Turkish Yogurt, Egyptian Leben, American Matzoon and Indian Dahi are all similar products. Many people tend to misunderstand the difference between Curd and yogurt.

Many of my clients are under the misconception that yogurt is thicker than curd. Visiting different restaurants, I have realized that many of the chefs find it cool to write yogurt in their menu card. But curd refers to the milk solids that are left after curdling by way of adding a curdling agent that is acidic.

It could be a culture of yogurt or it could be lime-juice or vinegar. This process provides us with curd. So paneer or cottage cheese that we know is technically curd from splitting the milk and milky grey water, which is left is whey. Indian dahi is made by adding mother culture at about 30-40 C. Mother culture contains strains of lactic acid bacteria, which multiplies itself in the ambient temperature of 30-40

Yogurt is same as curd with the difference that the fermentation of the milk is done by adding 2 specific strains of bacteria called Lactobacillus Bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophillus. The addition of these bacteria makes the product standardized and homogenous. The two types of yogurt commonly found in the grocery store are set type and swiss style yogurt. Set type yogurt is when the yogurt is packed with the fruit on the bottom of the cup and yogurt on the top. Swiss style yogurt is when fruit is blended into yogurt prior to packaging.

Health Benefits of Yogurt

1. Decreases ulcerative colitis symptoms
2. Decreases IBS symptoms
3. Decrease acute diarrhea
4. Increases Immunity

Activia/Danon Yogurt

Activia contains many of the same ingredients found in regular yogurt such as lactic acid-producing bacteria, including lactobacillus bulgaricus and streptococcous thermphilus, sweetners, fruits or flavorings. It is prepared as regular or light, greek regular or lite, with added fiber or as drink.

Bifidus regularis is a probiotic specially added to Dannon yogurt to aid in digestive health. Daily consumption of yogurt with Bifidobacterium lactis improved well being and digestive symptoms in women with minor digestive problems.

For more information on seeds, e-mail the writer at info@wellnessbeyonddiet.com. She can also be contacted at 08427162181

Today health foods are flooded in the Indian market and awareness is increasing that refined sugar is not only harmful for our waistline but also shows deleterious effect on blood sugar level.

With such negative press sugar is receiving from doctors and dietitians, I thought it is time to decipher about skin care ramifications and the results are not good.

World’s best dermatologist and skin care experts agree that a diet high in sugar is a disaster for the over all well-being of the skin. According to me, it’s a waste of your hard earned money on expensive skin care products, if you are still binging into a diet high in sugar. We can moisturize skin from outside with creams but we need to feed and stimulate the growth of strong cells from inside too and sugar will sabotage it.

The major problem with sugar is that it makes the skin lose its plump, i.e. the elastic quality, which underlies the youthful appearance. This happens due to a process called glycation. Sugar attaches itself to a protein in the body and produces harmful molecules called advanced glycation end products.

This reduces the effectiveness of elastin and collagen, major proteins in the skin that help maintain its youthful appearance. If you persistently eat a high sugar diet, then as a result collagen and elastin become more rigid, so it is easier for wrinkles to form. It also becomes tough for the cells in the skin to repair normal damage. A high sugar diet also reduces the quality of the collagen in the skin.

It also shows more damaging effects due to UV rays. How much one can tolerate glycation depends upon your age, metabolism and exercise regime. It has been observed that if refined sugar is cut down to quite an extend, benefits are fruitful. The skin may seem less dry within days.

Sugar also promotes inflammation and also fluctuates hormones specially in women. This depletes antioxidants and leaves the skin vulnerable to inflammation, making it more prone to acne. Hormone overdrives our skin glands resulting in excessive sebum production and skin’s cell growth. Combination of sticky sebum and dead skin results in blocked pores.

Right diet can help women stay younger. Focus on food with a low glycemic index (GI). These cause a smaller increase in your blood sugar as compared to steeper jump from food with a high glycemic index or high GI.

Eat smaller meals often. Eating every two and a half hour will help keep your blood sugar and insulin under control. Eat lots of vegetables. Choose veggies across a range of deep and bright colors. These will provide a variety of antioxidant that dampen free radical damage and inflammation.

For more information on seeds, e-mail the writer at info@wellnessbeyonddiet.com. She can also be contacted at 08427162181

Celiac disease has become a very common problem among children. It occurs when the body is unable to respond to gluten.

