Fiber refers to plant-based carbohydrates (not sugar or starch) that are digested uniquely in the large intestine. They are essential for people who consume more meat than vegetables. Fiber is an invaluable aid to the digestive system and helps in smooth bowel movements. Fiber is responsible for bulking up the stools, thereby making it softer and more pliable within the rectal cavity. Considering that constipation is the most common digestive problem in the country, eating a lot of fiber is not only a healthy option but also a necessary one, especially for people who suffer from chronic constipation. Given below is a list of high fiber foods that you can incorporate in your diet. Dark chocolate: Let’s start with something that everyone likes! Dark chocolates contain as much as 10.9% fiber. While chocolate is often called unhealthy, the trick is to go for dark chocolates with a cocoa content of over 90%. Make sure to pick the ones with very little sugar in them. Moreover, they are rich in nutrients and have a ton of antioxidants in them as well. Almonds: With around 12.5% fiber, almonds are full of many nutrients, healthy fats, vitamin E, manganese, and magnesium. These nuts are tasty as well as a healthy alternative to chips and other junk food. Legumes: Consider consuming this food item as a part of at least one meal in a day. Legumes are a rich source of fiber and quite nutritious too. In many countries, legumes are the primary source of nutrition. Be it black beans (8.7%), edamame (5.2%), lima beans (5.3%) or baked beans (5.5%), you cannot go wrong if you pick legumes to add fiber to your diet. To achieve the best balance of nutrition and taste, opt for chickpeas as they have 7.6% fiber. Lentils: Lentils are perhaps the most balanced item on this list of high fiber foods.

Metabolism is the speed at which your body burns down the calories acquired from food. Slow metabolism rate leads to weight gain and fatigue. And no matter how much you exercise or consume a balanced diet, you won’t be able to get rid of that unwanted fat. Adding metabolism boosting foods in your diet can be a head start in solving this problem. There are several factors that affect metabolism, such as: Age Hormones Stress Gender In addition, metabolism is also affected by the foods we consume. Here are 15 metabolism boosting foods that improve body’s capacity to burn more calories: Chili peppers Chili peppers greatly accelerate metabolic rate by increasing thermogenesis, a process of heat generation in the body to melt the fat. Capsaicin, a chemical found in hot pepper, is known to raise the body temperature and boost metabolism. Coffee The caffeine in coffee is known to improve your metabolism. The dark and aromatic drink helps in quick fat oxidization by increasing the metabolic rate by up to 11%. Also, coffee is a great solution for improving your workout performance as it helps the body to burn fat for energy. Herbs Herbs such as oregano, cilantro, dill, fennel, thyme, and rosemary are packed with antioxidants. These antioxidants negate the effect of free oxygen radicals and improve the body’s metabolic rate. Apple These are a rich source of dietary fiber, flavonoids, and antioxidants. They do not only help in increasing metabolic rate but also reduce inflammation, cholesterol, and improve insulin sensitivity and lipid profile. Celery Popularly promoted as a negative calorie food, celery is one of the best metabolism boosting foods . When you consume celery, your body cells have to work really hard to break it down, thus increasing your metabolic rate. This means you burn more calories digesting it than the calories actually present in it.

Looking to shed those extra pounds? The most common health advice you would probably receive is cut the carbohydrates and bring in the protein to your diet. Carbohydrates energize you but also add on to those extra pounds of body weight. Protein, on the other hand, is the building block for the muscles, skin, and various organs of your body. A high-protein diet is a foundation for good health. It also helps in lowering blood pressure and controlling diabetes, and other health disorders. The recommended intake of protein on a daily basis is 56 grams for men and 46 grams for women. Dieticians and health and fitness experts recommend higher protein intake than the recommended daily intake for optimum functioning of the body. Benefits of a High-protein Diet Following a diet high in proteinhas numerous health advantages. A high-protein diet, as opposed to a carbohydrate-rich diet, replaces calories with energy. Atkins is a popular protein rich diet regimen that gets the bulk of calories from protein. Here are the top benefits of following a high-protein diet plan: Easy to Follow A protein diet is relatively easy to follow and does not burn a hole in your wallet. Satiates Your Hunger A heavy protein meal not only satisfies your hunger but also makes you feel full for a longer time. Enables Weight Loss Those looking to lose weight on a short-term will find it easier to do so with a high protein diet plan. Faster cell repair : A diet rich in protein facilitates faster cell damage repair. So if you are looking for luscious hair, glowing skin, and strong bones then go for a protein diet. Energy booster : A protein rich diet is an energy booster. Organ health : A protein rich diet is good for your heart and also reduces the risk of developing arthritis and cancer.

