Health Tips
Stay healthy by reading wellness advice from our top specialists.

Slim fit is not only good for your health, but it also brings strength to your everyday life. But most of the time, despite many attempts, women are unable to achieve weight loss either due to health issues or lack of time for any exercise. In such situations, women often become victims of stress and depression or a complex situation.

If you are also stressed about your increasing weight then we are here to tell you about an easy weight loss technique. For this, you don't necessarily have to work that hard. This idea involves the consumption of apple and honey together. Read more about how you can incorporate apple and honey in your daily regime for weight loss here.

Health Benefits Of Apple

It's a well-known fact and a common saying, "An apple a day, keeps the doctor away." It shows us that Apple is one of the most enriching fruits or diets available to us. It is a rich source of several minerals, proteins and antioxidants. Apple, along with many exclusive properties, often includes a large amount of fiber, which is why it is considered effective in terms of weight.

Sodium is much less prevalent in apples. This also helps to flush excess water out of the body. Apple, known to be a treasure trove of vitamins, also increases energy levels and helps to burn calories. A tiny apple contains 65 calories and no fat, while a medium-sized apple contains 110 calories.

In addition to weight loss, apple also provides us with a number of other advantages. It, in effect, helps our teeth look whiter and, at the same time, makes them cleaner, while also improving our brain health. Its dietary fibers help to maintain good digestion.
Regular apple intake also reduces the risk of cancer and diabetes.It keeps the heart young and healthy, and at the same time antioxidants present in it helps the body to get rid of toxins.

Health Benefits Of Honey

Honey is also considered an effective remedy for weight loss. Since honey is naturally sweet, its daily consumption not only nourishes the body but also controls the sugar cravings. A lot of women prefer consuming honey along with a glass of warm water in the morning, while many others prefer consuming it along with lime water for better results.

For Weight Loss, Consume Apple And Honey Together

If you wish to, you can crush an apple and mix it with honey or slice an apple and consume it by dipping into your bowl of honey. By doing this, you’ll not just get the benefits of apple but at the same time relish the natural sweetness of honey.

Consuming honey and apple together will control your sugar cravings, making your stomach feel full for a long time, thus, making for an easier way to control your calorie intake.

Published  
Dr. HelloDox Support #
HelloDox Care
Consult

The health benefits of plums include relief from indigestion, influenza infections, weight loss, and anxiety-related problems. The antioxidant power of these fruits helps in preventing and managing osteoporosis, macular degeneration, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. They also help in maintaining a healthy heart by reducing cholesterol levels. Additionally, plums improve cognition, boost immunity, improve cellular health, maintain electrolyte balance, keep the nervous system healthy, and aid in skin care and blood clotting.

What are Plums?
They are juicy and delicious fruits that belong to the genus Prunus of the Rosaceae family which also includes peaches, apricots, and nectarines. They exist in diverse colors and shapes with over 2000 different varieties. Plums are broadly divided into three groups: European-Asian (Prunus domestica), Japanese (Prunus salicina) and Damson (Prunus insititia). China is the leading harvester of plums, followed by the United States, Serbia, and Romania. Within the US, the major production of plums happens in California.

They are small deciduous trees that grow to a height of about 10-15 meters and bear fruits with different characteristics based on the country of origin. They are drupes or stone fruits with a smooth pit and a crease running down on one side. They contain juicy pulp varying from creamy yellow to crimson red. The color of the outer skin may vary considerably from yellow or dark red to purple or black.

Nutritional Value of Plums
Plums contain an assortment of healthy components, vitamins, and minerals. According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, they are an excellent source of vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), folate, and vitamin K (phylloquinone). [4] They are also a good source of vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B-6, and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol). The minerals present in them include potassium, fluoride, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, calcium, and zinc. They also supply dietary fiber and offer very low calories without any harmful fats.
Health Benefits of Plums
They are packed with an immense range of phenols and flavonoids, which offer an impressive range of health benefits.

