For many people, eczema is more than dry, itchy skin; it’s an ongoing struggle that affects overall well-being, including mood, social life, and sleep. Parents of children with eczema often spend nights trying to stop persistent scratching, while adults frequently feel self-conscious at work or in public when flare-ups are visible.

The condition also brings financial strain from treatments, frequent doctor visits, and emotional stress. In India, eczema is worsened by the climate, pollution, and regular use of harsh or fragranced skincare products, making sensitive skin even more prone to irritation. Gentle, science-backed care is essential, not just helpful, to manage skin conditions that affect over 30–40% of Indians.

We spoke to Dr Preethi Nagaraj, Medical Director and Senior Dermatologist at Twacha Skin and Hair Clinic, Kochi, to learn more.

What Is Eczema and Its Ripple Effects?

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, typically appears as dry, itchy, and red patches on the skin. While some people may experience mild irritation, others face severe flare-ups that disrupt daily life. But eczema is more than a skin condition, it can affect concentration, mental health, and sleep. Dr Nagaraj explained that this can make it harder for children to focus at school and cause adults to miss work or social events. Recognizing these broader effects shifts the focus from simply treating the skin to supporting the individual as a whole.

Why the Skin Barrier Matters

The main reason eczema develops is a compromised skin barrier. A healthy barrier relies on ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol to retain moisture and block irritants. When ceramides are low, skin loses water quickly and becomes highly sensitive, even with regular moisturization. Genetics also play a role—about one-third of Indian children with hand eczema have filaggrin mutations, weakening their protective layer. That’s why consistent, barrier-focused skincare is essential to keep flare-ups under control.

What Is Colloidal Oatmeal?

Colloidal oatmeal is a fine powder made from whole oat kernels and is used as a skin protectant to soothe itching and irritation. It’s a recognized ingredient that hydrates skin, protects against irritants, and provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. It can be used in bathwater or in creams and lotions, according to Healthline.

How Can Colloidal Oatmeal Help Treating Eczema

Colloidal oatmeal isn’t just a breakfast ingredient, it’s been a long-standing skin soother. It contains compounds called avenanthramides that calm inflammation and reduce itchiness. Beta-glucans form a protective layer to lock in moisture, and oat lipids help repair the skin’s barrier. Research supports these benefits: a study of over 54,000 patients found that not using oatmeal-based emollients increased the likelihood of being prescribed steroid creams by more than 21%. Another analysis showed that infants who regularly used oatmeal-based products were less likely to develop eczema. Gentle, effective, science-backed oats remain a staple for sensitive skin care.

Ceramides: Repairing What Eczema Steals

Dr Nagaraj explained that ceramides are natural skin fats that hold cells together and maintain hydration. Low ceramide levels make eczema-prone skin prone to cracking, roughness, and sensitivity to triggers. The good news? Oat oil can boost ceramide production in the skin by up to 70%. Combining ceramides with colloidal oatmeal in a moisturizer creates a powerful duo: one soothes and hydrates, while the other strengthens the skin’s protective layer.

Making Science-Backed Skincare Work Every Day

For sensitive or eczema-prone skin, Indian dermatologists often recommend gentle, fragrance-free products enriched with colloidal oatmeal. Using these regularly is preventive, not a luxury. Consistent care can mean fewer sleepless nights for families, while adults regain confidence at work and in social settings. The key to preventing flare-ups is a steady, regular routine.

Eczema can take a physical and mental toll, but it doesn’t have to control life. Colloidal oatmeal, supported by tradition and science, provides gentle, effective relief, while ceramides maintain the skin’s strength. Together, they reduce sensitivity to daily triggers and help break the cycle of flare-ups. The takeaway is simple: small, consistent steps in skincare can have a major impact. With the right approach, patients and families can reclaim comfort, confidence, and quality of life, making colloidal oatmeal a trusted ally on the path to healthier skin.

Trying to cut back on sugar does not mean you have to give up fruit. Many people assume fruits are automatically “too sugary,” especially if they taste sweet. In reality, quite a few fruits are naturally low in sugar while still packed with fiber, vitamins and hydration. The trick is choosing wisely.

Here are some delicious fruits that satisfy your sweet tooth without sending your sugar intake soaring.

Citrus Picks That Barely Have Any Sugar

If your goal is minimum sugar, citrus fruits are a great place to start.

Lemons and limes top the list. They are intensely sour for a reason. A lime contains roughly 1 gram of sugar and a lemon about 2 grams. Add them to water, salads or chutneys for flavor without sweetness overload.

Grapefruit is another excellent option. Half a grapefruit has just around 10 grams of sugar and works perfectly as a refreshing breakfast fruit.

Oranges taste sweet but are still moderate in sugar. One medium orange contains about 14 grams along with a strong dose of vitamin C, making it a far better snack than packaged juice.

