Latest news with #ShilpaArora
NDTV
16 hours ago
- Health
- NDTV
Indian Declares Life Abroad Is Just "Surviving On Instant Noodles"
People living abroad or away from home know the struggle. No matter how exciting the place or how good the food, nothing hits quite like ghar ka khana. Simple dal-chawal, mom's sabzi, or just a cup of homemade chai somehow feels like a warm hug. No restaurant or frozen meal ever truly matches that comfort. But when you're drowning in work, classes, or just too tired, who's got the time to cook a proper desi meal? That's when the saviour shows up. Instant noodles. Quick, no-fuss, and ready in minutes. They have become the go-to for homesick students, young professionals, and anyone trying to survive abroad on a budget. A recent viral Reddit post by an Indian captured this reality perfectly. The post read, "Why does everyone back home assume that being an NRI means I'm rolling in money and living in some luxurious palace? I'm just here in a tiny apartment, surviving on instant noodles and pretending I know what 'adulting' means." Read the post here: by u/regoupe in nri Instant noodles may be the ultimate quick fix, comforting, easy, and budget-friendly, but they are not exactly the healthiest option out there. Nutritionist Shilpa Arora gave the classic Maggi noodles a healthier twist by adding masala tofu to boost its protein content. Maggi is often criticised for being high in sodium, low in nutrients, and packed with preservatives. Shilpa Arora's version swaps out the guilt by turning it into a more balanced meal, cooked in yellow butter for added flavour and enriched with plant-based protein. Read the recipe here. Nutritionist Mohita Mascarenhas believes that while Maggi is made with maida and low in nutrients, it can be made healthier with the right additions. She suggests boosting its nutritional value by adding fibre-rich veggies and protein sources like chicken, tofu, eggs, paneer, or soy granules. These ingredients not only balance out the carbs but also make the dish more filling and digestion-friendly. Read more here. 5 healthy ways to upgrade your instant noodles: Add veggies - Mix in spinach, carrots, peas, bell peppers, or any available vegetables to boost fibre and nutrients. Include protein - Add boiled eggs, grilled chicken, tofu, paneer, or soya chunks to make the meal more filling and balanced. Use less tastemaker - Reduce the seasoning packet and flavour with your own spices like garlic, chili flakes, turmeric, or a splash of soy sauce. Switch to better noodles - Opt for whole wheat, millet, or oats-based noodles instead of refined maida versions. Make it soupy - Add extra water and turn it into a broth-style bowl for a lighter, more hydrating meal.
NDTV
07-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
How To Reduce Bloating And Belly Fat: This 5-Ingredient Morning Powder May Help
Waking up with a bloated belly, heartburn, or that sluggish-can't-move feeling? You are not alone. It is a common complaint, especially when the night before involved late meals, erratic digestion, or hormonal ups and downs. The discomfort can throw off your energy, mess with your appetite, and ruin your mood before the day has even begun. That is why many nutritionists suggest starting the day with simple, gut-friendly rituals, like this de-bloat powder made from ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Rooted in traditional wellness practices and backed by emerging science, this five-ingredient mix could ease bloating, support digestion, and even aid in inch loss. Here is what the science says, how to make it, and why starting your morning right could be the smartest thing you do for your gut health. Also Read: 5 Ways To Feel Easy After A Heavy Meal What Causes Bloating And Morning Gut Trouble? Bloating is not just about what you eat - it is often about how your gut is functioning. Food that lingers in the stomach too long, an imbalance in gut bacteria, or gas trapped during digestion can all lead to that puffed-up, heavy feeling. A review in The American Journal of Gastroenterology lists SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), poor gut motility, and carbohydrate intolerance as common triggers. Meanwhile, Frontiers in Microbiology points to the importance of diverse gut flora in reducing bloating and improving metabolic health. When your microbiome is healthy, it can better absorb nutrients and reduce inflammation, both crucial for long-term weight management and energy regulation. Why Mornings Matter For Gut Health And Metabolism? How you start your day can shape your digestive rhythm for the hours that follow. Macrobiotic health coach and nutritionist Shilpa Arora says mornings are ideal for "capitalising