Heart: Eat These Fruits & Vegetables to Lower Your Cholesterol

Elevated cholesterol is considered a significant risk factor for heart disease. Excess LDL cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol, increases the risk of heart disease by clogging arteries with plaque, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is essential if you wish to reduce your chance of developing heart disease. Thankfully, you can attain healthy cholesterol levels through dietary changes, like eating more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes throughout the day. Continue reading for a list of fruits and vegetables you should include in your diet to improve heart health. Your cholesterol levels will be lowered by these fruits and vegetables: 1. Berries A number of berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and cranberries, are excellent providers of plant compounds, such as heart-healthy nutrients like fiber and flavonoid antioxidants that lower inflammation.2. Eggplant: Although they aren't everyone's favorite vegetable, these deep purple beauties are among the best providers of soluble fiber.3. Avocados Avocados have been linked to several significant benefits, including a reduction in heart disease risk factors like high LDL and low HDL cholesterol. 4. Okra Okra is a highly nutritious vegetable that contains compounds called polysaccharides that have the ability to lower cholesterol. Okra also contains a good amount of fiber, which has a potent cholesterol-lowering effect. 5. Fruits Apples are a popular fruit that are good for your health and can help lower high cholesterol. Apples are a smart choice if you want to keep your blood cholesterol levels in check.6. Broccoli This cruciferous vegetable not only provides fiber but can also take the place of white rice. To make rice-like texture, just pulse or shred in food processor and sauté in a tiny bit of olive oil until tender.In addition to eating a portion of healthy, well-balanced food, leading a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, sound sleep, and stress management can help preserve optimal blood cholesterol levels and overall heart health.  

Should you drink raw turmeric tea first thing in the morning, as chef Shipra Khanna suggests?

The chief dietician at Jindal Naturecure Institute, Sushma PS, noted that while individual preferences and tolerances differ, it's best to speak with a healthcare provider before making major dietary changes.What is your preferred morning routine? With a cup of warm water, a teaspoon of ghee, or an antioxidant tea? Cook Shipra Khanna enjoys a cup of the “golden goodness of raw turmeric tea” to start her mornings. In an Instagram picture, she wrote, "To start my morning with a burst of anti-inflammatory power and a boost for the day ahead."Khanna claims that raw turmeric has a reputation for having possible health advantages. It has the chemical curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. In addition to supporting joint health, boosting immunity, and possibly even preventing cancer, raw turmeric may help reduce inflammation. If you prefer your tea sweet, you can add jaggery or coconut sugar," said Khanna.Chief dietician Sushma PS of Jindal Naturecure Institute agreed with Khanna, stating that curcumin, the main ingredient in raw turmeric, is responsible for many of its well-being advantages. "You can give your body a natural source of support against inflammation in the morning by including raw turmeric into your routine. Inflammation is linked to a number of health issues." Those who are trying to maintain joint health or who are experiencing joint discomfort may find this very helpful, according to Sushma. Furthermore, curcumin's antioxidant qualities might help the body neutralize free radicals, thereby averting cellular damage and promoting general wellbeing. "The benefits of raw turmeric as a morning beverage are enhanced by its immune-boosting properties, which strengthen your body's defense mechanisms," Sushma said.Cook Shipra Khanna enjoys a cup of the “golden goodness of raw turmeric tea” to start her mornings. In an Instagram picture, she wrote, "To start my morning with a burst of anti-inflammatory power and a boost for the day ahead." Khanna claims that raw turmeric has a reputation for having possible health advantages.Furthermore, Sushma stated that additional research is required to establish conclusive data, even if certain studies suggest curcumin may have anti-cancer capabilities. However, adding raw turmeric to your daily regimen can be a proactive move in the direction of bettering your general health, according to Sushma.  

