You may want to cut down on the intake of highly processed food as a recent study has suggested a possible link between it and cancer.

Further exploration is needed, but these results suggest that the rapidly increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods “may drive an increasing burden of cancer in the next decades,” warned the researchers.

Ultra-processed foods include packaged baked goods and snacks, fizzy drinks, sugary cereals, ready meals and reconstituted meat products - often containing high levels of sugar, fat, and salt, but lacking in vitamins and fibre. They are thought to account for up to 50% of total daily energy intake in several developed countries.

A team of researchers based in France and Brazil evaluated potential associations between ultra-processed food intake and risk of overall cancer, as well as that of breast, prostate, and bowel (colorectal) cancers.

Their findings are based on 104,980 healthy French adults (22% men; 78% women) with an average age of 43 years who completed at least two 24-hour online dietary questionnaires, designed to measure usual intake of 3,300 different food items (NutriNet-Sante cohort study).

Several well known risk factors for cancer, such as age, sex, educational level, family history of cancer, smoking status and physical activity levels, were taken into account.

The results showed that a 10% increase in the proportion of ultra-processed foods in the diet was associated with increases of 12% in the risk of overall cancer and 11% in the risk of breast cancer. No significant association was found for prostate and colorectal cancers.

Further testing found no significant association between less processed foods (such as canned vegetables, cheeses and freshly made unpackaged bread) and risk of cancer, while consumption of fresh or minimally processed foods (fruits, vegetables, pulses, rice, pasta, eggs, meat, fish and milk) was associated with lower risks of overall cancer and breast cancer.

Oats or an oatmeal has been a trusted companion for weight loss, since long. Oats are grains from the cereal plant, Avena Sativa. Once harvested, these grains are either used as animal feed, skin products or food. Health experts and nutritionists across the world often rank a bowl of oatmeal as one of the best breakfast options for optimal weight loss and health. But does it work as well in the form of dinner too? Let's find out.

There is a common saying that goes, 'Don't eat less for dinner, eat better for dinner'. Oats make for a great option for their high water, fibre and low-fat content. Whole grain oats reduce risks of constipation and heart disease too.

According to Dr. Rupali Dutta, "One can have oats at any point and time of the day. In fact, it is one of the healthiest foods one can have. It provides you with healthy fibers. It is very good for heart health. There is no risk involved with eating oats, unless the person is dealing with glutamine intolerance. Oats produced and manufactured in factories undergo many levels of processing. Even the labels stating gluten-free are not always so. So a gluten-intolerant person really needs to be careful with the wheat composition."

Shilpa says, "Oats are a very healthy option for dinner, they are rich in fibre and water keeping you full, which helps avoid hunger pangs at night. Oats for dinner also give you a restful sleep. They help release seratonin hormone that helps reduce stress. This neurotransmitter helps to elevate mood in the evening and calms the body."

How To Have Oats for Dinner?

Oatmeal or a porridge is just one way of having oats. There are several ways in which you can use oats to whip up scrumptious and interesting delights.

1. Oats Utthapam

2. Oats Idli

3. Oats Khichdi

So what are you waiting for? Bring in your pack and start experimenting!

The distinctive flavour and fragrance of cinnamon is a delight. This popular medicinal spice has been used in wide varieties of cuisines, sweet and savoury dishes, breakfast cereals, baked goods and snacks. It is loaded with various antioxidant and antibiotic properties.

Here are some of the benefits that will convince you to drink cinnamon water daily.

1. May Help In Reducing Effects Of PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS is a hormonal disorder that causes ovaries to enlarge with small cysts on the outer edges. According to a study published in the Journal Fertility and Sterility, cinnamon water reduced insulin resistance in women with PCOS.

2. Boosts Immunity System
The wonder drink is rich in antioxidant polyphenols and proanthocyanidins that give a boost to the immunity system. Its antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties help reduce the chances of developing various health hazards.

3. Helps In Dealing With Menstrual Cramps
According to a study in National Center For Biotechnology Information, women ingesting cinnamon experienced lesser pain which lasted for a shorter duration.

4. May Help In Inducing Weight LossWhile it hasn't been proved yet, it is said that cinnamon water makes you feel satiated and prevents cravings and hunger pangs, which further helps in weight loss.

5. May Help Reduce Inflammation
Those who are suffering from joint pain or arthritis are generally advised to drink cinnamon water for relief; thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce excessive pain.

6. May Help Reduce The Effects Of Parkinson's Disease
According to a study published in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, cinnamon may be capable of slowing down the progression of Parkinson's disease.

Make sure you consult your doctor before switching to drinking cinnamon water. So, enjoy its benefits and ensure a healthy you.

There are times when we tend to consume various beverages on a daily basis assuming that they'd be healthy for us.

However, that might not be the case always. Be it milkshakes or fizzy drinks, almost all of these contain artificial flavours and sweeteners that can prove to be quite harmful for our overall health.

Here, we have got you 5 beverages that could probably do more harm than good to your body. Read on to know more about them.

1. Sweetened Nut Milks
Nut milks are known to be packed rich vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron and magnesium. However, there's no denying the fact that the nut milks available in the market are made using artificial sweeteners that can do more harm than good.

2. Market Smoothies
This one's for all the smoothie lovers out there! Smoothies are an excellent alternative to unhealthy drinks and indeed provide the body with essential vitamins and minerals. However, the ones available in the market usually have additional preservatives which can cut down the nutritional value of the beverage. So instead of spending those extra bucks in buying those fancy smoothies, try making them at home and enjoy their real nutritional value.

3. Fizzy Drinks
When it comes to being unhealthy, fizzy drinks top the charts. This is primarily because fizzy drinks are loaded with artificial sweeteners and flavours. Try replacing your soft drinks with homemade juices and smoothies.

4. Diet Soft Drinks
The diet versions of soft drinks are actually loaded with artificial sugars which could possibly lead to weight gain and other health related issues.

6. Packaged Fruit Juice
Fruit juices are supposed to be healthy as they are rich in minerals, vitamins and healthy dietary fibers. Well, that's what we think! The packaged fruit juices which are available in the market are not really healthy as they contain sugar and flavouring agents.

So the next time you're thirsty, try replacing the above mentioned beverages with healthy and organic drinks instead.

A new study, published in the American Journal of Hypertension, says that long-term yogurt intake might reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Consuming more than two servings of yogurt per week may lower the risk of developing heart disease or stroke, says a study.

High blood pressure or hypertension is a major cardiovascular disease risk factor. Clinical trials have previously demonstrated beneficial effects of dairy consumption on cardiovascular health.

Yogurt may independently be related to cardiovascular disease risk, according to the study published in the American Journal of Hypertension.

“We hypothesised that long-term yogurt intake might reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems since some previous small studies had shown beneficial effects of fermented dairy products,” said Justin Buendia from Boston University School of Medicine in the US.

“Our results provide important new evidence that yogurt may benefit heart health alone or as a consistent part of a diet rich in fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains,” said Buendia.