Expresso Lifestyle News Highlights of the week

Let's begin with our top story: The National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) has released the much-anticipated update to the ‘Dietary Guidelines for Indians', after an extensive research and consultation with experts. This revision considers the evolving lifestyles, common diseases, and changing food habits to provide Indians with the most up-to-date dietary advice. In an interaction with indianexpress.com, Edwina Raj, Head of Services – Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore stated “If one is looking for even heat and potential nutrient preservation, earthen cookware is a great option." NIN cited earthenware’s eco-friendliness, reduced oil requirement, and ability to preserve nutrients as the key advantages. The research also discussed concerns about Teflon coating on non-stick utensils.

Alongside several guidelines for better health, including an urgency to avoid the consumption of protein supplements, the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) also recognised the profound impact of food preparation methods on nutritional content and health outcomes in their recent study. The study was led by the apex health research body the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) in Hyderabad. Shubha Ramesh L chief dietician at DHEE Hospitals said, “The ICMR highlights pre-cooking methods like soaking, blanching, and marinating to enhance the nutritional quality and safety of foods. These methods also contribute to reducing cooking time and energy consumption." Pre-cooking with methods like steaming or light boiling can minimise nutrient loss from water-soluble vitamins.

Food giant PepsiCo India has initiated trials to substitute palm oil with a blend of sunflower oil and palmolein in Lay’s chips, to make it relatively healthier for Indians. A spokesperson from PepsiCo India confirmed that, “There are often different recipes for foods or drinks in different countries, which is attributed to several factors such as local preferences, manufacturing capabilities, ingredient availability and market dynamics." PepsiCo, which is the largest manufacturer of beverages and snacks in the US, does not use palm oil in Lay’s chips that are sold in the country; instead, it uses ‘heart-healthy’ oils like sunflower, corn, and canola oil.
In fashion news: The Bollywood star, Alia Bhatt emerged as the ‘most visible attendee,’ at the 2024 Met Gala with her custom Sabyasachi sari propelling both her own and the designer’s brand to the forefront, according to reports. Photos of her exquisite sari, a masterpiece crafted by 163 artisans, dominated feeds, generating a staggering $4.2 million in Earned Media Value (EMV). The intricate hand embroidery of the sari, featuring silk floss, beads, and sparkling semi-precious stones, resonated with audiences globally, generating an EMV of $471K. This surpassed major international fashion houses like Burberry and Oscar de la Renta and the social media dominance also pushed Sabyasachi to the top of the list.

At the Met Gala 2024, Cardi B stayed true to her “bigger is better” philosophy, dazzling in a voluminous tulle gown and a show-stopping set of emerald and diamond jewellery by Indian brand Kamyen. The statement necklace, featuring a whopping 141-carat Colombian emerald, perfectly complemented the Garden of Time dress code and Cardi’s signature love for extravagance. Complementing this centrepiece was a stunning pair of traditional ‘chandbali’ earrings. Pooja Gandhi, one of the co-founders of Kamyen Jewellery, a family-run business, told indianexpress.com, “We needed a lot of convincing from Colin (Cardi B’s stylist), but because it was the Met Gala and Cardi, we decided to do it.”

For the opening of a jewellery boutique in Mumbai, the Gully Boy star Ranveer Singh rocked an all-white ensemble by designer Gaurav Gupta — a satin shirt, matching pants, and a waist-cinching belt. But the USP of his look was the Copper Mallet heeled boots he wore. Keeping it uber stylish, the father-to-be completed his look with a chunky diamond necklace worth Rs 2 crore and a pair of sunglasses. Ranveer Singh has never been one to shy away from bold and eclectic fashion choices. From angarakhas to ghagras, maximalist prints and over-the-top blazers, he’s done it all — even being trolled for wearing heels.

During a chat with Shubhankar Mishra, Sonali Bendre shared the immense challenges she faced following her shocking cancer diagnosis in 2018. She stated, “The technician there said it’s like a Christmas tree inside. When you undergo a PET scan, the cancer cells light up, through which the doctors spot where all it exists. They said it had spread so much inside me that the scanning looked like staring at a Christmas tree. Dr Gorav Gupta, psychiatrist and co-founder of Emoneeds explained, "It’s crucial to create a safe space for your partner to express their feelings and concerns without judgment."

Lastly, in travel news: Thailand has extended its visa exemption scheme for Indian passport holders until November 11th, 2024. Whether you crave adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Thailand has something for everyone. Here are some places to visit in Thailand. 1) Experience the unique and colourful Phuket Vegetarian Festival between September and October. 2) Delve into Thailand’s rich history at the magnificent ruins of Ayutthaya, the former capital kingdom. 3) Find inner peace at majestic temples like Wat Pho in Bangkok. 4) Embark on an adventurous trek through the lush jungles of Northern Thailand. 5) Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife scene in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Pattaya.