In winter do your ears pop? For this reason

Have you ever had that weird "pop" in your ears when you go outside on a cold winter's day? It's not exclusive to you! Your body is trying to react to a rapid change in air pressure when you feel that popping sensation, and there are a few interesting reasons why it happens more often in the winter.Our ears may pop in the winter due to variations in air pressure, according to Dr. Deepti Sinha, lead consultant in the ENT department at the CK Birla Hospital (R), Delhi.Cold temperatures can cause lower air pressure, especially in small locations like the middle ear. The Eustachian tubes, which equalize the pressure on either side of the eardrum, are impacted by this pressure differential. When these tubes can't regulate pressure, we hear a popping sound in our ears," she said in a conversation with indianexpress.com.Furthermore, Dr. Sinha stated that problems from previous ear infections may contribute to middle ear fluid retention throughout the winter and generate continuous popping and cracking sounds. The environment that seasonal pressure fluctuations and residual fluid create, which increases the risk of ear pops, emphasizes the importance of proper ear care during the colder months.Our ears may pop in the winter due to variations in air pressure, according to Dr. Deepti Sinha, lead consultant in the ENT department at the CK Birla Hospital (R), Delhi. Cold temperatures can cause lower air pressure, especially in small locations like the middle ear.  

Why should you give in to the impulse to urinate?

Maintaining a healthy urinary tract and averting potential consequences requires regular and timely bladder emptying.If we often suppress our urge to urinate when driving or during a crucial meeting, we might not be doing our bodies any favors. According to experts, it's imperative that you let go because if you habitually interfere with your body's natural processes, it could lead to health problems.Think of your bladder like a balloon. It alerts your brain when it gets full of pee and needs to be emptied. If you choose to hold it in at this point, the bladder will continue to grow and press on its walls. It's similar to blowing up a balloon larger than is advised because someday it might burst. Although your bladder won't explode, it can still cause issues, according to Dr. Ashutosh Baghel, a kidney transplant surgeon, andrologist, and consultant urologist at Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road.Dietitian Leema Mahajan posted on Instagram that it could potentially raise the risk of bladder dysfunction as well as an increased susceptibility to UTIs, or urinary tract infections.According to Dr. Shobha Gupta, medical director, gynecologist, and IVF specialist from Mother's Lap IVF Centre in New Delhi and Vrindavan, it might result in urinary tract infections (UTTIs) since prolonged bladder retention can serve as a haven for bacteria. "If left untreated, UTIs can result in pain, discomfort, and possibly more severe problems. Furthermore, over time, bladder dysfunction may result from repressing the urge to urinate, according to Dr. Gupta.The body's waste disposal mechanism is highly developed. "This natural process of the body being balanced out is upset when the urge to urinate is suppressed," stated Dr. Babina N. M., chief medical officer of Jindal Naturecure Institute.The bladder is a muscle, after all, and neglecting its signals to empty it on a regular basis might weaken those muscles and decrease the capacity of the bladder. "This may make it harder for you to regulate the release of pee, which can lead to problems like incontinence. In addition, if the urge to urinate is suppressed for an extended period of time, the bladder may become distended, which could be painful and harmful. Dr. Gupta stated, "In severe circumstances, it may even lead to a condition known as urine retention, where the bladder becomes unable to empty itself correctly.  

What physiological effects result from sleeping past midnight every day?

Even while midnight still has an appeal, being aware of the possible negative effects of sleeping in late gives us the power to make wise decisions for our health.With its peace and calm, the midnight hour frequently appeals to us in a world where our days seem to go well beyond the typical nine to five. (It's known as payback bedtime procrastination.) However, sleeping until midnight on a regular basis may hide more than just nighttime peace; it may also have negative effects on our long-term health.Senior consultant physician Dr. Dilip Gude of Yashoda Hospitals in Hyderabad pointed out that sleeping in late every day is associated with a number of mental health conditions, including increased anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorders, in addition to triggering a chain reaction of stress and metabolic problems.Sleeping late disrupts the natural mending cycle that takes place during sleep. In an interview with IndianExpress.com, Dr. Gude stated that people who consistently lack sleep and go to bed later have a shorter lifespan overall. What potential long-term issues do you have? A disturbance of circadian rhythms Sleeping past midnight on a regular basis can throw off the body's circadian rhythms, which can then alter how important activities like hormone production, metabolism, and body temperature are regulated. Prolonged late-night sleep can lead to impaired cognitive function, which can cause problems with focus, memory recall, and general mental attentiveness. Stress hormones: Sleeping late at night has been related to higher amounts of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which may exacerbate anxiety, stress, and even lead to weight gain. Immune system weakness brought on by prolonged sleep loss makes the body more vulnerable to infections and disorders. Consequences for metabolism: Sleeping after midnight may cause problems for the body's metabolism, which could lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and a higher chance of metabolic diseases.  

Why Do Meals Include Star Anise?

