HEALTH - Page 23

Abelmoschus esculentus, or okra as it’s more commonly known, is a vegetable widely used in many cuisines worldwide. The long and slender pods are often cooked in stews, curries, and soups but can also be eaten raw or pickled. Okra is considered a healthy vegetable due to its rich nutritional profile. It contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, riboflavin, folate, calcium, potassium, and fiber. A cup of boiled okra provides about 50% of your daily value of fiber.

The onion is a staple ingredient found in most cuisines worldwide. It is a popular vegetable due to its unique flavor and nutritious content. Although some may dislike its pungent taste and acrid scent, consuming raw onion has numerous benefits. It enhances overall health by increasing immunity, reducing heart problems, and protecting against cancer. Onions contain organic sulfur compounds, giving them a distinctive smell and sharp taste. They are rich in quercetin, kaempferol, and other flavonoids, which help in the

We’ve all had that uncomfortable feeling of a stomach ache from time to time, but when it becomes an issue that disrupts your day-to-day life, you may need to seek medical help. Chronic indigestion, or functional dyspepsia, is a digestive disorder characterized by recurring or persistent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen. It can also involve symptoms such as bloating, nausea, early satiety (feeling fullness after eating), and a sensation of pressure in the abdominal area. The exact cause

Fenugreek (Methi) is a plant commonly used as a culinary spice and herbal medicine. Its seeds taste slightly bitter and are often used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisines. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and manganese. Moreover, the leaves and sprouts of this plant are also known to have several health benefits. Drinking methi water, a healthy beverage prepared by soaking fenugreek in water, is believed to have several health benefits. It helps

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a global health problem. It includes any disorder of the heart and blood vessels that supply the heart, brain, and other body parts with oxygen. This group of disorders includes coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease, and other conditions. It is a significant cause of death and disability worldwide, accounting for about 32% of deaths yearly. CVD is often a slow and progressive disease but can also strike suddenly. The latter is known as

Although the most apparent pregnancy symptoms are a missed period, nausea, and a growing tummy, some women do not experience them all. Other signs of early pregnancy that might go unnoticed include a metallic taste in your mouth or extra saliva, a more acute sense of smell, and food aversions. These symptoms are due to the massive hormonal changes in early pregnancy. One of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy is light spotting. This is known as implantation bleeding and occurs

A health expert has warned that the next pandemic is ‘already on the way’ and could kill 50 million people. Kate Bingham, who served as the chair of the UK’s Vaccine Taskforce from May to December 2020, believes that the world will see a new virus far deadlier than the coronavirus that killed at least 2.5 million people. She is particularly concerned that the next pandemic could be triggered by a virus that is already known but is unidentified. She

Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is a crucial part of managing diabetes. If left uncontrolled, diabetes can contribute to some severe complications. A combination of a balanced diet, regular physical activity and mindful choices play an important role in maintaining your health. However, many make small mistakes unknowingly on a day-to-day basis that can worsen your blood sugar levels. Some of the most common errors are listed below: Not Keeping Track of Carbohydrates Counting carbohydrates is essential for diabetics. This

Cognitive decline is a natural part of the aging process, although the rate and extent of decline can vary among individuals. Several factors contribute to this decrease in cognitive health with age, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. In addition, some people are more prone to brain-related health issues, such as Alzheimer’s. In many cases, cognitive decline results from a combination of these factors, and the most effective way to reduce the effects is by making healthy choices in all

Gout can be triggered by eating high-purine foods like red meat, organ meats, shellfish, and alcohol. When these high-purine foods are digested, they break down into uric acid. Uric acid is usually filtered out of the body by the kidneys and excreted through urine. However, high uric acid levels can lead to the formation of urate crystals, which can be deposited into joints, causing a painful health issue known as gout (1). A gout treatment plan aims to reduce uric