Program Archive

Delay Skin Aging!

Today’s topic was how one can delay skin ageing. Dr.Ahmed a dermatologist was the expert on the show.

What is the main factor for skin ageing asked RJ Jane? Doc says it is a natural process but the main cause is exposure to Sun. Sunscreen is important – 30SPF can be used and should be applied 20 min before going out. Vitamin D is important for us to have healthy skin and bones and stepping out in the early morning sun is the best, if not make we must make sure that we have supplements.

A young mother called in and asked what she should do for her young son. Doc said let little kids play in the sun – it is good, but always limit their time in the sun – 1.5 hours is a good time without sunscreen. The next caller said that exposure to the sun causes her skin to turn pink and she gets rashes too. Doc said she should get proper treatment. She should cleanse her skin properly every morning, use sunscreen and maybe use a retinol based cream at night, but only after consultation with a dermatologist.

How do we deal with sun and swimming asked a caller? Doc said use a stronger sunscreen- 40-50spf, a waterproof one. The night before include a half boiled carrot to your meal to boost the recovery.  A 40 year old gentleman called and asked what to do about the Melasma (pigmentation) he has on his upper cheeks. He was told to visit a dermatologist and maybe do periodic skin peels to improve the skin and of course ALWAYS use sunscreen!

Maintain a healthy diet to have good skin, avoid junk food, alcohol and smoking says our expert.

Use a moisturizer according to your skin type – if your skin is very dry you should use a prescribed ointment. Others should use fragrance free creams as those with fragrances can cause absorption of UV, which is not good.  Use minimum products on the skin, this is for women. You will look better without all of the excess products.

Are Botox and non surgical procedures ok to do asked RJ Jane and the Doc says that yes, it’s ok but always get a good consultation before you go through with anything.

Cleanse, Tone and Moisturize is the best schedule for your skin and as always use Sunscreen!!

 

The Benefits of Steam & Sauna

The topic of discussion for the day was the effectiveness of steam baths and saunas. The expert guest was Usha Sri –  a fitness and injury prevention expert.

To begin with, Usha gives us some of the benefits of steam and sauna, being that It flushes out all your toxins and sometimes also melts the fat right under the skin.

She says that in our climate conditions, it is not advisable to go for a steam or sauna too often. Ideally it should not be more than once in 15 days.

It is also not advisable for individuals who have medical issues, so it would be best to consult a doctor first before deciding to go for it.

Usha says that a steam or sauna can help in relaxing you. Just 15-20 minutes can soothe you and flush out all your negativity. She says that it doesn’t burn many calories, but it does burn fat. Spending too long in the sauna will dehydrate you. So it is important to drink lots of water before going for one.

Originally, it was Finland developed this mode of heat therapy. It’s main benefit is detoxification. Most human beings come in contact with at least 10 types of chemicals in a day. These chemicals and toxins pass out through pores in the form of sweat. Some of the other benefits of steam & sauna are improved circulation, strengthening of the immune system, stress and pain relief, skin cleansing, and even results in a better sleep cycle.

When people spend all their time in the AC, at home, at offices and even in Gyms, they don’t sweat much in general, which is why a sauna or steam is a good idea.

Before going for a steam or sauna, one has to be properly hydrated. It is recommended that one drinks at least 2-3 glasses of water before going for a steam. After the steam as well, one has to re-hydrate and ensure the get right amount of nutrition to regain strength. One doesn’t generally wear clothes in a sauna, but one can wrap themselves in a thin cotton cloth or towel instead. It can even turn into a social interaction depending on the size of the room, and the kind of company one takes with them!

Historically, saunas have been around for centuries in Turkey, Finland and many other parts of Europe. It’s recognised as a treatment for many conditions. What it does, is induce an artificial fever forcing the immune system to swing into action and cool down the body with sweat and open pores. The pulse rate also shoots up, increasing blood circulation.

It is not advisable for people with BP problems or heart and asthma problems as the increase in circulation could cause palpitations and other risks. It is also not recommended for long periods for men as it could affect their fertility. It is recommended that men limit their sauna time to 10 minutes.

People with vertigo n dizziness could also get affected by the heat of the sauna, unless they are properly hydrated and fit. It’s your safest bet to always consult a physician before going for it.

In conclusion, Usha gives us some wisdom about how to prevent injuries from sports or work outs. She says it’s important to get posture analysis done and work only with a certified fitness trainer for strength training. When starting any new form of exercise late in life, don’t get into the advance levels too soon. Always know where your limits are. Go easy on yourself. It’s not healthy to lose more than 3 kilos a month. Go step by step and stay away from programs that guarantee loss of 8-10 kilos a month! Always let your goals it be reasonable.

