Breakfast Recipe Ideas to Start Your Morning On A Healthy Note

Your Ultimate Guide To Fermented Foods For A Healthy Gut

<p>Often overlooked for its fancier cousins, the humble gur and chana is a healthy snack that deserves more attention. The combination that was once the go-to snack for a vast population faded into oblivion as more and more options flooded the market. It is however just as effective, if not more, than any healthy supplement or baked snack.</p><p>Full of proteins and carbohydrates, the gur and chana combination, is a powerhouse that aids immunity and offers a lot of other health benefits.</p><p><strong>Here are some benefits of the gur and chana combination</strong></p><h2>1. Improving immunity</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Immunity_1699250123544.jpg"></figure><p>Both the chickpeas and jaggery are great sources of nutrients and antioxidants. These help with combating the free radicals, and zinc and selenium boost resistance against infections. A good source of iron, jaggery also helps increase the haemoglobin count in the blood.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>2. Mood booster</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_happy%20family_1699250141501.jpg"></figure><p>Not only quick to come around, gur and chana is also a massive mood-booster as it is rich in vitamin B6. It is essential for better functioning of the brain and helps in the production of serotonin. The endorphin serotonin is known to keep spirits high.</p><h2>3. Great for skin</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_dry%20skin%20ingredients%20banner_1699250154341.jpg"></figure><p>Jaggery is full of antioxidants and is known to be a good source of glycolic acid which helps reduce fine lines and aging spots. Chickpeas on the other hand are rich in magnesium which has anti-aging properties too. The combination is godsent for a clear even skin.</p><h2>4. Keeps you smiling </h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_strong%20teeth_1699250169292.jpg"></figure><p>Gur and chana are also a great combination for stronger, better teeth. Phosphorus content in this combination is great for teeth health and prevents decay. Jaggery on its own is also a great substitute for white sugar, preventing cavities.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>5. Boon for menstruating women</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_menstruation_1699250183809.jpg"></figure><p>With chickpeas that are rich in protein and jaggery that is rich in iron, gur chana is a boon for menstruating women. It makes up for the loss of blood, and other minerals like potassium and magnesium help in overall menstrual health. </p>

From the kitchen of our grandmothers to the labs of new-age experts, this is a healthy combination everyone swears by. 

Looking for a healthy combination like no other? Try the grandmother-approved gur and chana. 

Gur And Chana: Health Benefits To Know | Zee Zest

Gur And Chana: The Ultimate Combination For Health 

Gur Chana

Healthy Food

Healthy Snacks

Food for your Skin: 6 Natural Moisturisers to Try this Winter 

Secrets to Up Your Winter Nutrition  

<p>As the winter approaches, it brings with it so many things we love. Great food, soaking in the sun, seasonal delights, and so much more. In the midst of these, sneak in the pesky seasonal ailments, all prepared to spoil the fun.</p><p>May it be a common cold, or other cold-specific health issues, changing weather is a perfect breeding ground. To avoid it all, incorporate these quick winter health tips and stay healthy throughout the season.</p><p><strong>Here are 7 winter health tips to follow</strong></p><h2>1. Stay hydrated</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_stay%20hydrated_1698776049086.jpg"></figure><p>Often overlooked, hydration is one of the most important and easiest ways to stay healthy. When dehydrated, it becomes harder for the body to function properly as there is less fluid than what it would need.</p><p>A lot of people are unaware of what winter hydration is, and fall prey to it. It can lead to a suppressed immune response, leading to ailments.</p><h2>2. Have dry fruits and nuts</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_dry%20fruits_1698776145881.jpg"></figure><p>Dry fruits and nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews increase your body temperature, and the nutrients found in them, like Omega 3, also help in the better functioning of the body. The good fats one gets from nuts are great at helping with joint pain too, so make sure you add them to your winter diet. If not directly, then with jaggery in a sweet form.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>3. Eat fresh fruits</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_eat%20fresh%20fruits_1698776239863.jpg"></figure><p>A lot of seasonal fruits in winter are exceptionally rich in vitamin C, which is known to increase immunity and keep safe from diseases. Make sure you incorporate a healthy amount of fresh fruits into your winter diet.</p><h2>4. Exercise regularly</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_exercise_1698776333557.jpg"></figure><p>With winter comes lethargy, and all we want to do is stay in. What we should be doing is completely opposite. Regular exercise keeps us healthy, reduces stress levels and fends off seasonal illnesses. While outdoor exercises might not always be possible, opt for indoor workouts and yoga to stay fit.</p><h2>5. Eat seasonal root vegetables</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_eat%20seasonal%20root%20vegetables_1698776538505.jpg"></figure><p>Winter brings with it a lot of root vegetables, like radishes and sweet potatoes. These root vegetables are rich in complex carbohydrates that keep us full for longer and provide necessary nutrients.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>6. Stay moisturized</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_stay%20moisturized_1698776633721.jpg"></figure><p>Skin is an organ often overlooked, especially in winter, which makes it flakey and cracked. These cracks might look harmless, but they can lead to severe skin infections. Make sure your skin is moisturised, and no matter how lazy you feel, slather on that sunscreen too.</p><h2>7. Keep yourself warm</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_keep%20yourself%20warm_1698776727951.jpg"></figure><p>While this sounds obvious, it still needs to be said. Not just sweaters and coats, make sure you are covered in warm clothing from head to toe, quite literally. Our heads or toes when exposed to cold can cause as much harm as much as not wearing adequate clothing. Wear appropriate shoes to stay warm.</p>

