Nutrients & more...

image It seems that supplements are emerging as a new shortcut to health. Vit. C and zinc have become the quick-fix for boosting immunity along with the plethora of other supplements. Don't like sour fruits? Take a vitamin-C supplement. Don't have time to go out in the sun? Take Vitamin- D supplement. Had junk food this week? Take a multivitamin. Wanna lose weight? Take a diet supplement/ replacement. Have a heart problem? Take a fish -oil supplement. Don't have time to make healthy home-cooked meals? Take a multivitamin/supplement. But can a deficiency in nutrients be covered by the use of supplements and supplements alone??  It is tempting to think that a pill, powder, or concoction will cover all your nutritional needs. But, it’s not equivalent to consuming food! Whole foods provide complete health benefits that cannot be matched by isolated nutrients. The nutrients react in a complex way which enhance the health of a person eg. Dal and roti eaten together improves the a...

Do you feel lethargic even after having a good night's sleep? Do you get tired easily no matter what you do? Do you have difficulty concentrating? Has your friend/collegue/spouse commented that you have been looking pale these day? Chances are that you might be suffering from deficiency of iron . What is Iron? It is an essential mineral which serves diverse functions in the body. Since its required in small amounts, it is a 'micronutrient'. Why is iron important? 1. It is required in the blood cells for oxygen transport. Its deficiency causes anemia . 2. It is important for the development of the fetal brain. 3. Necessary for immune health. 4. It is required for producing energy in cells. 5. It is a constituent of our muscle protein 'myoglobin' and helps in storing oxygen in the muscles. 6. It’s a part of various enzymes in the body. What foods to eat? Include these in your diet: Liver, eggs, whole wheat flour, bajra , soyabeans, chickpeas, len...