potential side effects of regular fasting for certain people or in specific circumstances:

More study is needed to determine whether regular fasting can reduce your risk of heart disease. Most scientific evidence on fasting comes from animal, not human, studies. The studies that have been done on people are mostly observational, which has the lowest level of scientific evidence.

If you're considering regular fasting, talk to your doctor about the pros and cons. Keep in mind that a heart-healthy diet and exercising regularly also can improve your heart health.

Source: foodandhealth.communications

Continued here:
Eat.Move.Connect Tip: Does a fasting diet reduce my risk of heart disease? - Crow River Media