Do you love avocados? Shocking side effects you might not know

 

Do you love avocados? Shocking side effects you might not knowProvided by Deepak Kumar blogs

Avocado popularity has been growing in India over the years, mainly among health-conscious urban consumers. Earlier, avocados were considered exotic and hardly found in the markets. They are now available in most supermarkets, restaurants, and online grocery stores. They are considered a "superfood" that contains healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants. The increasing popularity of avocado-based dishes like smoothies, salads, and avocado toast through social media trends has added to the demand.

Avocados have been long known as a nutritional powerhouse, rich in healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They have become a staple on toast, in smoothies, and as the star ingredient in guacamole. While avocados are known to have many health benefits, they are not without their potential downsides.

Shocking side effects of avocado that do more harm than good

Although rare, some individuals experience allergic reactions to avocados. Symptoms can range from mild itching and swelling in the mouth to severe reactions like difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis.

Avocados are rich in fiber, which is usually a good thing for digestive health. However, taking too much fiber at one time may be overwhelming to the digestive system, causing bloating, gas, or diarrhea. This is especially true for people who suddenly increase their avocado intake. Moderation is key; a serving size of about one-third of an avocado is usually enough to reap the benefits without upsetting your stomach.

While avocados are often promoted as a weight-loss-friendly food, their high calorie and fat content can work against your goals if consumed in excess. A single medium avocado contains about 240 calories and 22 grams of fat. Overeating them—especially when combined with other calorie-dense foods—can contribute to weight gain.

Few people realize that avocados can interfere with certain medications. For example, avocados are high in vitamin K, which plays a role in blood clotting. This can counteract the effects of blood-thinning medications like warfarin, potentially putting you at risk for blood clots.

Unlike an allergy, avocado intolerance involves the digestive system rather than the immune system. People with intolerance may experience stomach pain, nausea, or diarrhea after eating avocados. This reaction is caused by the body’s inability to properly digest certain compounds in the fruit. Keeping a food diary can help identify if avocados are a trigger for you.

Avocados are an excellent source of potassium

, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and support heart health. However, too much potassium can be harmful, especially for individuals with kidney issues. Excess potassium in the bloodstream can lead to hyperkalemia, a condition that causes symptoms like irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest. If you’ve been advised to limit potassium in your diet, be cautious with your avocado consumption.

Avocados have thick skin

 which protects against certain pesticides and bacteria. Still, improper handling and storage lead to contamination risks. The US FDA has found listeria bacteria on the skin of avocados. To minimize your exposure, always wash the avocado well before cutting into it so as not to transfer bacteria from the skin to the inside flesh.

8 Benefits of Moringa (Drumstick) and its Leaves

 Today I am sharing the details of one of the powerful nutrient packed foods, Moringa (drumstick), especially its leaves. Known as the Miracle Tree, the benefits of Moringa are as remarkable as its nickname. Whether you have just heard about it or are curious to know more, in this article we are going to look at 8 benefits of Moringa and its leaves.

Image Credit: OnlyMyHealth@Provided by Deepak kumar blogs

1. Nutrient Rich Profile

Moringa leaves are incredibly rich in nutrients above everything else. They contain vitamins such as A, C or E and minerals like calcium alongside iron plus a substantial portion of protein, which is rare among other plants. As a result of that special structure, they are an important part of any meal plan, especially when one is deprived of those substances.

2. Fights Against Free Radicals

One important thing about Moringa leaves is that they are rich in antioxidants. These substances are essential for fighting off free radicals in our bodies that promote oxidative stress leading to chronic illnesses like Heart Disease and Diabetes. Thus, taking Moringa leaves would empower you to resist such dangers.

3. Supports Blood Sugar Control

For those managing diabetes or pre-diabetes, moringa leaves might be beneficial. Some studies have shown that consuming moringa may help lower blood sugar levels. However, it’s essential to remember that no food is a magic bullet, and moringa should be part of a comprehensive approach to managing blood sugar.

4. Boosts Heart Health

Moringa has important advantages for the heart. According to belief, moringa leaves can lower cholesterol thus promoting heart health. Maintaining a healthy level of cholesterol in the body can help avert heart diseases as well as ensuring general cardiovascular wellbeing.

5. Anti-inflammatory Properties

There are many health problems such as heart disease and cancer which are caused by inflammation. It is thought that Moringa may reduce these risks because it contains substances with anti-inflammatory properties. These substances include isothiocyanates present in Moringa leaves which play an important role in this process.

6. Improves Digestive Health

For a healthy inner system, one needs to have a certain amount of fiber in their meal and can also be useful in preventing constipation. Moringa happens to fall under such category because it has plenty of these useful nutrients that benefit the digestive system as well as reducing chances for infections happening in our bodies due its antibacterial nature.