Berries: Naturally Sweet And Light On Your Body

Berries are among the best fruits for people watching blood sugar.

Raspberries have just over 5 grams of sugar per cup and a lot of fiber, which helps you feel full longer.

Strawberries come next. A full cup contains about 7 grams of sugar and more vitamin C than many citrus fruits.

Blackberries also sit at roughly 7 grams per cup and bring powerful antioxidants to the table. They are filling, tart and ideal for evening snacking.

Fruits That Hydrate You

Some fruits taste dessert like but are mostly water.

Watermelon is a summer favorite and surprisingly light. One cup contains under 10 grams of sugar and plenty of hydration.

Cantaloupe is slightly higher but still reasonable at under 13 grams per cup. It is rich in vitamin A and works well as a cooling midday snack.

Everyday Fruits That Help You Stay Balanced

You do not need exotic produce to eat smart.

Peaches contain less than 13 grams of sugar in a medium fruit and satisfy dessert cravings naturally.

Kiwis have around 6 to 7 grams per fruit and offer a strong vitamin C boost.

Avocado, also makes it to the list, it is technically a fruit and one of the lowest in sugar overall at about 1 gram in a whole fruit. Its healthy fats keep you full for hours.

As per the data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), someone in the US has a heart attack every 40 seconds. Every year, about 805,000 people in the US have a heart attack. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups. The data also notes that one person dies in every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease.

Heart disease continues to top the list of health concerns across the world, and it has quietly become a daily conversation in homes too. From people in their 30s worrying about cholesterol to older adults counting steps on a smartwatch, protecting the heart has turned into a lifestyle goal. In that rush, supplements often feel like a shortcut. A capsule promises convenience, and convenience sounds like prevention.

But nutrition experts tell Eating Well the story is not that simple. Some supplements that look heart friendly on labels may actually increase risk when taken in high doses or without supervision. In many cases, the same nutrient from food helps the body, but the concentrated version inside a pill behaves very differently.

Below are the supplements experts say you should rethink if heart health is your priority. Isabel Vasquez, RD, LDN, and a registered dietitian writes for Eating Well, the six supplements one should avoid for better heart health.

Vitamin E: Helpful In Food, Risky In Pills

Vitamin E has long been associated with protection because it acts as an antioxidant. It supports cells and helps fight oxidative stress. Naturally, it became popular as a heart supplement.

However, experts warn that dosage changes everything.

According to nutrition professionals speaking to Eating Well, research now suggests high dose vitamin E supplements may increase the risk of heart failure and hemorrhagic stroke. Clinical trials also linked daily doses around 111 to 200 IU to greater stroke risk. Because of this evidence, disease prevention authorities advise against using vitamin E supplements to prevent cardiovascular disease.

The safer option is simple. Eat it instead of swallowing it. Nuts, seeds, vegetable oils and green vegetables provide vitamin E in balanced amounts the body can manage.

Calcium: Good For Bones, Complicated For Arteries

Calcium is almost always marketed for stronger bones, especially for women after menopause. But its relationship with the heart is more complicated.

Experts told Eating Well that large studies of randomized trials found calcium supplements increased cardiovascular disease risk by about 15 percent in healthy postmenopausal women. One possible reason is arterial calcification, where calcium deposits harden blood vessels over time.

This does not mean calcium supplements are always wrong. They may still be useful when dietary intake is insufficient or osteoporosis risk is high. The key message from experts is guidance matters. A doctor should determine whether you need it and how much.

Food sources like dairy, fortified plant milks and leafy greens remain the preferred option for routine intake.

Beware Of Energy And Weight Loss Supplements

Many people take energy boosters for workouts or weight loss powders for quick results. The problem lies in the stimulants hiding inside them.

Experts explain to Eating Well that many such products contain high caffeine concentrations or compounds similar to ephedra. Unlike coffee or tea, which come with other beneficial plant compounds and moderate dosing, supplements deliver concentrated stimulation.

This can strain the cardiovascular system, raise blood pressure, increase heart rate and potentially elevate long term heart disease risk.

In simple terms, your heart treats these powders less like a beverage and more like a stress test.

Beta Carotene Is Not For Smokers

Beta carotene is another antioxidant that works beautifully in food. Carrots, spinach and tomatoes provide it naturally along with fiber and other protective nutrients.

But supplement form changes the equation, particularly for smokers.

Evidence reviewed by prevention experts shows daily doses around 20 to 30 milligrams were associated with higher cardiovascular death risk in smokers. Researchers believe interactions with compounds in tobacco smoke may trigger harmful effects.

Again, the message repeats itself. Eat colorful vegetables, skip the capsule unless prescribed.

Licorice Root May Have Hidden BP Danger

Licorice supplements are often marketed for digestion, menopause relief and immunity. Yet the evidence supporting these benefits remains weak.

