Let's just admit it, coffee is our go-to beverage when it comes to getting a quick energy boost in the morning. Of course, Chai lovers won't agree, and neither would those who consume energy drinks. However, all-in-all, for most of us, it is the caffeine shot that pulls us out of our beds, to our workplaces and makes us functional throughout the day.

But what if I told you I have a better option, and that too without any side effects? Yes! Not many know, but apples are excellent energy boosters. Apples, scientifically called Manus, are packed with copper, potassium, vitamins K & C. But besides that, they have a special type of sugar-Fructose, which leads to a steady release of energy throughout the day. Apples also have lots of fibre, which can help balance your blood sugar and give you sustained energy without blood sugar crashes. And while biting on a juicy, crunchy apple may not provide the instant spike in energy you're looking for, it may keep you charged throughout the day.

Coffee Vs Apples For Energy

Although coffee is great for boosting your energy in the morning, it can also negatively impact you. Drinking too much can make you feel jittery or anxious. It can also interfere with your sleep. Having too much caffeine can cause nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, dehydration, upset stomach and fatigue, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM).

On the other hand, apples contain a natural sugar called fructose, which can serve as an important source of energy for your body, according to the International Food Information Council Foundation. The fructose doesn't give you the same jolt as coffee because it's not a stimulant, but it provides slow, sustained energy that also won't make you feel anxious or affect your sleep quality. If your blood sugar levels are low, eating an apple may help you wake up and feel more alert. Besides, apples are also a great source of fibre and can have lots of phytochemicals and vitamin C, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Other Health Benefits Of Apples

Apples are nutrient-dense, offering fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants like polyphenols, which contribute to their numerous health benefits. Their high fiber and water content make them filling, aiding weight loss and reducing BMI. Rich in soluble fiber, apples promote heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, while their polyphenols may reduce stroke risk. Regular apple consumption is linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, likely due to quercetin’s effects. Apples support gut health by acting as a prebiotic, fostering good bacteria.

The antioxidants present in apples may help prevent certain cancers and protect the brain from oxidative stress, potentially lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s. Quercetin in apple skin may also aid in reducing asthma-related inflammation. Additionally, apples may contribute to better mental health, improved digestion, and a lower risk of GERD. While more human research is needed, apples remain a versatile and beneficial addition to a healthy.

The thought of eating insects could even make non-vegetarians squirm, let alone vegetarians. But there a plenty of everyday food items that secretly contain insects. Discussion on the issue began after a report recently revealed that cockroaches were being added to chocolate bars. However, the claim was very quickly debunked.

However, a similar report published in Scientific American claimed that a person consumes an average of one to two pounds of flies, maggots, and other bugs each year without even knowing it. Every day, food items like peanut butter, frozen vegetables and spices like cinnamon can contain a certain amount of bugs.

What Should You Know About Insects In Your Food

Peanut Butter

The peanut butter jar in your pantry can legally contain up to 136 insect parts, according to the FDA’s Food Defect Action Levels guide. From the field to your grocery store, insect fragments often make their way into food production.

Chocolate

The FDA permits up to 74 insect fragments in a 4.4-ounce chocolate bar. Cockroach parts are among the most common contaminants, adding nearly 6,000 bug pieces annually to a chocolate lover’s diet.

Pasta

One gram of pasta can contain a bug fragment, with up to 225 insect parts allowed in a 225-gram portion. These fragments usually come from wheat, which itself may hold up to 75 parts per 50 grams.

Coffee Beans

Your coffee may contain around 120 insect parts per cup. The FDA approves coffee with less than 10 per cent insect infestation, translating to nearly 140,000 bug fragments consumed annually.

Raisins

A single cup of raisins might have up to 35 fruit fly eggs and ten insects. The FDA ensures such small amounts are safe to consume, as eliminating all defects would make food production costly.

Mushrooms

Canned mushrooms with up to 19 maggots and 74 mites are considered FDA-approved. While unappealing, these fragments are often too small to notice and provide protein comparable to chicken or salmon.

Frozen Broccoli

Frozen broccoli can include up to 60 aphids per 100 grams. Regular consumption might lead to unintentionally eating over 1,600 aphids a year, as these tiny bugs commonly infest crop fields.

Canned Tomatoes

A 14.5-ounce can of tomatoes can legally contain eight fly eggs or one maggot. Interestingly, insect eggs are a delicacy in some cultures, like Mexican caviar, made from aquatic insect eggs.

Fruit Juice

The FDA allows canned fruit juices to have one maggot per 250 millilitres. Despite this, insects are a natural part of food processing, so your morning OJ likely contains a harmless amount.

Ground Pepper

Ground pepper can legally hold up to 475 bug fragments per 50 grams. Those insect heads and legs may be adding more spice to your meals than you realise.

Cinnamon

Up to 400 insect fragments are allowed per 50 grams of cinnamon. While this may not deter you from using the spice, it’s worth noting that your favourite desserts might not be entirely vegetarian.

Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut can contain up to 50 thrips, small stick-like insects. Knowing this might make you reconsider your next serving of this condiment.