7. A Natural Energy Booster

At times feeling exhausted and lazy can possibly be associated with you’re body not having adequate food nutrients. Moringa leaves having a rich mixture of nutrients, then taking it in your meal you will be able to boost your energy naturally without experiencing the caffeine jitters.

8. Versatile and Easy to Have

Would you like to know how to add moringa in your menu? It is very simple! You can mix moringa powder that is dried leaf with drinks for example tea, soup or the various kinds of smoothies, it has a similar flavour like normal herbs used in East Africa which means it is good when drizzled on foods. Do not forget that just a little bit will do because it is potent stuff; therefore try using scant portions until you are used to this new culinary fashion trend.

Final Words

In the realm of superfoods, moringa stands out for its nutritional benefits and versatility. As always, moderation is key, and while moringa can be a valuable addition to your diet, it should complement a balanced and varied diet.

17 Foods That Look Completely Different After They Are Harvested And Ready To Be Eaten!

 

17 Foods That Look Completely Different After They Are Harvested And Ready To Be Eaten!Provided by Deepak kumar  blogs

Ever thought how the foods that we consume look before they are harvested? Call it a before-and-after scenario because the following foods completely go through a makeover once they are ripe and ready to be taken to the shelf!

1. Pineapple

pineapple

vulgarfractions , prince470701

2. Cacao

cacao

tgerus , Luisovalles

3. Vanilla

vanilla

Giancarlo Sibilio , B.navez

4. Almonds

almond

Namacun , Tom Raftery

5. Cashew nuts

cashew nuts

Abhishek Jacob , Thamizhpparithi Maari

6. Peanuts

peanut

tessgarcia , nebedaay

7. Sesame Seeds

sesame seeds

Anna Frodesiak

8. Cranberry

cranberry

Bernd Haynold , Keith Weller

9. Saffron

saffron

gardenofeaden

10. Coffee

coffee

Marcelo Corrêa , Fernando Rebelo

11. Pomegranate 

pomegranate

islandsofpeace

12. Dragon Fruit

dragon fruit

BlauEarth

13. Dates

dates

Rahel Jaskow

14. Tea Plant

tea plant

nososcachorros

15. Mango

mango

Tommy Atkins

16. Pistachios

pistachio

Emel Yamanturk

17. Bananas

bananas

asergeev 

7 British dishes inspired from Indian cuisine

 

7 British dishes inspired from Indian cuisineProvided by Deepak kumar blogs

When it comes to India and Britain, both countries share a deep historical and cultural connection. Indian cuisine has influenced the Western style of cooking in many ways. It was during the 18th century, when the English soldiers learned the Indian way of cooking and since then, the British have adopted the various flavours and cooking techniques. Here is a list of 7 British dishes that owe their origin or inspiration to Indian cuisine, highlighting how cultural exchange has shaped food in the UK.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Perhaps, one of the most famous examples of an Indian-inspired dish is Chicken Tikka Masala, which is a staple of British curry houses. Although its exact origin is debated, it is widely accepted that this dish was developed in Britain to cater to local tastes. The story goes that a British customer found his chicken tikka too dry, so the chef, possibly in a Glasgow restaurant, added a creamy tomato-based sauce to the dish. Today, Chicken Tikka Masala is often considered a British national dish, representing the fusion of Indian flavours with British preferences for milder, creamier curries.

Balti

Originating in the 1970s in the Birmingham area, the Balti is another Indian-inspired dish that was developed in Britain. The term “Balti” refers to the steel bowl in which the curry is cooked and served. Though the dish borrows heavily from North Indian and Pakistani cuisine, it has been adapted for British palates. A Balti is typically cooked with chunks of meat or vegetables in a tangy, spiced curry and served with naan bread. It is known for being a lighter, quicker, and slightly tangier version of traditional Indian curries, making it uniquely British-Indian.

Coronation Chicken

A dish fit for royalty, Coronation Chicken was created in 1953 to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. This cold dish consists of chicken dressed in a creamy curry sauce made with mayonnaise, yoghurt, and mild Indian spices. Although it was developed in Britain, the dish takes inspiration from Indian flavours and spices, reflecting the British fascination with Indian food. Coronation Chicken became an iconic British dish served at picnics, parties, and even in sandwiches.

Mulligatawny Soup

The name Mulligatawny is derived from the Tamil words ‘Milagu Tanni’, meaning "pepper water." Originally a South Indian dish, this thin and spicy broth was adapted by the British during the colonial era. Over time, Mulligatawny Soup evolved into a heartier, Anglo-Indian dish, often made with chicken, rice, lentils, and a variety of spices. Today, it is a popular choice in British kitchens and restaurants, particularly during the colder months, offering a taste of Indian warmth.

