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6 Foods that help you fight acne better

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Acne is one of the most stubborn skin conditions, they always leave a mark of its presence and pop up unexpectedly before important events. While they appear on the outer layer of the skin, the root cause of most acne can be directed towards one’s eating and lifestyle habits.

While there are various treatments and medications available to help manage acne, it can be frustrating to find the right solution that works for you. However, one effective way to manage acne is by incorporating certain foods into your diet.

Studies have shown that some foods can help fight acne by reducing inflammation, regulating hormones, and promoting healthy skin. By including these foods in your diet, you may be able to reduce the frequency and severity of acne breakouts, improve your skin health, and feel more confident in your own skin.

Today, we will explore some of the foods that have been scientifically proven to help manage acne and how they can benefit your skin.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and collard greens, are packed with nutrients that can help fight acne. These vegetables are rich in vitamins A and C, which help to regulate oil production in the skin and reduce inflammation. They are also a good source of antioxidants, which help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.

In addition to their acne-fighting benefits, leafy greens are also great for overall health. They can help to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and promote healthy digestion.

Fish

Fish is another food that can help fight acne. Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for healthy skin. These fatty acids help to reduce inflammation in the body and can help to prevent the development of acne.

Fish is also a good source of protein, which is essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails. In addition, it is a good source of vitamin D, which helps to promote healthy bone growth and immune function.

Berries

Berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, are a great food for fighting acne. These fruits are packed with antioxidants, which help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. They are also a good source of vitamin C, which helps to regulate oil production in the skin and reduce inflammation.

In addition to their acne-fighting benefits, berries are also great for overall health. They can help to improve cognitive function, boost heart health, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Nuts

Nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews, are great food for fighting acne. These nuts are a good source of vitamin E, which helps to promote healthy skin and reduce inflammation. They are also a good source of zinc, which can help to regulate hormone levels and reduce the development of acne.

In addition to their acne-fighting benefits, nuts are also great for overall health. They can help to lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and promote healthy weight management.

Green Tea

Green tea is another food that can help fight acne. This tea is packed with antioxidants, which help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It is also a good source of catechins, which can help to regulate oil production in the skin and reduce inflammation.

In addition to its acne-fighting benefits, green tea is also great for overall health. It can help to improve brain function, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and promote healthy weight management.

Whole Grains

Whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and oats, are great food for fighting acne. These grains are a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate hormone levels and reduce the development of acne. They are also a good source of vitamins B and E, which help to promote healthy skin and reduce inflammation.

With a conscious lifestyle and control of dietary habits, one can control the reflection of acne on their skin. Yet, there is no one pill that fixes all cases of acne. So try a bunch of combinations and be consistent with what suits your gut and skin the best.

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HUL to exit Atta and Salt Biz; To Sell Annapurna and Captain Cook Brands

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Hindustan Unilever

HUL, which stands for Hindustan Unilever Limited, is a major Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company in India. The company was established in 1933 and has since grown to become the largest FMCG company in India. HUL offers a range of products, including personal care, home care, food and refreshments, and water purifiers.

In a recent announcement, HUL shared its plans to sell its non-core atta and salt business carried out under the ‘Annapurna’ and ‘Captain Cook’ brands to Singapore-based Uma Global Foods for Rs 60.4 crore. The sale agreement includes the transfer of trademarks, copyrights, and other intellectual properties associated with India and several other geographies.

The financial report, said, “The brands are being sold to Uma Global Foods Pte Ltd, and Uma Consumer Products Private Ltd. which are subsidiaries of Reactivate Brands International, a Singapore-headquartered company and an affiliate of CSAW Aqbator Pte Ltd (Singapore),”.

Sanjiv Mehta, CEO & Managing Director, Said, “Given our strategic priorities and portfolio choices, we believe it is in the business’s best interest to sell these brands to Reactivate Brands International, which is well-positioned to unlock their full potential.”

Ashok Vasudevan, Co-founder of Uma Global Foods, said, “We are confident of scaling them up and expanding globally, leveraging founders’ experience. These brands fit well with our mission to promote affordable wellness.”

HUL’s decision to sell the ‘Annapurna’ and ‘Captain Cook’ brands aligns with its strategy to focus on its core business and exit from non-core business operations. According to HUL, both brands had a turnover of Rs 127 crore in the financial year 2021-22, which is less than one per cent of HUL’s overall turnover.

