Are you a morning person or a night owl? Whatever it may be, coffee always helps. Whether it is to keep you awake late at night or to help you freshen up for an early morning shift. Coffee always comes in handy. As winter is approaching, you might be thinking of hot chocolate Christmas nights, or a Halloween outing with marshmallow and chocolates. Or, if you are into fitness, how could you not love the protein chocolate bars?

All of this just reminds you of the amazing taste, but did you know it also has a secret ingredient? That ingredient is cockroach.

Some people, who love coffee or chocolates, sometimes complain of feeling lightheaded, or other allergic reactions. However, the reason may not be the coffee or the chocolate, it could be the cockroaches.

Coffee, Chocolates, And Cockroaches

A University of Montana biology professor Douglas Emlen in a 2009 interview with NPR journalist Terri Gross talked about his research on dung beetles. In the interview, he recalled his time as a student. He said that he would drive across the country with his professor who wanted coffee every couple of hours. This was during the 80s, when coffee shops were not around every corner and his professor only wanted whole fresh ground coffee. So, travelling from one part of the town to another in search of good coffee occupied most of their time. Upon asking the reason, his professor told him it is because of the cockroaches.

Emlen revealed that his professor was teaching entomology and handling cockroaches. This is how he became allergic to them. He also started to notice the same allergic reaction whenever he had pre-ground coffee.

After doing some digging he found out there are cockroaches in coffee.

How Do Cockroaches Make Their Way To Coffee And Chocolates?

When cocoa beans are stored in factories before being processed to make coffee or chocolates, they get infested with cockroaches. There is nothing to do to filter them out, so cockroaches are roasted and grounded with the beans.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows coffee beans to contain up to 10% insect filth and insects. As per ABC News, the average chocolate bar contains eight insect parts. FDA allows anything less than 60 insect pieces per 100 grams of chocolate, which is around 2 bars of chocolates.

cockroach parts make their way to peanut butter, macaroni, fruit, cheese, popcorn and wheat. People with asthma can be affected, other symptoms are migraines, cramps, itching or hives.

When Was the First Cockroach Allergy Reported?

The first cockroach allergy was reported in 1943. The skin testing for cockroaches began in 1959. Allergist at Mount Sinai School of Medicine agrees that contamination by cockroaches and their droppings is unavoidable because this happens at the source of cocoa beans, where it is produced at the farm.

If you are having an allergic reaction to coffee or chocolates, you can be treated with anti-allergic shots or antibiotics. However, it is always advisable to seek a doctor's advice.

Whenever we have to think of a quick food, we think of breads. However, we are usually advised against it, but Dr Karan Rajan, NHS Surgeon has a different view to offer. He says that croissant, if made in the traditional way could actually be a gut-friendly food. “This is my legal argument to explain why croissants should be considered a gut health food. It has to be a traditional croissant because it is made using laminated yeast dough that undergoes slow fermentation. This process allows the yeast and lactic acid bacteria to partially break down some of the starches, making the final product easy to digest compared to under-fermented white bread,” he said.

What Is The Right Way To Have A Croissant?

He suggests that if you let a baked croissant cool down before eating, it helps turn the starch into resistant starch. This, also helps feed the bacteria in the colon. “A croissant eaten mindfully for breakfast allows the body to lessen its said,” he said.

So, Is Croissant Really Better Than Regular Bed?

Experts have suggested that when dough ferments, natural bacteria and yeast partially break down the starches and gluten. This also makes the final product easier to digest and gives it a unique flavor.

Whether or not the croissant is healthy really depends on the way it is made. If the croissant is fermented, it is gut-friendly, otherwise, it is not.

What Should People Keep In Mind?

People must go for fermented bread, as it is easier on the stomach. This is especially good for those who feel bloated after consuming regular bread. The fermented bread will also have a lower glycaemic effect, which means they cause a slower rise in blood sugar as compared to unfermented or regular bread. It is also important to note portion control, however, warn experts.

However, one must keep in mind that while most people can have fermented breads, it should be consumed in moderation.

Are There People Who Cannot Have This Gut-friendly Food?

People with celiac disease or serious gluten intolerance should stay away from them. This is because not always does fermentation remove all the gluten. However, fermented options could be better for those struggling with diabetes, however it should still be eaten in moderation.

What one must keep in mind is that fermented breads are smarter treats, but mot an everyday meal. For everyday meal, try to balance it with whole grains, millets, and high-fibre foods.

Dr Ulysses Wu, MD, with Hartford HealthCare also noted that sourdough, which is also a type of fermented bread could have potential health benefits.

“The long fermentation process partially breaks down gluten and phytic acid, a compound that could block mineral absorption. For many people, that makes sourdough easier on the stomach,” Dr. Wu notes.

The fermentation process, he says could lower glycemic index, which could help with blood sugar control. Furthermore, it is high in prebiotics, which can act like fuel for the healthy bacteria already in your gut.

