Eating Fenugreek Seeds In Summer? Avoid This Mistake That Could Harm Your Health

 

Fenugreek seeds, commonly known as methi, are widely used in Indian kitchens not just for flavour but also for their health benefits. They are known to support digestion, help control blood sugar levels, aid in weight management, and reduce gas and bloating.

Despite its benefits, fenugreek has a natural heating effect on the body. While this property works well in colder months, it may not suit your body during the intense summer season.

During the summer, the body already experiences excess heat. Consuming too much fenugreek at this time can increase internal heat further, leading to issues like acidity, a burning sensation in the stomach, constipation, and general discomfort.

Fenugreek is often used to manage blood sugar levels, but in summer, it needs extra caution. Taking it on an empty stomach can sometimes lead to weakness, dizziness, or even a sudden drop in blood sugar levels in some individuals.

To enjoy its benefits without side effects, fenugreek should be consumed wisely in summer. Soaking the seeds overnight and drinking the water in the morning can help reduce its heating nature. Another effective way is to mix fenugreek powder with curd or buttermilk, which adds a cooling balance.

It is best to avoid consuming fenugreek with hot water during summer and not to take it on an empty stomach. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and people with low blood pressure should consult a doctor before including it in their diet.

Fenugreek is beneficial, but only when consumed in moderation and in the right way during summer.

Five Easy 20-Minute Indian Breakfast Dishes For Weight Loss

Poha With Lemon: Light, flavourful and easy to digest, poha remains one of India’s most popular breakfast choices for healthy weight management. Made with flattened rice, onions, curry leaves and peanuts, it offers a balanced mix of fibre, carbohydrates and protein while keeping calories in check.

Idli Dahi Bowl: Soft idlis paired with fresh curd create a protein-rich breakfast that feels comforting and satisfying. You can top the bowl with grated carrots, cucumber, roasted seeds or a mild tempering for added texture. The combination of fermented idli and probiotic-rich curd may also support digestion while keeping the meal light.

Egg Masala Toast: For those looking for a high-protein breakfast in under 20 minutes, egg masala toast is a quick and flavourful choice. Eggs cooked with onions, tomatoes, green chillies and simple Indian spices served over whole wheat toast can help keep hunger levels under control through the morning.

Banana Cheela: Banana cheela offers a naturally sweet breakfast option without relying on processed sugar. Prepared using mashed banana and flour or oats, this quick pancake-style dish works well for people craving something comforting yet portion-friendly. Adding nuts or seeds can further increase the nutritional value.

Sprouts Veg Bowl: A sprouts vegetable bowl is one of the quickest nutrient-packed breakfasts for weight-conscious eaters. Mixed sprouts combined with cucumber, tomatoes, onions and a dash of lemon create a fibre-rich meal that feels fresh and energising. It is also an easy make-ahead option for hectic weekdays.

Mango For Skin: 6 Face Packs You Must Try For Glowing Summer Skin

 

Mango and Honey Glow Pack: Mix ripe mango pulp with a teaspoon of honey to create a smooth paste. Apply evenly on clean skin and leave for fifteen minutes. This pack deeply hydrates, softens texture, and gives a natural glow, making it perfect for dry and dull summer skin. (Image: AI Generated)

Mango and Yogurt Brightening Pack: Blend mango pulp with fresh yogurt to form a creamy mixture. Apply it to your face and let it sit for fifteen minutes before rinsing. This pack helps gently exfoliate, remove tan, and brighten complexion while keeping skin cool and refreshed during hot weather. (Image: AI Generated)

Mango and Turmeric Radiance Pack: Combine mango pulp with a pinch of turmeric and a little milk. Apply a thin layer and leave it for ten to fifteen minutes. This pack helps enhance radiance, reduce blemishes, and promote an even skin tone with regular use. (Image: AI Generated)

