Frosty bites

In order to improve the immunity of the body,one needs to take care of one’s diet and eat healthy food in this season.

According to a research carried out by AC Nielsen,64 per cent of men in the age group of 40-50 years in cities like Chennai,Mumbai,Delhi,Pune and Kolkata cannot stay away from unhealthy food,which is a major cause of heart disease and diabetes. This,coupled with a busy and high-stress life-style,is leading to a diet of convenience. This is typically a diet that is devoid of vitamins and minerals,and is overloaded with fat,sugar and high calories. Often,men and women in their 40s and 50s frequent ‘cool eating joints’ with their children and unwittingly binge on junk food. The primary reason why they do so is because the concept of heart health is alien to many.

Some tips on what diet to follow this season
* Fruits and vegetables have been widely acknowledged as healthy foods.
* Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and are packed with vitamins,minerals,protective plant compounds and fibre. They are a great source of nutrients and vital for a healthy diet.
* Eat lots of pulses,beans,and milk products,such as curd,low fat paneer and low fat cheese.
* Soya paneer is also a really great source of protein.
* Nuts are high in unsaturated fatty acids and low in saturated fats,which contribute to lowering cholesterol levels. Nuts contain protein,but careful: Most nuts have a lot of oil.
* The best bets are almonds and walnuts. A lack of protein in our diets can result in slow growth,reduced muscle mass,lower immunity,and weaken the heart and respiratory system.
* Consume foods that contain fibre as it reduces cholesterol,normalises blood sugar and promotes bowel regularity. Fibre is found in plant foods (fruit,vegetables and whole grains). It helps you feel fuller faster and longer,keeps the blood sugar levels even and helps in maintaining a healthy colon.
* Eat food that is rich in iron which is an essential component of proteins that works overtime for oxygen transport and cell growth,and can be obtained from green leafy vegetables. Low iron means low haemoglobin as well as lower energy levels.