HealthTimber – Health, Lifestyle and Wellbeing

Wholegrains: A Complete Guide to Nature’s Healthiest Grains By  Monica Saxena | Wellness Blogger| Certified in Holistic Health & Nutrition | Fully Accredited Professional Nutritionist | Why Wholegrains Matter? It is not a modern phenomenon to have more whole grains and fewer refined grains in your diet. For centuries, grains have been the backbone of human diets across civilisations. Different types of grains are consumed across the continents, from the rice bowls of Asia to the bread loaves of Europe; grains have provided a significant portion of daily calories and wholesome energy for billions of people.  While all grains originate from plant seeds, each one of them is different from one another depending on texture, taste and nutrients. The way grains are processed also determines whether they remain nutrient-packed or lose their natural goodness. This is where the benefits of wholegrains stand out. Wholegrains are grains that contain all parts o...

The Surprising Health Benefits of Millets:  Why you should add them to your diet One healthy food that has been part of our diet since ancient times is millet. This cereal grain is a great source of fibre and minerals and provides many health benefits. Millets are the 1st crops to be domesticated by mankind and have been grown in Asia for over 6000 years.  Millets are actually small cereal grains that have been in existence for thousands of years. They can grow easily even under extreme conditions, which is why, in places with poor soil and scarce water supplies, they represent an essential source of food. That gives fullness to your stomach and benefits from a wide variety of nutrients. Eating millets daily can be considered good for your health as they are a nutrient-rich whole grain, packed with fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals, which can help you with blood sugar control, digestive health, heart health, and weight management. However, it's im...

  Diabetic-Friendly Fruits and Their Health Benefits Managing diabetes requires careful dietary choices, especially regarding fruit consumption. While fruits are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre, some contain high sugar, which may cause blood sugar spikes. Let us explore the best diabetic-friendly fruits, their health benefits, and how to incorporate them into a balanced diet. Diabetic-Friendly Fruits 1.     Berries: Berries are the antioxidant powerhouses. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are common examples of berries. They are rich in antioxidants, fibre, and vitamin C, and help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation. You can eat them by adding them to yogurt, or oatmeal, or enjoy them as a snack. 2. Apples: Apple is a fibre-rich snack. They are  diabetes-friendly  with a low GI (≈36), and high fibre slows sugar absorption. Apples contain soluble fibre...

Heart Healers:  Foods and Practices for a Healthy Heart As we dive into the world of heart health, certain foods or practices keep our hearts healthy. Our hearts work tirelessly to keep us going, so it’s only fair we give them some love back. From delicious foods to simple lifestyle changes, there are multiple options at hand. We must be mindful of what we eat and combine them with our diet. Let's explore how to keep our hearts happy and healthy. Heart-Healthy Foods 1. Fruits and Veggies Fruits and veggies are colourful powerhouses packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. You just need to aim for a variety of colours to maximize nutrients. Some heart-loving options that can be your heart healers include: Berries : When it comes to foods that both taste great and are great for your heart, the berries are unbeatable. Berries of all kinds are rich in antioxidants, the substances found in certain foods that help fight cell damage. Bl...

  I remember the biology classes during my school days, we were gradually introduced to certain terms and functions essential for a healthy body. I often revisit those learnings once in a while as now they carry a bigger meaning in our lives. One basic function we were all told about is metabolism, as these days everyone keeps talking about boosting metabolism, so let us find out about metabolism once again. What is Metabolism? Metabolism is the process by which your body converts all your food intake into energy. Food components are broken into the building blocks needed for the growth and repair of your body. Metabolism is a series of chemical reactions that take place inside your body to keep you alive, kicking and functioning all day. These reactions break down all the nutrients from your food into smaller particles, which are then used by your cells to produce energy or build new tissues. But metabolism is different from person to person and depends on factors such as ag...