
These desi kitchen spices can naturally help manage health and weight
Ayurveda and Indian kitchen wisdom have long used spices not just for flavour, but for healing and metabolism-boosting benefits. When combined in the right proportions and infused in warm water, certain spices can stimulate digestion, control blood sugar, and even reduce fat accumulation.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
A daily drink of this five-spice mix—consisting of cumin (jeera), fennel (saunf), coriander seeds (dhaniya), carom seeds (ajwain), and fenugreek (methi)—can support natural weight loss, especially when paired with a balanced diet and activity.
Cumin
Cumin (Jeera): Jeera is known to ignite agni or digestive fire, helping the body break down food efficiently and absorb nutrients better. It also reduces bloating and water retention—common barriers to weight loss.
Studies have shown that regular jeera water intake may lower body fat and cholesterol levels in overweight individuals.
Fenne
Fennel Seeds (Saunf): Saunf is a gentle diuretic that flushes out toxins and excess fluids. Its mild sweetness and digestive enzymes help curb sweet cravings and support smoother digestion. Fennel also relieves acidity and improves gut motility, both of which are crucial for consistent fat loss.
Corinader kea
Coriander Seeds (Dhaniya): Coriander seeds help regulate blood sugar levels, which is essential to prevent insulin spikes that promote fat storage. They are rich in antioxidants and aid in detoxification, making the body more efficient in fat metabolism. Dhaniya water is also cooling, making it perfect for summer weight loss routines.
Carom Seeds (Ajwain): Ajwain is a powerhouse for melting belly fat.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
It contains thymol, which boosts digestive enzymes and helps reduce stubborn gas and acidity. It also enhances basal metabolic rate, which means the body burns calories more effectively, even at rest.
Fenugreek Seeds (Methi): Methi seeds swell when soaked and release soluble fibre, which slows down digestion and keeps you full for longer. They also help balance hormones like insulin and leptin, improving hunger control and fat burning.
Methi is especially helpful for those with PCOS or insulin resistance.
How to make Spice water
To make the spice water: soak 1 tsp each of these five seeds in a litre of water overnight. In the morning, boil it for 5–10 minutes, strain, and sip throughout the day. This detoxifying brew not only boosts metabolism and curbs appetite but also supports gut health and hormonal balance—all critical to sustainable weight loss.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
'Family Doctor' Tracks Shubhanshu Shukla's Health In Space: European Flight Surgeon
New Delhi: Two days ago, astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla scripted history by becoming the first Indian on the International Space Station (ISS), albeit with a "heavy head and space sickness". In an exclusive interview with NDTV, European Space Agency's seasoned flight surgeon Dr Brigitte Godard assured that Mr Shukla is medically fit for space. With years of fighter pilot training and dedicated medical oversight, India's astronaut is ready to take on the rigours of microgravity. Incidentally, each astronaut has a family physician attached to take care of them. Concerns about Shux's health in space and the physiological toll of spaceflight are being addressed, said Dr Godard. She offered reassurance, stating that he is "well-trained" and "should be fairly fine in space." Flight surgeons, as Dr Godard explained, are not surgeons in the traditional sense. "Hopefully, we are not doing surgery in space," she said with a smile. Instead, they serve as physicians for astronauts, conducting weekly telemedicine check-ins during missions to monitor astronauts' health and address any medical concerns. "We interact during the flight every week with them to check every medical point," she added. European Space Agency's seasoned flight surgeon Dr Brigitte Godard. Mr Shukla, a decorated fighter pilot, has undergone years of rigorous training, both in aviation and in preparation for spaceflight. Dr Godard emphasised that his background makes him particularly resilient to the challenges of space. "He has many, many years' background of fighter pilots, so he will be safe and he has a good flight surgeon taking care of him," she said. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deputed its space medicine specialist from the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) Dr Punyashlok Biswal as Shukla 'family physician' as he orbits the Earth. In 2019, it was IAM's then chief Air Vice Marshal Dr Anupam Agarwal who had helped select Mr Shukla and three other Indian astronaut designates for India's first batch of Gaganyatris. Spaceflight, even for short durations, can affect human biology and physiology. From fluid shifts and bone density loss to space motion sickness, astronauts face a range of potential issues. However, Dr Godard was confident that Mr Shukla's mission would be smooth. "This is a short flight, so we could expect maybe some space motion sickness, but I would not expect that much problem," she noted. The relationship between an astronaut and their flight surgeon begins long before lift-off. "His flight surgeon is already taking care of him since many years," Dr Godard said, highlighting the continuity of care and the deep understanding built over time. This long-term medical oversight ensures that any changes in health are tracked and managed proactively. When asked if the 1.4 billion citizens of India should be concerned about Captain Shukla's health in space, Dr Godard responded with calm assurance, "Captain Shukla should be fairly fine in space and they will be proud of him. I'm sure of that." The role of flight surgeons is more than just medical professionals. They are trusted companions on the astronaut's journey. "Flight surgeon doesn't seem like a good word, they are like family physicians or family doctors for the astronaut."


