Latest news with #TheYogaInstitute
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Olive oil trend vs mustard oil tradition: Which is better for Indian kitchens? Nutritional value, health benefits
Cooking oils play an essential role not just in the flavor of our meals but also in supporting our health. Among the most widely used and debated options are mustard oil, a staple in Indian kitchens, and olive oil, which has gained favor due to its association with Mediterranean diets and global health trends. While both offer valuable nutrients and benefits, understanding their differences can help individuals make informed choices. Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, Director of The Yoga Institute has shed light on this. Nutritional Composition and Health Impact Mustard oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), known for improving heart health by lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) and enhancing good cholesterol (HDL). It also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are vital for brain function and cardiovascular health. In addition, its high content of vitamin E and antioxidants supports immunity and skin health. Similarly, olive oil is packed with monounsaturated fats and contains vitamins E and K. The presence of powerful antioxidants like oleocanthal and oleuropein gives it anti-inflammatory and protective qualities against chronic diseases. Health Benefits at a Glance Mustard oil has traditionally been praised for promoting heart health and reducing inflammation. It supports digestion, increases appetite, and even exhibits antimicrobial properties that are useful for skin and scalp care. On the other hand, olive oil has been found to help lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, improve brain health, and act as a natural skin moisturizer. Both oils offer significant health-promoting properties, but their suitability depends on individual health needs and dietary preferences. Usage in Cooking Mustard oil remains a favorite in Indian households due to its pungent aroma and versatility. It is commonly used for frying, sautéing, and especially pickling, owing to its natural preservative properties. In contrast, olive oil is more suited to drizzling on salads, preparing dressings, and cooking at low to medium temperatures. Extra virgin olive oil is particularly favored for its nutritional density and flavor. Points to Consider Despite its benefits, mustard oil contains erucic acid, which may pose health concerns if consumed excessively. Choosing cold-pressed variants is recommended to mitigate this risk. Additionally, its sharp flavor may not appeal to all palates. Olive oil, although rich in nutrients, comes with a higher price tag and a lower smoke point, making it unsuitable for high-heat Indian cooking styles. While olive oil aligns with modern health trends and offers several protective benefits, mustard oil continues to be deeply rooted in Indian culinary traditions. Its ideal balance of fatty acids helps in managing blood pressure and preventing hypertension. Regardless of the oil chosen, moderation and purity are crucial. Limiting intake to about two tablespoons a day and opting for cold-pressed or extra virgin variants ensures maximum health benefits. Both oils can complement a balanced diet when used mindfully and according to one's cooking needs.
News18
21-06-2025
- Health
- News18
On Yoga Day, Deep Dive Into Pioneer Guru's Wisdom For Today's World
Last Updated: Yoga is not just a fitness routine, but a complete system for inner health. On International Yoga Day, here are some practical tips gleaned from the work of Shri Yogendraji Most of us associate Yoga with fitness and flexibility though that understanding barely scratches the surface. Shri Yogendra ji was the founder of the world's oldest organised Yoga centre—The Yoga Institute, Mumbai (est. 1918)—and devoted his life to showing that Yoga is not merely about the external body, but about inner health and living a balanced life. A householder Yogi, he simplified Yoga for people with work and family responsibilities. He was one of the first to apply Yoga scientifically—introducing Yoga therapy, exploring the impact of Yoga practices on the body, and even setting up a branch of the institute in the US. As we celebrate the 11th International Yoga Day today—themed One World, One Health—it's worth revisiting some of the whats, whys and hows of Yoga. Here are curated insights from the voluminous writings of Shri Yogendra ji.* 1. In Yoga, the Nervous System is of Paramount Importance. All practices aim at control, purification and strengthening of the nervous system—and not muscular display and strength. In Yoga, the body is only an instrument of education for the mind. Through Yoga's scientific training, all voluntary and major involuntary functions of the body can be brought under direct control of the will. 2. Yoga & The Body's Inner Functioning. Yoga has specific techniques that help manipulate the endocrine glands, as well as regulate blood supply to any part including vital organs like heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. 