Market today is brimming with alternatives to sugar, both natural (honey, jaggery, molasses) and artificial (like allulose, advantame, etc.). With an increasing number of people opting for healthier food options, sugar substitutes are often seen as a "cheat code" for indulging in desserts while staying health-conscious.

What Is Allulose?

Allulose is a naturally occurring sugar found in figs, raisins, wheat, maple syrup, and molasses. It is also available as a sugar substitute and is popular among those looking to reduce or eliminate sugar from their diets, including individuals with diabetes and those following specialized diets like keto. However, empirical evidence suggests that "sugar-free" baked goods made with allulose, such as muffins, might still contribute to calorie gain.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved allulose as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS). It is also approved in countries like Japan, Mexico, Chile, China, South Korea, and India. However, Canada and Europe classify allulose as a "novel food," citing insufficient long-term testing under their regulatory standards. Health experts warn that rigorous testing on allulose is still lacking. If it mirrors trends seen with other sugar substitutes, such as sugar alcohols like erythritol, there is a valid reason to approach it with caution.

Are There Serious Health Concerns?

A growing body of research links certain sugar substitutes to significant health risks. For instance, Dr. Hazen of Cleveland Clinic studied sugar alcohols like erythritol and xylitol, naturally occurring substances found in small amounts in the human body. Her research, which analyzed thousands of subjects across the United States and Europe, found that elevated blood levels of these substances correlate with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Similarly, studies have indicated that consuming products with artificial sugars can lead to a dramatic rise in blood sugar levels, even in healthy individuals. Dr. Hazen cautions that erythritol- or xylitol-sweetened foods and beverages could pose life-threatening heart risks. Given the similar properties of allulose to these compounds, researchers suggest it could potentially raise similar concerns. Moreover, excessive consumption of allulose may cause digestive issues, such as bloating, queasiness, and stomach discomfort.

ALSO READ: Is Honey Good Or Bad For You?

Should You Switch To Honey?

Honey is often marketed as a healthier alternative to regular sugar. This is largely due to it being nutrient-dense and having a large number of antioxidants. However, while some claim that it could be a nutritious ingredient, others claim it to be a high-sugar indulgence.

High-quality honey is rich in antioxidants like phenolic acids and flavonoids, which combat free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases and mental health issues. Studies suggest replacing sugar with honey can improve heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and increasing HDL cholesterol. Honey also promotes wound healing due to its antibacterial properties, as shown in studies on diabetic foot ulcers. While a healthier alternative to refined sugar, honey is calorie-dense, with 64 calories per tablespoon, potentially contributing to weight gain and blood sugar spikes if consumed excessively. Moderation remains key to reaping its benefits.

We have often heard about eating right, however, how should one know what to eat and when? Well, we got a hack for you. There are foods around us that resemble with our body parts. The best part? They are the same food that benefit the body parts they look like. Here are 7 foods that benefit the body parts they look like.

Carrots For Eyes

Take a close look at a sliced carrot and you might spot a familiar design—it resembles the human eye, complete with radiating lines similar to the iris and pupil. This resemblance goes beyond coincidence. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a compound that gives them their bright orange hue and also plays a vital role in eye health. Once consumed, beta-carotene converts into vitamin A in the body, which supports good vision and helps prevent conditions like night blindness. It also reduces the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, especially in individuals over 65. Regular consumption of carrots can improve blood flow to the eyes and keep your vision sharp.

Tomatoes and the Heart Connection

The tomato mirrors the heart not just in color but in structure too—it has four chambers, just like our heart. Packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, tomatoes can significantly reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease. Lycopene is also known to lower cholesterol levels and help manage blood pressure. For individuals with borderline or high blood pressure, including tomatoes or tomato-based products in their diet may help bring systolic and diastolic levels down. Besides lycopene, tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C, which supports the repair and health of blood vessels.

Grapes and Alveoli

A bunch of grapes looks strikingly similar to the tiny air sacs in the lungs known as alveoli. These structures are essential for oxygen exchange between the lungs and bloodstream. Grapes, especially red and purple ones, are rich in antioxidants that support respiratory health. They contain compounds that may help reduce the risk of lung diseases, including cancer and emphysema. Grape seeds also contain proanthocyanidins—plant-based antioxidants known to lessen the severity of asthma triggered by allergies.

