Nov 30

Nutritionist shares 12 everyday habits that slow down your metabolism: Don’t skip protein at breakfast and overexercise

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Learn about 12 everyday habits that can hurt your metabolism, such as not eating breakfast, getting too little protein, and exercising too much. People often work hard during workouts, pushing themselves to build our bodies, burn fat, and feel good. However, there’s a hidden truth: overdoing workouts can hurt your metabolism more than you realise. Many of us blame a slow metabolism on age, genetics, or hormones, but the real problems may often come from our daily habits. “Metabolism is not something you can simply turn on or off. It follows a rhythm that depends on how you eat, exercise, sleep, and recover,” nutritionist and metabolic health coach Madhavi Shilpi tells Health Shots. When this rhythm is disturbed, it can affect your energy levels and hunger signals.   Habits that may affect metabolism The following habits that might hurt your metabolism show the need for a balanced approach, especially with exercise, suggests the expert:   1. Skipping protein at breakfast Many people start their day with a light breakfast, such as toast or sugary cereal. These foods can spike blood sugar levels. Skipping protein in the morning can lead to cravings and tiredness later. “Protein helps keep blood sugar steady […]
Nov 27

8 Winter fruits that can naturally improve immunity

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As winter’s chill arrives, boosting your immunity is key to warding off seasonal ailments. Beyond warm drinks, incorporating specific fruits can significantly enhance your health. Discover how apples, berries, citrus, pomegranates, kiwi, bananas, grapes, and guava, rich in vitamins and antioxidants, can naturally strengthen your body and keep you vibrant throughout the colder months. Winters call for a strong immunity, as with the onset of winters it is also the time, when several seasonal ailments like cold, cough, fever and infections are on the rise! Most people switch to warm drinks, dairy products or increase their protein intake to stay warm, but are these foods enough to keep you healthy, hydrated and warm? Well, our body needs a lot more than these foods to sustain the weather conditions, and just by adding a few seasonal fruits you can revive your fitness game that too without putting in much efforts. So, follow us through some simple fruits that are nutritious as well as delightful.   Apples Apples are rich in dietary fiber such as pectin, which helps in improving digestive health and helps in better blood sugar regulation. Apples are also loaded with vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function, […]
Nov 24

Dietician shares 3 low glycemic breakfast options to keep blood sugar levels stable

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Looking for healthy breakfast? Find out these options that ensure your first meal of the day keeps your blood sugar stable. Breakfast is often touted as the most important meal of the day. It is the first meal you eat after an overnight fast, as you sleep. The right breakfast will help to stabilise your blood sugar level, avoiding sudden blood sugar spikes. To understand what the correct breakfast choices should be, HT Lifestyle reached out to Prerana Solanki, a registered clinical dietitian and nutritionist, who consults at Practo. She revealed the key is to choose meals which are low on the glycemic index. “ Choosing foods with a low glycaemic index (GI) ensures slower glucose release, reducing sugar spikes and promoting sustained energy,” she said. For the uninformed glycemic index, as per Harvard Health, is a numeric score which indicates how rapidly a food increases blood sugar level. The foods are ranked on a scale of 0 to 100. A low glycemic score means the food raises blood sugar slowly, while a high glycemic score is for foods which rapidly increase blood sugar, which is harmful.   Why is it important to begin with low-glycemic breakfast? If you start […]
Nov 23

Want to improve your health? These five simple daily fixes will change your life

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In this day and age, remaining fit is not easy. Here are five easy habits for you to improve your health. A healthy lifestyle is the need of the time. With pollution and unhealthy food becoming commonplace and sedentary lifestyles reaching unprecedented levels, managing to stay fit has become a challenge for most people, both in developed and developing societies. The increasing expenditure on healthcare and the growing business of pharmaceuticals are testaments to the unhealthy habits that are creeping into society. At a time like this, it is worth looking at some simple lifestyle decisions that can have a profound impact on a person’s health. Harvard Health Publishing lists five simple means of improving one’s health in a September 24, 2025, report. These tricks are easy to implement in one’s life and far-reaching in their results. Let us look at these five things in detail.   Mindfulness It is now well established that mind and body are linked inextricably, and an impact on one is bound to affect the other too. Practicing mindfulness is a great way to improve one’s health. Constant worry about the future can give rise to stress and anxiety. Just being in the moment and […]
Nov 21

Sleep vs Naps: Which improves productivity more?

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Both full-night sleep and strategic naps can boost productivity, but they work in completely different ways. Here’s which one gives you the bigger advantage and when. In an always-on world, productivity has become a daily battle between energy levels, mental clarity, and the pressure to stay “switched on.” Many swear by power naps, while others argue that nothing replaces a full night’s sleep. Science agrees with both, but in different contexts. Understanding how sleep and naps affect your brain can help you decide which one truly elevates your performance.   THE SCIENCE OF SLEEP AND PRODUCTIVITY A full night’s sleep is the foundation of cognitive performance. During sleep, your brain goes through multiple cycles of REM and deep sleep, which: Consolidate memory Boost creativity Improve decision-making Restore emotional stability Repair neurons for next-day focus   When you skimp on sleep, productivity crashes, even if you nap.   HOW NAPS IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY Naps don’t replace sleep, but they can supercharge your day.   1. Instant Boost in Alertness A 10–20 minute nap can rapidly improve reaction time and focus. It’s ideal when: You’re feeling sluggish You’re preparing for a meeting You need a late-day recharge   2. Better Mood and Stress […]
Nov 18

Hot water vs cold water: Which is healthier to drink?