Experts told Eating Well the real concern is glycyrrhizin, a compound in licorice that causes the body to retain sodium. This can raise blood pressure significantly and increase cardiovascular strain, especially in people already dealing with hypertension.

Even products where licorice appears as a secondary ingredient can cause issues when taken regularly.

Red Yeast Rice Could Have Drug Like Risks

Red yeast rice is frequently advertised as a natural cholesterol solution. Its active compound, monacolin K, works similarly to the cholesterol lowering drug lovastatin.

That similarity is exactly why experts urge caution.

According to nutrition professionals interviewed by Eating Well, red yeast rice supplements may cause muscle, kidney and liver damage. The bigger issue is unpredictability. Manufacturers often do not disclose the amount of active compound and some products have even been found to contain prescription drug levels.

A supplement that behaves like medication should be treated like medication, meaning medical supervision is necessary.

What Actually Protects The Heart

Experts emphasize that heart protection rarely comes from a bottle. The fundamentals still work best:

• Regular movement strengthens the heart and improves circulation
• Stress control lowers inflammation and blood pressure
• Good sleep supports metabolic and vascular health
• A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and plant oils consistently lowers disease risk

In other words, the boring advice keeps winning. Supplements may look modern, but lifestyle habits remain the real prevention strategy.

Before adding any pill to your routine, experts suggest asking one simple question: do you need it, or does your body just need better food and daily habits?

Mornings rarely go as planned. Someone cannot find their keys, the alarm rings too late, or the commute suddenly looks longer than expected. In that rush, breakfast is often the first thing sacrificed. A cup of tea, maybe a biscuit, sometimes nothing at all.

That is why easy “grab and go” breakfasts have become a small survival tool in modern life. Smoothies, protein bars and packaged cereals promise speed, but many people now want something that feels both convenient and genuinely nourishing.

Enter overnight oats. The humble jar sitting in the fridge overnight has quietly turned into a breakfast trend across social media and nutrition clinics alike. But are overnight oats actually healthy or just another wellness fad?

What exactly are overnight oats and why people like them

Overnight oats are simply raw oats soaked in liquid for several hours, usually in the refrigerator. Instead of cooking them on the stove, time does the work. The oats absorb the liquid and soften into a creamy porridge by morning.

The base is usually rolled oats mixed with milk or a plant alternative. After that, people customize endlessly. Fruits, nuts, seeds, peanut butter, cocoa powder, yogurt or spices like cinnamon often go in. The result feels less like diet food and more like dessert you can justify eating at 8 am.

Part of the appeal is practical. You prepare it the night before, close the lid and forget about breakfast anxiety the next day. It travels well and does not require reheating, which matters for commuters and students.

But convenience alone does not make something healthy.

Why overnight oats can be good for you

Oats themselves carry most of the nutritional weight. They contain complex carbohydrates and a soluble fiber called beta glucan. This fiber slows digestion, which means energy releases gradually instead of spiking and crashing. Many people notice they stay full longer compared to refined breakfast foods.

Beta glucan also supports heart health by helping lower LDL cholesterol. That is one of the reasons oats have been recommended in heart friendly diets for years.

Then come the add ons. Chia seeds and flax seeds contribute omega 3 fats and extra fiber. Nuts add healthy fats and protein. Milk or fortified plant milks provide calcium and vitamin D for bone health. Fruits add antioxidants and vitamins.

Together, a well balanced jar can offer carbohydrates for energy, protein for satiety and fats for sustained fullness. It becomes closer to a complete meal than most quick breakfasts.

Another benefit is blood sugar control. Because digestion is slower, overnight oats tend to produce steadier glucose levels than sugary cereals or pastries. That matters for people trying to manage hunger, weight or insulin resistance.

The catch: healthy depends on how you make it

Overnight oats can easily cross into dessert territory. Honey, maple syrup, chocolate chips and large amounts of nut butter can quietly double the calorie count. A small jar can become heavier than a full meal without you noticing.

People with diabetes or insulin resistance should especially be mindful of added sweeteners and portion size. Even natural sugars affect blood sugar.

There is also the fiber factor. The same fiber that supports gut health can cause bloating in some people, especially if they suddenly increase intake. Starting with smaller portions often helps.

Finally, variety matters. Eating the exact same breakfast daily limits the range of nutrients your body receives across the week.

So, are overnight oats healthy?

Yes, they can be. Overnight oats are one of the more balanced quick breakfasts available when built thoughtfully. Oats, fruit, seeds and a protein source create a filling and steady start to the day.

They are not magic food and not automatically healthy either. The benefits depend entirely on ingredients and portions.

Still, compared with skipping breakfast or grabbing processed fast food, a simple jar waiting in the fridge is often a meaningful upgrade. In a rushed morning, sometimes the healthiest habit is simply planning ahead the night before.