Walnuts for Brain

Crack open a walnut and you'll notice it resembles a brain: two hemispheres, folds, and grooves similar to the neocortex. Walnuts are more than just a visual match—they’re packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for cognitive function and brain development. Regular consumption of walnuts has been linked to improved memory, quicker processing, and even mood regulation. These nuts also contain vitamin E, folic acid, and antioxidants that support neural health and may even protect against age-related decline.

Kidney Beans for Kidney

As the name suggests, kidney beans share a striking resemblance to human kidneys. They also happen to benefit kidney function. These legumes are high in fiber and plant-based protein, and support the body's natural detoxification process. When consumed in moderation, kidney beans can help prevent kidney stones and reduce strain on the kidneys. Their rich mineral content supports overall health and digestion, aiding in waste elimination.

Avocados for Womb (Reproductive Health)

Avocados are not only creamy and delicious but also closely resemble the female womb. Studies suggest that eating one avocado a week can help regulate reproductive hormones, aid in weight loss post-pregnancy, and potentially reduce the risk of cervical cancer. They're rich in folate, healthy fats, and other nutrients crucial for reproductive and overall health.

Grapefruit and Mammary Gland

Cut open a grapefruit and its internal structure resembles the mammary glands. Grapefruits contain limonoids—compounds that have been shown to help fight the development of cancer cells. They also support lymphatic drainage in and around the breast tissue, promoting better breast health overall.

If you’ve ever felt like your gut had a mind of its own—one that reacts to the simplest of meals with bloating, discomfort, or cramping—you’re not alone. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects nearly 11% of the global population, turning everyday eating into a complicated, often stressful affair. For many, restrictive diets like the low-FODMAP plan have offered relief but also come with their own challenges—elimination fatigue, nutrient concerns, and the social burden of managing meals.

What if there were a milder, more delicious, and more earth-friendly substitute? A new pilot study indicates that the much-lauded Mediterranean diet, famous for its benefits to the heart, can also calm the symptoms of IBS—no eliminations necessary.

IBS is a recurring gastrointestinal condition characterized by abdominal cramps, bloating, gas, and altered bowel habits. For its sufferers, symptom control tends to take center stage over medication, with diet being the first line of defense.

Historically, the low-FODMAP diet has been the preferred choice for IBS sufferers. Intended to minimize fermentable carbs—Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols—the restrictive diet soothes digestive discomfort by removing tough-to-digest foods. As useful as it is, numerous patients struggle to comply with the low-FODMAP diet because of its complexity, expense, and nutrient imbalance potential. That is where the Mediterranean diet comes in.

In a new pilot study in Neurogastroenterology & Motility, researchers at the University of Michigan compared the impact of the Mediterranean diet and the low-FODMAP diet in 20 patients diagnosed with IBS.

Among the findings in the study was that 73% of the patients who were on the Mediterranean diet experienced a decrease in abdominal pain in as early as one month. At the same time, 82% of individuals on the low-FODMAP diet had similar or even improved symptom response. While the low-FODMAP diet had a small edge in overall symptom improvement, the Mediterranean diet still delivered substantial benefits. More importantly, it did so without the difficulty of rigid food restriction or the possibility of nutrient deficiencies so commonly related to the low-FODMAP method.

Dr. Prashant Singh, lead researcher, highlighted the value of sustainable eating plans, adding that the Mediterranean diet avoids several pitfalls of restrictive diets. "It's not only a matter of avoiding food; it's about consuming the right kind in the right proportion," he said.

What Makes Mediterranean Diet Gut-Friendly?

The Mediterranean diet has its origins in the traditional diets of nations surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, olive oil, and moderate amounts of fish, poultry, and dairy products are emphasized. Red and processed meats are kept to a minimum.

In contrast to low-FODMAP, the Mediterranean diet does not eliminate complete food groups, which maintains an intact varied gut microbiome and prevents nutritional deficiencies. It is also rich in fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats, which enhance anti-inflammatory mechanisms, possibly contributing to its beneficial effects on digestion.

