Grey Hair (Credit: Canva)
Green vegetables are good for health—they hydrate us, keep our skin glowing and boost the functioning of our organs by providing the required nutrition and antioxidants. But what if we tell you that they can also slow down signs of ageing?
A new study published in Antioxidants reveals that luteolin, an antioxidant found in broccoli and celery, may slow the progression of grey hair. Researchers from Nagoya University in Japan tested the effects of luteolin on genetically modified mice, designed to mimic early graying in humans. For their study, which was spread over 16 weeks, some mice received luteolin treatments orally or topically, while others went untreated.
All mice had around 20% grey hair at the start of the study. However, by the end of the study, untreated mice saw their grey hair rise to 60–80%, while those treated with luteolin showed little to no increase. This prompted researchers to conclude that luteolin helped mice maintain their original hair colour. It was because this antioxidant maintains endothelin, a peptide linked to hair pigment production. "When hair turns grey, it is due to the gradual loss of melanin from pigment cells in hair follicles," explained lead researcher Professor Masashi Kato. While age and genetics are major factors, diet, stress, and lifestyle choices also contribute.
Kato noted that while this research focused on animals, the findings might translate to humans. "A diet rich in luteolin could potentially slow greying, but more testing is needed," he underscored. Though genetics play the biggest role in grey hair, maintaining a nutrient-rich diet can support overall hair health. Researchers are hopeful this breakthrough could lead to treatments for slowing or even preventing grey hair in the future.
Besides broccoli and celery, here are nutrients that you must add to your diet to prevent grey hair
Calcium: You can include common sources of dairy in your diet like milk and yoghurt. You can also include dark leafy greens, and fortified cereals and aim for at least 3 servings.
Copper: It also helps in melanin production and creates new blood cells. If you lack copper then your energy levels can be impacted along with your hair pigmentation.
Iron: It is important for creating haemoglobin that carries oxygen throughout the body. Low iron levels may lead to premature greying. To control this, include meat, lentils, and dark leafy vegetables to your diet.
Protein (Keratin): It is found in hair that supports its length and health. You cannot consume keratin, however eating a protein-rich diet can help your body produce it naturally.
Vitamin Bs:
Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid): It aids in energy production and red blood cell creation.
Vitamin B-6: It is important for metabolism and the immune system and its deficiency can lead to dry hair.
Vitamin B-9 (Folic Acid): It supports amino acid metabolism, which is important for DNA and metabolic functions. Its deficiency can cause pigmentation changes in hair, skin, and nails.
Vitamin B-12: This is one of the most common reason why you may be greying your hair. You can eat meats, dairy and fortified cereals to combat the lack of vitamin B-12 in your body.
Vitamin D: It is linked with bone health, and also influences melanin production.
Zinc: It supports cellular protection and protein synthesis, which makes it essential for hair health.
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Jenna Ortega, known for playing the beloved Addams Family character Wednesday, recently posed a video exclaiming how she ‘recently’ found out you can eat kiwis with its skin on, which has sparked a great deal of conversation about whether it is healthy or not.
We are all used to either cutting out the fuzzy skin of kiwis or cutting it in half and scooping out the soft fruit flesh from the inside. However sometimes, just because we are used to something, doesn’t mean it is right. For a long time, peeling fruits was a norm and people thought it was necessary to do, to be safe. However, recently we have seen more scientific proof of why these fruit peels is not only edible but have hidden benefits.
Weighing in on this conversation gastroenterologist Dr. Joseph Salhab and registered dietitian Gillian Culbertson posted a video explaining how this is actually a good practice.
Eating the kiwi skin can significantly boost the fruit's nutritional power. Dr Salhab and Culbertson explain that the skin is loaded with
Eating the skin increases the kiwi's fiber content by up to 50%. This is great for your digestive system, helping to prevent constipation and support a healthy gut.
You'll get more vitamin C and vitamin E, which support liver health and your immune system. The skin also adds extra folate, magnesium, and vitamin B6.
The skin contains three times more antioxidants than the fruit itself. These include polyphenols and vitamin C that fight inflammation and help protect your cells from damage.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, eating kiwi, especially with the skin on, offers other notable health perks:
While kiwi skin is packed with nutrients, it's not for everyone. If you have a history of kidney stones, you should avoid eating the skin. The skin contains high levels of oxalates, which are natural substances that can bind with calcium in your body. This can lead to the formation of crystals in your kidneys, increasing your risk of developing painful kidney stones. It's much safer for you to simply enjoy the fruit on its own and throw away the skin. If you're ever in doubt, it's always best to check with your doctor first.
If the idea of eating a kiwi with its fuzzy skin doesn't appeal to you, don't worry—you have options.
The golden kiwi has a smooth, fuzz-free skin that's much easier to eat than its green counterpart.
For green kiwis, you can gently scrub the skin with a kitchen towel or vegetable brush while rinsing it under water. This will help remove the fuzzy texture and make it more pleasant to eat.
The easiest way to get all the benefits of the skin without even noticing it is to throw a whole kiwi into a smoothie. The blender will break the skin down into tiny, unnoticeable pieces.
