Diabetes is one of the most common diseases that involves a range of metabolic disorders that cause a spike in blood sugar levels. It may trigger due to a genetic disposition, lifestyle or dietary habits. It is linked with numerous health conditions like obesity and a range of heart ailments. Diabetics often need to take care of their diet, considering it may help manage the condition better, if not cure it completely. Health experts suggest several natural remedies for managing diabetes, one of these methods involves the usage of paneer ke phool, or also known as Indian rennet, withania coagulans or paneer doda. Paneer ke phool is a flower that is native to India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is known to have medicinal properties and is great for diabetics. Let's dig in deeper to understand how paneer ke phool helps in managing this condition. If you are a diabetic, this might come handy to you.

What is paneer ka phool?
Paneer ke phool is a flower in the solanaceae family that is majorly found in India and used in various medicines in Ayurveda. The fruits of the plant are sweet and are said to be sedative and diuretic properties. It is said to combat insomnia, nervous exhaustion, asthma and diabetes.

How does Paneer Ke Phool Help Manage Diabetes?
According to Macrobiotic Nutritionist and Health Practitioner Shilpa Arora, "This flower heals the beta cells of the pancreas for better utilisation of insulin. If taken daily, even in small quantities, it could effectively manage high blood sugar levels. However, one must remember, there is no single food that can treat diabetes completely. There has to be a right balance for diabetics; sugar and all refined foods like cookies, biscuits, breads and processed snacks need to be eliminated from the diet. A balanced healthy diet is critical with the addition of powerful healing foods like paneer ke phool or paneer doda.

According to Dietitian Ritu Arora, "It is a herb which is used for diabetic management. It has the abilities of not only regulating the insulin level inside our cells; but also repairs the beta cells of pancreas which are the producers of insulin. In diabetics, beta cells present in islets of langerhans are damaged; hence type-2 diabetics' body is unable to produce insulin, which is why an outer source is required. This is where paneer ke phool or paneer doda comes into play. Take 7-10 pieces of paneer ke phool soaked overnight in water then drink that stock on an empty stomach. We can surely control the insulin levels by drinking this extract and eating the right balanced diet."

A study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) concluded that regular consumption of Withania Coagulans for 30 days significantly improved glycaemic status.

Paneer Ke Phool: What does Ayurveda suggest?
As per Dr. Ram N Kumar from NirogStreet, "Paneer ke phool is used in diabetes management. Take it in the form of kadha. All you need to do is to take some paneer ke phool and soak them in water for about two hours. Now boil the flowers in the same water in a saucepan to ensure that all the goodness has been extracted from the flower. Strain the water and drink it every day on an empty stomach." One can also use the powder that is available in medical stores.

While paneer ke phool can be used to combat a condition like diabetes, one should remember it is best to team it with exercise and a healthy balanced diet. Consult a doctor or an Ayurvedic expert before switching to this herb for managing diabetes.

As per various health researches, foods laden with sugar or artificial sweeteners can lead to a plethora of lifestyle diseases, including obesity, diabetes and heart-related ailments. As per the WHO reports, around 1.9 billion adults and 41 million kids are suffering from obesity around the world. Having too much sugar in your food - be it in natural form or additives - can make you addicted to it. And, when you are stressed or feeling emotional or bored, you will crave for it even more. However, not all foods high in sugar that we eat taste sweet. Surprised much? For instance, junk food like French fries, burger, and packaged fruit juices and soda. Yes, these simple carb foods easily break down into sugar in the body, further leads to a quick glucose spike.


We have listed 5 high-sugar foods that must avoid to reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes and related diseases:

1. Flavoured Green Tea
We all know that there are various benefits of drinking green tea. This low-caffeine and high-antioxidant beverage is known to keep various diseases at bay and helps promote your health. There are many flavoured green tea that have gained popularity because of their amazing flavour and delicious taste. However, unlike your green tea that you drink every day (green tea leaves), these flavoured green teas contain added sugar or artificial sweeteners, which are without a doubt harmful for our health. Same is the case with the packaged Coffee mixtures we get - they also contain added sugar and cream, which reduce its goodness.

