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Research finds Food Additives linked to an Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

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A new research study has revealed a possible connection between consuming nitrates and nitrites from drinking water and food and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study led by Bernard Srour, published in the journal PLOS Medicine, investigated the impact of nitrates and nitrites on human health. 

Nitrates and nitrites are naturally found in water and soil and are commonly used as food preservatives to prolong shelf life. While some public health officials have called for restrictions on the use of nitrates and nitrites as food additives, their effect on type 2 diabetes and metabolic health has not been thoroughly explored. 

The NutriNet-Santé study is a long-term research project that began in 2009. Participants, who are 15 years or older, voluntarily enrol in the study and self-report information about their medical history, demographics, diet, lifestyle, and major health updates.

The researchers analyzed data from 104,168 participants in the NutriNet-Santé cohort, including information about their nitrite and nitrate exposure from various sources, including food additives and non-additive sources. They found that participants who reported a higher intake of nitrites, particularly from food additives, had an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. There was no connection found between nitrates and type 2 diabetes risk.

The study has some limitations and further research is needed to validate the results. The data was self-reported and the researchers were not able to confirm nitrite and nitrate exposure using biomarkers. Additionally, the cohort’s demographics and behaviours may not be representative of the wider population, and residual confounding may have impacted the study’s outcomes because of its observational design.

According to the authors, “These results provide a new piece of evidence in the context of current discussions regarding the need for a reduction of nitrite additives’ use in processed meats by the food industry and could support the need for better regulation of soil contamination by fertilizers. In the meantime, several public health authorities worldwide already recommend citizens to limit their consumption of foods containing controversial additives, including sodium nitrite”.

Srour and Touvier add, “This is the first large-scale cohort study to suggest a direct association between additives-originated nitrites and type-2 diabetes risk. It also corroborates previously suggested associations between total dietary nitrites and T2D risk.”

Link to the Study on PLOS: https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1004149

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The diet regime that Keeps Dwayne Johnson on top of the Ideal Men’s List

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Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock, is known for his muscular physique. He achieved this through a combination of diet and an intense workout routine.

Dwayne Johnson follows a strict diet regimen to maintain his muscular physique. He typically consumes around 5-7 meals a day, with each meal consisting of lean protein sources, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

Some of the lean protein sources he includes in his diet are chicken breast, fish, steak, eggs, and whey protein. He also consumes large amounts of brown rice, sweet potatoes, and other complex carbohydrates for sustained energy throughout the day.

Johnson’s healthy fat intake comes from sources such as nuts, avocados, and olive oil. He also consumes ample amounts of fruits and vegetables to get his daily dose of vitamins and minerals.

Breakfast

He usually starts his day with a high-protein breakfast, which may include scrambled eggs, oatmeal, and turkey bacon.

Lunch 

, he goes for a combination of protein and carbohydrates, such as grilled chicken or fish with brown rice and steamed vegetables.

Dinner

For dinner, he has a protein-rich meal such as grilled salmon or steak, along with sweet potatoes and mixed greens.

In addition to his meals, he also drinks a lot of water and incorporates protein shakes, supplements, and vitamins into his diet to meet his daily protein and nutrient requirements. He also allows himself cheat meals, but limits them to keep his body in shape.

Fitness Regime: 

Johnson’s workout routine is intense and focuses on heavy lifting and compound exercises. He trains 6 days a week and focuses on different body parts each day. He also incorporates cardiovascular training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into his routine to maintain his fitness level. Additionally, he works with a personal trainer to keep pushing himself and to avoid plateaus.

Dwayne Johnson’s muscular physique is the result of a combination of a strict diet and an intense workout routine. His regimen includes a balanced diet that provides him with the necessary nutrients and energy to support his intense training.

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Reliance Retail enters a Strategic Partnership with Sri Lankan biscuit brand Maliban

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On January 31, 2023, Reliance Retail announced that its FMCG division has entered into a strategic partnership with Maliban, a Sri Lanka-based biscuit brand. 

According to a statement, the partnership will help Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL) strengthen its portfolio in the biscuit segment by creating unique value propositions. 

Maliban is a well-known heritage and household brand in Sri Lanka, known for producing biscuits, crackers, cookies, and wafers, and has a presence in over 35 countries across 5 continents.

Reliance Retail’s FMCG division, Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL), launched its packaged consumer products brand “Independence” in December 2022. The company is also building a separate and dedicated retail distribution network for its rapidly growing FMCG portfolio.