With the season changing, flu and health issues are on the rise. Here are some quick tips to stay healthy during the cold season.

With the season changing, flu and health issues are on the rise. Follow these quick tips to stay healthy during the cold season.

How to Stay Healthy During the Cold Season | Zee Zest

Winter Health Tips: How to Stay Healthy During the Cold Season

 Winter

Winter Health

Health Tip

9 Healthy Foods For Quick Weight Loss

Deprivation Will Not Help Us Lose Weight, Says Rujuta Diwekar

<p>The journey to weight loss begins with a healthy diet. It is well known that having your meals on time and working out regularly shows consistent results. This regime works particularly well if you maintain a healthy and nutritious diet.</p><p>If you’re craving something delicious without having to cheat on your fitness regime just days before the festive and wedding season, we have some interesting weight loss recipe recommendations for you.</p><p><strong>Seven healthy recipe ideas to accelerate festive weight loss endeavors</strong></p><h2>1. Besan Chilla </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_besan%20chila_1698151181943.jpg"></figure><p>Besan chilla is a healthy breakfast and snack option that's recommended for weight loss. Because it has low levels of glycemic index, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://zeezest.com/food/is-besan-chilla-good-for-weight-loss-healthy-chilla-recipes-zee-zest-1413">besan chilla</a> burns calories faster. It is rich in soluble fibre and thus recommended for people with diabetes, heart disease, or other medical conditions. Being rich in protein makes it all the more ideal for a weight loss diet.</p><h2>2. Oats Chilla </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_oats%20chila_1698151319846.jpg"></figure><p>Another chilla recipe to make your weight loss diet plan easier is the oats chilla. Oats are known for being rich in protein, carbs, and fibre. Oats are also good for maintaining blood sugar levels. An oats chilla will keep you fuller for longer and provide your body with the required nutrients while ensuring you don't consume unhealthy fats.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>3. ​Moong Dal Dosa </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_moong%20daal%20dosa_1698151446249.jpg"></figure><p>Don't we all love our morning platter of steaming dosa and chutney!? Treat your taste buds while remaining on your fitness regime with this healthy Moong dal dosa recipe. Moong dal dosa is rich in antioxidants, thereby reducing the damage from free radicals to the blood vessels. It is fibrous, high in protein, and helps lower inflammation in the body. This breakfast or snack option is also good for your heart and diabetes. Add some rawa, rice flour, and methi to the sprouted moong dal to make a healthy dosa batter that aids in weight loss. If not Moong dal, here are<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://zeezest.com/food/8-dosa-variations-to-try-from-egg-dosa-to-neer-dosa-zee-zest-4033"> other dosa types you can try</a>. </p><h2>4. Curd Rice </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_curd%20rice%20%281%29_1698151573384.jpg"></figure><p>An underrated but beneficial food item that aids in weight loss is curd rice. Curd rice has multiple health benefits, including a high protein, fibre, and antioxidant count. An easy and ideal lunch item during summers that instantly cools down the body temperature, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://zeezest.com/recipes/curd-rice-1092">curd rice</a> is also good for problems of indigestion and constipation. Add seasonal fruits like pomegranates as garnishing and make your bowl of curd rice colourful and more nutritious.</p><h2>5. Pumpkin oats cake recipe </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_pumpkin%20oat%20cake_1698151681059.jpg"></figure><p>Being on a strict weight loss regime often increases our cravings. Besides, it's also recommended to have small portions of food after short intervals through the day instead of having a few heavy meals. That's when this delicious pumpkin oats cake recipe comes in! The combination of pumpkin and oats is high in iron, fibre, and vitamin A. Not only is this a delicious way of quenching those sweet cravings, but it's also good for long-term health. Apart from this scrumptious dessert, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://zeezest.com/food/healthy-oats-recipe-for-breakfast-snack-zee-zest-1951">oatmeal in breakfast</a> is another option you should explore. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>6. Moong Dal Soup </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_moong%20daal%20soup_1698151839519.jpg"></figure><p>An ideal lunch and supper recipe, the moong dal soup is not only fibrous and rich in protein but is also low in cholesterol. It works wonders for the heart and keeps you full for longer, reducing the tendency to overeat. A low-calorie and nutritious item to its core, the moong dal soup is rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E. Have your soup with a plate of salad if you're taking it for lunch, or have it with garlic breadstick for dinner, and enjoy your healthy and sumptuous meal! If you prefer the desi version instead, here are <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://zeezest.com/food/different-types-of-dal-recipes-how-to-make-dal-recipe-at-home-zee-zest-1504">some authentic dal recipes</a> for you to try at home. </p><h2>7. Cabbage Soup </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_cabbage%20soup_1698151937923.jpg"></figure><p>If you're looking for light dinner options that are healthy and tasty, try the classic cabbage soup. Ideal for short-term weight loss (since we're talking about slimming down for the festive season), a bowl of cabbage soup will burn more calories than it supplies. Being low on calories makes it even more effective as a weight-loss food item.</p>