3. Yoga Is Gentler on Digestion Than Strenuous Exercise. During intense workouts, normal supply of blood gets diverted to the muscles and away from the digestive system. Yoga's effect on the digestive system is more beneficial than strenuous exercise because it does not deprive it of blood supply. 4. Prolonged, Rhythmic Breathing Improves Respiratory Efficiency. Increased oxygen in the blood during Yoga exercise gives richer blood to all other systems of the body. 5. Yoga Energises; It Does Not Exhaust. A well-regulated exercise should impart a sense of wellbeing and lightness. All movement must be practised lightly — and stop short of actual fatigue. Relax whenever fatigue sets in. This will minimise strain on the nervous system, as the perfect health of this system is the aim of most of Yoga. 6. Exercising Muscles of the Spine is Very Important. The small, deep extensor muscles along the spine hold the trunk and other parts, maintaining the natural posture for efficient functioning. This is why Yoga especially emphasises exercising the spinal column—through vertical, lateral, anterior, posterior, and torsional stretches. 7. The Right Amount of Yoga is 25–30 Minutes A Day. Sheer excess may cause changes in the muscles of the heart. Moderation in exercise is strongly recommended in Yoga. The standard daily dose of Yoga should be 25-30 minutes. Regularity (Abhyasa) is the cornerstone of success. 8. Mornings are Ideal for Asana Practice. Mornings, before breakfast, are best suited for Yoga exercise as vitality is highest and the movements can be performed with ease, freshness, vigour, and mental calmness. If that is not possible, evening before dinner is ideal, unless you are tired. In that case, relaxation poses are to be given priority. Ideally, first evacuate the bladder and bowels, clean the nose and throat of mucus, and drink a glass of room-temperature water. Then, after 15 minutes, begin Yoga exercise. 9. Don't Skip Yoga During Winter Months. Of all seasons, Yoga poses have to be done zealously and regularly in winter. This is to maintain normal circulation and to keep the blood warm for good health. 10. For People Above 80, Pranayama is the Best Yoga. Yoga exercises may be gradually omitted as they tend to strain the muscles that become inelastic with age. However, for those advised to curtail physical exercises, doing more of Pranayama practices gives promising results. This International Yoga Day, we can draw from Shri Yogendra ji's legacy to make Yoga not just a practice, but a way of balanced living. The author is a journalist, cancer survivor and certified yoga teacher. She can be reached at swatikamal@
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Why your mind wanders during meditation
Authored by: Dr Hansaji Yogendra, The Yoga Institute cañcalaṁ hi manaḥ kṛṣṇa pramāthi balavad dṛḍham tasyāhaṁ nigrahaṁ manye vāyor iva su-duṣkaram ~Bhagwat Gita 6.34 The mind is restless, turbulent, obstinate and very strong, O Kṛṣṇa, and to subdue it, I think, is more difficult than controlling the wind; so, said Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This is a reality every meditator faces: no matter how earnestly you want to sit in silence, the mind wanders. Everything from the morning's conversations, to the grocery list, a past regret, a painful conversation or a future plan fill your mind the moment you sit down to meditate. And for many of you, this wandering feels like failure. But let me assure you, it is not. In fact, to observe the mind's wandering is a sign that meditation has begun. You are no longer lost in thought, but becoming aware of it. The Nature of the Mind: Restless, Moving, Alive In Indian philosophy, the mind (manas) is never described as a static organ. It is dynamic, subtle and ever in motion. Its primary function is to perceive, compare, recall, desire and judge: continuously. The ancient yogis classified the mind's fluctuations as vrittis or waves on the surface of consciousness. Meditation is not about eliminating these waves instantly, but about observing them with clarity and compassion. What Happens to the Mind in Meditation? When you begin meditating you expect instant calmness. But the mind in those early moments can feel quite the opposite. This happens because meditation alters brain activity. As you settle into meditation, the brain begins to move from a state of high-frequency beta waves (associated with active thinking, planning, or stress) to slower alpha and eventually theta waves, which are linked to deep relaxation and inward focus. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But this shift doesn't happen instantly. The space between these waves, especially the transition from beta to alpha, is often where mental 'debris' starts to float up. And that is why your mind wanders, especially in the early stages of mediation. Why Does the Mind Wander During Meditation? So, when you sit to meditate, the world outside becomes quiet but the world within becomes loud. And that is also why your mind wanders. Here are a few other reasons why: 1. The Unprocessed Subconscious During the day, the mind absorbs countless impressions: what you see, hear, feel, and think. These impressions (samskaras) are not always consciously processed. Meditation, being a state of still awareness, allows these stored thoughts to rise to the surface. 