These days, the stomach diseases are increasing, and therefore, the doctors show a severe concern towards the overall nutrition of the people. Every age group has certain gut bacteria levels and must follow a routine check-up. Cleansing of the colon area is a must so that toxins from the body keep on regularly releasing without harming organs and intestine lining. However, a particular health condition came into highlight mostly in the age group of 30 to 50 years is diverticulitis. It is a kind of a stomach disease which occurs when small pockets are formed in the wall of the digestive system. They lead to the intestine inflammation. One of the reasons for this can be an infection due to the toxics of colon. What are diverticula and how is it formed? Diverticula are small sacs or pockets which take birth on their own when the colon muscles become weaker. They protrude outward in the large intestine lining in red color like boils or polyps. It is a painful condition during a flare-up. Sometimes, on diagnosing, immediate surgery is recommended by the specialists. What are the symptoms of diverticulitis? Most people are unaware of the initial symptoms and lead to the chronic stage and then realize the fact that they are affected by diverticulitis. Hence, there are some common symptoms which one must consider and get immediate help from the doctor whenever they experience them. Long-term constipation is the condition when one cannot pass stool regularly and sustains for a long term. It causes immense pain and fatigue. Long-term diarrhea is a common symptom of diverticulitis. If a person suffers from diarrhea and no antibiotic works, then it is a sure symptom of diverticulitis. Pain and tender feeling in the abdomen with bloating is a symptom of diverticula formation in the colon lining.

The Mediterranean diet plan is basically based on the diet plan followed by the people of Greece and Italy in the 1960s. The diet primarily consists of food items predominantly eaten by natives from that region such as generous helpings of fruits, vegetables, pasta, and rice and a limited quantity of red meat. There are alleged reports that swear by this diet plan’s ability to help one reduce weight, prevent strokes, type 2 diabetes, premature death, and heart attacks. There is no such exact diet plan because around the Mediterranean Sea, there are many countries and the people of those countries have a diverse palate influenced by indigenous produce and their culture. In this article, you will get dishes and foods that you can include in your Mediterranean diet menu in order to make it healthier. The basics of a Mediterranean diet Here are some of the some of the basic foods that you should include in your Mediterranean diet menu: Foods you must eat regularly: Vegetables, legumes, bread, whole grains, extra virgin olive oil, fruits & nuts, fish and seafood, seeds, herbs, and spices Foods to eat in moderation: Eggs, cheese, poultry, and yogurt. Foods to eat rarely: Red Meat Foods to be avoided: Sugary dishes, added sugars, refined grains, processed meat, and refined oils Food items you need to abstain from while on the diet: These are some of the unhealthy foods that you should not have in your Mediterranean diet menu: Added sugar: Candies, soda, ice cream, and other related sugary foods Refined grains: Pasta prepared with refined wheat and white bread Refined oils: Canola oil, soybean oil, and cottonseed oil Trans fats: Margarine and other processed foods Processed meats: Sausages and hot dogs, among others Food items that should be included in the Mediterranean diet: There is no exact definition of what a Mediterranean diet comprises since the region is made up of different countries that have varying culinary preferences.

The food you eat can have a major impact on the health and appearance of your hair. More often than not, a majority of hair problems like hair loss, hair thinning, and itchy scalp stem from nutritional deficiencies. If you suffer from iron or vitamin deficiency, there are chances that you are highly susceptible to hair problems. Your diet plays a crucial role in hair treatment, and here we have compiled a list of food items to consume for healthy hair and to boost hair growth: Fatty fish Fish and other seafood are enriched with Omega-3 fatty acids and a host of other nutrients that help control hair fall and aid hair growth. Increasing the consumption of fatty fish like salmon and mackerel is a great way to boost hair growth. Along with that, it helps combat a myriad of conditions like a dry and flaky scalp. Berries Berries like strawberries and blueberries are rich in antioxidants that safeguard your hair from free radicals, which damage it and hamper healthy growth. The high content of vitamin C in berries aids hair treatment by boosting the collagen production in hair and promotes hair health. It keeps premature aging signs like greying and thinning of hair at bay. You should consume these delicious fruits regularly to promote hair health and growth. Flaxseed oil Flaxseed oil contains vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids, the essential substances for hair care. By making flaxseed oil a part of your diet, you can naturally combat problems like hair breakage and thinning, and dry and itchy scalp. Add this nutrient-rich oil to your recipe to get healthy and shiny hair. Spinach The unmatched nutritional value of spinach makes it one of the best foods for ensuring healthy hair and to promote hair growth. It contains iron, vitamins, and folate and facilitates hair growth, along with improving the overall appearance of your hair.