How Do You Identify The Signs Of Depression?

Today’s topic of discussion revolved around depression, and how we can identify it’s symptoms.

The expert guest for the day was Dr. Lakshmi, a Psychiatrist with the Schizophrenia Research Foundation (Scarf).

She talks about a patient of her’s who went into depression after losing out on a promotion at work. She was completely demotivated, unwilling to go to work, and it had started to affect her normal functioning. Dr. Lakshmi tried to understand the situation and why at this point of time, this particular individual reacted this way. What is her thinking and how has it lead to depression? She needed to break down the events and eliminate the negative thoughts. She was prescribed antidepressants as it was a very severe case. The patient had to start talking to the people around her on her own for support.

There are stressors in every part of life, so if you feel you can’t handle it, reach out to a Psychiatrist for help.

The first caller- Srinidhi- She says that after Deepika Padukone’s confession about battling depression it struck her that it can affect anyone! Srinidhi is doing CA and was always a topper in academics. She now feels stressed out all the time and feels like she’s letting herself down. Frustrated, demotivated and succumbing to peer pressure. She’s not sure if she’s depressed.

Lakshmi responds that depression tends to attack when they don’t have a lot of friends, you’re dwelling alone and no one to help find a solution. People need to have a close group of friends to share they’re deepest secrets confidentially to share the burden. She says to eat and sleep on time as it can help can help.

She also says to look inward and not compare yourself to others. Everyone has their own strengths, identify yours and build on those. Focus on your goal.

She says it’s important to include some exercise in your routine as it can also reduce depression. Avoid things that can depress you further, like alcohol. Break down your problems into smaller steps and face them bit by bit.

Srinidhi has an acute fear of failure and has not given some exams because of this.

Jane says if you don’t face failure at an early stage, you won’t be prepared to face real life.

Lakshmi also agrees, saying failure makes you stronger. Worrying about failure is often worse than failure itself. If this has been going on for over 2 weeks and it’s affecting her functioning, then she advices that Srinidhi should consult a Psychiatrist. It won’t necessarily be medication but there are other treatments.

Jane poses the question – How do you know when you’re depressed? Most people don’t admit it even to themselves.

Dr. Lakshmi says it starts very slowly and is difficult to recognise. More often than not, people around you might notice first. A person becomes withdrawn, lose their temper often and aren’t as productive as they used to be. A partner or spouse, friend or anyone close can take them aside and ask if everything’s ok and why they don’t seem like their usual selves.

In the beginning stages it can be fought off easily by doing things that make you happy.

The second caller, Prabhu asks where do you draw a line between regular stress or anxiety and depression?

Dr. Lakshmi says that when we deal with stress, we find a solution and recover within a few days. If it goes beyond 2 weeks or starts affecting day to day functioning or leads to suicidal thoughts – these are definite signs of depression.

In conclusion, Dr. Lakshmi gives us the top 5 things to do everyday to keep depression at bay:

1. Talk to someone

2. Eat well 3 times a day

3. Sleep adequately

4. Exercise

5. Avoid alcohol and street drugs

And most importantly, to be hopeful because the best is yet to come!

Motherhood after 30

Today’s topic on the Slice of Health show, in line with Women’s week, was a discussion on When is the right time to have a child and whether it is safe after the age of 30.

The expert guests for the day were Dr. Priyanka Mehta and Dr. Mythili, both noted Gynaecologists in the city.

Jane begins the show by asking Dr. Priyanka how to plan a child after 30. Dr. Priyanka says that biological timeline has moved forward in recent times. The right age to be a first time mother starts at 25 n there’s no real cut off. There can be problems after 30 but is definitely manageable and possible.

Jane asks Dr. Mythili what are the problems that can be faced for pregnancies over 30. Jane talks about her friend who had a stillbirth even though she was perfectly healthy. She was scarred for life, but later adopted and is now very happy. She asks how women are to deal with such experiences. Dr. Mythili says that sometimes diabetes is a problem that can go undetected well into pregnancy and can affect the child. It’s not an exact science and the problem may not have even been age related. It could’ve happened even in her 20s

Dr. Priyanka says it could have been a weak uterus. She feels that she can still plan another pregnancy and try for another baby, now that they know there was an issue, they can take preventive measures. But they both agree that it was a wonderful decision for her to adopt and give joy and love to a child who may not have had the chance otherwise.

They advise that it is always advisable to plan pregnancies. More than 50% pregnancies are unplanned. So, how do you plan motherhood?

Dr. Priyanka says that in early pregnancy, a Doctor has to be consulted, and folic acid supplements and basic blood tests must must be taken. The first 12 weeks is the most important period to get healthy. Smoking or drinking during pregnancy is a big no-no, and both smoking and second hand smoke can affect fertility and it can be tough to conceive.

Dr. Mythili talks about women who are now choosing to freeze their eggs, especially when they know that pregnancy, for them, is a long way off. This way they can have a child later in life, as healthy as when they were younger. They can either choose to have the child themselves or can use a surrogate womb. Dr. Mythili says that if it is possible, it’s always best for mothers to bear their own child, as it forms a very important bond between mother and child.

Jane also asks if Down’s Syndrome is a risk in children born to mothers over 35. Dr. Priyanka says that there are blood tests to determine the risk, and also a confirmation test. The risk increases with age. The chances are 1/600 at age 30 and 1/50 at age 40. Both Doctors agree that a planned pregnancy is possible at any age even up to 40.

The first caller, Matheesh, says that to avoid a preterm delivery, the doctor is suggesting an injection for his wife, and asks if it is safe. Dr. Mythili says it’s very safe and doesn’t affect the baby at all.

A second caller, Bindu, believes it’s better to begin motherhood before 30. She says that women have a lot of energy in their 20s. Later motherhood also means you have less time for your child because of your career and it gets tough to balance both.

Dr. Priyanka says there’s no need to give up on motherhood after 35. Sometimes motherhood is more a pressure than a choice for women. Women want the best of both worlds but should know that a career break might be necessary. She says she’s not encouraging postponing motherhood, but at the same time, there’s nothing wrong if you choose to.

The third caller, Dr. Nair, enquires on the risk of a 3rd pregnancy when in the first two pregnancies the mother was diabetic. He says the first two babies had a normal birth and both were healthy. Dr. Mythili says that as long as her sugar levels are under control and in check, she should be fine. She also says there are medicines that can help. She urges the parents to keep meeting their doctor often. Mr. Nair signs off saying he’s hoping for a girl child this time!

Another caller, Srinidhi asks about effect of alcohol for on fertility and pregnancy. Dr. Priyanka says that once you start trying for a child, it is better to stop drinking at least one month in advance and not drink during the entire pregnancy.

The last caller, Natasha, says that her sister has ovarian cysts and has had it removed three times and asks how safe is it to plan her pregnancy. Dr. Mythili says there’s no reason for pregnancy to be unsuccessful because it sounds like the cysts was outside of the ovaries. It can be planned successfully as long as they go for regular check ups.

Jane stresses that the importance of planning can’t be overstated. Both the Doctors agree that it is better to keep the same Gynaecologist through the entire term.

When it comes to fatherhood after 30, they say it’s a 50-50 role. There is a shift today, where men seem to be taking it up quite happily as well!

Dr. Mythili concludes, urging listeners not to let anyone close any doors for you. And Dr. Priyanka says go with the flow, plan your pregnancy and be positive!

Do Aphrodisiacs have health benefits?

Today on the show, the discussion revolved around natural aphrodisiacs and their health benefits.

It is known that there are some foods that act as natural aphrodisiacs and boost the libido temporarily, but it is a lesser known fact that many of these also help in general wellbeing and health.

RJ Jane introduces the guests for the day, Chef Megha Balasubramaniam , and Dr.Lakshmanan.

A caller asks them if there is any natural aphrodisiac ingredient that helps fight ageing.

Chef Megha says that her secret is that the first thing in the morning, before eating anything, she takes a cup of warm water with honey and lime, and a pod of raw garlic. She feels that this habit is a gives you a great start and energises your day.

Dr. Laxman and Jane talk about how in today’s day and age, work, stress and environmental factors like pollution, lifestyles and imbalanced diet have resulted in the ageing process starting earlier than ever in most young professionals. Dr. Lakshman agrees with Chef Megha. He says that the most important aphrodisiac is found in lime, and it also helps fight signs of ageing. He goes a step further saying that a  fresh fruit diet has enough multivitamins and anti oxidants and is better than resorting to health supplements like many people do these days. He says that for men, testosterone is what drives the libido. More often than not, the initial hurdle is just a mind block. They lose 200 calories during sex as it takes a lot of energy, so it can be physical as well.

Another caller poses a query about which foods enhance a mans virility.

Chef megha responds that the most common aphrodisiacs for men are chilli and chocolate in limited quantities. This releases an enzyme in the body that increases a man’s libido immediately.

Jane asks the Doctor if there are such things as anti-aphrodisiacs that have the opposite effect.

Dr. Laxman says that it is important to eat in lighter quantities. If you’ve had a very heavy meal high in calories, it takes up too much of the blood supply. Even aphrodisiac foods will not act as an aphrodisiac if taken in very high quantities. He adds that some medication can also have a negating effect on aphrodisiacs. Even aspirins and common cold medication can kill the mood.

In conclusion Chef Megha says to enjoy the month of love with your partner, and that it may be a good idea to have a Valentine’s day once a fortnight for yourselves, while Dr. Lakshman thinks that If couples have a good mindset, Valentine’s Day can be all year long!

How Is Water Vital To Your Health?

Today’s show centred around the Importance of water to your health.
Science shows that even 2% drop in body water content can cause symptoms of dehydration. It can also causes fatigue and lethargy.

Today’s special guests are Dr. Priya & Dr. Bhuvaneswari who are both dieticians. They say that water is most important for transportation of nutrients throughout the body and keeping all organs and systems running smoothly. It us ideal to drink 3-4 litres of water per day. But for those who sweat it out, at least 4-4.5 litres would be required as one would have to replace water lost in the body.
A caller shares that it’s good to boil water before drinking. Adding some herbs, jeera or ginger can help digestion.

Another Caller asks about the difference between processed mineral water and regular water, and whether processed water consists of less nutrients.
The Doctors in the house say that mineral water is filtered water but still has its nutrients. it is actually better to drink mineral water. Regular water is fine if it is boiled before drinking.

When it comes to Hot or cold water, both have different benefits.
Hot water helps in weight loss. When honey and lemon are added to it, it helps digestion.
While cold water increases alertness, and fights dryness of skin.

They advise that for weight loss, drink water before eating. Otherwise right after your meal but not during the meal.
Jane then makes an important point that only 1% of the earth’s water is usable to us. And since dehydration can actually kill us faster than starvation, water conservation is essential.

A caller chimes in with some interesting advice to store water in copper vessels overnight and drink it next day as it is said to be good for health.

The next caller, Jeffrey, is a well known fitness trainer in the city. He says that  Water Therapy is a theory that drinking 5-6 litres of water a day can help you you can lose weight that is caused by water retention as the body only retains extra water when it’s not getting enough water intake.

Another caller suggests that a more interesting way to rehydrate is by eating fleshy fruits that have a lot of water content, and starting the day with coconut water.
The last caller has a concern regarding some of his out of town workers who often fall sick when they go back home, as they’ve gotten used to the mineral water in the city and he feels that their immunity has gone down because of this.
The Doctors in the house say that it is only a transition. It can be avoided by drinking only hot water during the transition phase till they get used to the water back home.

In conclusion the Doctors talk about the many important functions of water in our body. It helps energising muscles so it’s good to drink lots of water while working out.  It Keeps the skin glowing and is good for kidneys and prevents kidney stones.

RJ Jane wraps up with the age old saying that still holds true. Water is the Elixir of Life!

Massage Therapy – Can It Keep you Fit?

The discussion for today was about Massage therapy and whether or not it helps keep you fit.
The special guests on were Dr. Deepa jayaram, who runs an Ayurvedic treatment center and Dr. Karpagam Raghunathan, an expert in the field of Physical Therapy.

Dr. Deepa tells us that Massages can improve skin texture, stimulates nervous system and circulation. Ayurveda actually teaches that one must apply oil on the skin everyday to stay healthy
Some of the benefits of Massage therapy are that it’s great for the skin, acts as an anti ageing catalyst and is a stress reliever.

A regular massage should soothe the body, and any variations must depend on the person, their body type and physical condition.

Dr. Karpagam specializes in Urinary incontinence and vertigo treatment via massage therapy. Urinary incontinence can be caused by multiple or tough pregnancies or any abdominal surgery, and is quite prevalent in women. She says that it is important to go for massages as often as you can as It is medically beneficial. Removes the stress causing cortisol from your system.

When asked how customers should evaluate whether massage centers are legitimate or not, Dr.Deepa says that professional centers should be run by a doctor, have corporation license, and certification to give treatment.
Dr. Karpagam advices customers to do their homework on what their massage should be like and whether they’re going to a legitimate place
Dr. Deepa adds that you should make sure the Ayurvedic oils used are good and authentic and find out if there are any chemicals being used? The best way to validate these things is through word of mouth or referring the centers website, customer reviews, etc.
A caller, Mr. Prabhu describes his first massage experience in Kerala, He was nervous and shy at first, when it started he was in a different world. He calls it a very serene experience.

Dr. Karpagam adds that ladies should start exercising and going for specific massage therapy 6 weeks post pregnancy if they want any hope of getting back their flat stomach. If it is a C Section, they would have to wait until the sutures have healed completely.

Dr. Deepa says that one of the best ways to reduce the post partem weight is a full body abhayangam massage and steam plus an abdomen belt, and it can revert their stomach back to normal.

They both feel that since Massage Therapy is a treatment, it should be accessible to all. So the ideal pricing for a full body massage should be around Rs. 500-Rs. 1000 and not any more.

In conclusion, both doctors advice us to exercise have a healthy lifestyle, eat healthy and stay healthy.

How to Deal With Panic Attacks

Today on the Slice of Health show, we talk about how  to deal with panic attacks.

The Special Guest for the day is Dr. Jayapradha Kanikar, a psychiatrist based out of Chennai.

She describes the term “Panic Attack” as an episode where a person suddenly has an impending sense of doom, loss of control and crushing fear that can be accompanied by chest pains, sweating and tremors. Panic Attacks could be spontaneous or triggered by a stressor. The stressor is usually something that puts a lot of pressure or stress on an individual, for example – exams, an interview, a new job, marriage, parenthood.

It’s not easy to predict when or who is gonna have a panic attack. It is both a physiological as well as a psychological condition. The body goes into flight or flight mode.

Once panic attack symptoms begin, it peaks at about 10 minutes, and fades by 20-30 mins. First time you have a panic attack, you don’t typically know what it was. So the best thing to do is get checked up immediately by a Doctor. If everything else is fine it’s diagnosed as a panic attack. These attacks can be related to depression, anxiety, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Women are generally more prone to panic attacks.

If you get panic attacks frequently, you’ve to seek treatment. People around you, pets, yoga, can all help in avoiding these attacks. Frequency will be reduced and you can calm yourself easier during an attack. A healthy lifestyle also helps.

While having a panic attack, one needs to remember that this is just a fear and nothing bad is actually gonna happen. Don’t let your thoughts run away with you. Remain calm, take deep breaths, repeat to yourself that this is just fear and you’ll get past it. Also try to distract yourself. A Panic disorder is when people are so afraid of having a panic attack that they live in fear and stop doing a lot of things, become a social recluse and stop living their lives. There are treatments and Cognitive behaviour therapy to help rehabilitate them.

In conclusion, Dr. Jayapradha tells listeners to live a healthy lifestyle and not to neglect relaxation exercises. She says don’t panic, because everything can be handled when you’re in the right frame of mind. Keep Calm and Carry On.

The Secret to Holistic Happiness – How do you Follow Your Bliss?

Today’s very interesting topic was on how to follow your bliss and maintain holistic happiness.

Jane kicks off the show with some sage advice that says that we must all spend 2% of what we earn on ourself and our indulgences. She then introduces the first guest, Mr. Parthibhan – dept. of Police and Public Administration at the Madras University.

He says that working with the rural community gives him happiness. He teaches at a rural village and trains faculty there. His idea of holistic happiness is that should be sustainable and long term development.

A Caller – Ganesh, shares his views on happiness. He says It’s not something you just do. He gives an analogy that happiness is like a butterfly that sits on your hand and for that to happen, you have cultivate flowers around you. You’ve to be giving more than getting. Making other people happy around you. He finds his bliss by meditating in the morning along with Yoga and exercise, which gets the good energy flowing. When it comes to happiness in relationships, he feels that relationship issues are caused by ego, which should be nipped in the bud with communication. He also feels that couples should find things to do together.

Another caller, Anjali, says she finds joy in doing small things for her family. Be it making a cup of tea for her hubby in the morning, or tucking her kids in every night, little things she does for them makes her happy.

The second guest on the show calls in from Himachal Pradesh. He is Mr Om Swami. An author of the book “if truths be told – A Monk’s Memoir”

He ran a software company for 7 years but grew up Influenced by religion n spirituality and always thought there must more to life. 2010 he went away to the Himalayas to meet a guru and then went into meditation in caves. After a year up high in the Himalayas, he now lives in the foothills. He feels that the problem with society today is that everybody’s trying to get somewhere, and it’s usually someone else’s benchmark. The stillness of the mind you acquire when you meditate allows you to rise above all your thoughts. They don’t bother you anymore. He advises everyone to follow the path that matters to you. It could be dancing or writing or even being an RJ. We must take a step back and figure out if we’re doing what we want to be doing, and choose the path we want to be on.