Antioxidant Properties
These fruits contain vitamin C and phytonutrients such as lutein, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, neochlorogenic acid, and chlorogenic acid. These components possess effective antioxidant qualities that help in preventing the damage caused by oxygen radicals called superoxide anion radicals. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, by researchers in France, concluded that the phenols present in plums also extend their protective effect on the essential fats in the neurons and cell membranes against any injuries caused by oxidative stress.

Manages Diabetes
Plums exert anti-hyperglycemic effects and help in combating diabetes. A study published in the journal Biomedical Research in 2005 has shown that consumption of plum extracts aids in reducing blood sugar and triglyceride levels in the body. The flavonoids present in plums exert protective effects against insulin resistance and help to enhance insulin sensitivity in the body.

Prevent Osteoporosis
Consumption of dried plums exerts anabolic and anti-resorptive actions, which aid in maintaining healthy bones. Polyphenols, along with the potassium content present in dried plums, encourage the formation of bones, improve bone density, and prevent bone loss caused by ovarian hormone deficiency. Dr. Bernard P Halloran conducted a research study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, which demonstrated that regular consumption of dried plums helps in the restoration of bone density that has already been lost due to aging.

Aid in Digestion
They are a good source of dietary fiber, along with the components sorbitol and isatin, which help in regulating the digestive system. According to a research study conducted by Dr. Attaluri A, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, USA, published in the Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics Journal, dried plums or prunes are more effective in treating digestive disorders such as constipation as compared to other remedies such as psyllium husk.

Healthy Nervous System
Plums contain vitamin B6, which helps in the transmission of nerve signals and aids in the smooth functioning of the nervous system. They also help in the normal growth of the brain and assist in the formation of mood influencing hormones. Tryptophan, an amino acid present in them, helps in the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which plays an important role in improving sleep, appetite, and concentration.

Protect Heart Health
Researchers from the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, USA, has provided supporting evidence regarding the fact that the regular intake of dried plums helps in promoting fluidity of blood in the arteries. This protective effect aids in the prevention of various cardiac disorders, including atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.

Boost Immunity
Plums are beneficial in strengthening the immune defense of the body due to the presence of high vitamin C content. This vitamin promotes the body’s resistance to infections and inflammations. Research has shown that oriental plums have immunostimulatory constituents that encourage the production of nitric oxide in the body, impede the metastasis of tumor cells, and are valuable in preventing various diseases.

Regulate Cholesterol Levels

Dried plums or prunes help in preventing hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia. A comparative study by the researchers at the Department of Nutrition, University of California, USA, has proven the efficacy of prunes over grape-juice in maintaining healthy levels of plasma and liver cholesterol. The fiber content present in them also adds to the protective effect of the heart by reducing LDL or bad cholesterol and helping to elevate the levels of HDL or good cholesterol.

Anticancer Potential
Plum extracts have been proven beneficial in the treatment of cancer. Studies conducted and published by Dr. Lavanya Reddivari, Dr. Venkata Charepalli, et al, Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, USA, have shown that the component epicatechin, present in plums, helps in inhibiting the growth and proliferation of malignant cancer cells and induces apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma or liver cancer.

Skin Care
They are rich in vitamin C, along with other antioxidants, which help maintain healthy, radiant, and youthful skin. The consumption of plums helps in reducing dark spots and wrinkles due to the presence of anti-aging nutrients. Plum extracts are also used in various skin care products such as face wash and face packs.

Culinary Use
They are widely used in food items due to their sweet and tart flavor, as well as their pleasant aroma. They can be enjoyed fresh and can also be added to puddings, jams, and jellies. Plum juice is used in the preparation of alcoholic beverages. Prune juice concentrate works deliciously well as a filling for candies and confectionery products, and as a binding agent for cereal bars. Plum chutney or dip is famous in Indian cuisine and is served along with stuffed Indian bread. It is also relished as a condiment along with the meat delicacies.