Chia seeds have stolen the limelight in the supermarket, showing up everywhere – from granola bars, biscuits, beverages etc. Chia is packed with omega-3-fatty acid. Because they have mild and nutty flavor, they are easy to add to a variety of foods and drinks.

Gluten is one of the types of protein found in wheat, barley and rye. When gluten is ingested in any form it triggers an immune response, which is not normal. This results in damaging the inside of the small intestine where maximum amount of nutrients are absorbed.

A careful physical exam is important to be performed by the doctor. A blood test should be performed to measure higher levels of certain antibodies (substances produced by the immune system to fight harmful invaders) found in people with celiac disease.

Few more test are important to detect nutritional deficiencies such as low level of iron. A stool sample can also be tested to detect fat in stool, since celiac disease prevents fat from being absorbed from food.

This can also leave patients susceptible to other health problems including

Osteoporosis, which weakens bone and leads to fractures. This occurs because the patient has trouble in absorbing enough calcium and vitamin D. For those suffering in the age of 20s, specially women, can lead to birth defects such as neural tube defects (improper formation of spine) caused by poor absorption of folic acid.

Gluten intolerant children will show slow growth and weak bones. Children start losing weight, they complain diarrhea or feel weak and tired for many days and show tingling sensation in the legs (caused by nerve damage and low calcium levels), musculoskeletal problems (muscle cramp, joint and muscle pain), digestive problem, abdominal bloating, pain, gas, diarrhea, pale stool and weight loss.

If precautions are not taken early in life and the intestine of the patients are damaged completely, then at this stage a gluten free diet may not help. These patients may have to receive nutritional supplements through an IV.

Family history and age are the two major causes of celiac disease. If parents are suffering from food allergies, such as hay fever, one is at increased risk of allergy to wheat or other food. Wheat allergies are most common in babies and toddlers who have immature immune and digestive systems. At times with constant care, most children out grow wheat allergy, but adults can develop it at any time in life.

LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES

1. Keep others informed
   If your child is suffering from wheat allergy, make sure you inform principal and teachers at school.
2. Always read labels
   Wheat proteins especially gluten are used as food thickeners. Also don’t assume that once you have used a certain brand of a product that’s always safe. Manufactures tend to change ingredients for better acceptability in the market.

Shop for gluten free food

Some of the specialty stores and super market offer gluten free foods, which are safe for people with wheat allergies.

Dine out cautiously

Inform restaurant staff about your allergy. Order simple dishes prepared with fresh foods. Avoid foods that may have hidden sources of wheat protein such as sauces or deep fried food that might be coked with other food containing wheat.

For more information on seeds, e-mail the writer at info@wellnessbeyonddiet.com. She can also be contacted at 08427162181

We all have heard about nuts. But, what about seeds? These tiny beads are popping up everywhere. Super seeds deserve to play a much greater role in our diet. Add a spoonful to your morning muesli. They are nutritional powerhouses – loaded with dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Chia seeds have stolen the limelight in the supermarket, showing up everywhere – from granola bars, biscuits, beverages etc. Chia is packed with omega-3-fatty acid. Because they have mild and nutty flavor, they are easy to add to a variety of foods and drinks.

When fiber in the chia seeds mingle with the digestive liquids in the gut, it swells to form a gel, which can aid in improving blood sugar control and promote satiety to help keep your junk food temptations at bay. Chia is not considered a complete protein as it contains low levels of essential amino acid lysine. Since it has a fairly benign flavor, so it can be added liberally to dishes like cereal, yogurt, cottage cheese and salad without impacting the taste of the dish.

Hemp seeds

These are soft to the bite, hemp seeds also called hemp hearts can provide nourishment to your muscles by providing with high quality proteins. Protein value of hemp has been found in number of plant based foods such as grains, nuts, and legumes. So hemp seeds contains full arsenal of muscle building essential amino acids, which can be found find in meats, eggs and dairy products. These tiny heart shaped super seeds are loaded with range of vital minerals including energy boosting iron, bone building calcium and magnesium. It has also been researched from Harvard University that higher intakes of magnesium are associated with 30% lower risk of heart diseases. Hemp also contains 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fat, which is considered to be anti-inflammatory in the body.