Mango and Oatmeal Exfoliating Pack: Mix mango pulp with finely ground oatmeal to create a mildly gritty paste. Gently massage onto your skin in circular motions and leave for ten minutes. This pack exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and leaves your skin feeling smooth and rejuvenated. (Image: AI Generated)

Mango and Aloe Vera Soothing Pack: Blend mango pulp with fresh Aloe Vera gel to create a cooling mixture. Apply evenly and leave for fifteen minutes. This pack soothes sun-exposed skin, reduces redness, and provides hydration, making it ideal for sensitive or irritated summer skin. (Image: AI Generated)

Mango and Gram Flour Detox Pack: Mix mango pulp with gram flour and a little rose water to form a thick paste. Apply it evenly and let it dry slightly before washing off. This pack helps control excess oil, cleanse pores, and give your skin a fresh, matte glow. (Image: AI Generated)

Real vs Fake: 4 Ways To Spot Fruits And Vegetables Injected With Harmful Chemicals

 

Bright colours, perfectly polished surfaces and unusually fast ripening may sometimes indicate chemical treatment in fruits and vegetables. Experts say certain sellers use artificial ripening agents, wax coatings or chemical dyes to improve appearance and shelf life. While not every shiny fruit is unsafe, consumers are increasingly looking for simple ways to identify produce that may contain harmful chemical traces before bringing it home.

Water Test: One simple home method involves soaking fruits and vegetables in water for a few minutes. If the water changes colour or develops an oily layer, it could indicate artificial coatings or dyes. For watermelons, placing a small piece of pulp in a glass of water may help. If the water turns pink or red quickly, experts suggest being cautious before consuming it.

Cotton Ball / Tissue Rub Test: Rub the red flesh of the watermelon with a white cotton ball or tissue paper. If the cotton turns bright pink or red instantly, it indicates the presence of artificial colouring agents like Rhodamine B or Erythrosine. Natural fruit leaves little to no stain

.Smell, Texture & Appearance Check: Chemically ripened fruits often have no natural aroma or smell chemical-like. They appear unnaturally shiny, uniformly coloured, and may have injection marks or cracks. Avoid fruits that feel too hard despite bright colour or have powdery residue on the skin.

Wash, Peel And Soak Produce Properly: Experts recommend washing produce thoroughly under running water rather than simply wiping it dry. Soaking fruits and vegetables in salt water or baking soda solution for a few minutes may help reduce surface pesticide residue. Peeling certain fruits and vegetables can also lower exposure to wax coatings or chemicals often used during transportation and storage.

Written By :

• Lifestyle Desk
• News18.com

Aparajita Tea: This Blue Flower Drink Is Great For Your Memory And Skin

 

Aparajita, or Butterfly Pea flower tea, offers numerous health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, it helps reduce stress, enhance memory and concentration, and support overall brain and mental health. It also aids digestion, cools the stomach, and detoxifies the body. (Local18)

Benefits for Skin, Hair, and Immunity: Butterfly pea tea strengthens skin and hair, promotes a healthy glow, and reduces wrinkles and dandruff. It also boosts immunity thanks to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping remove toxins, relieve stress, and improve metabolic function. (Local18)

Mental Health and Cognitive Support: According to Dr Geetika Sharma, tea made from butterfly pea flowers is particularly beneficial for mental well-being. It reduces anxiety and mental fatigue, improves concentration, boosts memory, and protects brain cells with its neuroprotective properties.

Digestive Health and Detoxification: Aparajita tea promotes a healthy digestive system. It cools the stomach, alleviates acidity and gas, cleans the intestines, boosts metabolism, and detoxifies the body. Regular consumption supports a stronger and healthier digestive system while also reducing stress-related digestive issues. (Local18)

Blood Sugar, Cholesterol, and Heart Health: This tea helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Its anti-diabetic properties support heart health and maintain metabolic balance, making it an ideal drink for overall cardiovascular wellness. (Local18)

Eye Health And Vision Support: The anthocyanins in butterfly pea tea enhance blood circulation to the eyes, improving vision and reducing eye fatigue and irritation. (Local18)

How to Prepare Butterfly Pea Flower Tea: To prepare, boil fresh butterfly pea flowers in water, strain the mixture, and optionally add lemon and honey for a refreshing and health-boosting drink.

