Health

8 Must Grow Edible Plants For Your Home Garden

Growing your edible plants at home is an exciting way to bring fresh, healthy produce to your table. If you are new to gardening, then growing edible plants at home is a great place to start. Whether you have a large garden outside or just a small balcony space, many easy-to-grow edible plants can provide delicious vegetables and herbs. They are not only tasty, but they have amazing nutritional benefits. Dhanush Kumar lists down the must-grow edible plants at home.

Carrot

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Carrot or Gajjar is a vegetable that can be used in mixed vegetable dishes and puddings. You can successfully grow carrots indoors with 6-8 hours of daylight. Carrots are quite suitable for indoor gardening because they take up less space. Place the seeds in a deep pot with good drainage holes and water the seeds regularly. It takes 60-80 days to get carrots in good size and flavour.

Best time to plant: August-September.

Tomatoes

Tomato is a healthy vegetable that can be easily grown in any space. They can grow well in pots that are 18-24 inches wide or more. Tomatoes require a warm temperature, and you have to wait for 30-40 days before harvesting them. Make sure that you give them plenty of sunlight and water daily.

Best time to plant: March-June

Potatoes

You can grow potatoes indoors because they do not require deep soil. A small pot can grow around five pounds of potatoes. Be sure that the container you are growing in has holes for drainage and water. They take less space and reap rapidly within a short period.

Best time to plant: Mid-June to Mid-July and October-November.

Chilli

Chilli or Mirchi is the most common vegetable utilized in dishes to add a little spice to your dishes. You can grow chill inside your home, and you can collect them whenever you want. The location of the pot should have a minimum of 6-7 hours of sunlight every day because chillies require warm and humid environments.

Best time to plant: May-June, September-October

Green Beans

Green beans are the basic pieces for the flavoured mixed vegetable dishes because it has a unique subtle taste to them. Sow the beans seeds directly into the soil about 1 inch deep, and wait for 50-60 days after planting to harvest your green beans. Like all vegetables, beans grow abundantly in daylight in moist or damp soil.

Best time to plant: August-September, and December-February.

Coriander

Coriander or Dhaniaya is used mostly for garnishing various Indian dishes. Before you plant coriander into the pot, pound the seeds and part them into two. Place the pot in an area where the plant gets at least 4-5 hours of sunlight. Coriander takes almost one to two weeks to grow, and you can take them instantly to use in your kitchen.

Best time to plant: March-September

Lemon Grass

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Lemongrass is a popular plant that is used for flavouring herbal teas. It can be easily grown in your garden or the kitchen as well. It is a sun-loving plant. Root the lemongrass in water for one week, and keep changing the water daily. Cut the stalks to 3 inches and place them in a large pot with good soil or you can simply plant them in the ground. Make sure to water every day for the first week, and the plant is ready to harvest in 3-4 months.

Best time to plant: Any time of the year.

Radish

Radish or Mooli is a root vegetable, and it is used as an addition to salads. Just like the carrot, Radish also needs to be planted in a deep pot or container with good drainage and natural soil. Usually, radishes take three to five weeks to harvest after planting.

Best time to plant: September-January

Conclusion

Growing edible plants at home can have numerous benefits and a sense of pride in growing your food. It also helps reduce your carbon footprint. Start small, then experiment with different plants and discover the joy of growing your food in your backyard.

February 26, 2023

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