Credits: Canva
When it comes to health, there are no magic shortcuts. “Health is cultivated daily, in small, consistent ways,” said celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar on the episode of All About Her, a podcast hosted by Soha Ali Khan that focuses on women’s nutrition and wellness. Diwekar explained why supplements alone can never replace the essentials of good health, home-cooked food, quality sleep, daily movement, and mindful living.
According to Diwekar, supplements can only serve their purpose when they are built on top of a strong foundation of healthy habits. Relying solely on pills, powders, or protein shakes while neglecting real food, exercise, and rest does more harm than good. “If your entire focus is on products at the cost of eating home-cooked food, working out, and sleeping well, then it’s not worth it,” she said. Supplements should be seen as supportive tools, not substitutes.
A common misconception is that fitness requires costly gym memberships, imported superfoods, or a stack of supplements. Diwekar challenged this belief, stressing that true health is rooted in affordable, sustainable choices. Eating local, seasonal produce and sticking to consistent routines are far more effective than chasing expensive quick fixes. In her words, wellness becomes accessible when we look at what’s around us rather than what is marketed to us.
The growing culture of influencers promoting supplements was another concern Diwekar highlighted. Many online personalities push powders, pills, and products without disclosing paid partnerships, leaving followers misinformed. This often leads people to buy into the illusion of quick results instead of cultivating habits that bring long-term benefits. Diwekar urged listeners to be cautious about influencer-driven trends and to prioritize their own health signals over marketing hype.
Nutrition is only one piece of the puzzle. Diwekar reminded her audience that sleep, stress management, and emotional well-being are just as crucial as what we put on our plate. A balanced lifestyle, where rest, relaxation, and movement align with nutrition, creates resilience and lasting wellness. Short-term fads may show quick results, but consistency is the true marker of good health.
Another key takeaway was the importance of tuning into one’s own body. Recognizing signals of hunger, satiety, and energy levels helps individuals build routines that suit their unique needs. Diwekar emphasized that no one-size-fits-all diet or supplement plan can replace personal awareness. Paying attention to your body’s cues is far more effective than blindly copying celebrity-endorsed diets or social media challenges.
Ultimately, Diwekar’s advice blends practicality with tradition. Wellness doesn’t require radical changes, it’s about making small, sustainable choices every day. Cooking at home, walking regularly, choosing local ingredients, and prioritizing sleep are habits that make health achievable for everyone. Supplements can support this lifestyle, but they should never be the foundation.
Credits: Canva
Those who have belly fat know it is a war when it comes to shedding that fat. It has been fought with everything, from crash diets to endless crunches, but the stubborn midsection just does not go away. Intermittent fasting is not a diet but a way of timing your meals that could help trim that fat. And according to Harvard-trained gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi, there are three best tips to lose belly fat with intermittent fasting. One of these is particularly crucial.
Here is how intermittent fasting, done the right way, might finally come to your rescue.
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The idea of fasting can sound intimidating. Skipping breakfast or dinner or going without snacks sounds like punishment. But Dr. Sethi suggests starting simple: “First, start with a 12-12 fasting schedule, which is the mildest option. This approach helps you sleep soundly at night and reduces the likelihood of unhealthy food choices the next day."
What does that mean?
You fast for 12 hours (say, 8 pm to 8 am) and eat during the other 12. It is not extreme; you are basically just cutting out late-night snacking and mindless munching. That alone can save you hundreds of calories without you even noticing. Plus, your body finally gets a break from digesting round-the-clock, which helps regulate insulin and metabolism.
If you think fasting means surviving on air, you are wrong. Dr. Sethi is clear: “Second, during your fasting window, only drink black coffee, green tea, black tea, water, apple cider vinegar, lemon water, fennel or basil water, chamomile or ginger tea."
In other words, hydration is key. These drinks not only keep you from feeling bloated but also help curb hunger pangs. Black coffee can give your metabolism a gentle push, while herbal teas like chamomile or ginger soothe your system and reduce bloating. Flavoured waters (lemon, fennel, basil) keep things interesting and refreshing. The trick is: no sugar, no milk, no additions. Pure, clean liquids only.
Why does this matter?
Because breaking your fast with a sugary coffee or fruit juice is like trying to lose weight while eating cake for breakfast. Staying disciplined with what you sip makes intermittent fasting effective.
Fasting is not a free pass to eat pizza and pastries during your eating window. Dr. Sethi emphasises: “Third, focus on a high-fibre, high-protein diet during your eating window. High-protein foods like paneer, tofu, chickpeas, chicken, turkey, and fish, and high-fibre foods like fruits and veggies. This combination will keep you full and satiated while promoting fat loss."
Protein helps repair and build muscle while keeping you fuller for longer. Fibre slows digestion, keeps blood sugar stable, and gives you that lovely “I’m full, I don’t need dessert” feeling. Together, they form a dynamic duo that not only supports fat loss but also makes fasting easier because you won’t be ravenous when the clock says “no food”.
Intermittent fasting will not melt belly fat overnight, and you still need to eat mindfully. But when done consistently, it can create a calorie deficit, improve metabolic health, and reduce cravings that hamper your goals. And you do not have to cut out entire food groups or live with greens. You just have to learn when to eat, what to sip, and how to build your plate.
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