Isha Ambani, Executive Director, Reliance Retail Ventures Limited, said, “With a leading market position, Maliban has deep-rooted heritage and credibility. With this strategic partnership between RCPL and Maliban, we will not only be strengthening our FMCG portfolio through a great brand but will also be able to offer an excellent value proposition through quality products to our Indian consumers.”

Kumudika Fernando, Group Managing Director, Maliban, said, “The complementary strengths of our two organisations will enable us to bring the unique and highly sought-after tastes of Maliban to India’s discerning consumers.”

Meanwhile, Reliance Retail has clocked 17% YoY growth in operations revenue at INR 67634 Cr in the Q3 that ended December 2022. Consolidated revenue for Reliance Retail is at INR 57717 Cr for the same period.

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Imported Alco-Bev prices to Shoot up from April 1, 2023 in Uttar Pradesh

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The introduction of the new excise policy would result in a 10% price hike for imported alcoholic beverages and beer in Uttar Pradesh starting on April 1, according to an official statement released on Sunday. The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved the new excise policy for 2023–2024 on Saturday.

According to the statement, license fees for foreign alcoholic drinks, beer, stores that sell cannabis, and model shops have gone up by 10%.

In the new excise policy, the government has also raised the cost of operating the cafeteria facilities at model shops from the previous Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh.

“The government has also raised the licensing cost and security for bonded warehouse licenses (BWFL-2A, 2B, and 2C) of foreign beer, wine, and liquor under the new policy.” The master warehouse’s registration and renewal costs have also gone up.

According to Devesh Jaiswal, UP Liquor Sellers’ Welfare Association, “The increase in licenses and that of operating canteen facilities coupled with warehouse licenses will eventually lead to a rise in liquor prices.”

He continued, “It will be too early to speculate on how much the prices will rise.”

The minimum guarantee quota (MGQ) for liquor made in the country has also gone up by 10% because of the new policy. By implementing it, the country’s liquor retailers would have to buy 64.15 crore bulk litres of alcohol with a volume alcohol content (ABV) intensity of 36% rather than 58.32 crore bulk litres in 2022–2023.

“Despite pressure from the alcohol lobby, the government has not changed the timings of sales from the current 10 AM to 10 PM, to 11 PM.” 

However, the government has added a rule that lets “special events” extend the sale period. “On special occasions, the time of sale could be extended with the government’s permission,” says the new excise policy. There is still no definition for these “unique occasions.

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FMCGs betting big on Millets; Products range expanding quickly

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fmcg

FMCG companies, such as Britannia, Hindustan Unilever, ITC, Tata Soulfull, and Nestle, are investing heavily in value-added millet products, following the global trend towards these “Nutri-cereals” and the support of domestic policies. 

As the United Nations General Assembly marks 2023 as the International Year of Millets, these domestic companies are using this opportunity to create new millet-based food products for children and infants, as well as snacks such as ragi chips and cookies for both sweet and savoury options.

The FMCG top guns are promoting the use of millets like jowar, bajra, and ragi by introducing a range of products including muesli, granola, upma, poha, noodles, and dosa mixes both domestically and for export markets.

Britannia has recently introduced ragi cookies and five-grain digestive biscuits under its NutriChoice brand. Meanwhile, Nestle India has a ragi-based version of its baby food brand, Ceregrow.

ITC will partner with 20 farmer-producer organizations to promote the supply of nutri-cereals through its Meta Market for Advanced Agricultural Services (MAARS) app. This will provide farmers with comprehensive solutions for the millets value chain.

Hindustan Unilever is rumoured to be launching a range of millet-based products under the GlaxoSmithKline brand.

True Elements, a company primarily focused on millet-based ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook breakfast and snack products were recently acquired by Marico. The company has a product range that is 65% based on millet and offers a variety of products such as muesli, granola, upma, poha, dosa mix, and khichri.

True Elements sources ragi and jowar through contract farming in Maharashtra and Karnataka, while ITC obtains nutri-cereals like sorghum, pearl millet, and ragi from farmers in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.

In 2018, millets were rebranded as “nutri-cereals” and the government designated the year as the National Year of Millets intending to increase production and consumption.

Millets are primarily grown during the kharif season in rainfed areas as they require less water and fewer agricultural inputs compared to rice and wheat. The main millet-producing states are Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha.

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Methi is not Indian! 5 Things you should about the Desi Herb

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If you’re an Indian, you’ve probably heard of methi, right? It’s one of the most commonly consumed herbs in the country, and for good reason. The leaves of this versatile plant are used for both culinary and medicinal purposes – you can pickle it, and use it to make chutneys, masalas, curries, and sauces. Basically, there’s so much you can do with methi!