2. Habitual Conditioning The modern mind is constantly stimulated by phones, conversations, deadlines and distractions. It becomes addicted to noise. So, when silence is introduced, it feels uncomfortable. The mind, out of habit, begins reaching outward again and you start replaying stories, seeking tasks or constructing imaginary scenarios. 3. Resistance to Change Yogic texts speak of tamasic inertia; the mind's resistance to moving into a higher state. Just as the body resists change, so does the mind. The moment you ask it to be still, it reacts. This is a natural stage of growth. Do not be alarmed. 4. Attachment and Desire Meditation often makes you aware of the attachments you have to people, identities or unfulfilled desires. That is why thoughts or emotions or feelings associated with them keep resurfacing as you begin to meditate. These actually reveal the deeper entanglements of the mind and are an encouragement to let go of them. How to Gently Guide the Wandering Mind 1. Choose a Simple Anchor Use the breath, a mantra or a gentle visualisation, like a diya flame or the rising sun. Let this become your point of focus. Every time your mind wanders, return to it. And don't judge your mind for wandering. Be kind to your mind. 2. Be the Observer, Not the Doer Do not wrestle with your thoughts. Become the sakshi, their silent witness. Observe the thought arise, remain and dissolve. This very witnessing begins to loosen its hold. 3. Short but Regular Practice It is far better to meditate sincerely for 10 minutes every day than to force a long session once in a while. The mind respects rhythm. Over time, this daily practice becomes a habit. Once you finish meditating, take a moment to journal or sit quietly. Often, the thoughts that came up carry emotional weight. Honouring them helps the mind feel heard and eases future restlessness. Do not fear the wandering of your mind. It is a part of the process. As the Yoga Sutras remind us: 'Abhyasa vairagyabhyam tan nirodhah'; through steady practice and gentle detachment, the fluctuations of the mind are quieted.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Times Health+ and The Yoga Institute reshaping Health and Wellness through its Strategic Partnership
A purpose-filled partnership The People behind the Curtains In a wellness industry crowded with flash-in-the-pan trends, a few names still stand as tall and timeless, such as Times Health+'s holistic wellness partner, The Yoga Institute. The institution was founded in 1918 by Shri Yogendra Ji, a renowned yogi often hailed as the father of the modern yoga renaissance. The Yoga Institute isn't just a school, for its walls are interwoven with rich history. Now, as the official holistic wellness partner, it is extending its tapestry of yogic tradition into the digital collaboration was beyond a branding move; it is a strategic alliance that celebrates yoga as an art form and mindfulness. It grounds Times Health+ in credibility and depth and a truly holistic approach. Carrying on its back over 105 years of continuous service, 100,000+ certified teachers, and more than 500 publications. The yoga institute has been the anchor for those seeking physical and emotional awakening. This partnership guarantees that the tech-first yoga experiences offered by Times Health+ remain embedded in celebrating science and Yoga Institute's esteemed guidance is accompanied by a handpicked group of senior faculty, all of whom foster deep domain expertise across different facets of top of the list stays Vinita Sakpal, a specialist in holistic nutrition and mindful eating. She has a master's degree in food science and nutrition. She currently works as a senior nutritionist and yoga teacher at the Yoga Institute. She blends scientific nutritional planning and yogic lifestyle practices. Her work spans therapeutic diet consultations, wellness counseling, and conducting impactful health workshops and community the paragraph next to hers stands Vinay Zende, an internationally certified yoga teacher trained at The Yoga Institute, Mumbai, through a meticulous 900-hour advanced teacher's training course. He is a yoga teacher and evaluator recognized by the Ministry of AYUSH, GOI, and specializes in teaching Ashtanga and Hatha Yoga, including Kriyas, meditation, and stress management techniques. Since 2019, he has been an integral part of the Yoga Institute's teaching stands Dr. Sneha Rathi, holding a gold medal in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and an internationally certified yoga teacher, also trained at the Yoga Institute, Mumbai, with expertise ranging from joint pain management to postoperative rehabilitation. She seamlessly blends modern physiotherapy with traditional yoga techniques, effectively supporting patients in achieving wellness from a distance as of these guides isn't just there to lead a class; they embody a legacy of practice that has transformed over thousands of lives, and they strive to reach more as days go an age where wellness has turned into a mere aesthetic, this partnership strives to change that narrative and reframe it as a daily discipline. Together with Times Health+, it is ensured that the users wouldn't be only chasing workouts; rather, they would be returning to themselves through mindful movement, breath, and awareness. They shall be reminded that health is not a trend but a need.