National Nutrition Week 2025: Eat Right For A Better Life

 

National Nutrition Week is an annual reminder that healthy living begins with mindful choices about what we eat. This year’s theme, “Eat Right for a Better Life," emphasizes the need to focus not just on dietary intake, but on the origins of the food we consume. Leading organizations in India are stepping up with innovative solutions to bridge the nutrition gap and help people lead healthier lives.

Nutrition Begins in the Soil

Shashi Kumar, CEO and Co-founder, Akshayakalpa Organic, says, “National Nutrition Week is a reminder that nutrition is not just about what we eat, but how that food is grown. This year’s theme, ‘Eat Right for a Better Life,’ makes us reflect on where nourishment really begins. At Akshayakalpa Organic, we have always believed that nutrition doesn’t start in the kitchen, it starts in the soil. When soil is alive, healthy, and free from chemicals, the food that grows from it is naturally nutrient-rich, building stronger people and a healthier planet."

Shashi Kumar explains that regenerative farming practices have transformed the nutritional value of the food grown on their farms. Soil carbon levels have improved from 0.5% to 2.4%, enhancing fertility and nutrient density. According to him, “when we restore soil health, we restore nutrition."

Despite such progress, India still faces a significant nutrition gap: 73% of Indians are protein deficient, and only 10% meet their daily protein requirements. To address this, the brand recently launched High-Protein Paneer, an organic, nutrient-rich source of protein suitable for everyday diets. Continuous R&D and innovative product development are central to their mission of bridging the nutrition gap sustainably.

Innovation for Balanced Nutrition

Tata Consumer Products believes this year’s theme for National Nutrition Week, ‘Eat Right for a Better Life,’ highlights the importance of balanced nutrition for health and wellness. At Tata Consumer Products, the approach to nutrition is embedded in the innovation strategy. Their Nutrition Policy is grounded in nutrition science with comprehensive guidelines for ingredients, nutrients, and claims.

Tata Consumer Products is strengthening its Health & Wellness portfolio to make nutrient-rich foods affordable and accessible. Their offerings include:

Tata Sampann Easy Cook Range – Ragi atta and Kabuli chana

Tata Salt Functional Range – iron-fortified, added zinc, lower sodium options

Organic India Supplements – extensive health and wellness range

Tetley Green Tea enriched with L-Carnitine – supporting fat metabolism

Tata Soulfull Products – no maida rusk, oats with millets, and sugar-free muesli

These innovations empower consumers to make better dietary choices and achieve a balanced diet that suits diverse needs.

Bridging Nutrition Gaps for a Healthier Future

Both brands highlight a critical point: nutrition is a combination of quality food sources and thoughtful innovation. While Akshayakalpa focuses on restoring soil health to naturally enhance nutrient density, Tata Consumer Products brings science-backed, affordable solutions to households across India.

Kumar concludes, “Organic is not just farming; it is how we bridge the nutrition gap for a healthier future."

Together, these efforts represent a broader movement in India to ensure that “eating right" starts from the ground up, combining sustainable agriculture with accessible, nutrient-rich products to create a healthier nation.

Did You Know This Humble Green Dal 'Eats Human Flesh'?

 

Is there really a dal that eats human flesh? This intriguing question, once posed in an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) interview, might sound alarming. However, this dal is also renowned for its exceptional nutritional value and digestibility, making it a staple for people of all ages, from children to patients. So how can a dal be both nutritious and a flesh-eater?

The dal in question is none other than the familiar green moong dal, a pantry staple in many households and a treasure trove of nutrients. The secret lies in its unique composition. Green moong dal contains special proteins called ‘proteolytic enzymes’, which play a crucial role in digestion. These enzymes act as scavengers, removing impurities and ‘dirty flesh’ from our bodies.