on weight loss and metabolic activation". She advises drinking warm water first thing to gently cleanse the system and improve how nutrients are absorbed. Ayurvedic medicine has long supported this idea. According to its principles, lukewarm water helps preserve energy while stimulating digestion - a small but impactful morning habit. Also Read: Puffy Face, No More! 7 Smart Tricks To Avoid Bloating On Face De-Bloat Powder: The 5-Ingredient Recipe That Has Nutritionists Talking Dietician Aarzoo Sethi recently shared her version of a de-bloat powder that she says works well when paired with a calorie-deficient plan. According to her, those who try the mix can "lose up to 3 kilograms in just 7 days" while also easing digestive issues and reducing bloating. How To Make This Morning Gut Health Mix Take one cup each of cumin (jeera), fenugreek (methi), fennel (saunf), carom seeds (ajwain), and mustard seeds. Toast them lightly on a dry pan until aromatic. Let them cool, then grind into a fine powder. Mix one teaspoon in a glass of water and drink daily on an empty stomach. This simple blend can become part of a consistent morning routine aimed at improving digestive health, reducing puffiness, and supporting weight loss goals. Photo Credit: Pexels Why This Morning De-Bloat Mix May Help With Weight Loss? 1. Improves Digestion And Reduces Gas: Ajwain and fennel are known for their gas-relieving, antispasmodic properties. These herbs support smoother digestion and reduce symptoms like cramps and heaviness. Cumin helps stimulate digestive enzymes and bile, both of which enhance nutrient absorption and prevent sluggishness. 2. Helps Stabilise Blood Sugar: Fenugreek is rich in soluble fibre, which slows carbohydrate digestion and promotes satiety. Studies have shown that fenugreek can reduce cravings and help regulate appetite - both helpful when managing weight. 3. Boosts Metabolic Function: Mustard seeds are mildly thermogenic, meaning they help the body burn calories more efficiently. Their selenium and glucosinolate content also aids liver detoxification and supports a healthy metabolism. 4. Eases Water Retention And Inflammation: Each of these ingredients has natural anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, which can help flush out excess water and ease bloating-related puffiness. Also Read: 7 Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods You Must Add to Your Diet Photo Credit: Pixabay Final Thoughts On Gut Health, Bloating And Daily Wellness While this de-bloat powder is not a magic solution, it can be a useful daily addition for those looking to support digestion and manage weight naturally. When combined with mindful eating, proper hydration, and regular movement, it may help reduce bloating and improve how your body feels - and functions - each day. Consistency is key. So is listening to your body. And sometimes, all it takes is a teaspoon of old-school wisdom mixed with modern science to start the day right. Advertisement About Somdatta Saha Explorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day. For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: De-bloat Powder Natural Remedy For Bloating Morning Digestion Tips Show full article Comments
NDTV
03-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
What Drinking Raw Papaya Juice Does To Your Body
When it comes to tropical fruits, papaya is often touted for its sweetness and digestive benefits. But not many people know that raw papaya has its own fan following. Especially in the juice form, raw papaya provides you with multiple health benefits that people miss out on because of their unawareness. Yes, it's slightly bitter, but once you get used to the taste, it becomes an important and powerful addition to your diet and lifestyle. Thanks to its nutritional content, raw papaya juice does more for your body than just hydrate. So, what happens to your body when you drink raw papaya juice? Curious? Here are 6 cool reasons why you should drink raw papaya juice. Also Read: How To Make Aloe Vera Juice From Aloe Vera Plant - Step-By-Step Recipe Video Here's What Happens To Your Body When You Drink Raw Papaya Juice 1. Helps Boost Digestion Naturally If you are looking for a way to smooth your digestion, raw papaya juice can come to your rescue, thanks to an enzyme called papain. According to a 2023 animal research, this enzyme helps break down proteins in your food. This makes it easier for your stomach to process heavier meals without feeling bloated or sluggish afterwards. Drinking it regularly may help improve issues like indigestion, acidity, and constipation. 