Have you ever discovered a strange spice with a strong smell that is shaped like a star while going through your spice box? Star Anise is that. Star anise, also called Chakra Phool, is harvested from an evergreen Magnolia tree in Southwest China and Vietnam. These amazing star-shaped fruits that the tree produces are used in both cooking and medicine. Star anise, like a star ingredient, can bring out the flavor of any dish. But did you know that it also has a number of health advantages? Continue reading to find out more about this unusual spice that goes well with soups, curries, and biryanis.The essential oil that gives star anise its distinct flavor is star anise essential oil, or SAO. Numerous antiviral qualities are present in this essential oil. An investigation that was released in 2020 claims that trans-anethole, which has strong antibacterial properties, is abundant in SAO. This essential oil is effective against bacteria such as S. aureus and E. coli. Anethole, a chemical compound found in star anise, is what gives the spice its aroma and bioactive properties. By encouraging the synthesis of digestive enzymes and reducing gas, bloating, and other digestive problems, anethole is used to help relieve discomfort related to the digestive system. Star anise has the power to combat a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, fungus, and other viruses, thanks to its nethole. Your immune system will benefit from these qualities, which may lower your risk of infection. Despite the paucity of research on star anise, polyphenols and terpenoids in the spice may help prevent obesity and elevated blood lipids. In a rat study, star anise tea prevented the rats from gaining weight due to a high-sugar and high-fat diet. Additionally, it reduced LDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.  

World Pizza Day 2024: Discovering the Best Pizza Spots in India

Pizza is one of the most popular foods in the world because of its crispy crusts, oozy cheese, and limitless topping options. Its attraction knows no geographical bounds; it captivates palates from New York to Naples and, in fact, throughout India's varied terrain. Let's take a mouthwatering trip through the top pizza spots in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Chennai, as we approach World Pizza Day in 2024. Are you prepared for this ridiculously fun ride? Get moving!La Piazza: This cozy restaurant offers traditional Italian cuisine, including pizzas made with imported ingredients, and is tucked away in the Hyatt Regency, Bhikaji Cama Place. Their wood-fired oven adds a rustic charm to their pizzas. Perfect for a business meeting or family get-together, La Piazza, Capricciosa, and Quattro Stagioni are just a few of the options available.Leo's Pizzeria: Located in the heart of bustling Vasant Vihar, this cozy restaurant has rustic interiors. Their dedication to excellence is evident in their traditional menu items, which include a burrata pizza and pepperoni pizza with a crispy crust and plenty of toppings. Enjoy their delicious garlic knots without fail!Pizza lovers are welcomed to Ciro's Pizzeria, which is tucked away in the center of Connaught Place and smells like freshly made crusts. Savour their "Mediterranean Magic" – a delicious combination of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. Combine it with their homemade sangria for a truly remarkable dinner. Where: Connaught Place Slender Lulu's:Fat Lulu's, a Gurgaon restaurant, is well-known for its creative pizzas and robust flavors. Sample their culinary creation, the Butter Chicken Pizza, which combines cheesy mozzarella with India's most popular curry. Its allure is enhanced by the outdoor seating, which makes it a favorite place for informal meals with friends. Where: Various Places

What To Wear, Where To Go, And Gift Guide Ideas For V-Day 2024

Valentine's Day 2024 is quickly approaching, which raises the question of what you plan to do on this romantic holiday. There's no denying that a great deal of pressure builds up to that special day if you're in a relationship of any kind. Having some sort of plans is a good way to express your love and the work you put into the relationship, regardless of whether you've been in a relationship for a while and are experiencing an all-time high from the love you're experiencing or you're with a long-term partner who prefers things more laid back. For this reason, we present to you a Valentine's Day 2024 guide that includes suggestions for what to do, where to go, and what to wear.Men are particularly hard to shop for, but perfume is a gift that never goes wrong. Everyone enjoys a good scent, so YSL is the ideal gift for you to choose. Y by Yves Saint Laurent has a core of deep woody notes and a base of fresh citrus and aromatic notes. The fragrance is a representation of the kind of love that transcends traditional limits and defies expectations. He will cherish that fragrance for a very long time. A great Valentine's Day gift idea for your man is a pair of sunglasses. Not only are they essential for UV protection, but no collection can ever get big enough without them because they make a certified style statement. The Captain America collection from Opium painstakingly embodies the character with unique design elements like the aviator style's gradient blue glass tint and the blue and red colors that are connected to Captain America's suit. This will make him feel like a superhero himself, especially if he is a fan. Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Women in 2024 Make sure you value your girl's interests and buy gifts for her if she is more comfortable wearing leggings and sneakers than skirts and heels. If she enjoys working out, the Adidas Strength collection is a great way to show her how much you care. The range is specifically made for strength training and provides a selection of apparel and footwear to assist its community in overcoming obstacles that clothing may present to their training. The range, which includes sneakers, sports bras, and leggings, is composed of supportive Adimove and Adistrong materials that feel smooth and next to skin when working out. Few consider giving fitness as a Valentine's Day gift, but if your significant other values it, she'll beDo you want your gift to burst with love? The Miraggio Love collection will then handle that on your behalf. For the romantic holiday, the brand has introduced a limited-edition line of accessories that includes purses shaped like hearts, lipstick holders, bubblegum-colored slings, and baguette bags with hearts on them. Choose from this line, which is painted in recognizable Valentine's Day hues and patterns, to quickly win her heart.    