On the other hand, Uma Global Foods is focused on acquiring and scaling up food brands to promote affordable wellness. With the acquisition of the ‘Annapurna’ and ‘Captain Cook’ brands, Uma Global Foods aims to strengthen its presence in the food industry.

HUL’s sale of its ‘Annapurna’ and ‘Captain Cook’ brands to Uma Global Foods is part of its strategy to exit from non-core business operations and focus on its core business. Uma Global Foods, on the other hand, aims to strengthen its presence in the food industry through the acquisition of these brands.

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Why Tier-2 & 3 cities are the best way to grow your food brand?

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food brand

India’s food industry has seen a spike thanks to seasoned competition and more options available to customers and food lovers. While fine dining and cafe culture was vastly associated with metropolitan cities, Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities have emerged as an untapped market for food brands in India. These cities, which include regions like Lucknow, Jaipur, and Bhopal, have seen significant growth in their economy and population in recent years, leading to a surge in demand for new and diverse food options.

If you are thinking to open a food business be it a shop, cafe, or high-end restaurant, chances are you missed smaller cities as your favorable location as owners are afraid that their business will work out in such pockets. I

f you are stuck in this decision-making, then let us make it easy for you. We have curated a list of well-research reasons to put small cities on the map to kick-start your business. 

Untapped markets

Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are relatively underserved when it comes to food options. While urban centers like Mumbai and Delhi have a wide range of international and local food options, smaller cities often lack the same variety. This creates an opportunity for food brands to fill the gap and provide new and unique dining experiences for customers.

Lower Upfront costs 

The cost of operations is lower in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities compared to metropolitan areas. This means that food brands can set up shop with lower overhead costs, including rent and labor expenses. This also allows food brands to price their offerings competitively, making them more accessible to a wider range of customers.

Sense of community building

Small cities have a strong sense of community and loyalty towards local brands. This means that once a food brand has established itself in these regions, there is a high chance that customers will become repeat buyers and even recommend the brand to friends and family.

Testimonies that can inspire you: 

Several food brands have already recognized the potential of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and have successfully expanded into these regions. For example, Bikanervala, a popular sweets and snacks chain, started in Delhi and has now expanded to over 20 cities, including Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities like Jalandhar and Kota. Similarly, Chaayos, a tea chain, has opened outlets in cities like Chandigarh and Lucknow, bringing their unique and innovative tea offerings to new customers.

Other companies, like Jumboking, a Mumbai-based burger chain, have found success in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities by tailoring their offerings to local taste preferences. For example, Jumboking offers a Vada Pav burger, a twist to the popular street food from Mumbai, to cater to local tastes.

Food delivery platforms like Zomato and Swiggy have also recognized the potential of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and have started expanding their services in these regions. This has provided a platform for smaller food brands to reach a wider audience, without the need for a physical storefront.

Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities present a huge opportunity for food brands in India to expand their customer base and grow their brand. With the success of homegrown brands and diverse chains, it is clear that small cities can harbor great profits and possibilities of growth for your next food business. 

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120 Meals in 3 Easy Steps: Bengaluru Startup NOSH Robot’s will cook to your preferences

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The NOSH device developed by Euphotic Labs is an innovative solution to the problem of cooking food after a long day at work or when individuals are not in the mood to enter the kitchen. The concept of a machine that cooks food may sound unusual at first, but after years of tireless efforts, six prototypes, and multiple iterations, the NOSH machine promises to deliver consistent taste every time.

The device is designed to cook 120+ food items according to the user’s taste preferences and requirements, all in three easy steps. To operate the machine, the user must fill designated containers with the required ingredients and spices. The size of the machine is comparable to that of a microwave, making it easy to store in any kitchen.

The inspiration for creating this device came from the founders’ struggles with finding good food. Yatin Varachhia, co-founder of Euphotic Labs, found it difficult to find time to cook meals due to his busy professional life and commute. His predicament was echoed by his friends, many of whom also struggled to find authentic Indian food and resorted to eating unhealthy, packaged food or restaurant food that upset their stomachs.

