Health

7 Korean Healthy Drinks for Weight Loss

Koreans are well-known for their fitness and youthful appearance. They have a culture of drinking beverages that quench their thirst and support their health and wellness. If you want to embark on a weight loss journey, do it as Koreans do. Dhanush Kumar lists seven healthy Korean drinks to help you lose weight faster and more efficiently.

1. Green Tea with Honey and Lemon

Green tea is one of the most popular drinks in Korea and worldwide. It is rich in antioxidants and catechins, boosting metabolism and promoting fat oxidation. Adding honey and lemon to your green tea can enhance its flavour and benefits. Honey provides natural sweetness and antibacterial properties, while lemon adds vitamin C and detoxifies the body. Drinking green tea with honey and lemon can help burn more calories, reduce inflammation, and improve skin health.

2. Barley Tea (Boricha)

Barley tea is a staple in Korean households. It is made by boiling roasted barley grains in water. It has a nutty and refreshing taste that can be enjoyed hot or cold. Barley tea is caffeine-free and low in calories, making it a great alternative to sugary drinks. It also aids in digestion, hydration, and blood circulation. Drinking barley tea can help you flush out toxins, lower cholesterol, and prevent constipation.

3. Citron Tea (Yuja-Cha)

Citron tea is a traditional Korean tea made from yuja (citron) fruit, honey, and hot water. It has a sweet and tangy flavour that can soothe your throat and warm your body. Citron tea is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that can boost your immune system and fight inflammation. It also helps with digestion and appetite control, assisting in weight management. Drinking citron tea can help prevent colds, improve mood, and reduce stress.

4. Cucumber and mint-infused water

Cucumber and mint-infused water is a refreshing drink you can make at home. You only need some sliced cucumbers, fresh mint leaves, and water. Let them infuse for a few hours or overnight, and enjoy. This drink is hydrating, detoxifying, and cooling. It can help you flush out toxins, reduce bloating, and curb cravings. Drinking cucumber and mint-infused water can help you stay hydrated, refreshed, and satisfied.

5. Ginseng Tea (Insam-Cha)

Ginseng is a prized herb in Korean traditional medicine. It has numerous health benefits, including its potential to aid weight loss. Ginseng tea is made by stepping dried ginseng roots in hot water. It has a bitter, earthy taste that can be sweetened with honey or sugar. Ginseng tea can boost your energy, metabolism, and mood. It can also suppress your appetite and stimulate fat burning. Drinking ginseng tea can help you feel more energetic, alert, and motivated.

6. Mugwort Tea (Ssuk-Cha)

Mugwort is a common herb in Korean cuisine and medicine. It has a distinctive aroma and flavour that can be acquired over time. Mugwort tea is made by infusing dried mugwort leaves in hot water. It has a green and herbal taste that can be balanced with honey or sugar. Mugwort tea can aid digestion, liver health, and detoxification. It can also enhance metabolism and fat loss. Drinking mugwort tea can help you cleanse your body, regulate your hormones, and improve your skin.

7. Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented tea drink that originated in China and became popular in Korea and other countries. It is made by adding a culture of bacteria and yeast to sweetened tea and letting it ferment for a few days or weeks. It has a fizzy and sour taste that can vary depending on the type of tea and flavourings used. Kombucha is rich in probiotics and enzymes that can support gut health and digestion. It can also help with weight loss by improving metabolism and reducing sugar cravings. Drinking kombucha can help you balance your gut flora, boost your immunity, and enhance your mood.

Conclusion

These Korean healthy drinks can help you lose weight faster and more efficiently. They are delicious, refreshing, and packed with benefits. Try them out and see the difference for yourself. Cheers to a healthier and happier you.

February 19, 2024

Health, Healthy drinks, weight loss

Wedding Wellness with Luke Coutinho: Starting the Journey

Luke Coutinho, India’s leading Integrative Lifestyle Expert, believes that true wedding prep goes far beyond fitting into an outfit or chasing picture-perfect looks. For him, it’s about building strength, balance, and inner calm that lasts well beyond the wedding day. Here, he shares his holistic wellness guide for brides and grooms stepping into this new chapter. From a holistic health perspective, how early should brides and grooms start preparing their bodies for the wedding? I’ve always believed that wedding prep should start with the inside. If we’re talking about sustainable energy, balanced hormones, strong immunity, or calm emotional states it’s not a 15-day crash course. It’s a rhythm you build. Ideally, I encourage couples to begin six to 12 months in advance. That gives us space to work on the deeper layers like gut repair, sleep cycles, metabolic health, and emotional resilience. Even three months can make a real difference if done right. But more than timelines, I believe in intention. Whether you start 12 months or six weeks before, ask yourself: Am I just trying to look good for a day, or do I want to feel well through all the days that follow? How can couples set wellness goals that go beyond just looking good in wedding photos?It’s easy to get caught up in aesthetics wanting to fit into a certain outfit or chase a number on the scale. But real wellness is about how you feel your energy, your digestion, your mood, your ability to stay calm amidst the chaos. I always tell couples: Don’t make the goal about shrinking your body. Make it about strengthening your health, supporting your hormones, and building the emotional resilience to actually enjoy your wedding. When you feel good inside, it shows up outside on your skin, in your eyes, and