We challenge you to name anything more satisfying than having your skin smooth and glowing. We are betting that you can not. Indeed, there's the reason most of us are willing to shell out a good amount of money when it comes to skincare products that promise to keep our youthful and supple look.

Extra virgin olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil is charged with monounsaturated fat, polyphenols and phytonutrients that play an important role in keeping the skin firm and elastic. It is also rich in vitamin E which helps prevent premature ageing signs.

​Yoghurt
Yoghurt is one of the very strongest protein sources. It is calorie minimal and has plenty of good bacteria that can help with digestion. It is also filled with phosphorus, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and calcium. Good part? It can also help to do away with those fine lines on your face, in addition to its delicious taste.

Tomatoes
​Red juicy tomatoes can be eaten raw or fried, and they can also be used in salads or grilled with a splash of olive oil, salt and pepper. These are rich in lycopene, a pigment that helps to reduce wrinkles and fine lines by eliminating dead skin cells and protecting the skin against damage from sunlight.

​Carrots
In addition to being loaded with antioxidants, minerals and beta-carotene, the winter fruit can also help you get your glow back. In addition, beta carotene present in carrots is known to encourage youthful skin as it is a potent antioxidant. So if you're looking for firmer, toned skin, we recommend chomping on a few carrots every day.

​Indian Gooseberries (Amla)
It is a cheap and abundant source of vitamin C. We all know the benefits of this vitamin; it battles free radicals, stops aging, and gives you the skin that is illuminated from within. Amla is the secret to a healthy immune system and clear skin.

What you eat plays an important role in your oral health.

A diet rich in essential nutrients invigorates your gums and teeth. This is the reason why diet counseling is an important aspect for dental caries prevention and for ensuring a pearly white smile. Dr. Kanchan Sawlani, Dentist and Research Trainee, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi says, “A food pyramid is a commonly used tool by dentists to help patients develop healthy eating habits”. Today, we will explore each section of this pyramid.

Protective foods: Some food components are somewhat caries-inhibiting (Cariostatic) and are thus called Protective Foods. These are products rich in calcium and phosphates, for example peanuts, lectin, cocoa, paneer etc. These are, up to a certain extent, capable of buffering the acids produced by the mouth’s bacteria and forming a protective barrier on the tooth enamel. Fluoride (approximately1 ppm) in drinking water and diet strengthens teeth and has an anti-cavity effect.

Breads, grains and pulses: Whole grains such as rotis, paranthas, dalia, cornflakes etc. should be preferred over refined grains like noodles, pastas, biscuits and other bakery products. Refined grains, starchy foods and sugars are fermentable carbohydrates which are the main culprits contributing to acid formation in the oral cavity.

Fruits and vegetables: Not only do these add colour and health benefits to your diet, but they provide roughage and require active chewing which leads to increased salivation that is desirable for cavity protection. Green leafy vegetables are rich in Vitamin A and proteins which keep your teeth and bones in good shape.

Milk and milk products: These are the most important source of calcium in your diet. One should drink a minimum of 250-500 ml of milk daily. Low fat pasteurized milk is preferable as excessive consumption of whole milk can increase blood cholesterol levels.

Meat, fish, poultry and eggs: Meats are rich in proteins, iron, zinc and Vitamin B12. The WHO food guide pyramid suggests that adults should eat 2-3 servings of meat products each day (each serving approximately 110 grams). If not meat, vegetarians can opt for meat alternative like tofu, beans, lentils, nuts and other high protein vegetables.

Fats, oils and sweets: Choose PUFA (Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids) rich oils like safflower, sunflower, corn, soybean, wheat germ oil, etc. over saturated fats like ghee and butter. Frequent consumption of sweets, chocolates, caramels and cream biscuits should be avoided as these stick to the surface of your teeth and cause greater decay.