Pumpkin seeds

The bevy of nutritional benefits of pumpkin seeds also includes iron, magnesium and testosterone-boosting zinc and vitamin K. Zinc is essential for better hair growth in both male and females.

Flax Seeds

These are rich in omega-3-fatty acid, dietary fiber and lignin. Flax seeds reduces belly fat and even lowers cholesterol. The researchers surmised that the biological mechanism could be linked to high level of lignin in flax. Lignin is plant compound that may help to improve blood flow in the body. Whole Flax seeds have hard outer shell that makes it difficult for our digestive track to break into. For this reason flax seeds need to be grounded into a powder, if proper nutritional goodness can be accessed. It is preferred to buy whole seeds and grind them at home.

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are the cheapest seeds available in the market today. These seeds are also a good source of body-friendly unsaturated fat along with the range of minerals such as magnesium, copper and manganese. But the sky-high levels of vitamin E are their nutritional claim to fame. From cereal to tuna salad to pasta to yogurt to smoothies, a handful of sunflower seeds can add a nutritional boost to a wide range of everyday meals.

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds deliver a dairy free source of calcium. Sprinkle sesame seeds into your daily menu and you will also take in copper, a mineral essential for numerous enzymatic reactions in the body, including those involved in energy production and the performance of your nervous system. Even Black sesame seeds are thought to possess higher anti – oxidant activity than the most customary beige variety. Add them to roasted vegetables, grilled salmon, sautéed greens and even burger mixture.

For more information on seeds, e-mail the writer at info@wellnessbeyonddiet.com. She can also be contacted at 08427162181

Detox diets are generally short-term dietary interventions designed to eliminate toxins from the body.

A typical detox diet involves a period of fasting, followed by a strict diet of fruits, vegetables, fruit juices and water. At times your health care provider also include herbs, teas, supplements and colon cleanses in your detox diet.

This is aimed to:

• Rest the organs by fasting.
• Stimulate the liver to get rid of toxins.
• Promotes toxin elimination through urine, sweat and feces.
• Improves circulation and also provides body with healthy nutrients.

Detox diets are most commonly recommended because of exposure to toxic chemicals in the environment or diet. These include pollutants, synthetic chemicals, heavy metals and other harmful compounds. These diets are also claimed to help with various health problems, including obesity, digestive issues, autoimmune diseases, inflammation, allergies, bloating and chronic fatigue.

There are many ways of going through a detox diet

1. Fasting for 1-3 days.
2. Drinking fresh fruits and vegetable juices, smoothies, water and tea.
3. Avoiding all allergenic foods and then slowly re introducing them
4. Completely eliminating alcohol, coffee, cigarettes and refined sugar

The different detox diets vary in intensity and duration. Detox diet and weight loss

Some people may lose a lot of weight quickly, this seems to be due to loss of fluids and carbs stores, rather than fat. This weight is usually regained quickly once you start eating again. If a detox diet involves severe calorie restrictions, then it will most certainly cause weight loss and improvements in metabolic health. However this type of crash dieting will not lead to long term results unless you make it a lifestyle change.

Beneficial Aspects of Detox Diet

There are few aspects of detox diet that may have health benefits

1. Eliminating “toxins” from body fat by losing excessive fat.
2. Exercising and sweating regularly.
3. Eating, whole, nutritious and healthy food.
4. Avoiding processed food.
5. Drinking water and green tea
6. Limiting stress and getting good sleep.

Over Dosing

1.  Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Diarrhea is a common side effect of a detox cleanse. In fact it is said that diarrhea is a sign your body is getting rid of toxic substances. However, diarrhea is most likely caused by sugar from fresh juice.

2.  Dangerous Side Effects

A detox cleanse can be harmful to your health. Today’s dietitian/health care provider claims that a long term detox diet, that si not closely supervised by a medical professional may lead to severe electrolyte imbalance, which may cause life threatening heart problems.

3.  Detox Cleanse Not For Everyone

Some people should avoid detox cleanse altogether because of its potential impact on their overall health. A detox cleanse for teens, may effect growth and is not recommended. People with chronic illnesses, such as heart disease or diabetes and pregnant women should also avoid detox cleanse.

For more information on seeds, e-mail the writer at info@wellnessbeyonddiet.com. She can also be contacted at 08427162181