India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
US-based Indian woman slams workplace for ignoring vegetarian options in viral video
An Indian-origin woman based in the US has sparked conversation online after she shared her frustration over being left without food at a work event due to her vegetarian dietary Misra, known to her online followers as 'The Wicked Vegetarian', said she was initially excited when her workplace informed staff not to bring lunch, promising that food would be arranged for everyone. However, her excitement turned to disappointment when she realised there wasn't a single vegetarian option a now-viral video on Instagram, Runjhun recalled the experience and called out how vegetarians are routinely overlooked in catered events, even in supposedly inclusive setups. 'Raise your hand if you've ever gone hungry at a work event,' she began, before raising her own hand. Describing the moment, she said, 'So yesterday I was told 'Don't bring lunch because we are providing lunch for everyone'. And I was so excited.'When she arrived, she saw a generous spread of over 60 sandwiches, including halal, kosher, and gluten-free options. But when she asked for a vegetarian one, she was met with silence.'There was silence. There was complete silence,' she said. She added that while the caterers made space for several dietary restrictions, no one had considered someone told her she could make a vegetarian sandwich herself. 'What they meant is what they always mean: you can take a meat sandwich and carefully peel back all the layers of meat that have been juiced into that sandwich and make it vegetarian,' she doesn't make me want to eat a vegetarian sandwich. It makes me want to vomit,' she who is a physician and medical news correspondent, said this was not a one-off incident. In the caption of her video, she wrote: 'I walked out so disappointed that they felt bad and offered to go grab me something after an hour but by then I had already ordered myself lunch because I was so hangry.'Take a look at her post here: Watch the video here. Her post triggered a wave of responses from people who have faced similar situations. 'I feel like vegetarian should be the norm, and then you can add meat and cheese if you want. So much more inclusive that way,' a user said. Another user shared their frustration with corporate conferences: 'They order a few vegetarian sandwiches that are spread out with the rest, but the meat eaters take them, so the vegetarians are left with nothing.''At my old corporate job, they would always order a vegetarian sandwich for me, but I would never find it. I found out later that my coworker would take it and throw it away before I could get to it,' one of the users said. advertisementThe incident, while personal, touched on a broader issue: How vegetarianism, especially among Indian professionals abroad, is often ignored in spaces that claim to value inclusion.- Ends


News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Preventative Measures For Reducing Cervical Cancer Risk
Last Updated: By focusing on preventative measures, you can contribute to lowering the risk of cervical cancer for your spouse, fostering not only her health but the health of your relationship Sex may permeate our popular culture, but conversations about it are still associated with stigma and shame in Indian households. As a result, most individuals dealing with sexual health issues or trying to find information about sex often resort to unverified online sources or follow the unscientific advice of their friends. To address the widespread misinformation about sex, is running this weekly sex column, titled 'Let's Talk Sex'. We hope to initiate conversations about sex through this column and address sexual health issues with scientific insight and nuance. In this article, we will explain three particular behaviours that may have unintended consequences on a woman's health. In the realm of marital relationships, the influence of certain intimate behaviours on health outcomes can often be overlooked. Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix—the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is predominantly caused by persistent infection with certain high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. While HPV infections are quite common and often resolve on their own, when they persist, they can lead to the development of cervical cancer over time. The Role of HPV in Cervical Cancer Risk Human Papillomavirus, plays a significant role in the development of cervical cancer. HPV is a group of viruses, with over 100 different types identified. While many types of HPV are harmless, certain strains have the potential to cause cervical cancer. The virus is predominantly transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, making it a prevalent sexually transmitted infection. It is crucial to understand that HPV can remain dormant, presenting no symptoms, yet still pose a risk to the health of a woman's cervix over time. The link between HPV and cervical cancer is well- Specific high-risk strains of documented. HPV, such as HPV-16 and HPV-18, have been directly associated with the majority of cervical cancer cases. When a persistent HPV