Before you swear off moong dal, it’s important to understand that the phrase ‘eats human flesh’ is a metaphor. It doesn’t literally consume flesh. Instead, it refers to moong dal’s remarkable ability to eliminate toxins, waste products, and excess fat accumulated in the body. This makes it a valuable ally for weight management, blood pressure control, and overall digestive health.

A Vegetarian’s Delight: The Power Of Plant Protein

For those following a vegetarian diet, moong dal is a godsend. Its rich protein content makes it an excellent substitute for animal-based protein sources.

The high fibre content in green moong dal promotes a feeling of fullness, reducing overeating and aiding in weight management. Its potassium and magnesium content helps regulate blood pressure, making it an ideal food for people of all ages.

Moong Dal: A Journey Through Time

Cultivated in India for millennia, moong dal boasts a rich history. Believed to have originated in present-day Karnataka around 4,000 years ago, its mention in ancient Ayurvedic and Buddhist texts highlights its longstanding significance in Indian culture. The cultivation of moong dal eventually spread to Southeast Asia and China, cementing its place as a staple ingredient in various cuisines.

Rajasthan, particularly Nagaur district, stands out as a leading producer of moong dal in India. This region alone contributes to a significant portion of Rajasthan’s total moong production. The sandy soil and minimal water requirements make it an ideal crop for this region.

In conclusion, the ‘flesh-eating’ nature of moong dal is a testament to its powerful cleansing properties. This easily digestible, nutrient-rich dal is a true superfood, deserving a prominent place in a healthy and balanced diet.

Holistic Approaches to Healthy Skin with Nutrition Fact

 

Nutrition is important for health. An unhealthy diet can damage your metabolism, cause weight gain, and even damage organs, such as your heart and liver.

What you eat also affects another organ — your skin.

As scientists learn more about diet and the body, it’s increasingly clear that what you eat can significantly affect the health and aging of your skin.

This article takes a look at 12 of the best foods for keeping your skin healthy.

Fatty fish

Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and herring, are excellent foods for healthy skin. They’re rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for maintaining skin health.

Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary to help keep skin thick, supple, and moisturized. In fact, an omega-3 fatty acid deficiency can cause dry skin.

The omega-3 fats in fish reduce inflammation, which can cause redness and acne. They can even make your skin less sensitiveTrusted Source to the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Some studies Trusted Source show that fish oil supplements may help fight inflammatory and autoimmune conditions affecting your skin, such as psoriasis and lupus.

Fatty fish is also a source of vitamin E, one of the most important antioxidants for your skin. Getting enough vitamin E is essential for helping protect your skin against damage from free radicals and inflammation.

Avocados

Avocados are high in healthy fats. These fats benefit many functions in your body, including the health of your skin.

A 2022 pilot study
Trusted Source involved healthy women consuming one avocado daily for 8 weeks. The researchers found that daily avocado consumption may may lead to enhanced elasticity and firmness of facial skin.

Avocados are also a good source of vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that helps protect your skin from oxidative damage. Most Americans don’t get enough vitamin E through their diet.

Vitamin C is also essential for healthy skin. Your skin needs it to create collagen, which is the main structural protein that keeps your skin strong and healthy.

Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that helps protect your skin from oxidative damage caused by the sun and the environment, which can lead to signs of aging.

Walnuts

Walnuts have many characteristics that make them an excellent food for healthy skin.

They’re a good source of essential fatty acids, which are fats that your body cannot make itself.

ALA, omega-3 fats, magnesium, and the amino acid argentine — all of which are found in walnuts — may also decrease inflammation Trusted Source in your body, including your skin.

Sunflower seeds

In general, nuts and seeds are good sources of skin-boosting nutrients.