However, he also notes that fermentation does not fully remove gluten, so it must be consumed in moderation.

One of the major point of conversations right now is longevity. People are learning day by day about what may affect their biological age and how, why and which way they can lower it. Many studies have pointed out that things like sugar, and some drinks may lower it, however, a new study shows that there may be some unexpected heroes among our daily drink consumption.

A study recently published in the British Journal of Nutrition showed something interesting: drinking about seven to eight cups of tea, coffee, and plain water every day might help you live longer.

Researchers looked at the drinking habits of over 182,000 people and found that hitting this total number of drinks, when balanced well, offered the best protection. It lowered the risk of dying from all kinds of serious problems, including cancer and heart disease. The main finding is that the mix of drinks is key—it's not good to overdo it, as too much might actually be bad for your heart.

How Do Tea, Coffee Or Water Help Your Health?

The research figured out the best possible way to combine these drinks to get the most health benefit:

Optimal Daily Total

The number one rule is to drink a total of seven to eight beverages every day. This total includes your water, coffee, and tea.

Coffee and Tea Ratio

Once you're hitting that daily goal, the best way to mix the coffee and tea is in a 2:3 ratio. This means for every two cups of coffee, you should have three cups of tea. This specific blend was found to be the most powerful for protecting you against dying from heart problems, cancer, and diseases of the lungs and stomach.

Hydration

The experts stress that the most important thing is to just stay hydrated first. Get your total number of drinks up to seven or eight. After you've done that, then you can start swapping some of your water for the healthier mix of coffee and tea.

How Much Tea Or Coffee Should You Drink?

The study also came with important warnings about drinking too much or too little of the mix:

If You Drink Very Little: If you currently have less than four total drinks a day, just adding a cup of coffee or tea won't help much. You need to focus on drinking more water first to reach the main goal of being fully hydrated.

If You Drink Too Much: If you are drinking nine or more cups of fluid a day, replacing water with more tea or coffee could actually raise your risk of dying from heart disease. More is not always better! Finally, the scientists noted two important things:

They can only say there's a link (an observation) between the drinks and living longer; they can't say for sure that the drinks are the direct cause of longer life. The study didn't know how people prepared their drinks—whether they added a lot of sugar or milk, which could affect the health benefits. The main takeaway is to focus on getting your overall daily fluid intake to seven to eight drinks and then use the beneficial mix of coffee and tea wisely.

Pregnancy is a unique and exciting journey, full of changes, decisions, and the constant desire to give your baby the best start in life. Nutrition becomes particularly important during this time, as what a mother eats can impact both her own health and the development of her baby. One ingredient that has been gaining popularity among expectant mothers is chia seeds.

Though tiny, these seeds are packed with nutrients and can be a versatile addition to a pregnancy diet. To understand their benefits, we spoke with Dr. Deepa, Senior Consultant at Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital Kaushambi, who shared how chia seeds can support maternal and fetal health.

Benefits of Chia Seeds for Pregnant Women

Chia seeds are simple to incorporate into daily meals as you can sprinkle them on oatmeal, mix them into yogurt, blend them into smoothies, or even add them to baked goods.

Their mild taste and texture make them easy to enjoy, which is one reason why many pregnant women are turning to these seeds. According to Dr. Deepa, there are several ways chia seeds can help during pregnancy:

Supports Digestion

Constipation and other digestive issues are common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and slower digestion. Chia seeds are high in soluble fibre, which can help regulate bowel movements. When soaked in liquid, they expand into a gel-like texture that aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. This not only helps prevent overeating but also supports healthy weight gain, which is important for both mother and baby.

Helps Maintain Blood Sugar Levels

Fluctuating blood sugar levels can be a concern for expectant mothers, sometimes leading to gestational diabetes. The fibre in chia seeds slows sugar absorption into the bloodstream, helping to maintain stable blood sugar and energy levels. By including chia seeds in meals, pregnant women may reduce the risk of sudden sugar spikes and maintain steadier energy throughout the day.

Aids Hydration

Hydration is essential during pregnancy, and chia seeds can play a supportive role. Dr. Deepa points out that chia seeds are versatile and can be added to a wide variety of dishes, from smoothies and salads to yogurt or baked recipes. When mixed with water or other liquids, they absorb moisture, helping to keep the body hydrated and supporting overall wellness.

Nutritional Power for Mother and Baby

Although small, chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, protein, calcium, and antioxidants. These nutrients support brain development in the fetus, improve digestion, help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and contribute to overall maternal health.

Dr. Deepa recommends consuming chia seeds in moderation. Eating too many may cause digestive discomfort due to their high fibre content. A typical portion is about one to two tablespoons per day. She also emphasizes that pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes, especially if they have pre-existing medical conditions.

Including chia seeds as part of a balanced, varied diet can help pregnant women feel nourished, support digestion and hydration, and provide essential nutrients for their growing baby. With their versatility and health benefits, chia seeds are a convenient and powerful addition to a pregnancy-friendly diet.