2. Helps Cool Down The Body Worried about the hydration levels in your body? Raw papaya juice can help. As per the USDA data, raw papaya contains around 88 per cent of water, which keeps you hydrated. When you juice and consume it, it can keep your body nourished. It also has a mild diuretic effect, which helps remove toxins from the body and helps it cool down naturally. 3. Supports Weight Loss Raw papaya juice can be great for your weight loss journey. This juice is packed with fibre and enzymes that keep your metabolism and digestion efficient. Plus, raw papaya juice is low in calories and contains plenty of starch, too. So, drinking this juice in the morning or while pairing it with your main meals can prevent digestive issues and promote smooth bowel movements, thus helping you keep toxins away from the body. 4. Gives You Clear Skin Raw papaya juice is an easy way to get clear and glowing skin. Aside from antioxidants and vitamin A, raw papaya juice is also packed with vitamin C, which is known to fight oxidative stress in the body. In fact, drinking this juice may also help dissolve dead skin cells and repair the old ones, thus helping the skin rejuvenate from within. As per nutritionist and health coach Shilpa Arora, "Since fibre in the raw fruit cleans the body internally of any toxins, eating raw papaya daily helps with skin conditions like acne, blemishes and pigmentation." 5. Boosts Immunity Packed with antioxidants, enzymes, and essential nutrients, raw papaya juice helps strengthen your immune system. It fights free radicals, reduces inflammation, and may even help your body recover faster after minor infections or tiredness. This juice is especially helpful during season changes, when your immunity tends to lower. Even just two to three times a week can make a noticeable difference in how your body reacts to changes. Also Read: Beyond Oranges And Lemons: 5 Sources Of Vitamin C That Aren't Citrus Fruits 6. Great For Eye Health This one is for people who spend hours a day staring at screens. Raw papaya is an amazing addition to the diet for better eye health. According to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, raw papaya has good amounts of carotenoids that are used to form Vitamin A in the body. In fact, the quantity of carotenoids surpasses that of carrots and tomatoes. So, this juice can be great for your eye health, as well as your overall body. So, go on and add raw papaya juice to your diet today! Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information. Advertisement For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Raw Papaya Juice Raw Papaya Raw Papaya Benefits Show full article Comments
NDTV
01-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Watch: Nutritionist Gives Maggi A Wholesome Makeover With Tofu Twist
Maggi is the ultimate comfort food. It is quick, easy, and delicious. There is something about those hot, slurpy noodles that hits the spot every time. As tasty and nostalgic as it is, Maggi isn't exactly healthy. It is high in sodium, the tastemaker is packed with preservatives and artificial flavourings, and the noodles themselves are refined carbs with not much nutritional value. And while two minutes may be enough to cook it, it takes way longer for your body to break it all down. Thankfully, there is a way to keep the comfort while cutting down the guilt. Nutritionist Shilpa Arora has shared a unique way to make Maggi for anyone looking to make smarter food choices. In a video posted to Instagram, she takes viewers through her upgraded Maggi recipe. She starts by taking one serving of boiled Maggi, making it clear, 'Don't tell me it didn't fill your stomach. You don't need to fill your belly, you have to be thinner,' she says. Then she slices up a pack of masala tofu and mixes it into the noodles. The tofu adds a good dose of plant-based protein, turning the dish from a carb-heavy indulgence into something more balanced. Shilpa also mentions she cooked the Maggi in yellow butter, giving it that rich aroma and taste. 'Smells so good,' she says in the clip. She explains that the dish is nutritionally better this way, offering both comfort and health benefits in one bowl. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shilpa Arora (@ The video soon went viral. Here's how some people reacted to the idea: A user asked, 'What did you do with the rest of the Maggi?' 'Add some prawns and chopped green peppers, it'll be even tastier and more colourful!' read a comment. Another wrote, 'If I had that much control over my portions - just one spoonful!!! I wouldn't be fat in the first place.' 'And if you don't want to add vegetables, it's even more fun,' another wrote. Another comment said, 'You need fibre too, so add some veggies as well.' What do you think of this version of Maggi? Let us know in the comments below!