2. Low-Fat Yogurt
Having of a bowlful of creamy, homemade yogurt can do wonders for your health. Not only is it eaten as is, but also made part of various Indian delicacies as well - be it curries, raitas, kebabs or smoothies. Packed with magnesium, potassium, calcium, vihe low-fat version of yogurt that we get from supermarket and stores are surprisingly packed with added sugar and flavourtamin B-2 and vitamin B-12, this probiotic delight is a gut-friendly food. However, t to make it taste as good as full-fat yogurt. So, it is better to prepare yogurt at home.

3. Packaged Fruit Juices
Fruits in raw and fresh form are the best for our health. In fact, drinking fruit juices fuels are body with energy and vitamin C. However, packaged fruit juices are not the same as fresh fruit juices. They are low in fibre, minerals, and vitamins. Moreover, they contain added sugar and artificial flavours and colours. Therefore, avoid drinking store-bought (packaged) fruit juices. It is better to prepare freshly pressed juice at home and have it without adding sugar.

4. Salad Dressing
If you're on a diet and want to make a meal out of your salads, then you would be better off mixing some good carbs from whole grains with the greens. But, what about the dressings? Most of us prefer buying salad dressings from supermarkets. However, these packaged salad dressings contain high sugar than we can imagine. Two tablespoons of salad dressing contain around four grams of added sugar. Moreover, all these store-bought salad dressings have additives and taste enhancers in them. Opt for fresh fruit juice in your salad dressing for a healthier alternative.

5. Sugar-Free Products
Surprisingly, all the sugar-free products available in the market have sugar alcohols like sorbitol and mannitol, flour, milk, etc. These sugar alcohols are not absorbed by the body completely, having them too much may lead to digestive troubles, which ultimately slow down metabolism and result in weight gain.

Sugars that we get from fruits and vegetables are good for our body, if taken in moderate quantity. It is the added sugar that is harmful for us. Check the labels before you buy any bottled or packaged food.

Diabetes management: Asparagus is an exotic vegetable that is gradually being accepted in cuisines all over the world. Asparagus shoots are usually found in Chinese foods and in some south-Indian meals as well. It is a relatively expensive vegetable, which is why it is used sparingly, mostly in gourmet meals. Apart from providing a crackling, crunchy taste, it offers a host of nutritional benefits. Among all the health benefits it provides, its ability to help combat Type-2 diabetes makes it a food with health-promoting properties. It is low in calories, high in proteins and a great source of minerals, especially potassium. Consuming asparagus regularly may lead to high urine and salt excretion that eventually helps in maintaining blood sugar level.

Asparagus has long been used for herbal healing purposes for its potent medicinal properties. Given all the advantages of eating this vegetable, it is only prudent to include it in our diet to manage diseases like diabetes. Asparagus is not commonly available in India but you can find it in gourmet stores and on online food websites. If you are not sure how to really use this vegetable for consumption, pick your cues from the following recipes.

Asparagus-Based Recipes -
1. Asparagus with Sesame and Lemon
Fresh green asparagus is sauteed in butter with garlic and toasted sesame seeds. It is then garnished with lemon juice for a sour flavour. This dish is perfect for a light low-carb dinner or party appetiser.

2. Asparagus with Creamy Mushrooms
Two nutritious foods – asparagus and chestnuts – come together to dish out a flavourful and healthy dish. Asparagus and chestnuts are sauteed with spring onions and ginger and seasoned with soya sauce. Enjoy this delicious meal with creamy mushrooms and bread croutons on the side.

3. Yellow Pepper and Asparagus Stir-Fry
Crunchy asparagus is stir-fried with yellow peppers and almonds in olive oil and spiced up with red chilli and pepper. It is perfect for a healthy evening snack before dinner.

4. Spicy Sauteed Asparagus
Here is another asparagus small meal but with an Indian twist. Asparagus is sauteed in butter with a range of Indian spices like garam masala, coriander powder, salt, turmeric and chillies. It is garnished with sesame seeds and can be enjoyed in between the meals.