Sunflower seeds are an excellent example. They contain high levels of both monounsaturated and
omega-6 fats, and may help reduce inflammation and cholesterol levels.

Sweet potatoes

Beta carotene is a nutrient found in plants. It functions as provitamin A, which means it can be converted into vitamin A in your body.

Beta carotene is found in oranges and vegetables such as carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes.

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source — one 1/2-cup (100-gram) serving of baked sweet potato contains enough beta carotene to provide more than six times the DV of vitamin A.

Carotenoids like beta carotene help keep your skin healthy by acting as a natural sunblock. When consumed, this antioxidant is incorporated into your skin and helps protect your skin cells from sun exposure. This may help prevent sunburn, cell death, and dry, wrinkled skin.

Red or yellow bell peppers

Like sweet potatoes, bell peppers are an excellent source of beta carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A.

One cup (149 grams) of chopped red bell pepper contains the equivalent of 156% of the DV for vitamin A.

They’re also one of the best sources of vitamin C. This vitamin is necessary for creating the protein collagen, which keeps skin firm and strong.

Broccoli

Broccoli is full of many vitamins and minerals important for skin health, including zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

It also contains lutein, a carotenoid that works like beta carotene. Lutein helps protect your skin from oxidative damage, which can cause your skin to become dry and wrinkled.

Broccoli florets also pack a special compound called sulforaphane, which boasts some impressive potential benefits. It may even have anti-cancer effects.

Sulforaphane is likewise a powerful protective agent against sun damage. It works in two ways: neutralizing harmful free radicals and switching on other protective systems in your body.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C and contain all of the major carotenoids, including lycopene.

Beta carotene, lutein, and lycopene have been shown to protect your skin against damage from the sun. They may also help prevent wrinkling.

Because tomatoes are rich in carotenoids, they’re an excellent food for maintaining healthy skin.

Consider pairing carotenoid-rich foods like tomatoes with a source of fat, such as cheese or olive oil. Fat increases your absorption of carotenoids.

Dark chocolate

If you need another reason to eat chocolate, here it is: the effects of cocoa on your skin are pretty phenomenal.

After 6–12 weeks of consuming a cocoa powder high in antioxidants each day, participants in one study experienced thicker, more hydrated skin.

Their skin was also less rough and scaly, less sensitive to sunburn, and had better blood flow — which brings more nutrients to your skin.

Another study found that eating 20 grams of high-antioxidant dark chocolate per day could allow your skin to withstand over twice as much UV radiation before burning, compared with eating low-antioxidant chocolate.

Several other studies have observed similar results, including improvements in the appearance of wrinkles. However, keep in mind that at least one study didn’t find significant effects.

Make sure to choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa to maximize the benefits and keep added sugar to a minimum.

Green tea

Green tea may help protect your skin from damage and aging.

The powerful compounds found in green tea are called catechins and work to improve the health of your skin in several ways.

Like several other antioxidant-containing foods, green tea can help protect your skin against sun damage.

While green tea is a great choice for healthy skin, you may want to avoid drinking your tea with milk, as there’s evidence that milk could reduce the effect of green tea’s antioxidants.

Red grapes

Red grapes are famous for containing resveratrol, a compound that comes from the grapes’ skin.

Resveratrol is credited with a wide range of health benefits, among them is reducing the effects of aging.

Test-tube studies suggest it may also help slow the production of harmful free radicals, which damage skin cells and cause signs of aging.

This beneficial compound is also found in red wine. Unfortunately, there’s not much evidence that the amount of resveratrol you get from a glass of red wine is enough to affect your skin.

And since red wine is an alcoholic beverage, there are negative effects to drinking it in excess.

It’s not recommended to start drinking red wine just because of its potential health benefits. Instead, you should increase your intake of red grapes and berries.

The takeaway

What you eat can significantly affect your skin health.

Make sure you’re getting enough essential nutrients to protect your skin. The foods on this list are great options to keep your skin healthy, strong, and attractive.