Published  
Dr. HelloDox Support #
HelloDox Care
Consult

Orange is known to have several health benefits and is among the most popular fruits around the world.
Oranges can be had not only as a snack but also as a major recipe ingredient in various dishes. Nowadays orange juice is an integral part of a healthy breakfast thus promoting a healthy start to the day. They're mainly available in two categories — sweet and bitter, with the former being the type most commonly consumed. Generally an orange should have smoothly textured skin and be firm and heavy for its size. These will have higher juice content than those that are either spongy or lighter in weight.

Benefits of eating oranges

High in Vitamin C
Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C. One orange offers 116.2 per cent of the daily value for vitamin C. Good intake of vitamin C is associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer as it helps to get of free radicals that cause damage to our DNA.

Healthy immune system
Vitamin C, which is also vital for the proper function of a healthy immune system, is good for preventing colds and preventing recurrent ear infections.

Prevents skin damage
Anti-oxidants in oranges help protect skin from free radical damage known to cause signs of aging. An orange a day can help you look young even at 50!

Keeps blood pressure under check
Oranges, being rich in Vitamins B6, help support the production of haemoglobin and also help keep blood pressure under check due to the presence of magnesium.

Lowers cholesterol
According to a study by US and Canadian researchers, a class of compounds found in citrus fruit peels called Polymethoxylated Flavones (PMFs) have the potential to lower cholesterol more effectively than some prescription drugs without side effects.

Controls blood sugar level
Fibre in oranges help by keeping blood sugar levels under control thereby making oranges a healthy snack for people with diabetes. Moreover, oranges have simple sugars. The natural fruit sugar in oranges, fructose, can help keep blood sugar levels from rising too high after eating. Its glycemic index is 40 and normally whatever foods fall under 50 are considered to be low in sugar. However, that does not mean you go about eating too many oranges in one go. Eating too much can spike insulin and may even lead to weight gain.

Lowers the risk of cancer
Oranges contain D- limonene, a compound that is touted to prevent cancers like lung cancer, skin cancer and even breast cancer. Vitamin C and antioxidants present in oranges are both important to build body’s immunity – they help in fighting cancer. The fibrous nature of the fruit also makes it cancer protective. According to a study, up to 15 per cent of cancer cases happen because of mutations in the DNA, which can be prevented with Vitamin C.

Alkalizes the body
While the basic nature of oranges is acidic before you actually digest them, they have a lot of alkaline minerals that play a role in the process of digestion. This property of oranges is similar to that of lemons, which are without doubt among the most alkaline foods.

Good eye health
Oranges are a rich source of carotenoid. The Vitamin A present in them play an important role in keeping the mucus membranes in the eyes healthy. Vitamin A is also responsible to prevent age-related mascular degeneration, which in extreme cases can lead to blindness. It also helps eyes to absorb the light.

Safeguards against constipation
Oranges have both soluble and insoluble fibre. This helps in keeping your intestines and stomach function smooth, preventing irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, the fibre helps treat constipation to a greater extent.

Useful tip
Oranges like most citrus fruits, produce more juice when warmer — juice them when they are at room temperature. Rolling the orange under the palm of your hand on a flat surface will also help to extract more juice. Vitamin C gets destroyed fast when exposed to air, so eat an orange quickly once cut up.

Dr. Saurabh Jaiswal
Dr. Saurabh Jaiswal
MBBS, General Physician, 4 yrs, Varanasi
Dr. Supriya Jagtap
Dr. Supriya Jagtap
BHMS, Family Physician Homeopath, Pune
Dr. Lalit deshmukh
Dr. Lalit deshmukh
BHMS, Family Physician, 14 yrs, Pune
Dr. Dinkar Padade
Dr. Dinkar Padade
MS/MD - Ayurveda, Ayurveda, 30 yrs, Pune
Dr. Pradnya  Gurav
Dr. Pradnya Gurav
MD - Homeopathy, Adolescent And Child Psychiatrist Homeopath, 8 yrs, Pune
Hellodox
x