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Hot and cold water both offer distinct health benefits depending on your needs. Choosing the right temperature can aid digestion, energy, or hydration effectively. Water is essential for life. It keeps our body hydrated, supports digestion, regulates temperature, and helps flush out toxins. But one question always sparks debate: should you drink hot water or cold water? Both have their own benefits and ideal times for consumption. Let’s explore which one truly works better for your health.   BENEFITS OF DRINKING HOT WATER Hot water, typically between 120°F and 140°F, has long been used in traditional wellness practices like Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. Drinking warm water, especially in the morning, can gently awaken your digestive system and promote detoxification.   1. Aids Digestion Warm water helps break down food more effectively and stimulates the digestive tract. It can relieve constipation and reduce bloating when consumed regularly.   2. Detoxifies the Body Hot water increases body temperature, leading to sweating, which helps remove toxins and improve circulation.   3. Relieves Nasal Congestion Inhaling steam from warm water or sipping it slowly can ease nasal blockage and soothe a sore throat a common remedy during cold and flu season.   4. Promotes […]
Nov 15

Ways older people can improve their balance

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These are six ways in which aged people can improve their balance. As we age, our balance and coordination naturally decline, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Here are six effective ways older adults can enhance their balance and maintain independence and confidence in daily life. Practice Balance Exercises Daily: Simple exercises like standing on one foot, heel-to-toe walking, or Tai Chi can strengthen stabilizing muscles and improve overall body control. Check Vision and Hearing Regularly: Poor eyesight or hearing can affect spatial awareness. Regular check-ups and corrective lenses or hearing aids can help older adults stay steady on their feet. Wear Proper Footwear: Supportive, non slip shoes provide stability and prevent missteps. Avoid loose slippers or high heels that can increase fall risk. Create a Safe Home Environment: Remove tripping hazards, install grab bars in bathrooms, and ensure adequate lighting, small changes can make a big difference in preventing falls. Strengthen Core and Leg Muscles: Strong core and leg muscles are key for balance. Try squats, seated leg lifts, or gentle yoga poses like the tree pose to build stability and support posture. Maintain Vitamin D and Calcium Levels: Nutrients like vitamin D and calcium support bone strength […]
Nov 13

Pink vs white guava: Which is better for diabetics?

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Eating the whole guava with skin (after washing thoroughly) maximizes fibre intake and prolongs post-meal satiety, reducing unhealthy snacking tendencies. Guava, often called a “diabetic-friendly fruit,” is rich in dietary fibre, vitamin C, antioxidants, and low in glycemic index — making it ideal for maintaining stable blood sugar levels. The seeds of the fruit, generally found in shades of either pink or white, also add fibre, which supports gut health. But in case you are wondering which one’s better for you, we have got you covered. Edwina Raj, Head of Services – Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, said both pink and white guavas are healthy and important for overall nutrition. “The pink guava is rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which helps protect the heart and reduces the risk of cancer. It also has more vitamin A, which gives the fruit its bright colour. Its white cousin, on the other hand, contains more vitamin C and fibre, which help boost immunity and improve digestion,” mentioned Raj. Dr Rashi Agrawal, Consultant, Endocrinology, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai, told indianexpress.com that both pink and white guava have exceptional nutritional and metabolic benefits, even though they differ slightly in nutrient […]
Nov 10

Green tea vs black tea: Which boosts metabolism more?

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Green tea enhances metabolism more effectively than black tea due to higher catechin levels. Both teas provide distinct health advantages, making them ideal for alternating daily consumption.   For centuries, both green and black tea have been celebrated for their health benefits from improving alertness to aiding digestion. But when it comes to metabolism and fat burning, which brew truly comes out on top?   SAME PLANT, DIFFERENT JOURNEY Both green and black tea come from the same plant Camellia sinensis, but differ in how they’re processed. Green tea leaves are quickly steamed or pan-fried after picking, helping them retain their natural antioxidants. Black tea, on the other hand, is fully fermented, giving it a stronger flavor and darker color, but slightly fewer antioxidant compounds.   HOW GREEN TEA FIRES UP YOUR METABOLISM Green tea is rich in catechins, especially EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a powerful compound linked to improved fat oxidation. Studies show that these catechins, when combined with caffeine, enhance thermogenesis your body’s ability to burn calories for energy. In simpler terms, sipping green tea regularly can help your body burn more fat, especially during workouts or when paired with a healthy diet. It’s no surprise that green tea […]
Nov 07

California gastroenterologist shares top 5 fiber-rich foods for a happy gut… including a superfruit

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Boost your gut health with the help of fiber-rich foods which improve gut motility, gut microbiome and reduce hunger pangs. Fibre is one of the top nutrients that is frequently mentioned in wellness circles in the context of gut health. A study published in January 2025 revealed how the gut microbiome fights off infections, and fibre is instrumental in supporting good bacteria’s growth. According to another study, fibre also helps to reduce cancer risks. Usually, there are two categories of fibre: soluble and insoluble. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, in a May 2024 report, explained the differences between soluble and insoluble fibre. While soluble fibre dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance in the stomach to slow down digestion, control blood sugar and cholesterol, insulin fibre remains whole and passes through the stomach without dissolving. California-based gastroenterologist Dr Pal Manickam shared about the various sources of fibre, along with the fibre content of each. Much like how there’s a recommended protein intake amount daily, fibre also has one. University of California, San Francisco Health stated in a report that the total dietary fibre intake should ideally be 25 to 30 grams daily. This fibre count is exclusive of […]
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