Asparagus can be cooked in a number of ways. Roast it, grill it or stir-fry it; avail the benefits of this wonder ingredient by making it a part of your diabetes diet.

Also known as the 'queen of herbs', holy basil or tulsi makes for the most sacred herb in India. It is widely used in culinary practices. For ages, it has been known for its medicinal uses in Ayurveda that makes it an effective remedy for several ailments. According to the book Healing Foods by DK Publishing, holy basil contains a range of natural antioxidants that can help protect the body tissues against free-radical damage. Tulsi in all forms- dried, fresh and powdered has several healing properties. Chewing on a few tulsi leaves regularly can be super beneficial for you, but did you know sipping on tulsi tea can be even better?
Here are some reasons why you should definitely skip sipping on your regular tea and instead opt for tulsi tea-

1. Prevents Respiratory Disorders

Tulsi tea helps prevent certain respiratory illnesses ranging from cold and cough to bronchitis and asthma. It has immunomodulatory (helps to enhance immunity), antitussive (helps relieving cough) and expectorant (helps in expelling out the phlegm) properties that provide relief in the respiratory system. It has certain oils that help relieve congestion too.

2. Beats Stress

According to quite some studies, tulsi tea helps in maintaining normal levels of cortisol hormone in the body that is known as the stress hormone. It lowers the levels of cortisol, leaving you stress-free. In fact, it is known to subside various symptoms of depression, which may include anxiety.

3. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

Move over the regular milk tea and opt for this one as it helps lower the blood sugar levels significantly. Daily intake of tulsi tea may also help facilitate metabolism of carbs and fats, further ensuring that the sugar in the blood is utilized for energy.

4. Maintains Dental and Oral health

The presence of anti-microbial properties in tulsi tea help combat against harmful bacteria and germs in the mouth. Acting as a mouth freshener, it may curb bad breath too.

5. May Prove To Be Great For Patients With Arthritis

According to the book Healing Foods, Eugenol, a constituent of the oil in the basil has an anti-inflammatory effect on joints and the digestive tract.

How to make the perfect tulsi tea (Tulsi tea recipe)?
Tulsi tea is simple to make; all you need to do is to take a cup of water in a pan and add 2-3 basil leaves in it and bring it a boil. Let the water absorb its colour and flavour. After about three minutes, strain the tea in a glass. You can drink this tea as it is or add a teaspoon of honey and a half teaspoon of lemon juice in it for extra flavour and benefits. In fact, you can also add cardamom and ginger while preparing the tea.

So, go ahead and make some amazing tulsi tea for yourself and ensure a healthy and fit self!

Consuming high amounts of carbohydrates and sugar prior to treatment for head and neck cancer may increase the patients' risks of cancer recurrence and mortality, a new study reports.

Patients who consumed the most total carbohydrates and sugars -- in the form of sucrose, fructose, lactose and maltose -- in the year preceding the cancer treatment were at greater risk of mortality from any cause during the follow-up period.

Out of the 400 cancer patients in the study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, more than 17 per cent experienced recurrence of their cancer, and 42 patients died from it.


Associations among carbohydrate intake and patient outcomes differed by cancer type and stage, said lead author Anna E. Arthur, professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

However, eating moderate amounts of fats and starchy foods such as whole grains, potatoes and legumes after treatment could have protective benefits, reducing the patients' risks of disease recurrence and death, he added.

"Our results, along with the findings of other studies, suggest that diet composition can affect cancer outcomes," said co-author Amy M. Goss, professor at the University of Alabama.

Higher mortality rates were found among people with oral cavity cancer who consumed the greatest amounts of total carbohydrates, total sugars and simple carbohydrates, but the researchers found no such associations among people who had oropharyngeal cancers.

"Although in this study we found that higher total carbohydrate and total sugar were associated with higher mortality in head and neck cancer patients, because of the study design we can't say that there's a definitive cause-effect relationship," Arthur said.

Five-year survival rates among these patients continue to be low, in part because these cancers are often detected in the later stages, putting patients at high risk of recurrence, the researchers said.