Try these nutritious weight loss recipes to tone down for this festive season.


The wedding and festive season is here. Try these effective, healthy, and delicious weight loss recipes if you want to tone down for it.


7 Weight Loss Recipes To Try Before The Festive Season | Zee Zest

Effective And Healthy Weight Loss Recipes To Try This Festive Season

Weight Loss Foods

Weight Loss

10 Home Remedies for Sleeping Peacefully At Night

Upgrade Your Sleeping Space: Top 2023 Latest Bed Design Ideas To Explore 

<p>As our lifestyle keeps getting more hectic, many people, especially in the fast-paced big cities, are known to be worrying about how to get a good night’s sleep or even how to get better sleep. The ever-present question of how to get good sleep is something that has become one of the main areas of worry for people, especially people with a workload that never seems to end, mounting responsibilities and just a never-ending load of stress. When a person is prone to anxiety induced by legitimate factors such as these, it is no wonder that the query of how to get good sleep has become one of the most researched queries of recent times. The importance of quality and sound sleep is something that has been stressed many a time by several experts. However, today, what with high levels of stress, strict deadlines and just the overall load of having to keep up has rendered quality sleep a thing of luxury.<br>To help you with your queries about how to get good sleep, we have compiled a list of some of the best gadgets, tips, etc. that are perfect for improving your sleep schedule. Let these handy solutions help you solve your most persistent query of how to get better sleep.</p><p><strong>Here are some of the best tips for good sleep to try</strong></p><h2>1. White noise machine </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_white%20noise%20machine_1697274682458.jpg"></figure><p>A white noise machine should be every insomniac’s best friend. With a wide-ranging spectrum of sounds, this modern invention is the answer to all your questions regarding how to get a good night’s sleep. With sounds ranging from calming, natural sounds, to simple, neutral sounds that will lull you to sleep softly and organically, this machine is truly one of the best things to help with going about how to get good sleep.</p><h2>2. A relaxing music system </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_music_1697274837110.jpg"></figure><p>If you do not want just plain sound as the sound you fall asleep to, worry not. A quality Bluetooth speaker to hook up your favourite soothing playlist is another equally handy option to solve all your how to get better sleep worries. A relaxing set-up of music will instantly calm your mind and soul and help you truly unwind. This is truly one of the most calming ways to go about tackling the never-ending how to get a good night’s sleep problem.</p><h2>3. Sleep mask </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_mask_1697274981568.jpg"></figure><p>One of the easiest, and maybe, something that you might be most in need of, tips to solve your how to get better sleep worries is to simply invest in a good sleep mask. Sometimes, the thing that might be proving to be a hindrance between you and how to get a good night’s sleep may be something physically tangible. If your bedroom has light peaking in from outside or even if your bedroom lights are too bright but you cannot do without them, an eye mask to pull over your eyes just before you sleep will ensure the perfect conditions your body needs to power down for the night.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>4. Lavender-scented candles </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_candle_1697275094583.jpg"></figure><p>A scented candle is another delightful way to ensure that your bedroom conditions are just peachy for you to relax after a long, stressful day as well as help you fall asleep to a sound sleep. Lavender is known to help people relax and de-stress. The pleasant-smelling lavender is also acclaimed to help achieve sleep more easily, and a good, sound sleep at that as well. So, if you want to solve your sleep problems naturally, a lavender-scented candle is your best bet.</p><h2>5. Sleep boosting spray </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_sleep%20boost%20spray_1697275266761.jpg"></figure><p>Working on similar lines as a scented candle, a sleep-boosting spray is made of natural ingredients, herbs, etc. that come together to solve your sleep worries in a natural and long-lasting way. Such sprays work wonders when you spray them over your pillows lightly and let them work their wonder. One of the recent innovations, these sprays have been known to help several people with their irregular sleep patterns and/or quality.</p><h2>6. Appropriate alarm clock </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_alarm%20clock_1697275408876.jpg"></figure><p>How we wake up after a night’s sleep is also something that has been proven to play an important role in the quality of our sleep, much to the surprise of many people. Therefore, instead of the usual, jarring alarms that wake you up in a way that can be described as disruptive and sudden, go for an alarm system that softly and gradually wakes you up in a way that does not disrupt the last of your lingering sleep.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>7. Blue light to induce sleep faster </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_light_1697275531610.jpg"></figure><p>The colour blue has been said to be a colour that induces feelings of calm and utter relaxation within people. The effects of colours on people’s minds have long been studied by many experts all around the world. Therefore, one helpful tip to help you improve the quality of your sleep can simply be to replace the existing lights of your bedroom, especially any night light with a more soft, relaxing blue-coloured light. The blue of your new light will surely help you catch a good night’s sleep.</p>

