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

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.

Health

Best in-clinic treatments for summer

Dr Shilpa Patil, MD Dermatologist and Director of Ethoski Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., shares expert insights on the best in-clinic treatments for summer, the dos and don’ts of exfoliation, and how to safely achieve a radiant glow. What in-clinic skin treatments should people opt for in summer, and which ones should they avoid? Opt for hydrating treatments like HydraFacial, chemical peels, Fire & Ice facial, and IV therapies for inner hydration. Avoid excessive exfoliation, as it can lead to dryness and irritation. Do laser and chemical peel treatments have different effects on the skin during summer? Yes, they work differently, Chemical Peels exfoliate the outer skin layer and help with acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, sunspots, and age spots. They range from light to deep intensity and require some downtime. Laser Treatments use focused light beams to break down pigmented cells and treat hyperpigmentation. Q-switch lasers – Nd YAG is used for pigmentation. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) lasers are for reducing sun damage. Fractional lasers (538 nm to 1064 nm) target deeper pigmentation. Pigmentation may darken initially before fading gradually, and lasers are safe for all skin types. How do you recommend treating pigmentation that worsens due to sun exposure? To treat pigmentation that worsens due to sun exposure, it is essential to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50+ daily and wear sun-protective clothing to minimize direct exposure. Topical treatments such as retinoids, hydroquinone, vitamin C, azelaic acid, and kojic acid can help lighten pigmentation and even out skin tone. For more persistent cases, in-clinic procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, IPL, and Q-switch laser treatments can effectively reduce pigmentation and improve skin clarity. What role does Vitamin C play in skin brightening, and should it be used more in summer? Vitamin C helps prevent heat rash by reducing sweat gland

Health

Exploring Indian Rice Varieties and Their Health Benefits

India is not just a land of spices and festivals but also a rich treasury of rice varieties. From the snow-fed Himalayan valleys to the sun-soaked southern deltas, rice has been a staple grain in Indian households for centuries. What sets India apart is the sheer diversity of rice grown—over 40,000 varieties! Each variety comes with its own taste, texture, aroma, and health benefits. Hashtag magazine delves into some of the most popular Indian rice varieties and understands how they contribute to your well-being. 1. Basmati Rice Region: North India (Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand)Features: Long-grain, aromatic, fluffy when cooked Health Benefits: Best Used For: Biryani, pulao, jeera rice, festive meals 2. Sona Masoori Region: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, KarnatakaFeatures: Medium-grain, lightweight, less polished than basmati Health Benefits: Best Used For: Daily meals, lemon rice, pongal, plain rice 3. Indrayani Rice Region: MaharashtraFeatures: Aromatic, sticky texture when cooked Health Benefits: Best Used For: Khichdi, dal rice, curd rice 4. Gobindobhog Rice Region: West BengalFeatures: Short-grain, aromatic, sticky Health Benefits: Best Used For: Bengali desserts, khichuri, payesh 5. Matta Rice (Rosematta/Red Parboiled Rice) Region: KeralaFeatures: Red-tinted rice, coarse, earthy flavor Health Benefits: Best Used For: Kerala meals, kanji (rice porridge) 6. Black Rice (Chak Hao) Region: Manipur and Northeast IndiaFeatures: Dark purple-black color, chewy texture Health Benefits: Best Used For: Pudding, salads, stir-fries, special occasions 7. Brown Rice Region: Grown all over IndiaFeatures: Whole grain, chewy texture Health Benefits: Best Used For: Health-conscious meals, grain bowls, pilafs 8. Red Rice Region: Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil NaduFeatures: Reddish hue from anthocyanins, nutty flavor Health Benefits: Best Used For: Traditional South Indian meals, power-packed lunches 9. Bamboo Rice Region: Tribal regions of Kerala, Tamil NaduFeatures: Collected from mature bamboo flowers, seasonal and rare Health Benefits: Best Used For: Unique rice dishes, porridge, desserts 10. Kalajeera Rice (Baby Basmati) Region: Odisha and West BengalFeatures: Small-grain, mildly aromatic Health Benefits: Best Used For: Pulao, prasad, daily meals Health Tips While Choosing Rice: Conclusion Rice is more than just a