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Indian Express
20-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
‘I am being vegetarian now': Priyanka Chopra Jonas shares her go-to meals when in India and the US; here's why they are good for you
Priyanka Chopra Jonas' shift to Hollywood might have put her on the global map, but it has surely left the Desi Girl craving for her favourite Indian dishes. During the promotion of her latest release Heads of State, she shared some of her favourite meals to indulge in while in India as well as the US. 'Dinner always starts with soup. I love having a nice, warm soup. Then, having the same that I have for lunch. It is super tasty, and healthy. Then I have various other things, I love dal, I love bhindi. I love aloo gobhi. I am being vegetarian now. Then, I always need a dahi, I love having raita and achaar is very important. Salad's very important,' she told the host. 'Now when I'm in the US, I am usually not a sandwich person. I don't like sandwiches, but I always like roast fish with veggies. I love a good, fresh salad,' she added. Many like to begin their meals with a bowl of scrumptious and filling soup. But, turns out, apart from being an appetiser, beginning a meal with soup also has several health benefits! Delhi-based nutritionist Pooja Bohra shared some benefits to starting your meals with a warm vegetable soup: *It is a high source of fluids. *Soups are healthy and nutritious. *Soup preserves its nutritional value. *They are full of healthy fibres. *Soups are rich in taste. *It is a powerhouse of antioxidants. *Soups fill up the volume in your stomach. *It leaves less room for more calorie-dense food item Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator, tells 'Regular consumption of curd after lunch can significantly alter gut microbiota composition due to its probiotic content, primarily Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. These live cultures enhance beneficial bacterial populations, improving microbial diversity and suppressing harmful bacteria. According to her, the lactic acid bacteria in curd strengthens gut barrier function, reduces inflammation, and promotes short-chain fatty acid production, which supports colon health. Curd's probiotics also improve nutrient absorption, reduce bloating, and may lower the risk of inflammatory bowel conditions by balancing gut flora. However, pairing curd with spicy dishes may not be suitable for all. The contrast in temperature between cold curd and hot spices could lead to digestive discomfort, particularly in individuals with sensitive stomachs. 'There is no evidence suggesting that the combination is harmful. However, some individuals with sensitive stomachs might experience discomfort due to the contrasting temperatures,' she added. Sushma PS, chief dietitian, Jindal Naturecure Institute said that salads are alkaline foods that serve as a preventive measure against acid accumulation within the body, supporting gentle detoxification processes. 'The consumption of a salad promotes gastrointestinal health by incorporating ingredients characterised by low acidity levels and rich fibre, vitamin, and mineral content, which are essential for digestive well-being,' said Sushma. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Indian Express
29-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Akshay Kumar swears by this infused water recipe to up his hydration game: ‘It's great to drink 3-4 litres of water..'
Akshay Kumar is deeply committed to health and fitness, and his dedication isn't just limited to the gym. A laser sharp focus on his diet that goes beyond his home, the Housefull 5 actor keeps at it throughout the day. During a recent interview with Pinkvilla, he was seen sipping on a tall glass of infused water. Curious, his interviewer asked about the drink in hand, and Akshay indulged him. 'It's just apples, cucumber and mint. It's a lean thing, and it just keeps you hydrated. Plus, it's great to drink 3-4 litres of water every day,' he revealed. We reached out to health experts to understand the benefits of this concoction on long term consumption. Here's what we found. Sushma PS, chief dietitian at Jindal Naturecure Institute, shared that mint is highly valued for its ability to calm the gastrointestinal tract. Sushma elucidated that the main ingredient in mint, menthol, can calm the muscles that make up the gastrointestinal tract, lessening discomfort and spasms. 'Moreover, it possesses antibacterial qualities that might aid in the fight against dangerous gut bacteria,' said Sushma. Sushma mentioned that cucumber detox water is rich in antioxidants and helps to flush toxins out of the body. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. Drinking cucumber-infused water can help to improve digestion, improve immunity, and promote healthy skin. According to her, apple-infused water is great for improving metabolism and aiding weight loss. 'They are naturally low in calories but high in fiber, making them perfect for keeping hunger pangs at bay. With natural fiber and enzymes, this detox water supports smooth digestion and prevents bloating. Bonus points, it makes the drink tastier and enjoyable,' she added. Combining these three ingredients in water creates a hydrating beverage that can help flush out toxins, improve digestion, and alleviate post-meal bloating and discomfort. 'Drinking this infused water can also promote hydration, which is essential for overall health and well-being,' said Sushma. The ideal way to consume this water is to simply combine freshly cut apples, cucumber slices, and mint leaves with water and allow the flavours to infuse for a few hours in the refrigerator. 'Enjoying a glass of this revitalising beverage after a heavy meal can help alleviate digestive discomfort and promote overall well-being,' she added. The expert pointed out that the process of detoxification is mostly carried out by the liver and kidneys, thus 'depending exclusively on drinks for detoxification might not be adequate'. 'Eating a well-balanced diet and staying hydrated are essential components of detoxification,' said Sushma. Dr Santosh Pandey, acupuncturist and naturopath, Rejua Energy Center, Mumbai told that consuming adequate amount of water is necessary to flush out the toxins from the body. And adding delicious flavours to regular water only makes it easy to consume one's recommended dietary allowance of water. 'So, infused water, also known as detox water, is a great way to add nutrients and flavour to your water without adding extra calories. A refreshing cucumber, apple, and mint is a thirst-quenching detox water,' said Dr Pandey.