News18
31-05-2025
- General
- News18
Want To Be A Good Yoga Teacher? Here Are The Qualities That Matter
Last Updated: A student may not remember your Sanskrit verses or the jargon you use, but they will always remember how you made them feel At a Yoga centre where I was attending a programme some months ago, I happened to encounter a person from Russia as he was exiting the classroom. Red-faced, he was walking out in a huff, preparing to pack his bags and leave. He let loose when I asked what had happened: 'The teacher thinks she's an enlightened soul and so superior! I find people here are so rigid about what's wrong and right. Worst is they themselves don't practice what they teach!" It was a long list of complaints. It occurred to me that students were not content to just learn Yoga poses and practices from teachers — that their teachers needed to measure up in other ways, too. So, what are the qualities that make a successful Yoga teacher? We approached veteran Yoga teacher and guru, Dr Hansaji Yogendra, Director of The Yoga Institute, Santacruz, Mumbai, for answers. Here are edited excerpts from an interview. A good Yoga teacher is not just someone who knows asanas, pranayamas or the scriptures – she or he must embody the practice. Inner stillness, compassion and humility are absolute musts. I always say to teachers — be still. Stillness requires courage. The ability to be quiet and to observe, without judgment, reflects an inner strength. The Inner Motivation The motivation to teach must come from a place of seva — selfless service — and not from a desire to impress, preach, or seek recognition or validation. A true teacher doesn't teach in order to be seen, but rather to help others see themselves more clearly. Empathy, kindness, and genuine human connection are needed. I often remind new teachers that people don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care. Knowledge And Skills, but Also Own Practice A Yoga teacher should understand all three — the body and how it functions, the mind and how it behaves, and the spirit and how it seeks. More importantly, they must remain dedicated to their own practice. All of Yoga is abhyasa —so, practice, practice, practice! The teaching carries authenticity and depth only if the teacher is first a sincere practitioner. Perfection is a myth — but progress is essential. And it is only through consistent sadhana that skills transform into wisdom. Your Class Should Be A Space of Peace, Not Pressure For this, some do's are: Do practice what you teach. Keep learning. Respect each student's unique journey. Create a safe and inclusive space where everyone feels seen and supported. And some don'ts are: Don't impose, compare, or preach. Teaching is about guiding and about not showing off — remember, there is a difference between teaching and preaching. Inspire through your own lived experience; don't just share information or bookish knowledge. And always remember: anything that doesn't bring psychological balance is not Yoga. Let your class be a space of peace, not pressure. How To Be More Confident Confidence comes from clarity and consistent practice. When you engage in daily sadhana and witness the subtle shifts in your own body and mind, you begin to teach from a place of truth. And that truth builds authentic confidence. Yoga doesn't make your life better; Yoga makes you better at life. Live Yoga fully, and the confidence to teach will arise naturally and effortlessly. The Test of A Good Teacher A student may not remember your Sanskrit verses or the jargon you use from anatomy, but they will always remember how you made them feel. A good teacher helps students feel seen and safe, and inspired. The real test? When a student begins to practice on their own—not out of pressure, but out of joy. That's when you know that Yoga has truly happened. Be Morally and Ethically Sound You have to be morally and ethically sound, only then can there be true spiritual progress. That moral compass can only develop when all three pillars of Yoga — the body, the mind, and the soul — are nurtured through a balanced integration of Physiology, Psychology, and Philosophy. A good teacher must be well-versed in all three dimensions of Yoga — Physiology, Philosophy, and Psychology. At The Yoga Institute, we emphasise all three. Here, Yoga is not confined to physical postures, but is embraced as a way of purposeful living. The emphasis is not merely on flexibility of the body, but on cultivating stability of the mind, along with clarity and inner resilience. The philosophy taught is not rooted in rigid beliefs, but in practical wisdom that can be meaningfully applied to everyday life. The author is a journalist, cancer survivor and certified yoga teacher. She can be reached at swatikamal@ Watch CNN-News18 here. 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! First Published:
