All posts tagged: blood sugar

What happens to the body when you eat fruits on an empty stomach?

What happens to the body when you eat fruits on an empty stomach?

Published by Parlour News

3 min readNew DelhiJun 5, 2026 06:00 AM IST Fruits are often hailed as one of the healthiest additions to your diet — rich in fibre, antioxidants, vitamins, and natural sugars. Many people prefer eating fruits first thing in the morning, believing it to be a clean and energising start to the day.  But, can consuming them on an empty stomach spike blood sugar levels, especially in those with insulin resistance or at risk for diabetes? Diabetes educator and dietician Kanikka Malhotra tells indianexpress.com, “Consumption of fruits produced on an empty stomach can lead to elevating the level of sugar in the blood because of the natural forms of sugar they possess (fructose), which is transformed by the body to glucose. Nevertheless, with individuals who are susceptible to diabetes or pre-diabetes, such a surge is not notable provided portion servings are monitored properly and not fruit juices are imbibed but whole fruits.”  Complete fruits also give fibre to retard glucose release, limiting sudden rises in blood sugar levels. Some fruits have different glycemic responses, and …

Can the scent of cakes and pastries affect your blood sugar levels?

Can the scent of cakes and pastries affect your blood sugar levels?

Published by Parlour News

3 min readNew DelhiApr 8, 2026 06:00 AM IST You may have noticed your mouth water when you walk past a bakery or catch a whiff of freshly baked cookies. But this delicious smell might be doing more than simply stirring your appetite; it could be influencing your body in ways you never expected. Even the scent of sugary foods might trigger physical responses in the body, like a spike in insulin or cravings that mimic what happens when you actually eat sugar. In essence, your senses alone might be enough to prompt your body to react as if the sugar were already on your tongue. But what does that mean for those trying to manage their blood sugar levels or control cravings? Is it risky or something that you should not worry too much about? DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine. We decided to consult an expert to determine if this is something you should …

Why khichdi became New Year’s comfort food: Dietician explains why it featured among the most ordered meal on food apps | Health and Wellness News

Why khichdi became New Year’s comfort food: Dietician explains why it featured among the most ordered meal on food apps | Health and Wellness News

Published by Parlour News

Written by Simrat Kathuria On a night known for big meals, feasting, lavish alcohol and indulgence, there was still something quietly surprising that took place this New Year’s Eve: Khichdi was one among the most ordered comfort foods on food delivery apps like Zomato and Swiggy. Khichdi equals emotional safety. It is a very much a familiar spot, easy to get rid of by the body, and is very closely associated with care, that is, the type of food we take when we are sick, tired or just need some comforting. A year characterised by fatigue, digital overloading and mental exhaustion has unconsciously led people to prefer grounding and not stimulating foods. Today, comfort less comes from excess but rather from reassurance. In terms of nutrition, khichdi is almost perfectly balanced. Rice and lentils together give a complete protein profile, slowly releasing carbohydrates and essential micronutrients like iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. The mixing of ghee, cumin, ginger, turmeric and asafoetida not only facilitates the process of digestion but also makes it more so by …

What is the 1.5:1 ratio?

What is the 1.5:1 ratio?

Published by Parlour News

After decoding the 5-20-30 method to lose belly fat, we chanced upon the 1.5:1 rule, which promises similar results. So, we decided to learn more about it. According to nutrition coach Justin Gichaba, most people struggle with either overeating fats or carbs, which can lead to weight gain. “In regard to how I make sure to NOT overeat carbs, this is a simple rule I like to follow. Eat a ratio of carbs to protein at a 1.5:1 ratio. This means, for every 1.5gs of carbs you have, you must also have 1g of protein (sic),” noted Gichaba. So, 2 cups of rice = 90g, which pairs well with an 8-oz chicken breast, which has 45-50g of protein. Story continues below this ad “First, having this ratio of protein to carbs gives you enough protein to be satiated and prevent overeating. Second, it can help with blood sugar for those who struggle with it. This is because protein slightly slows down the uptake of sugar into the blood, making it more manageable and keeping energy stable,” added …