Understand Kathak Fundamentals Learn a Little About Gharanas and Mudras in Kathak

Mudras and Gharanas in Kathak Dance Form Style: There are eight Indian classical dance forms: Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Sattriya, Kathakali, Manipuri, and Bharatanatyam. Of all these styles, Kathak is the most widely known.The Sanskrit words Katha, which means "story," and Kathakar, which means "the one who tells a story" or "to do with stories," are the roots of the word Kathak. Similar to how Kathak originated, it is said to have come from itinerant storytellers called Kathakars in ancient northern India.The core of the Kathak dance style is synchronized footwork to music, ornamented with Ghungroo. The story is conveyed by upper body movement, facial emotions, bends, and most often, turns, with the legs and torso positioned normally straight. But the dance becomes mostly about the eyes and the footwork.One of India's eight classical dances is Kathak. Uttar Pradesh's traditional dance is called kathak. It can be traced back to Brajbhuoomi's Ras Leela. The Sanskrit term "Kathakar," which meaning a storyteller, is whence the word "Kathak" originates. There, a male storyteller was called "Kathakar" while a lady storyteller was called "Kathika." Formerly, the Kathaks were a caste of storytellers who embellished their performances with gestures and music while giving performances in temples in north India.We will talk about the development of Kathak dance since its inception in this article. For the UPSC test, we will also gain insight into its key characteristics, the famous Kathak dancers and their costumes, the musical instruments utilized in the dance, and the dancers themselves.What is the Kathak? One of the eight main classical dance styles of India is Kathak, and it originated in Uttar Pradesh. Its beginnings are connected to the legendary Kathakars, or storytellers, of ancient northern India. In Sanskrit, "Katha" means "story," and "Kathakar" means "the one who tells a story" or "related to stories." This is how the word "Kathak" was generated. Traveling Kathakars used dance, songs, and music to tell tales from epics and ancient mythology. Kathak dancers use their hands, deft footwork, supple bodies, and—above all—their facial expressions to tell stories.  

Masaba Gupta joins the five oclock club to learn more about the practice of growth and self-love.

The CEO of Habuild, Saurabh Bothra, reinterpreted the "5 am club" as the most crucial self-care habit and the first step toward self-love, which everyone should adopt.Masaba Gupta has spent the last few years pursuing a healthy lifestyle. The fashion designer acknowledged joining the 5 am group after attempting several diet and exercise adjustments. Gupta said, "5.41 am = Water + Read + Workout."For those who are unaware, the 5 am club entails rising at 5 am and beginning the day with intentional pursuits. However, if you ask Habuild CEO Saurabh Bothra, he reinvented the "5 am club" as the most crucial self-care habit and the first step toward self-love, which everyone ought to take."In the modern world, information is constantly being thrown at our brains from the moment we open our eyes. We allow other people, things, and circumstances to dictate how we spend our days. However, shouldn't this be our entitlement? Of course! And that independence comes from rising at five in the morning. Bothra stated that the peaceful and concentrated time in the early mornings can benefit our mental, emotional, and physical health.Getting up early and working out is a great way to start the day! It will have a beneficial knock-on effect throughout your day, increasing the likelihood that you will maintain your fitness objectives. Bothra thinks that consistency is essential for forming and sustaining habits. "By starting early in the morning and engaging in regular yoga or running, you are creating a routine that will support your body and mind in adapting and remaining steady," Bothra added.You can concentrate and think back on your other routines during the peaceful, uncluttered early hours of the day.It can improve your performance by providing you with the energy and drive to remain active all day, according to Bothra. If you often get up around eight in the morning, for instance, try getting up at seven or six, and then gradually work your way up to five in the morning. Bothra advised against pushing the idea on your body and instead letting it become accustomed to the new habit.  

interior design advice Here are five original ideas to update the aesthetics of your house with mirrors.