Yatin, said, “I belong to Kantva, a small village in Gujarat, and moved to Bengaluru to study in 2008. I completed my post-graduation in science from the Indian Institute of Science and worked with multinational companies. But through all those years, I struggled to access good food and became tired of restaurants,” and added “While there is no person involved in the process, the time required for cooking remains the same. The machine follows the exact order as prescribed in the recipe and ensures the ingredients blend and cook uniformly.”

Yatin, said, “We aim to target customers in the USA, and we have identified four million Indians craving freshly cooked home meals at their convenience. There are consumers across Asia, the UK, Australia and other parts of the world. We are preparing for on-field trials in the USA parallel to establishing a production line,” 

After discussing the idea with his friends Pranav Raval, Amit Gupta, and Sudeep, the group decided to collaborate and develop a machine that would cook food and eliminate their struggles. The result of their hard work was the NOSH machine, which promises to deliver consistent, high-quality food every time.

The machine’s trial users were impressed with the quality of the food, and some even found it surprising that the food did not taste like it was cooked by a machine. The NOSH machine eliminates the possibility of human errors and does not require any supervision, making it a highly convenient appliance.

The NOSH device is an excellent example of how technology can make human life easier by addressing common struggles. This machine’s ability to cook a variety of meals to a consistent taste and quality is impressive and promises to revolutionize the food industry.

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Food Insecurity causing increased Cognitive decline in older adults, Finds a Study

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The issue of food insecurity among older adults is a significant public health concern. According to the USDA, in 2019, 9.7 million households with seniors experienced food insecurity, which means they lacked access to enough food for an active, healthy life. The COVID-19 pandemic has also worsened the problem, with many older adults facing difficulties in accessing food due to factors such as social isolation, mobility issues, and the closure of community meal sites.

Food insecurity can have a range of negative impacts on the health and well-being of older adults. Malnutrition, for example, can lead to a weakened immune system, muscle weakness, and an increased risk of falls and fractures. 

Depression is also a common consequence of food insecurity, with feelings of hopelessness and helplessness often accompanying the stress of not having enough to eat. Physical limitations resulting from malnutrition can further exacerbate the problem, leading to difficulties with activities of daily living and a decreased ability to live independently.

The SNAP program, which was formerly known as food stamps, provides assistance to eligible individuals to purchase food. In 2020, the program served approximately 42 million people in the United States.

SNAP benefits can help alleviate food insecurity and provide access to a more nutritious diet, which can have positive health impacts for older adults. However, not all eligible individuals participate in the program, and there is limited research on how participation in SNAP may affect cognitive decline in older adults.

“For an aging population, roughly four years of brain aging can be very significant,” SNAP explained. “These results really point to the importance of food security for people as they age and the value that SNAP can have in improving people’s cognitive health as they age. We need to make sure that people have access to — and encourage them to use — the SNAP program as they age.”

The study conducted by Muzi Na and her team is a valuable contribution to the field, as it sheds light on the potential role of SNAP in protecting against accelerated cognitive decline in older adults. The findings suggest that food sufficiency and SNAP participation may have a protective effect, potentially delaying the onset of cognitive decline in older adults. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between food insecurity, SNAP, and cognitive health in older adults, and to develop interventions to address these issues.

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Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels Online Food Delivery now integrated with Club Marriott South Asia mobile app

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Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels (MBOW) is an online food delivery program from Marriott International, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies. MBOW has integrated with the Club Marriott South Asia app and website, which is Marriott’s dining membership program in the Asia Pacific region, to offer guests a range of dining options from over 80 hotels within South Asia.

The new service extension allows guests and members to order meals from award-winning restaurants, such as Adrift Kaya, Koishii, and Ukiyo, among others, through the Club Marriott South Asia app or website. In addition to real-time table reservations, customers can opt for easy takeaway or gift meals customized to their taste and preference. The app comes with Marriott’s food pairing recommendations and a user-friendly interface, making it easy to use.

Ranju Alex, area vice president – South Asia, Marriott International said, “At Marriott International, we constantly push innovations across the board to enhance guest experiences with our elevated offerings. Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels, our online food delivery programme has witnessed significant success since its inception. Integrating this service to the Club Marriott South Asia app widens and extends our diverse F&B portfolio to our guests, giving them the luxury of experiencing a wholesome luxe home dining experience with comfort and ease”.