NDTV
23-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Say Yes To Raw Papaya: The Secret To A Healthier, Happier Summer
Summer is upon us, and while you are reaching out for much-loved mangoes and watermelons, there is one underrated tropical gem that truly deserves a spot on your summer plate - raw papaya. Yes, it is the green, firm, mildly flavoured version of the fruit you probably walk right past at your local vegetable sellers' cart without a second glance. Raw papaya may not have the instant appeal of juicy mangoes or the sweet burst of litchis, but it makes up for it with the incredible health benefits. Often seen as just a crunchy base for Thai salads or a filler in stir-fries, raw papaya is actually a powerhouse of nutrients. It is packed with digestive enzymes, vitamins, antioxidants and hydration-boosting properties that make it an ideal companion for the sweltering Indian summer. So, whether you are trying to stay cool, keep your gut in check or nourish your skin from within, raw papaya offers a natural, affordable and delicious way to do it all. Let's dive into why this humble green fruit deserves more love during the summer season. Also Read: Papaya Seeds For Diabetics: Benefits, Side Effects And How To Consume Photo Credit: iStock 5 Reasons To Add Raw Papaya To Your Summer Diet: 1. Packed With Cooling And Hydrating Properties: Raw papaya has a high-water content. According to USDA data, it contains nearly 88 percent water, which helps keep you hydrated. It also has a mild diuretic effect, which helps flush out toxins and cools down the body naturally. 2. Great For Digestion: Papaya contains papain, a powerful enzyme that breaks down proteins and aids digestion. According to a study published in the journal Neuro Endocrinology Letters, papain not only improves digestion but also eases symptoms of bloating and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). During summer, our metabolism tends to slow down, and raw papaya can help get things moving smoothly. 3. Boosts Immune Health: Packed with vitamin C and vitamin A, raw papaya supports the immune system and protects against common summer infections. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 100 grams of raw papaya offers over 60 percent of your daily vitamin C needs, which is essential to strengthen immunity against seasonal diseases. 4. Helps Manage Weight: Low in calories and high in fibre, raw papaya keeps you full longer and aids weight management. It also has a low glycaemic index (GI), which means it can help manage blood sugar levels too. Several studies have further linked raw papaya with reduced cholesterol levels. 5. Nourishes Skin: Nutritionist and Macrobiotic Coach Shilpa Arora explains, "Since fibre in the raw fruit cleans the body internally of any toxins, eating raw papaya daily helps with skin conditions like acne, blemishes and pigmentation." It may also help dissolve dead skin cells and repair the old ones, thus helping the skin rejuvenate from within. Also Read: Calories In Papaya: How To Use This Low-Calorie Fruit For Weight Loss How To Add Raw Papaya To Your Summer Diet: 1. Toss it into a crunchy Som Tam-style salad: If you love chaat and crunchy salads, then you will surely love this. Make your own version of the famous Thai Som Tam salad using shredded raw papaya, green chilli, crushed roasted peanuts, lemon juice, a dash of jaggery and tamarind water. It is tangy, spicy and cooling, making it a perfect side for a hot afternoon. 2. Add grated raw papaya to paratha stuffing or sabzis: Grated raw papaya works beautifully as a stuffing for parathas. Saute it with jeera, ajwain, hing and a touch of amchur for a wholesome and fibre-rich breakfast. It also blends well into dry sabzis or mixed vegetable preparations, adding volume, fibre and nutrition. 3. Make a refreshing raw papaya juice with lemon and mint: Blend peeled and chopped raw papaya with cold water, lemon juice, fresh mint leaves and a pinch of black salt for a hydrating summer cooler. It is light on the stomach and excellent for digestion. 4. Try it in Indian-style stir-fries or thoran: In South Indian cuisine, raw papaya is often used in thoran, a simple stir-fry made with grated coconut, mustard seeds, curry leaves and green chillies. It pairs beautifully with rice and rasam. 5. Make pickles or chutneys with it: Raw papaya pickles are packed with gut-friendly nutrients. You can also make quick chutneys with grated papaya, green chillies, garlic and lemon juice. It can be a zesty accompaniment for comforting dal-chawal or khichdi. Also Read: Love Papaya? We Have 7 Healthy Ways For You To Include It In Your Diet Photo Credit: iStock The Bottom Line: Raw Papaya Is Just What Your Body Needs This Summer Raw papaya is vibrant, versatile and perfect to add to your summer diet. So, the next time you are at the market, do not overlook those raw papayas at the vegetable stores. Word Of Caution: Pregnant women are often advised to avoid papaya as it may stimulate uterine contractions. So, it is always better to consult an expert before adding it to your diet during pregnancy. Advertisement About Somdatta Saha Explorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day. For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Papaya Raw Papaya Benefits Raw Papaya For Summer Show full article Comments