Low-FODMAP vs. Mediterranean

The Low-FODMAP diet and the Mediterranean diet approach digestive health from decidedly different angles. The Low-FODMAP diet is elimination and graded reintroduction of individual fermentable carbohydrates to determine and minimize symptom triggers and thus is very restrictive during the elimination stage. Although effective at improving IBS symptoms, the diet is likely to lead to nutrient deficiency with its restrictive nature. It is also socially restrictive and difficult to follow because it demands strict compliance as well as selectivity in the foods consumed. Conversely, the Mediterranean diet provides a healthier and more inclusive lifestyle-based plan that is versatile and balanced, with a focus on a broad diversity of nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats.

The diet promotes gut microbiome health and preserves the integrity of the gut lining, making it easier to transition to daily life and social meals without much restriction. In general, while the Low-FODMAP diet aims at symptom relief through restrictive elimination, the Mediterranean diet encourages overall digestive health with a more sustainable and healthier approach. Could Your Next Low-FODMAP Meal Help Manage IBS?

Although the low-FODMAP diet continues to be a crucial component of IBS management, this investigation points toward an encouraging direction. The Mediterranean diet provides an easier, sustained option for patients who want respite without worrying about strict food regimens.

This research contributes to increasing evidence that a Mediterranean diet could be a valuable addition to the evidence-based menu of diet therapies for IBS.

Still, more studies are required, especially larger clinical trials, to confirm the Mediterranean diet's place in IBS management. But in the meantime, it provides hope—and a happier plate—for the millions fighting unpredictable GI symptoms.

If you’re struggling with IBS and feeling overwhelmed by food lists, eliminations, and meal prep stress, it might be time to look to the Mediterranean. With its flexible structure, nutrient-rich foundation, and evidence-backed potential, this delicious diet could be the soothing solution your gut’s been craving.

Before making major dietary changes, always consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian—especially when managing chronic conditions like IBS.

Singer and composer Adnan Sami has stunned the world by losing 120 kg — going from 230 kg down to 110 kg. His remarkable transformation was not the result of surgery or any quick-fix methods, but of sheer discipline, emotional motivation, and a radical lifestyle shift. On the June 1 episode of Aap Ki Adalat, Sami shared the real story behind his transformation, busting myths and inspiring millions.

The Diet That Changed Everything

Adnan Sami’s dramatic weight loss sparked intense public curiosity. Many assumed surgery was involved — either bariatric or liposuction. But Sami set the record straight: “There has been a lot of speculation... but no surgery was done,” he said on the show. He joked, “At 230 kg, I’d have needed a vacuum cleaner for liposuction!”

The reality was much simpler, yet far more demanding. Adnan adopted a high-protein diet prescribed by his nutritionist. The core rules? No bread, no rice, no sugar, no oil, and no alcohol. “Everything I loved, I gave up,” he recalled. This no-compromise eating plan marked the start of his transformation, and though the diet was strict, it was effective. He began to lose weight consistently, with 20 kg gone in the very first month.

A Life-Changing Wake-Up Call

In another interview with Mashable India, Adnan spoke of the terrifying moment that became a turning point. While in London, his doctor issued a grim warning: “If you continue living like this, your parents might find you dead in a hotel room within six months.”

His father, already battling cancer, was present during that conversation. That evening, he made a heartfelt plea to his son: “I have been through everything with you and never asked for anything. But promise me one thing — I want you to bury me, not the other way around. No father should have to bury his child.”

That emotional moment hit Sami hard. He promised his father that he would change, not just for himself, but for the family that stood by him through thick and thin. Soon after, he flew to Texas, found a dedicated nutritionist, and began his transformation journey in earnest.

The Little Victories That Kept Him Going

Despite the strict rules, Adnan found motivation in small milestones. “I was 9XL and once saw a T-shirt in XL size that I loved. My mom joked that even my arm wouldn’t fit in it then,” he laughed. He bought it anyway and set a goal to fit into it.

“Every time I felt I had lost weight, I’d try it on — sometimes three times in one night. When it finally fit, I called my father at 3 a.m., screaming with joy,” he said. Even seeing his knuckles again after years felt like a win.

Sami’s story is not about a miracle. It is about resolve, emotional courage, and making peace with lifelong commitment. “This is how I lost weight — through a lot of hard work. There is no shortcut in life,” he said. Today, his story stands as a testament to the power of will, proving that real change begins with a decision and stays with consistent effort.