The first mention of methi in India was in Sanskrit literature from 800-350 BC. And, get this, it was already a big deal in ancient Egypt, used in embalming practices because of its bitter taste. But while it may have been forgotten in the West, it’s still a popular herb in India, used in various dishes to add flavour and aroma.

Methi is a staple in Indian homes, and for good reason. It’s got culinary, medicinal, cultural, and versatile properties that make it a must-have in any kitchen. It’s known for improving digestion and controlling blood sugar, and it’s also considered a symbol of prosperity and good luck in Indian culture. Fresh, dried, or powdered, methi is versatile and adds a unique taste to any dish.

Interestingly, the Jewish community in Calcutta still prepares a hilbeh-like paste from methi, which has links to Yemen through Aden. There are also traces of it in Hyderabadi food, with links to Yemen through the migrants who came to Nizam’s court. And the Parsis who emigrated from Iran brought their own uses for methi, seasoning dhansak with it.

And here are 5 quick things you should know about methi:

  1. The fenugreek plant grows wild in many parts of the Indian subcontinent, particularly in the southwest, west, and northwest regions.
  2. While it’s commonly associated with Indian cuisine, methi is also widely used in African, Chinese, Sri Lankan, and Nepali cuisines, making it one of the most used herbs in the world.
  3. The leaves are packed with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants, making it great for skin and hair health too.
  4. It’s got alkaloids with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a great herb for treating various ailments.
  5. Methi leaves are loaded with bioactive compounds that are vital for good health.

As you now know these 5 things about Methi, Quickly log on to our recipes section to find healthy, delicious and lip-smacking recipes using Methi.

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Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach launches Indian Speciality Restaurant Zaffran

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Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach launched its distinctive outlet, Zaffran, on the 27th of January 2023, to celebrate the vibrant Indian Cuisine. 

Zaffran is a visually stunning and well-designed outlet with two private dining spaces offering views of the Bay of Bengal. The chandeliers add an extra touch of luxury to the dining experience.

The atmosphere of the restaurant is designed to be calming and inviting, with background music and live Indian performances, as well as an open kitchen that releases aromatic scents. The space has been redecorated with pink and blue colour schemes and features artwork and décor inspired by Mughal design, including antique armour, marble elephants, and intricate cutwork.

Restaurant Zaffran

The menu at Zaffran offers a range of traditional Indian dishes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, including kebabs, biryani, and other signature dishes designed by Chef Jamaluddin Khan. For those with a sweet tooth, there are also options such as Kesari Ras Malai and Almond Rabri Cake.

The guests can relish the signature dishes such as Zaffrani Royal Platter, Zaffrani Murg Tikka, Gosht Seekh Kebab Zaikedaar, Andaz-e-Paneer, Zaffrani Moti Pulao, Galouti and Royal Biriyanis. 

Ravi Rai, Cluster General Manager at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, Novotel Vijayawada and The Bheemili Resort, said, “We are here to meet guests’ specific requirements with an innovative and contemporary style. With our passion for the right food, we ensure to take care of the taste, service, and ambience. The traditional Indian flavours are sure to delight the taste buds of our esteemed guests.”

Experience your favourite Indian Cuisine at Zaffran, the speciality restaurant at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach welcoming you with grand decor and luxurious hospitality.

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NRAI recommends eateries to create their loyalty programs as Zomato Gold restarts

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zomato-gold

India’s Food delivery major Zomato has announced that its popular rewards program, Zomato Gold, will be back. The decision has gotten mixed reviews; some restaurants are thrilled about the chance to give loyal customers access to unique pricing and advantages, while others are concerned about the possible financial impact.

The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) has responded by recommending eateries think about creating loyalty programs that are independent of Zomato Gold and other third-party platforms. The NRAI says that independent loyalty systems can give restaurants more control over their prices and give customers more personalized experiences.

President of the NRAI Anurag Katriar said, “The return of Zomato Gold is a big chance for restaurants to connect with their customers and show appreciation for their loyalty.” But restaurants need to think about the pros and cons of joining a third-party rewards program and consider making their programs that fit their brand and values.

When they eat at restaurants that are part of Zomato Gold, which was started in 2017, members get special discounts and other perks. Millions of people have joined the program to save money and get other benefits, which shows the popularity of the program among its users. The initiative will be suspended in August 2020 as a result of some eateries having voiced concerns in previous years about the program’s financial implications.

Since then, Zomato has taken steps to allay these worries, including introducing a new pricing scheme and giving participating eateries more freedom. Many people in the restaurant business have praised the return of Zomato Gold because they see it as a good way to boost sales and keep customers coming back.

