Articles by Sweta Uchil-Purohit

Ramzan or Ramadan is the holy month of blessings which is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. This is believed to be the month that the Koran was first revealed by God to Prophet Muhammad. During this, the followers of Islamic religion fast from sunrise to sunset. The purpose of fasting is to teach self-discipline, patience and spirituality and encourage charitable works. This year Ramzan will be observed till 7 August 2013, followed by Eid-al-Fitr on 8 August. The meals consumed after or before the fast or ‘roza’ is basically categorised into the pre-dawn meal, known as ‘Suhoor/Suhur’ and…

Ramzan or Ramadan is the holy month of blessings which is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. This is believed to be the month that the Koran was first revealed by God to Prophet Muhammad. During this, the followers of Islamic religion fast from sunrise to sunset. The purpose of fasting is to teach self-discipline, patience and spirituality and encourage charitable works. This year Ramzan will be observed till 7 August 2013, followed by Eid-al-Fitr on 8 August. The meals consumed after or before the fast or ‘roza’ is basically categorised into the pre-dawn meal, known as ‘Suhoor/Suhur’ and…

Who doesn’t love monsoons? The smell of wet earth, watching the raindrops, ducking for cover when you realise that you didn’t pack your umbrella or sharing an umbrella with a friend and getting half-drenched in the process! There’s nothing like reaching home and unwinding with a steaming cup of chai or kaapi along with a nice hot snack. While it won’t hurt to occasionally give into your temptations and sink your teeth into those crisp onion or mensinkai (chilies) bajjis , for all those who are looking for healthy snack options that you can munch on those rainy days, here…

Who doesn’t love monsoons? The smell of wet earth, watching the raindrops, ducking for cover when you realise that you didn’t pack your umbrella or sharing an umbrella with a friend and getting half-drenched in the process! There’s nothing like reaching home and unwinding with a steaming cup of chai or kaapi along with a nice hot snack. While it won’t hurt to occasionally give into your temptations and sink your teeth into those crisp onion or mensinkai (chilies) bajjis , for all those who are looking for healthy snack options that you can munch on those rainy days, here…

According to recent newspaper reports, almost 40-80% Indians do not get enough vitamin D. This is surprising - since vitamin D, also known as the ‘Sunshine vitamin,’ can easily be got through exposure to sunshine. What’s more, it’s free! Interested?? You better be, that is, if you don’t want to join the list of Indians who have vitamin D deficiency. Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D. Pic: Mahesh Telkar What is Vitamin D and why do we need it? It’s a fat soluble vitamin which is needed by the body for absorbing calcium and phosphorus, both of which…

According to recent newspaper reports, almost 40-80% Indians do not get enough vitamin D. This is surprising - since vitamin D, also known as the ‘Sunshine vitamin,’ can easily be got through exposure to sunshine. What’s more, it’s free! Interested?? You better be, that is, if you don’t want to join the list of Indians who have vitamin D deficiency. Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D. Pic: Mahesh Telkar What is Vitamin D and why do we need it? It’s a fat soluble vitamin which is needed by the body for absorbing calcium and phosphorus, both of which…

“My son doesn’t drink milk,” “My child doesn’t eat vegetables,” “My daughter won’t eat anything other than biscuits..” - sounds familiar? A common complaint that most parents have is that their child doesn't eat (enough). There are even instances of parents requesting the pediatrician to prescribe some supplements or health tonics that will increase the child’s appetite. Most of the times these are not required as parents just wrongly assume that their child isn't eating enough - just because the portions children eat are too small. Keep in mind that they are kids and will not be able to eat…

“My son doesn’t drink milk,” “My child doesn’t eat vegetables,” “My daughter won’t eat anything other than biscuits..” - sounds familiar? A common complaint that most parents have is that their child doesn't eat (enough). There are even instances of parents requesting the pediatrician to prescribe some supplements or health tonics that will increase the child’s appetite. Most of the times these are not required as parents just wrongly assume that their child isn't eating enough - just because the portions children eat are too small. Keep in mind that they are kids and will not be able to eat…

Summertime always brings fond childhood memories of summer vacations, lazing around with a good book, ice creams and yummy mangoes. With the temperatures already soaring, looks like we will be having one long and hot summer. Luckily there are some great summer foods and beverages that can help in keeping you cool. Here are some of the foods to include this summer: Pic: Marisa DeMeglio from NYC USA via wikimedia commons Water: Dehydration is a common problem during summers and this may be one of the reasons why you feel tired and drained out for no apparent reason during summers.…

Summertime always brings fond childhood memories of summer vacations, lazing around with a good book, ice creams and yummy mangoes. With the temperatures already soaring, looks like we will be having one long and hot summer. Luckily there are some great summer foods and beverages that can help in keeping you cool. Here are some of the foods to include this summer: Pic: Marisa DeMeglio from NYC USA via wikimedia commons Water: Dehydration is a common problem during summers and this may be one of the reasons why you feel tired and drained out for no apparent reason during summers.…