Kriti Sanon, said, “As a brand, Marriott International has always stood out with its innovative food & beverage concepts. Marriott Bonvoy on Wheel’s food delivery platform is an extension of their culinary repertoire. I am very pleased to announce the integration of Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels into the Club Marriott South Asia app. In our fast-paced lives, this app is the perfect solution to all our food needs. User-friendly and customised to taste, it’s set to bring signature dining experiences to the comfort of our homes”.

Club Marriott members will receive ongoing benefits for the services provided, and guests can enjoy a 15% discount on the app experience by using the code MBOW15 for two weeks from January 27 to February 12, 2023. To announce the integration, leading Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon engaged with guests and food aficionados at a pop-up launch event in Mumbai where she self-ordered her all-time favorites, including Indonesian Nasi Goreng, Korean chicken burger, and a brioche bun with gochujang sauce.

MBOW has rolled out several specially curated signature menus comprising fine dining specialties alongside comfort food favorites, leveraging the strong network of Marriott hotels and marquee restaurants to give it a distinctive edge within the food delivery space. MBOW delivers across 30 cities from more than 80 restaurants in South Asia, ensuring strict safety and hygiene checks while preparing, packaging, and delivering meals within record time. The service is available across Marriott hotels in Mumbai, including The St. Regis Mumbai, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, The Westin Mumbai Garden City, The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake, and Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport.

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7th Annual Spice Meet to take place in Mumbai; Various Spice Industry Stakeholders in the country to attend

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indian specy

The Federation of Indian Spice Stakeholders (FISSH) is a national association that was established to bring together farmers, traders, processors, manufacturers, exporters, and other members of the spice community from various parts of India to create a sustainable ecosystem for the growth and development of the spice trade and its exports. The association has its head office in Unjha, Gujarat and is led by a group of experts, stakeholders, and pioneers in the spice trade.

One of FISSH’s initiatives is to offer practical training to students of agricultural universities. The training involves field visits for physical and scientific crop surveys of seed spices like cumin, coriander, fennel, and fenugreek. These visits are conducted in coordination with farmers from Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, under the guidance of faculty members, experts from the spice trade, and exporters. This practical training helps students to gain hands-on experience and learn about the best practices in the spice trade.

FISSH’s flagship event, The Annual Spice Meet, is now in its 7th edition and is scheduled to be held for the first time in Mumbai on March 3 and 4, 2023 at Hotel Leela, Sahar Andheri. This event is a platform for members of the spice community to come together and discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the industry.

Federation chairman Devendra Patel said that India’s export during 2021-22 of seed spices segment consisting of cumin seed, coriander, fennel and fenugreek is INR 4500 crores valued at $0.60 billion and consisting of 3.38 lakhs tons , which has a significant contribution to the export of overall spices segment from India valued at $4.13 billion.

At the Annual Spice Meet, FISSH will unveil the Crop Survey Report 2023, which will provide insights into the crop yields and production trends of various seed spices. In addition, the Legends of the Spice Trade will be recognized and honored for their contribution to the growth and development of the spice trade. Awards will also be conferred to top achievers in domestic and international trade, young budding entrepreneurs for their success and achievements, and farmers for their good agricultural practices, organic farming, and IPM farming.


FISSH is working towards creating a sustainable and vibrant ecosystem for the growth and development of the spice trade in India, and the Annual Spice Meet is an important event for members of the community to come together and collaborate towards this goal.

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USAID Official visits Sri Lanka to assess Food security and Nutritions requirements

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Stephanie Wilcock, Director for Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), recently visited Sri Lanka to learn about the food and nutrition needs of poor rural communities. During her visit, Wilcock met with community members to understand their struggles and learn how the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is using US-funded programs to help alleviate their challenges.

One of the communities Wilcock visited was Rathnapura, where she met with families who are facing food insecurity due to high food prices and unemployment. These families will soon receive US-funded cash assistance from the WFP worth LKR 20,000 (approximately US$55) per month for four consecutive months. This cash assistance will empower them with the choice to meet their essential needs in local markets, while also helping to boost the local economy.

The United States has been a significant contributor to Sri Lanka’s emergency operation requirement, having provided US$20 million (LKR 7.3 billion) in funding in 2022. This funding accounts for nearly one-third of Sri Lanka’s emergency operation requirement. With these funds, the WFP can provide cash, food assistance, and value vouchers to food-insecure families in Sri Lanka. In addition, the WFP can also support national food and nutrition programs, including school meals and Thriposha, a fortified blended food product for pregnant and nursing mothers and young children.