The NRAI’s recommendation that restaurants think about creating their loyalty programs is in line with a growing trend among companies wanting to control their client interactions and foster loyalty in the digital age. Independent loyalty programs are set to play a bigger part in helping businesses connect with their consumers and spur growth as the restaurant industry continues to shift and expand.

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Try this Vegan Banana Pancakes recipe to excite your kids after school

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Veganism is a lifestyle choice that many are making today. Some call it the responsible way of leading a life !!! While the popularity of veganism has grown in recent years, many people have been following a vegan diet largely driven by a variety of factors, including concerns about animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and health.

Many kids are also adopting a vegan lifestyle. trends suggest that the influence of celebrities, choice of parents and for kids above 15, awareness about sustainability is one of the largest reasons to adopt a vegan diet.

With recent buzz and excitement around nutrition, many traditional yummy recipes have a vegan avatar !! one such recipe is the Vegan Banana pancake which is specially designed for children.

Vegan banana pancakes can be a nutritious and delicious option for children. They are made with wholesome ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, non-dairy milk, ripe bananas, and vanilla extract, and can provide important nutrients such as fibre, protein, and vitamins. However, it is important to keep in mind that pancakes are still a treat and should not be the only food in a child’s diet. It is best to balance sweet treats with a variety of nutritious foods for a well-rounded diet.

pancake-recipe

While this treat is loved by all kids, parents need to be careful as some of the children may need to avoid them due to food allergies or sensitivities. For example:

  1. Children with allergies to ingredients used in the pancakes, such as wheat or bananas.
  2. Children with non-dairy milk intolerance.
  3. Children with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, as traditional pancakes contain wheat flour. If your kids have any such allergies, it is best to consult with a paediatrician or a registered dietitian to determine what alternatives can fill in for vegan banana pancakes and are safe for children and make them smile. 

Here is the recipe for delicious vegan banana pancakes:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 ripe banana, mashed
  • 1 cup non-dairy milk
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix the mashed banana, non-dairy milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, whisking until just combined.
  4. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and spoon about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake.
  5. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until both sides are golden brown.
  6. Serve with your favourite toppings, such as fresh fruit, syrup, or peanut butter. Enjoy!

This recipe provides a rich, cake-like texture while the sugar and vanilla extract add sweetness. This recipe is easy to follow and the result is a moist and flavorful cake that is always loved by Kids and Elders. 

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Budget 2023 LIVE: FM Nirmala Sitharaman to present Union Budget, F&B Industry keen on GST Input Tax Credit

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NOTE: This is a LIVE Article and will be updated in accordance to Union Budget 2023 Address by FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will unveil the Union Budget 2023 today (February 1, 2023), prior to the 2024 general elections. The budget is anticipated to provide many relief and benefits to the Food and Beverage Industry. The industry is keenly looking for the return of Input Tax Credit on GST and relaxation of regulations and licenses.

The Budget Session of the Parliament started on Tuesday and will end on February 13 for the first part. It will resume on March 12 for the second part of the session and conclude on April 6.

12:21 PM IST | Customs duty on Electric Kitchen Chimney – From 15% to 7.5%

12:21 PM IST | Govt to reduce customs duty on shrimp feed to promote exports

11:47 AM IST | A transition towards Natural Farmer

over next 3 yrs, we facilitate 1 crore farmers to adopt natural farming, Announces FM

11:30 AM IST | Agriculture Credit Expansion

The agriculture credit target expanded to Rs 20 lakh crore. Millets to be on further focus

11:28 AM IST | Agriculture stocks Up and Green Amid Budget 2023

Shares of Kaveri Seeds, Mangalam Seeds, and Bombay Burmah are trading in the green as FM Sitharaman proposes to increase agricultural credit to INR 20 lakh crore.

11:18 AM IST | Budget 2023 proposes Fund to support Tech-driven Agri Startups

Budget 2023 proposed to bring modern technologies to Indian farms. An agriculture accelerator fund to be set up to support agri-tech startups in rural areas.

11:04 AM IST | New scheme to supply free food grain. Expenditure of ₹2 lk cr: FM

10:55 AM IST | Union Cabinet Approves the Budget 2023

Union Cabinet has approved the Budget 2023; the meeting headed by PM Narendra Modi Parliament has now concluded. FM Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Budget shortly.

10:45 AM IST | FM Sitharaman to present Budget 2023. Speech at 11 AM

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will begin her Budget address in the Parliament house at 11 a.m., which marks the final comprehensive Budget of the Modi administration during its second tenure. Similar to the past two Union Budgets, the Union Budget 2023-24 will also be presented in a digital format without any physical paper.

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