Discover the decorative power of mirrors! See how these reflective marvels may provide a sophisticated and stylish touch to your environment.Mirrors are a very adaptable design element that can instantly brighten and enliven any home. The key to using mirrors in your home décor is to use them with passion, accuracy, and interest to captivate you and transport you to a mysterious place. When mirrors are used in Victorian-style home design, the result is an extravagant experience where every piece of décor exudes grandeur. With beautiful chandeliers, wood carvings, and stairs in addition to conventional mirrors, it is definitely a sight and delight to see. When strategically placed, mirrors may produce breathtaking optical illusions, enlarge spaces, and even produce endless pictures. They have the power to change how we see space, giving it a bigger, brighter appearance.Advice for Using Mirrors to Enhance the Interiors of Your Home The chief interior architect of De Panache, Atreyee Choudhury, gave HT Lifestyle some original ideas and creative advice on how to use mirrors to improve the interior design of your house. 1. Makeover any dim areas inside your house Mirrors may help bounce light throughout a room, making it appear more welcome and timeless while also brightening up any gloomy corners. 2. Above your foyer console, hang a historic mirror with elaborate carvings. Mirrors are a good substitute for pricey paintings. Your home's halls may look better with an ornate mirror made out of metal or solid wood. In your living area, a large antique mirror will make a statement. 3. For the backsplash in the bar area, use tinted mirrors with beveled edges. For the bar area, use beveled mirror work as a backsplash. It will brighten the room and draw attention to the bar in your living or dining area. 4. Choose a mirror with a bronze or grey hue for the wardrobe shutters. Even though the walk-in closet is a little place, when you get ready for a new day, magic happens there. An entire wardrobe shutter is the height of elegance. The most important wardrobe element is a full-length mirror since it serves a practical purpose and gives the impression of enhanced opulence. It is also possible to incorporate mirrors into the furniture design. Use the furniture with the mirrors broken as a focal point in your dining console or foyer. Adding elegant coffee tables with mirrors tinted black to your living area can make a statement.  

What medical advice would you give your 25-year-old self?

Experts in nutrition, fitness, and beauty share with us what they would advise their younger selves on the 25th anniversary of HT City.Being 25 is, in all honesty, a significant milestone. You appear a little skeptical toward the second half of your 20s, having lived half of them. You're longing for the security of childhood even as you make a valiant effort to grow up. And guess what? Studies suggest that this is also the ideal age for impulsive, spontaneous decision-making. Which ones ought you to produce? We asked professionals in the domains of fitness, nutrition, and cosmetics what guidance they would give their 25-year-old selves.Breathe, soak in the sun, take an air bath, and become aware of all the five elements surrounding you that energize and radiate you. Because it will affect us and the generations to come, we must also assume responsibility for preserving and protecting the environment: Mickey Mehta, adviser on lifeStay true to your roots rather than chasing after the latest trends. Eat a lot of plant-based foods, cut less on junk food, and concentrate on nutrients rather than calories. Simply said, consume more of the good stuff and less of the bad. Lastly, since Monday never arrives, learn to regularly balance out the excesses: Author and nutritionist Kavita DevganAvoid drinking too much alcohol during your recuperation period and begin your meditation practice as soon as possible. In life, consistency and patience are essential for anything. If you give your body the appropriate things over time, it can cure itself. Self-love and kindness will cure everything and open all doors. Vesna Peričević Jacob, Personal TrainerBoth inside and outside, always wear sunscreen, ideally a mineral sunscreen. Make sure to wash your face at night and take off all of your makeup. Start using topical antioxidants to stop pollutants and photodamage, such as topical vitamin C and Coenzyme Q10. Get a peel every three to six months instead of a salon or parlor facial. To avoid premature aging and harm to internal health, stay away from sugar and artificial/processed foods: Dermatologist Kiran Lohia