Health and Wellness
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to make small changes that last
12 February 2013
Small lifestyle changes are easier to sustain and are more likely to last. Making a drastic change is difficult and less likely to be successful. Rather than focusing on immediate results, it is better to take things one step at a time and not to become discouraged.
Start the new year healthy with SMART goals
17 January 2013
The start of a new year is a great time to make improvements to your lifestyle habits, whether by being more active or cooking more healthily. Setting SMART goals is an effective approach that can be used not only for health, but also in other aspects of life.
Solid foods can be more satisfying
15 November 2012
The feeling of fullness is very difficult to measure, or even to understand, as there are many factors involved. Although some people believe that all calories are equal, researchers are finding that solid foods have some advantages over fluids.
Sport nutrition basics — how to win at any sport
14 March 2012
When talented, well-trained and enthusiastic athletes meet in competition, attention to detail can make all the difference between defeat and victory. What you eat and drink affects how well you train and whether you can compete at your best. Registered dietitian and sports nutritionist Linia Patel shares some tips.