Red vs Green: Which apple is better for gut health? | Health News

Red vs Green: Which apple is better for gut health? | Health News

Published by Parlour News

The popular adage, ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away,’ reflects the numerous health benefits associated with this humble fruit. An excellent source of essential nutrients and fibre, apples help support digestive health in multiple ways. But between the two kinds of apples widely available in the market – red and green — which one is better for gut health? Let’s find out. According to Deepalaksmi, registered dietitian at Shree Balaji Medical Center, Chennai, the key differences lie in their sugar content, antioxidant levels, and the types of fibre they offer, which influence their impact on overall health and gut function. Green Apples “Green apples, such as Granny Smith, are known for their tartness and are lower in natural sugars compared to their red counterparts. This makes them particularly suitable for individuals managing blood sugar levels, as they have a lower glycaemic index,” said Deepalakshmi. Green apples are slightly higher in dietary fibre, especially pectin, a soluble fibre that helps regulate bowel movements, fosters the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, and supports gut health by …

Should you avoid eating bhindi during winters? Expert weighs in | Health News

Should you avoid eating bhindi during winters? Expert weighs in | Health News

Published by Parlour News

Bhindi (Okra) is a favourite across Indian cuisine. Paired with roti or rice, this nutritious sabzi is also a childhood tiffin staple. However, digital creator Dr Purnima Bahuguna shared a reel on Instagram claiming that bhindi is a “slow poison” during winters, meant to gradually kill us owing to the fungal content on okra leaves in cold climate and the pesticides used to keep them safe. Intrigued, we decided to ask an expert for clarity. Veena V, chief clinical dietician, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, said that there is no study or data that proves consuming okra or bhindi during winters is bad. In fact, it is rich in fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants beneficial at any time of the year. Dr Veena, however, said that excessive consumption of okra can lead to gastrointestinal problems as it contains fructans, a type of carbohydrate that can cause diarrhoea, acidity, and bloating, especially in people with existing bowel problems. Okras are also high in oxalates, a major element of kidney stones. What are the health benefits of eating okra/bhindi? …

Is your protein bar or flavoured yogurt raising your blood sugar? | Health and Wellness News

Is your protein bar or flavoured yogurt raising your blood sugar? | Health and Wellness News

Published by Parlour News

Are you having plant-based milk, flavoured yogurt or the low-fat mayonnaise, thinking they are healthy? Or taking diet supplements, protein bars and protein shakes? They could be raising your blood sugar. Anything that comes in a wrapper or packet, or something that’s dried, has added preservatives to make it last longer. All of them have emulsifiers, compounds that help mix two substances that typically separate when they are combined (for example oil and water) and are used to improve the appearance, taste, texture and lengthen shelf life of food. Examples of processed foods that contain chemical emulsifiers are commercially available cakes, biscuits, desserts, ice creams, chocolate bars, breads, and ready-to-eat meals. How can emulsifiers increase the risk for diabetes? Recent experimental studies have shown that emulsifiers modify the composition and function of the gut microbiota (micro-organisms, including bacteria, fungi and viruses that live in the digestive tracts). They then enter the gut lining, a mucus layer that keeps them away from the host cells, and cause inflammation. This leads to insulin resistance. This year’s study …

Managing diabetic macular edema: Choices in treatment and lifestyle adjustments

Published by Webster

News / Photos / Lifestyle / Managing diabetic macular edema: Choices in treatment and lifestyle adjustments Published on Jan 04, 2024 07:00 AM IST Health experts offer insights into the various solutions, medical treatments, therapies and lifestyle modifications available to manage diabetic macular edema …read more / View Photos in a new improved layout Published on Jan 04, 2024 07:00 AM IST In navigating the complex terrain of addressing Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), the confluence of medical treatments, therapeutic interventions and lifestyle adjustments plays a significant role in shaping a patient’s journey toward visual well-being. In an interview with Zarafshan Shiraz of HT Lifestyle, Dr Satish Gooty Agraharam, Managing Director and Retina Surgeon at Anand Eye Institute in Hyderabad’s Habsiguda, shared, “Our objective is to blend advanced medical therapies addressing the root causes of DME with personalized lifestyle changes to promote overall health. A cornerstone of effective DME management is patient education, and we emphasize the importance of a holistic approach that acknowledges the multifaceted nature of this condition.” (Shutterstock) / View Photos in a new …