Diet for schizophrenia: What to eat and what to avoid? Schizophrenia is a mental illness that can cause delusions, paranoia, social and cognitive problems, and hallucinations. While the most common method of this condition is medication and psychotherapy, those who have schizophrenia can benefit from following a proper diet. Certain food items must be avoided, while there are a few that would be good for schizophrenia patients. What to avoid There are certain food items that a schizophrenia patient should avoid as can cause various health problems that can aggravate the condition. Sugar Schizophrenia patients need to be in good physical health to ensure their mental health improves. Maintaining blood sugar levels is important and for this, sugar and food items containing sugar must be avoided or eaten in moderation. Carbohydrates A diet that has high carbohydrate content needs to be avoided. Instead, a diet that has low carbs and helps in keeping blood sugar in check should be preferred. It also helps in weight control, which is required for those suffering from schizophrenia. Gluten Gluten needs to be removed from the diet for schizophrenics. Most people are allergic to gluten found in wheat, rye, and barley. Studies have shown a link between gluten and aggravated symptoms of schizophrenia. What to eat A healthy and well-balanced diet helps improve both physical and mental health. The following food items and nutrients are essential for someone who has schizophrenia. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 is a very powerful fatty acid that has multiple health benefits. It has been found to be useful in improving mental health. Fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 and if one doesn’t have access to these varieties of fish, fish oil capsules and omega-3 supplements can also be consumed. Omega-3 is also found in nuts and seeds like flaxseed and pumpkin seeds.

Gastritis is a stomach disorder where the stomach lining becomes inflamed. It may happen due to certain foods or bacterial infection. Gastritis can be avoided by shunning certain foods as they help in dealing with the symptoms. Herein, we discuss the foods one needs to have and avoid when suffering from gastritis diet. What to avoid Gastritis symptoms can be aggravated by certain foods. Allergies to foods can cause gastritis and, hence, certain foods need to be avoided as they would trigger symptoms. Spicy foods Spicy food can irritate the stomach and aggravate the symptoms of gastritis. Peppers, chili powder and chilies in general, jalapenos, and spices like nutmeg and clove can cause a wide variety of problems. Spicy foods should be avoided or a least used in moderation. Alcohol Alcohol can aggravate symptoms of gastritis and should be definitely avoided. The stomach lining is adversely affected when Acidic foods Food that is acidic in nature must be avoided. It can irritate the stomach. This includes citrus fruits, coffee, grains, and even tomatoes. Any acidic food affecting a person must be avoided to prevent worsening of the symptoms. Fried and fatty foods Foods that are fried and fatty affect the digestive system. They are among the top causes gastritis and must be avoided. What to eat Food that can kill the bacteria that cause gastritis and reduce inflammation should be consumed. Broccoli Broccoli is rich in a compound called sulforaphane. Studies have shown that sulforaphane can kill H.pylori that cause gastritis. Garlic Garlic is antibacterial and can help to kill H. pylori. It can also reduce inflammation, thus reducing symptoms. Having raw pods of garlic can cause irritation in some people. A helpful alternative is consuming garlic in the form of capsules. Probiotics Probiotics found in yogurt, sourdough bread, and kefir can be very good for the stomach.

According to studies, diet can help improve seizure control in people who suffer from epileptic seizures. While these studies have been based on strict diets such as the Ketogenic diet, recent studies have shown that less restrictive diets such as the Low Glycemic Index diet and the modified Atkins diet can also be helpful in managing conditions such as epilepsy. When it comes to diet and dietary habits, they can be very hard to change, especially when a lot of changes are administered at the same time. Also, it is common for one to get all excited about a “new diet” in the beginning, but people tend to lose all that enthusiasm after a while. So, trying to make one change at a time is probably the best, sustainable way to start a diet, especially one that can help them manage certain conditions effectively. Eliminating simple sugars: The very first and important step for following a diet and nutrition tips for living well with epilepsy is to eliminate foods that contain high amounts and concentration of simple sugars. This type of carbohydrates have high glycemic indices, which leads to them being absorbed rapidly by the body. Once one has eliminated these sugary foods completely for more than just a few weeks, they could probably find that one no longer has the desire to eat them at all. One’s body will be more satisfied with the next step of the diet—whole, natural foods. Following a whole, natural foods diet: The step of following a wholesome, natural diet is a complex one that needs to be broken down into smaller, simpler-to-follow step. Healthy food items which have extremely little to no processing factor at all should be included in the diet. Foods that are minimally processed have a maximum of 3 ingredients.

