2021—the year of food and flu. Simultaneous to the rise in COVID cases was a rise in dietary advice, kitchen experiments, and healthy food. Every few days, newspapers, magazines, and social media would present to you the newest food trend or health fad that you have been missing out on. But one must bear in mind that any new trend needs to be vetted and the pros and cons must be well understood before you dive in. So, let me ease your effort and give you the low-down on health food trends that hit the mark and those that missed it.
Halim seeds: These seeds have been doing the internet rounds all of this year. Used as a natural galactagogue for ages, it increases milk production in lactating women and iron stores in the body. But most people miss one integral factor: it is a goitrogen, i.e., it interferes with the functioning of the thyroid glands. So, if you suffer from a thyroid disease or have a history of thyroid disease in the family, you must tread lightly.
Carbohydrate replacement: I have been dealing with the carbohydrate policing for a while now, but this year, the trend only grew stronger. Your wholegrains are either being cut out or swapped with other alternatives. For example, bell peppers have superseded toast. Now that simply doesn’t make sense. Always keep in mind that carbohydrates are good for you; they are the primary energy source for your brain, providing the much-needed fibre and satiation. So don’t go down the replacement route.
Pickling: This year was all about DIY kitchen trends, such as pickling, and I am all for that. In fact, I too tried my hand at my mother’s age-old pickling recipes. Not only are pickles simply delicious, but they also contain gut-friendly bacteria that improve digestive health and elevate your mood—much needed to deal with the work-from-home stress, wouldn’t you agree?
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
Understanding Your Other Half
Navni Chawla explores how a man and a woman in a relationship can understand each other better by knowing each other's language, inner world, and psyche.
To Do Or Not To Do?
Niranjan Gidwani explores the inevitability of contradictions in our life and the ways in which we can tackle them
10 Spears That Destroy Marriages
Suzy Singh discusses the ten spears that destroy marriages, compelling partners to cheat on each other
Yoga Vasistha
Improve overall strength and confidence with the Side Plank Pose, demonstrated by Kamala Venkat
Beat the heat
This May, be a cool cucumber by chilling with Naini Setalvad's favourite summer drinks
Opening up to love
By surrendering to the present, Jyoti Marianne Bahri peeled away the layers of childhood memories to reveal the love that existed between her and her 'uncaring' father
Karta, Karma, and Kriya
Vanitha Vaidyalingam explains how the karma theory originated in the Vedas, was developed in the Upanishads, and subsequently was expanded on in the Bhagavad Gita
Spatial vibes
Architect Raman Vig explains to Rishi Rathod the underlying principles of achieving health, happiness, and harmony through architecture and space design.
The future of farming
Rahul Rasal: the doctor of soil
De-Stress Diet
Relax! Naini Setalvad is here to help you unwind with her guidance on feel-good foods
The Swiss Army Vaccine
There are promising signs that a single vaccine could protect against multiple coronaviruses and variants. But with pharma companies invested in boosters, will anyone pay to develop it?
An Insider's Guide to Andrographis
Andro what? It isn’t as well-known as echinacea or elderberry, but andrographis—or Andrographis paniculata by its Latin name—may deliver even more powerful relief from colds, flu, and other infections.
10 Ways You're Sabotaging Your Immune System
Never as a nation have we been more focused on immunity. But in spite of our best efforts, some all-too-common daily habits may be undermining our resistance to infection. Here are 10 sneaky immune saboteurs, and ways to change them.
Proactive Health Tips to Help Navigate Year 2 of the Pandemic
After months of unfamiliar restrictions and guidelines, pandemic fatigue is affecting how some Americans protect their health. However, experts warn that diligence is still extremely important because new mutations and variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 are being discovered. The typical cold and flu season also brings added threats to people’s health and wellness.
Protect Yourself, Your Family From The Flu
Polk County schools are back in session which means your child is likely encountering many viruses every day. To protect their health and that of your family, the Florida Department of Health in Polk County encourages people 6 months of age and older to seek a flu shot on a yearly basis. The flu shot is the best way to protect families and communities against the spread of influenza.
SUMMER IN THE CITIES
Broadway may not re-open until mid September, but tennis offers its own brand of live theatre in the preceding months
An Open Mind: New York's Slam has no shortage of history, but it always evolves
In the last decade, Arthur Ashe Stadium got a roof, and a new Grandstand and Louis Armstrong Stadium debuted.
Many Radical New Applications
For Moderna, going from startup to world-leading vaccine maker was challenging enough. Bringing messenger RNA to flu shots, cancer treatments, and more will be even harder
10 Reasons Why You Feel Bloated & How to Fix It
Wondering why you feel bloated most of the time? Here are 10 reasons for bloating and quick remedies to consider.
COVIDIOT TED LEARNS TRUTH THE HARD WAY
Now, even after battling the virus, he’s still refusing to get vaccinated!