The workload, stress and fast-paced lifestyle have made the question of how to get a good night’s sleep more common than it ever has been. To help you achieve that precious shut-eye, we bring some of the best tips for good sleep.


 A carefully curated list of some of the most helpful tips for good sleep to help quell your insomnia.


7 Tips For Good Sleep For That Much-Required Rest | Zee Zest 

Catching Sleep: Achieve A Night Of Sound Sleep With These Tips And Tricks

Sleep

Good Sleep

Good Sleep Tips

MIND The Diet To Prevent Dementia And Other Brain Disorders

<p>Very often, we are heard saying ‘It’s a gut feeling’. You’d be surprised to learn that it is not just an expression. Several tests and research studies over the years have proven a significant gut-brain connection. <br>In fact, back in 1998, Dr Michael Gershon, who devoted his entire life to better understanding the gut, penned a book called The Second Brain which highlighted that the nerve cells in the gut act as an independent brain, and what we eat significantly impacts how our brain functions. A healthy gut is equal to a healthy brain. <br>It is no wonder then that our food choices not only impact our physical but also mental health, and when things get out of hand, we often tend to gravitate towards consuming excessive amounts of junk.</p><p>The silver lining to this understanding is that we can often control how we feel by choosing what we put inside our gut. In addition to brain-boosting food items like nuts and seeds, and salmon, we also need gut-enriching food items for a healthy body and mind</p><p><strong>Here are 7 food items you should add to your diet for a healthy brain</strong></p><h2>1. Prebiotics</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_banana_1698783305882.jpg"></figure><p><br>Our gut system has millions of bacteria, most of them beneficial. Prebiotics are food items that promote the growth of good bacteria that help in the digestion of food. Food items like whole grains, bananas, leafy greens, onions, and garlic are well-known and easily available prebiotics that you can add to your food.</p><h2>2. Probiotics</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_curd_1698783326523.jpg"></figure><p>Not to be confused with prebiotics, probiotics are the good bacteria that prebiotics help grow and thrive. They are generally consumed in a solution form or gut supplements. In food items, they are found in fermented dishes like curd, kombucha, pickles, dosa, idli, kimchi, etc.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>3. Turmeric</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_turmeric_1698783347373.jpg"></figure><p>With its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is a food item that soothes the gut. An inflamed gut is detrimental to brain health and turmeric has been studied to show its effects against inflammation. It is also full of nutrients that benefit the brain.</p><h2>4. Almonds</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_almonds_1698783367959.jpg"></figure><p>Rich in essential fatty acids, and other beneficial nutrients, almonds are some of the best food to eat for mental health. They also have antioxidants which help in regular maintenance and repair of the brain cells, ensuring a smooth cognitive function.</p><h2>5. Pumpkin seeds</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_pumpkin%20seeds_1698783417471.jpg"></figure><p>Well known for their antioxidant properties, pumpkin seeds are also rich in magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper. These nutrients are quite important for brain functions and prevent cognitive degeneration.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>6. Chocolate</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_chocolate_1698783434035.jpg"></figure><p>Tastes amazing and has so many benefits, what’s there to not like about chocolate? Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, chocolate has long been studied for its mood booster effects. It is also said to help with slowing down age-related mental decline. </p><h2>7. Green tea</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_green%20tea_1698783455156.jpg"></figure><p>Believed to boost brain function, green tea is rich in an amino acid called L-theanine which has been proven to help you relax and even increases the production activity of the neurotransmitter that reduces anxiety. The antioxidants that the green tea has are just the added benefits.</p>

 What we eat impacts not only our physical but also our mental health. Here are 7 things to add to your diet for better mental health. 

The Gut-Brain Connection: 7 food items you should add to your diet for better mental health and well-being.