USAID’s support for the Sri Lankan government through the WFP has helped improve the country’s capacity in disaster risk management, particularly against natural hazards. During her visit, Wilcock also visited an emergency operations center in Rathnapura to observe how US funding has enabled the development of district-level emergency coordination systems. These systems provide timely information to safeguard communities from natural hazards such as floods and landslides.

“Sri Lanka continues to experience significantly high levels of food insecurity, affecting over 30 percent of the population, most notably among the poor” said Gerard Rebello, Acting Country Director for WFP Sri Lanka. “We are extremely grateful for the invaluable support from the Government and people of the United States, which has been critical in enabling WFP to expand its emergency assistance. The funding from USAID will help WFP address humanitarian needs and prevent food insecurity from deteriorating further.”

Since June 2022, the WFP has reached two million people through its emergency operation, with plans to reach 3.4 million people with food and nutrition assistance in the coming months. The WFP has been able to provide this assistance thanks to funding from donors like the US. Their programs not only provide immediate relief to those in need but also help build resilience and prepare communities for future crises.

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Perfect Salad with A Sweet Note, Covid-infected Woman receives a warm gesture from her Son

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The act of taking care of a sick loved one is a selfless and kind gesture, and it is often associated with parents taking care of their children. But in the case of Erin Reed, her son took the initiative to care for her when she was down with COVID-19, showcasing a beautiful display of affection and care.

Link

The photo shared on social media showed a small tiffin with a few strands of noodles and raw spinach leaves, along with a fork and a note that read “I made this for you! If it is not perfect, I am sorry.” This simple act of kindness and thoughtfulness touched the hearts of many who saw it, and it quickly went viral on the internet.

The tweet received over 2.9 million views, with many people sharing their own stories of cooking for their parents, especially during times of sickness. It served as a reminder that small acts of kindness, such as cooking a meal or leaving a note, can make a significant impact on someone’s day and help lift their spirits during a difficult time.

While many shared their heartwarming stories of cooking for their loved ones, there were also some who had less-than-perfect experiences. One user shared a memory of when he was five years old and his pregnant mother was on bed rest. He would come home from kindergarten and make her lunch, but unfortunately, it was not up to her standards, causing her to become frustrated and ultimately get up from bed rest.

Nevertheless, the overall response to Erin’s son’s gesture was overwhelmingly positive, and it served as a beautiful reminder of the power of love, care, and kindness.

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Indian Startup creates world’s First Sunglasses made With recycled Chips Packets

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The issue of plastic waste has long been a cause for concern, with the amount of plastic waste generated each year globally reaching staggering levels. Much of this waste ends up in landfills or in the world’s oceans, polluting the environment and harming wildlife. While recycling is a potential solution to the problem, plastic waste is notoriously difficult to recycle, and much of it is simply incinerated or ends up in landfills.

In a pioneering move towards a more sustainable future, an Indian company called Ashaya has made an innovative breakthrough in recycling plastic waste. The company has found a way to recycle multi-layer plastic (MLP), which is commonly used in food packaging, and turn it into stylish and trendy sunglasses.

Anish Malpani, the founder of the startup shared a video on Twitter revealing the entire process of turning MLP into sunglasses. “This has been the hardest thing I have ever been a part of. Finally: Presenting the world’s first recycled sunglasses made from packets of chips, right here in India!” he wrote in the caption. 

The process is a result of two years of research in Ashaya’s laboratory in Pune. The team at Ashaya has discovered a way to cut through the multi-layer plastic and transform it into a durable, UV-polarised material that can be used to make high-quality sunglasses. These sunglasses are not only fashionable, but they also provide a sustainable solution to the problem of plastic waste.

By converting plastic waste into something useful and desirable, Ashaya has found a way to combat the problem of plastic waste in a new and innovative way. The company’s work not only addresses the environmental impact of plastic waste but also offers an example of how technology and creativity can be harnessed to create sustainable solutions to environmental problems.

The success of Ashaya’s breakthrough offers hope that more innovative and sustainable solutions can be found for tackling environmental problems, and provides an example for other companies to follow. By reducing waste, promoting sustainability, and creating a product that is both stylish and functional, Ashaya has set a new standard for environmentally-conscious businesses.

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