Health

Puja Gupta – Beauty with Brains

Former Miss India and actress Puja Gupta has a figure to die for. With over 1.1 million followers on social media, every move makes this beauty with the perfect curves an inspiration to many. Hashtag Magazine gets an exclusive interview with the bold, hot and sexy Punjabi girl from Delhi who swears by yoga and consistency as the key to a perfect bod…

1. From winning the pageant to movies, modelling and more it’s been quite a journey for you over the past decade. What projects are you currently working on now?

Professionally, I’ve always wanted to explore theatre as a medium. There’s a project I’m working on that has been delayed because of Covid but hopefully will be on stage this year. I’m excited about that. There are also several scripts I am reading for OTT projects.

2. A dog mom, we see a lot of your pooches in your posts as well. Tell us a little about your involvement with Lwiro Primates, and your work for animal protection.

I love animals in general. I have several dogs whom I adore. Lwiro Primates is a rehabilitation centre for chimpanzees. They save the chimpanzees from poachers, help them regain their strength and then release them back into the wild. I’m honoured to be chosen as the face for their brand, because I feel passionately for this cause and want to make a difference. I raise funds for them through my followers on social media and I am hoping to visit the centre in Africa after the pandemic.

3. OTT is now a big platform with a lot of opportunity, are you looking at any new characters to play?

I would love to play an Avatar sort of role where I get to actually do some martial arts. I have a brown belt in kickboxing and would love to get an opportunity for some of that on screen!

4.Since winning the Miss Universe pageant back in 2007 until today, you have managed to maintain a svelte figure. How do you manage to keep fit?

I am a fitness fiend! I have a home yoga, gym and a workout routine that I follow religiously. My main practice is yoga. I have been practising flow yoga for over a decade with my guru Dattatray Kudekar, who’s quite amazing and has even trained the Russian Prime Minister Putin.I’m consistent with my practice and put in at least an hour, because I truly believe that practice makes you perfect. It takes both practice and determination, which in turn teaches me patience. That’s the core of my fitness journey and I’m still learning.

5. What does your average diet consist of? There are so many theories on nutrition, what is your take on it?

I don’t believe in diets really. l prefer other methods like portion control and that works really well for my body. There’s enough awareness for everyone now on what is beneficial for the body and what is simply for pleasure. Harsh diets I feel, usually end up as self-destructive, because they are hard to sustain and people lose hope. I start my day with a protein packed breakfast and then I eat whatever I want, but always control the portions.

6. What are your top 5 fitness rules?

1. Remember that fitness is not just about looking good, it’s also about feeling good and having enough energy to do all that you want in your day, effectively

2. Get enough rest. A good night’s sleep is essential. In the lockdown many people’s sleep patterns have got affected – this can harm your long term wellbeing, so make sure you rest.

3. Workout religiously. Make it your anchor. Put aside at least an hour a day, and do it!

4. Hydrate: Drink enough water every day. Our bodies are mostly made up of water and when we lose this it is important to replenish.

5. Make good food choices. Don’t expect a miracle in a day, give yourself time to become the best version of you!

Quick Take:

· One fitness mantra you can’t go wrong with

Portion control with food

· On cheat days

I eat Maggie

· Any fitness writer/influencer you look up to

My guru is my inspiration Dattatray Kudekar. Humble and simple, he is my inspiration for fitness.

· How do you control binge eating?

Intermittent fasting – I fast for 16 hours so I stop eating after 8 pm and that has helped me a lot with binge eating at night.

· Any quick fixes for weight loss

I wish but quick also goes fast so be careful

· Hottest actor in the industry

Hrithik Roshan

On Fad Diets: I’m a Punjabi girl from Delhi, who loves food! I haven’t ever followed diets and wouldn’t recommend them to others.

June 2, 2021

Beauty with Brains, Puja Gupta

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