Health and Wellness

Even when fasting,  regular dietary recommendations should be followed. Continue trying to eat at least five fruits and vegetables a day.
Even when fasting,  regular dietary recommendations should be followed. Continue trying to eat at least five fruits and vegetables a day.
Manage diabetes during Ramadan
Manage diabetes during Ramadan
25 June 2014

For Muslims with diabetes, the fast during Ramadan can present a challenge in day to day management of the condition. In this article, Dr Hala Alsafadi offers tips on staying safe.

Gajar (carrot).
Gajar (carrot).
G is for... Gajar (Carrot)
G is for... Gajar (Carrot)
10 June 2014

Gajar (carrot) is a crunchy root vegetable available in a range of colours like orange, red, yellow, purple and white. It is a good source of beta carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in our bodies.

Feeri (blueberries).
Feeri (blueberries).
F is for… Feeri (Blueberry)
F is for… Feeri (Blueberry)
25 May 2014

Feeri (blueberries) are found naturally in the cooler climates of North America and Europe. Ripe feeri have a deep blue thin skin, with a green fleshy middle and a sweet taste.

Elaichi (cardamom).
Elaichi (cardamom).
E is for… Elaichi (Cardamom)
E is for… Elaichi (Cardamom)
14 May 2014

Elaichi is a spice used in Arabic, South Asian and even Chinese traditions to add a sweet aromatic flavour to desserts, chai, curries and rice dishes. In both Ayruvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, it has been used to treat digestion and oral health issues.

Daraam (Pomegranate).
Daraam (Pomegranate).
D is for… Daraam (Pomegranate)
D is for… Daraam (Pomegranate)
1 May 2014

Daraam is a fruit with a reddish, leathery outer skin that houses edible seeds that are divided by white membranes. It is thought to be beneficial to your health.

Chuqander (Beetroot).
Chuqander (Beetroot).
C is for… Chuqander (Beetroot)
C is for… Chuqander (Beetroot)
17 April 2014

Chuqander are usually a deep red colour but there are varieties ranging from white, orange and even striped. Both the beets and their greens can be eaten as they are tasty and full of unique nutritious properties.

Badaam (Almonds)
Badaam (Almonds)
B is for… Badaam (Almonds)
B is for… Badaam (Almonds)
3 April 2014

You may have memories of your grandma telling you to eat “saath (seven) badaam a day.” Well, as explained in this latest Nutrition Centre A to Z article, research suggests that she was giving you good advice!

Amla (Indian gooseberry) is a tangy seasonal fruit that is high in vitamin C.
Amla (Indian gooseberry) is a tangy seasonal fruit that is high in vitamin C.
A is for… Amla (Indian gooseberry)
A is for… Amla (Indian gooseberry)
18 March 2014

The Ismaili Nutrition Centre has launched a new series of articles on simple ideas for popular foods. This A to Z of different fruits, vegetables and everyday ingredients builds greater awareness of basic nutrition and encourages you to try healthy and easy ideas for preparing a range of tasty dishes. This week's entry is about amla, a tangy seasonal fruit that is high in vitamin C.

The fibre, complex carbohydrates and protein in pulses are a great combination for satisfying hunger and keeping you full, helping you to eat less overall and preventing your blood sugar from spiking too often.
The fibre, complex carbohydrates and protein in pulses are a great combination for satisfying hunger and keeping you full, helping you to eat less overall and preventing your blood sugar from spiking too often.
Pump up the pulses to control diabetes
Pump up the pulses to control diabetes
2 January 2014

Over 50 per cent of people with pre-diabetes who eat healthier and are physically active can delay or even entirely prevent themselves from becoming diabetic. For those who have type 2 diabetes, eating cooked pulses along with a high-fibre diet can help control long term blood sugar levels.

Non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart disease are the leading cause of mortality around the world, but they can be prevented by diet and lifestyle changes.
Non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart disease are the leading cause of mortality around the world, but they can be prevented by diet and lifestyle changes.
Recognising and combatting the threat of NCDs
Recognising and combatting the threat of NCDs
5 July 2013

In 2008, non-communicable diseases were responsible for an astounding 63 per cent of deaths world-wide – more than all other causes combined. Known as NCDs, they include diabetes, heart disease and cancers, and are a growing concern to people of South East Asian descent. However, these diseases are largely preventable and their impact can be significantly reduced.

Children at Bait-ul Ilm snack on a healthy plate of vegetables.
Children at Bait-ul Ilm snack on a healthy plate of vegetables.
Are you feeding your children empty calories?
Are you feeding your children empty calories?
9 April 2013

Childhood obesity rates in the United States have more than tripled in the past thirty years, with many other western countries showing similar trends. What foods are children eating that may be contributing to this epidemic, and what can be done? Researchers at the US National Cancer Institute used the national nutrition survey database to find answers.

Use less salt when cooking. Rather than pouring salt straight from the container, measure out the amount you would like to add using a teaspoon.
Use less salt when cooking. Rather than pouring salt straight from the container, measure out the amount you would like to add using a teaspoon.
Reduce risk of high blood pressure with less sodium and more potassium
Reduce risk of high blood pressure with less sodium and more potassium
12 March 2013

Eating too much sodium and not enough potassium has been shown to increase blood pressure, which can be dangerous because it makes the heart work harder than normal and can lead to heart disease or stroke. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued new recommendations on how much sodium, salt and potassium people should eat for good health.

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