Health - The Purbottar

14 Apr

Watching fast food may help dieters eat less

Sonakshi SarkarHealth

People who are dieting may spend more time watching fast food content on social media—but that doesn’t necessarily mean they eat more, according to new research.The study found that individuals trying to manage their diet tend to linger longer on videos featuring high-calorie foods compared to those who are not dieting. Researchers suggest this behavior could serve as a way to mentally satisfy cravings without actually consuming the food. Interestingly, despite their increased attention to indulgent food content, participants who were dieting ended up eating less than non-dieters when given access to real treats.The research was based on 840 participants…

08 Apr

Post-meal walking: A game changer for blood sugar control

Sonakshi SarkarHealth

A short, brisk walk after eating might be one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost your health — especially if you have diabetes or struggle with high blood sugar levels. According to recent health insights, timing is key. Instead of walking immediately after your last bite, experts suggest waiting 10 to 15 minutes before heading out. This short delay aligns perfectly with the time when blood glucose levels start to rise, making your walk more effective in blunting glucose spikes and aiding digestion. For most people, 10–20 minutes of light to moderate walking at a pace of…

30 Mar

Morning coffee habit may boost longevity

Sonakshi SarkarHealth

Coffee, one of the world’s most widely consumed beverages, is gaining renewed attention for its potential long-term health benefits. Emerging research indicates that how and when coffee is consumed plays a significant role in the advantages it may offer. Large observational studies suggest that moderate coffee intake, particularly in the morning and with minimal additives, is linked to improved heart health and lower mortality risk. Morning coffee drinkers were found to have a notably reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared to those who consumed coffee later in the day, possibly due to better alignment with the body’s natural…

23 Mar

Suggesting some Dopamine-boosting exercises that work best for you

Sonakshi SarkarHealth

A dopamine workout is a physical activity that stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for motivation, pleasure, and focus. Exercise, particularly those with intensity, rhythm, or novelty, can improve mood, reduce stress, and increase mental clarity. Regular movement supports brain chemistry and regulates other feel-good hormones like serotonin and endorphins, making exercise a powerful tool for emotional well-being and motivation. HIIT workouts involve short, intense workouts followed by recovery periods, which boost dopamine and mood-boosting neurochemicals. Running, jogging, rhythmic movement with music, and dancing are all proven methods to boost dopamine levels, improving focus, energy, and emotional balance.…

17 Mar

Green tea benefits come with hidden risks for some

Sonakshi SarkarHealth

Green tea is widely regarded as one of the healthiest beverages in the world and is consumed by millions of people for its numerous health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, it has been linked to improved metabolism, better heart health and enhanced brain function. Many people also drink green tea to support weight management, detoxification and overall wellness, making it a regular part of the daily diet for health-conscious individuals. However, health experts say that despite its benefits, green tea may not be suitable for everyone. Like many natural foods and beverages, it contains active compounds that can affect…

12 Mar

Grapes: Small fruit, big health boost

Sonakshi SarkarHealth

Rich in antioxidants like resveratrol, grapes are low-calorie, nutrient-dense fruits that improve circulation, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduce inflammation—all of which are factors that contribute to heart health. They help with digestion, boost immunity, enhance brain health (memory and cognition), and may lower the risk of cancer because of their high polyphenol content.Important Health Advantages of Grapes:Heart Health: Antioxidants, which are particularly abundant in red and purple grapes, lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, enhance blood vessel function, and prevent blood clots.Strong Antioxidants: Resveratrol, anthocyanins, and quercetin are polyphenols found in them that combat free radicals, lower inflammation, and may…

02 Mar

Just minutes of exercise can cut death risk

Banasree SarkarHealth

Simple lifestyle changes such as sleeping a few minutes longer, adding light exercise, and improving diet may significantly extend lifespan and improve overall health, according to recent long-term research. One large study that tracked around 60,000 people over eight years found that just five extra minutes of sleep combined with two minutes of moderate physical activity—such as brisk walking or climbing stairs—could add up to a year to a person’s life. Researchers also noted that adding half a serving of vegetables per day could deliver similar benefits, particularly for people with the poorest sleep, exercise, and dietary habits. The findings…

25 Feb

10 health benefits of curry leaves you should know

Banasree SarkarHealth

Curry leaves, sometimes referred to as sweet neem leaves or kadi patta, are fragrant leaves that are frequently used in Indian cooking to enhance the flavor and aroma of a variety of meals. They originate from the curry tree (Murraya koenigii), which is indigenous to Sri Lanka and India. These leaves are frequently used in South Indian cooking, particularly in curries, chutneys, rice dishes, and soups. They have a strongly lemony and slightly bitter flavor. To unleash their flavor and aroma and improve the dish's taste, they are put into hot oil at the start of cooking. Curry leaves are…

19 Feb

Teen exercise linked to healthier breast development

Banasree SarkarHealth

A new study suggests that recreational physical activity during the teenage years may play a protective role in breast health by influencing breast tissue composition and reducing biological markers linked to stress. Researchers found that teenage girls who regularly took part in leisure-time physical activities such as sports, dance, or gym workouts had lower water content in their breast tissue — a marker associated with lower breast density — along with reduced levels of stress-related biomarkers. Lower breast density has previously been linked to a reduced risk of breast cancer. The findings, published in Breast Cancer Research, highlight adolescence as…

11 Feb

Not All Sugar Swaps Are Healthy: What a Nutritionist Recommends

editorHealth

As more people try to cut down on refined sugar, alternatives like jaggery, brown sugar and monk fruit are gaining popularity. But are they truly healthier? A nutritionist says the answer isn’t as simple as it seems.Excess sugar intake has been linked to serious health risks, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver, weight gain and reduced insulin sensitivity. While replacing white sugar may seem like a smart move, not all substitutes offer real benefits.Palm jaggery, a traditional favorite in Indian households, is often considered natural and nutritious. Though it contains small amounts of minerals like iron, experts say…