Health

Eating Right, Feeling Bright: How to Stay Healthy and Happy This Festive Season

As the festive season arrives, it’s easy to get swept up in the celebration and sometimes, overdo it. Between rich sweets, back-to-back parties, and emotional highs (and lows), maintaining your health both physical and emotional can become challenging. SINDURI VUPPALA speaks to two experts Dietician Vidhi Chawla, Founder of FISICO Diet & Aesthetic Clinic, and Rajvir Kohar, a seasoned Mental Health Clinician to bring you a guide on how to eat mindfully and feel emotionally balanced this season. “It’s okay not to feel festive. Honour your emotions.” – Mental Health Clinician Rajvir Kohar While cultural celebrations and holidays offer opportunities for connections and joy, they also come with increased expectations and responsibilities. Research indicates that mental health symptoms such as stress, anxiety, disrupted sleep, and emotional eating often rise during the festive season. Many individuals experience heightened stress around the holidays, primarily due to factors such as financial strain, time pressures, and family dynamics. Financial challenges can be particularly overwhelming, as people feel the burden of purchasing gifts, hosting gatherings, and keeping up with social expectations. For individuals already managing financial constraints, these demands can deepen feelings of inadequacy or guilt. Additionally, the festive season can bring emotional pain for those grieving the loss of a loved one. Others may experience a profound sense of loneliness, especially if they lack close family or social networks, making the celebratory atmosphere feel isolating rather than inclusive. Common mental health symptoms during this period include disturbed sleep, changes in appetite (either overeating or under-eating), increased irritability, fatigue, and social withdrawal. While these feelings are common, they often go unnoticed amidst societal expectations to “stay cheerful.” Despite these challenges, it is possible to approach the festive season with mindfulness and care. By adopting practical strategies, you can protect your mental health and still engage

Health

Managing Psychological Stress in Marriage in India

Marriage, while often seen as a sacred bond in India, is also a complex partnership that involves emotional investment, societal expectations, and continuous adaptation. In the Indian context, marriage isn’t just a union between two individuals it’s often a confluence of families, traditions, and social norms. While love and companionship are central, psychological stress can quietly build over time due to unmet expectations, communication gaps, external pressures, and the lack of personal space. Managing this stress effectively is crucial for a healthy and fulfilling marital life. Understanding the Sources of Stress Recognizing the Signs of Stress Psychological stress in marriage often doesn’t manifest dramatically. Instead, it appears in small, persistent ways: If left unaddressed, this stress can escalate into anxiety disorders, depression, or even marital breakdown. Strategies to Manage Marital Stress 1. Open, Non-Judgmental Communication The cornerstone of any successful marriage is healthy communication. Couples must learn to express themselves openly, without fear of being judged. Schedule “talk time” to share your thoughts, concerns, or even simple day-to-day feelings. Use “I feel” statements rather than blame-focused language to prevent defensiveness. 2. Set Realistic Expectations Bollywood and societal portrayals of “perfect marriages” create unrealistic standards. Accept that no marriage is without flaws. Understand each other’s limitations and strengths, and be willing to compromise without losing your core identity. 3. Establish Boundaries with Extended Family While respecting elders and family traditions is important, couples must create healthy boundaries. This includes making joint decisions independently, especially on matters like finances, parenting, or living arrangements. A united front reduces external interference and strengthens the couple’s bond. 4. Seek Professional Help Therapy is still stigmatized in parts of India, but counseling individuals or couples can be transformative. A trained therapist helps you identify patterns, improve communication, and resolve conflicts constructively. Many Indian metro cities and

Health

Why Soaking Rice Reduces Glucose: Science, Steps, and Stats

Rice is a staple food for millions across the globe, but it’s also often blamed for raising blood sugar levels—especially white rice due to its high glycemic index (GI). However, a simple, age-old practice can help: soaking rice before cooking. This traditional method doesn’t just make rice softer and faster to cook—it also offers a science-backed way to reduce its glucose content and make it healthier. Hashtag Magazines gives you a lowdown… The Science Behind Soaking Rice When you soak rice, several things happen: Supporting Research and Statistics A study published in Food Chemistry (2015) found: Another study from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition noted: A 2022 clinical trial in India showed: How to Soak Rice to Lower Glucose Step-by-Step Method: Glycemic Index Reduction – Before & After Soaking Type of Rice GI (Unsoaked) GI (After Soaking) White rice 72 60–65 Brown rice 68 55–60 Basmati rice 58 45–50 Red rice 55 40–48 Additional Tips to Reduce Sugar Spike from Rice Why This Matters for Diabetics and Health-Conscious Eaters Blood sugar spikes can lead to fatigue, weight gain, insulin resistance, and long-term complications like diabetes or heart disease. Making simple changes like soaking rice helps: Conclusion Soaking rice is a simple, no-cost step with massive health benefits. Whether you’re managing diabetes, watching your weight, or just aiming for better gut health, soaking rice before cooking can significantly lower its glucose impact. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in Indian kitchens, now backed by science.