Jane then asks Parthibhan when he got the calling to help society. He says that most of us get some benefits from society, and we must give back as well. He teaches a rural community how to make a living without affecting the environment. They provide two meals a day for the students, all organic as they grow their own vegetables. He started with 7 students and now has 160.His students are happy to come to school as opposed to being happy to leave.

A caller, Asha, shares her story. As student of physiotherapy, her class went to an ashram for a month to work with disabled kids. She realised how much of a difference she was making in the kid’s lives that she volunteered to work with them for a year. To see someone else happy because of something you did, especially kids, this is her idea of holistic bliss.

Jane and the guests seem encouraged to see the younger generation volunteering to step up and help the community.

Swami gives another analogy about how our bodies are made of billions of cells, so is the universe. If there is a pin prick on our body, all the attention is on that point. The same way for the universe, when a part of it is hurting, we need to come together to help.

He gives a brief background about his book, which is based on his journey so far. His biggest lesson has been that nothing is really absolute. We may often lose the idea of what our lives should be. All the colours and moments of ups and downs make life. We need to find our bliss in each of these moments. He says half your life is already gone by the time you realise what you’re doing. That’s what triggers people to find their bliss. It makes them take the steps towards inner fulfilment.

Parthibhan points out that in a country like ours, inequality is very high and we cannot depend on the govt to empower the poor. He urges the community to give back.

In conclusion a caller summarises it perfectly. She says happiness is an inside job. Your perception of happiness keeps changing over time. She suggests keeping a journal of things that make you happy. Money can’t buy happiness. So the best way to stay happy is to spread smiles.

Out with the old, in with the new?

Today’s show was the Pongal Special edition of Slice of Health, with the topic revolving around the concept of “Out with the old and in with the new” and whether the new food fads have replaced the traditional cooking and Grandma’s recipes.

The special guests included a University Cordon Bleu educated home chef Shruti, her Grandmother Shantha Ramanujam and Diabetologist Dr. SP Rajesh.

Shruti says that she takes after her Grandma, Shantha, when it comes to her love for cooking. This is what inspired her to pursue it as a career. Shantha says she loves to cook healthy food rich in vitamins, but also loves to make chocolates!

Shruti interjects that her favourite dish made by her Grandma is actually Wheat Halwa. Wheat Halwa can be made very healthy by substituting water for milk and palm sugar or jaggery for refined sugar, with a small amount of ghee.

As the discussion moved towards the importance of eating healthy, Dr. Rajesh points out that Diabetes has become a global epidemic. By 2030, 1 in 5 diabetics will be Indian! Diabetes is prevalent all across India, and is quite high in the south, not just because of higher rice intake, but also the ghee drenched sweets we’re used to. The amount of calories consumed and calories burned are completely mismatched.

Shruti offers some of her expertise, giving us some healthier substitutes to sugar, such as jaggery, brown sugar and honey. While asked how she manages to be a pastry chef and still bake healthily, she says that while she was in Cordon Bleu in London, she had access to a variety of ingredients that were healthier, such as berries, and different types of chocolate. Since these are not always an option here, it does get tough to bake healthy.

Jane then poses a question to Shantha, asking if there was a concept of “healthy cooking” when she was young, to which she responds that cooking with less oil was what was considered healthy cooking. The healthiest oil to use is sesame oil, or olive oil, which is a more expensive option.

Dr. Rajesh offers us 3 tips to healthy beginnings:

1. Be physically active

2. Decrease oil intake

3. Increase fibre intake and avoid junk food

In conclusion, all 3 guest give us some words of wisdom.

Shruti, who says that she finds baking therapeutic, advices us to celebrate a festivals like pongal with our families, as that is the ultimate way to feel good.

Dr. Rajesh reiterates the health statistics and advices us to limit our sugar intake to 100cal per day and oil intake to 3 tablespoons a day per person. He also reminds us that jaggery is non refined and high in iron content, and is therefore a very good alternative to sugar.

Shantha, in all her years of wisdom only asks that we be happy, smile a lot and eat healthy to stay healthy.

Picture Courtesy: https://www.modernlifeblogs.com/

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