Kedgeree

If there is one dish that defines the adaptation of Indian cuisine to British cuisine, it’s the ‘Kedgeree’ which they call their own. Believed to have originated from the Indian dish Khichdi, a simple dish of rice and lentils—Kedgeree was adapted during the British Raj to include smoked haddock, boiled eggs, and cream. This savoury breakfast dish became a beloved staple of British households, offering a fusion of Indian spices with British ingredients. Even today, Kedgeree remains popular as a comforting breakfast or brunch option.

Samosa

Although Samosas are widely recognised as a traditional Indian snack, they have become an integral part of British food culture. Introduced to Britain by Indian immigrants, samosas were quickly embraced as a savoury pastry filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. British supermarkets now sell countless varieties of samosas, often with fillings that reflect British tastes, such as cheese and onion or Chicken Tikka. This adaptation has allowed samosas to become a popular party snack and street food across the UK.

Phaal Curry

This is one of the lesser-known curries made in England, but is spicier than you can think of! Phaal Curry is not a dish you will find in traditional Indian households, but it is a well-known part of British curry culture. It was initially prepared in the Bangladeshi-owned curry houses of Birmingham and is said to be the hottest curry available in the UK, and while its heat level might be excessive for many Indian diners, it has found a dedicated following among those in Britain who love a fiery challenge.

No house, no bills: Meet the Indian family who sold everything to live on a floating home

 

No house, no bills: Meet the Indian family who sold everything to live on a floating home

An Indian family has embraced an unconventional lifestyle, leaving behind corporate jobs and a traditional home to live full-time on a sailboat. Capt. Gaurav Gautam (Retd.), a former Indian Navy officer, along with his wife, Vaidehi Chitnavis, a former media professional, and their teenage daughter, Kaeya, set sail in 2022 on their 42-foot vessel, Reeva, which is now their floating home.

Through their Instagram account, The Reeva Project, the family shares snippets of their daily life, highlighting both the joys and challenges of living at sea. A post on their account stated, “We quit our jobs to live full-time on a sailboat. We sold off nearly everything we owned to make this dream come true. This is our home sailing vessel Reeva.”

The transition to a life on water was not an easy one. The couple sold nearly all their possessions, reducing their belongings from 6,000 kg to just 120 kg. “There was no point in holding on to things we couldn't keep on the boat,” they wrote in another post. Vaidehi, in particular, struggled with parting from a cherished heirloom—a Czechoslovakian crockery set passed down through generations. However, she knew it wouldn’t last in their new home and gifted it to a close friend instead.

A Dream Delayed, But Not Forgotten

Though Gaurav had long envisioned a life at sea, the idea had to be put on hold due to logistical and financial constraints. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, reignited his dream, as falling boat prices globally made owning a sailboat a more feasible option.

After acquiring Reeva, a 1988-built Tayana Vancouver 42 sailboat, the family faced initial apprehensions about their decision. “When we made the decision to leave our landlubber life behind and embrace an entirely different lifestyle, we were stepping into the unknown,” they reflected in a post. “Now, as we sail into 2025, we carry with us two incredible years of living this unconventional life.”

Homeschooling on the Waves

One of the biggest adjustments was Kaeya’s education. Instead of attending a conventional school, she is homeschooled on the boat. Her curriculum is enriched with lessons beyond textbooks—she learns about marine life firsthand, navigates using wind patterns, and experiences different cultures during their travels. For her, vacations mean endless days of snorkeling, honing her sailing skills, and watching the sunset from the deck.

Facing Challenges, Embracing Freedom

Living on a sailboat has its challenges. From navigating stormy seas to adapting to a minimalist lifestyle, the family had to pave their own path. “Things have never been easy, we had to pave our own path, as there was no precedence of a liveaboard family from our part of the world. But nevertheless, it has been an amazing 20 months,” they shared.

Additionally, their access to everyday conveniences has changed drastically. Gaurav humorously admitted, “Do you ever crave having a hamburger and then remember you can’t order it on Zomato?”

Inspiring Others to Take the Leap

Despite the hardships, the family finds immense fulfillment in their journey. Their story has resonated with thousands, as evidenced by their growing social media following. With over 8,000 followers on Instagram and a presence on YouTube, they aim to inspire others who dream of an offbeat life.

Reflecting on their experiences, they wrote, “It hasn’t always been smooth sailing; there have been challenges, doubts, and tough days. But with every wave we’ve conquered, every skill we’ve learned, and every bond we’ve strengthened, we’ve become more resilient, more connected, and more alive than ever before.”