Berries

Raspberries and blueberries can legally include up to four larvae or ten insects per 500 grams. These critters often end up unnoticed in canned or frozen berries.

Salak, commonly known as snake fruit, is a tropical fruit native to Indonesia that has gradually made its way to various parts of the world, including India. These trees are grown for their clustered fruit found at the base of the tree. Snake fruit has a scaly, red exterior and therefore received its name: snake fruit. The fruit is about the size of a fig and, once peeled, it looks like a large garlic clove. Beneath the snake-looking skin are three lobes of yellow or white pulp with flat skin inside them. With its distinctive reddish-brown scaly skin and a tangy, mildly sweet taste, this fruit is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a powerhouse of nutrients.

Here Is Why You Should Consider Adding Snake Fruit To Your Diet

1. Low Carbohydrate Content

If you are monitoring your carbohydrate intake, snake fruit is an excellent choice. It contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams, making it a lower-carb option compared to popular fruits like grapes and bananas. This makes it suitable for those looking to manage their blood sugar levels or maintain a low-carb diet.

2. High in Dietary Fibre

Snake fruit is a rich source of dietary fibre, which is essential for digestive health. Fibre adds bulk to the stool, promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. Additionally, consuming fibre-rich foods like snake fruit can help you feel fuller for longer, potentially reducing overall calorie intake and aiding in weight management.

3. Packed with Essential Vitamins

This nutrient-dense fruit is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. It is particularly high in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that boosts immunity and promotes healthy skin. Additionally, snake fruit contains potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and iron, which supports healthy blood circulation and prevents anaemia.

4. Moderate Natural Sugar Content

While snake fruit is naturally sweet, it contains a moderate amount of sugar compared to other high-sugar fruits. This makes it a suitable option for those watching their sugar intake, including individuals with diabetes. However, it is still advisable to consume it in moderation.

5. High Water Content for Hydration

One of the lesser-known benefits of snake fruit is its high water content. Foods with a high water content typically have a low-calorie density, meaning they can help you feel full without consuming too many calories. This makes snake fruit a hydrating and satisfying snack, particularly beneficial during hot weather.

Snake fruit is more than just an exotic fruit with a unique appearance. It is a nutritious addition to the diet, offering low carbs, high fibre, essential vitamins, and moderate natural sugars. Whether you enjoy it as a snack or incorporate it into salads and desserts, snake fruit can be a refreshing and health-boosting choice.

As the scorching sun takes over the skies, people are trying every remedy to keep themselves cool and refreshed. Many are turning to natural fruits and vegetables to beat the summer heat. One such fruit is the ice apple or Tadgoda. This lesser-known tropical fruit of the palmyra palm tree is perfect to beat the summer heat. Ice apples have a brown ice which needs to be peeled to extract their translucent and sweet pulp. Ice apple looks similar to litchi fruit and tastes slightly sweeter. They are a low-calorie fruit and are rich in calcium and phytonutrients, apart from sodium and potassium. Tadgola or ice apple helps cool the body, maintains electrolyte balance and works as a remedy for stomach ailments.

As the temperature soars, staying cool and hydrated becomes essential, and one fruit that stands out for its natural cooling properties is the ice apple. With its translucent, jelly-like texture and refreshing taste, ice apple is a seasonal fruit that not only quenches thirst but also offers a range of health benefits.

Natural Hydration And Cooling Effect

Ice apple is composed of approximately 95 per cent water, making it a natural coolant that effectively replenishes fluids lost through sweating during the hot summer months. Its rich mineral content, including potassium and magnesium, helps maintain the body’s electrolyte balance, preventing fatigue and promoting overall well-being.

Nutritional Powerhouse

This low-calorie fruit is packed with dietary fibre, aiding digestion and preventing constipation, a common issue exacerbated by heat. Additionally, ice apple is a source of essential vitamins such as vitamin C and B-complex, which strengthen the immune system and boost energy levels. Its low fat and calorie content make it an ideal choice for those looking to shed extra pounds without compromising on nutrition.

Refreshing Taste and Texture

The subtle sweetness and juicy, melt-in-the-mouth texture of ice apple make it a delightful summer treat. Whether consumed as is or chilled, it provides an instant cooling sensation that is particularly satisfying on a hot day. It is a favorite among both children and adults due to its light, refreshing flavour.

Gut-Friendly Benefits

Rich in fibre and natural sugars, ice apple acts as a gentle laxative, promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. Its high water content further aids in digestion and helps prevent dehydration, making it a digestive-friendly fruit for the summer season.

Ayurvedic Perspective

In Ayurveda, ice apple is known for its ability to pacify Pitta dosha, which is associated with excess body heat. Consuming ice apple can help alleviate ailments like acidity, skin rashes, and heat stroke by naturally cooling the body and promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.

As summer continues to intensify, incorporating ice apple into your diet can be a refreshing and healthful way to stay cool while benefiting from its nutrient-rich profile. Whether enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or in a chilled beverage, this seasonal fruit is a must-try for beating the heat naturally.