In today’s fast-paced life, we are all tied to unhealthy eating habits, fried food, and a sedentary lifestyle. There is hardly any time to maintain a healthy weight. While you are considering following a strict diet regime, we are here to tell you a more helpful and handy diet plan—apple cider vinegar diet. Right from promoting a healthy weight loss to cleansing the digestive tract and stimulating growth hormones, the apple cider vinegar diet has a number of benefits. Let us take a look at some of the benefits of the apple cider vinegar diet. Helps in reduction of appetite Did you know that apples are rich in pectin, which is a naturally-occurring substance that helps in making a person satiated after a meal? The apple cider vinegar diet does help in healthy weight loss as it contains pectin. By being on an apple cider vinegar diet, you will be able to suppress your appetite, and it would keep you away from consuming excessive calories. Promotes digestion It is very common these days that apple cider vinegar diet is used for a healthy weight loss. But how does this happen? Well, having a diet that has apple cider vinegar would stimulate digestion and clean the digestive tract and remove unnecessary substances from the consumed food. This also helps in smooth bowel movements. We also know that it is unhealthy if the food remains for longer duration in the intestines. The fats from the food get absorbed if they remain for longer duration and do not get digested. Stimulation of appetite is one of the best benefits of apple cider vinegar and keeps your appetite under control, thereby promoting healthy digestion as well. A great source of potassium Yes, it is! If you are thinking of eliminating salt from your daily diet and cannot even imagine the tasteless plates of meals, then do not worry.

It is a well-established fact that every person wants to stay fit in this era marked by a sedentary lifestyle. There are many ways to keep that dreaded belly fat away with exercise being one of them. However, exercise alone cannot work well unless it is supported by a healthy, nutritious diet. Low-fat yogurt is a superfood that adds on to the immense amount of advantages that a regular box of yogurt already provides. Hence, for all the fitness freaks out there, don’t miss out on this one. Generally, yogurt is made by carefully fermenting cow’s milk; however, some manufacturers also make use of soy or goat’s milk. Now, depending on the type of yogurt made, that is, whole, skimmed or non-fat, the time duration involved in the fermentation process will vary. There have been mixed reviews about low-fat yogurt with some swearing by its health benefits while others calling it another marketing gimmick by food processing companies. In simple terms, low-fat yogurt has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are some things you need to know about low-fat yogurt. Probiotics – This refers to the set of bacteria that is good for the human body, particularly the gastrointestinal tract. Low-fat yogurt naturally contains these microorganisms and helps improve metabolism to a great extent. Some manufacturers take an extra step and add more of these good bacteria, thereby making low-fat yogurt extremely healthy. But these additional bacteria come with a huge price tag. Nutrition content – As the name suggests, this product is characterized by fermentation of low fat or skimmed milk. The nutritional figures will depend upon the type of brand you purchase since products of every company differ in terms of price and quality. Approximately, a normal box would contain 3.8 grams of fat, 15 mg of cholesterol, and 400 mg of calcium.

Following healthy diet plans or healthy eating does not mean that you have to implement strict dietary restrictions. It also does not mean that you have to deprive yourself of the foods you really would love to eat. On the other hand, it refers to feeling energetic and vibrant, stabilize your mood and enhance your health. When you feel tired of all the strict limitations and inadequate nutrition, you lose interest, and the purpose of losing weight becomes complicated. Everybody would come up with a lot of advice, but you need to choose what serves best for you. These simple tips help you remove all confusion, and you can learn how to develop a nutritious and healthy diet plan that brings excellent results. Strike a balance Some rigid yet healthy diet plans put forward rigid guidelines. What you need is a perfect balance of minerals, vitamins, fiber, fat, carbohydrates and protein and it helps you sustain a healthy body. It is not all about eliminating specific food categories from the diet, but selecting the healthiest choices from every category is the best option. Learn how to add essential fats to your healthy diet plan You must realize that not all fat belongs to the same category. The bad fats can make your efforts ineffective, and they make you more vulnerable to heart diseases and other related health problems. On the contrary, good fats safeguard your health in the best manner. Healthy fats like omega-3 are essential in stabilizing your mental as well as physical health. You must learn how to add healthier fats to your healthy diet plan to improve your health and lose weight effectively. Mix protein from animal sources and plant sources in a balanced way Protein is one of the best energy boosters for the human body.