infection occurs, it can lead to changes in the cervical cells, known as dysplasia. While the immune system often clears the virus naturally, a failure to do so increases the risk of these abnormal cell changes developing into cancer over several years. How Intimacy and Habits Affect Cervical Health Intimacy, while a cornerstone of marital relationships, can play a significant role in influencing cervical health. The presence of the human papillomavirus (HPV) is intricately linked to cervical cancer, and one of the primary modes of transmission for HPV is through intimate contact. It is crucial for couples to engage in open conversations about sexual health, including regular screenings and vaccinations, which are pivotal in prevention. Safe practices, such as using protection and maintaining monogamous relationships, can significantly reduce the transmission risk of HPV, thereby lowering the chances of cervical complications. The following are the three husband behaviours that may contribute to cervical cancer in women: Poor Personal Hygiene: When it comes to personal hygiene, attention to cleanliness is vital. A husband's lack of proper hygiene can inadvertently affect his partner's health. Germs and bacteria can reside on unwashed skin, potentially leading to infections during intimate moments. These infections can heighten a woman's risk of developing cervical cancer over time. Encouraging consistent personal grooming and hygiene practices can help mitigate this risk. It's a simple yet effective way to protect both partners' health. Infidelity and Multiple Sexual Partners: The presence of multiple sexual partners increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs, especially the human papillomavirus (HPV), are significant contributors to cervical cancer. A husband's infidelity not only breaches trust but also poses a health threat by possibly introducing harmful viruses to his spouse. Open communication and mutual trust are essential components of a healthy relationship. Discussing safe sexual practices and undergoing regular medical check-ups can serve as preventative measures. Smoking and Second-hand Smoke Exposure: Smoking isn't just detrimental to one's health; it can also adversely affect the partner. Research shows that women exposed to second-hand smoke are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. The harmful chemicals in tobacco can suppress the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight HPV infections. Encouraging a smoke-free environment is crucial. Quitting smoking or avoiding exposure to second-hand smoke can significantly reduce health risks for both partners, fostering a healthier living space. How We Can Reduce Cervical Cancer Risk Encourage Regular Health Screenings: One of the most effective ways to mitigate the risk of cervical cancer is by encouraging your partner to undergo regular health screenings. Pap smears and HPV tests are crucial for early detection of precancerous conditions and cervical cancer itself. These examinations can identify changes in cervical cells before they develop into cancer. Practice Safe Intimacy: Adopting safe sexual practices is another vital step in reducing the risk of cervical cancer. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a major cause of cervical cancer, and it is often transmitted through intimate contact. Using protection, such as condoms, can significantly decrease the likelihood of HPV transmission. Furthermore, limiting the number of sexual partners can also lower exposure to the virus. Support a Healthy Lifestyle: Encouraging a lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and regular physical activity is beneficial for overall health and can contribute to reducing cancer risks. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly those containing antioxidants, can strengthen the immune system and help fight off infections, including HPV. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight through exercise can reduce the risk of various cancers. Advocate for Vaccination: The HPV vaccine is a powerful tool in preventing infections that could lead to cervical cancer. If your spouse is eligible, discussing the benefits of vaccination with her healthcare provider is advisable. This vaccine is most effective when administered before exposure to HPV, thus emphasizing the importance of early intervention. By focusing on these preventative measures, you can significantly contribute to lowering the risk of cervical cancer for your spouse, fostering not only her health but the health of your relationship. By prioritising open communication, practicing safe sexual behaviours, and encouraging regular health check-ups, you can significantly mitigate these risks. As you reflect on the insights shared in this article, consider how adopting these proactive measures can not only safeguard your partner's well-being but also strengthen the foundation of your relationship, ultimately promoting a harmonious and health-conscious marital journey. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : lets talk sex Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 29, 2025, 18:54 IST News lifestyle Let's Talk Sex | Preventative Measures For Reducing Cervical Cancer Risk