Health

Sun charged water: Importance and Benefits

Water is a key source of nourishment for the human body. How you consume water and the quality of water you intake affects your body’s physical and mental health. An online store for local Indian ‘super-foods’ Homegrown Platter shares information on sun charged water’s benefits and its Ayurvedic importance.

Gone are the days when we had the availability of fresh water directly from rivers and lakes. Today, a majority of drinking water sources have been polluted. Water is stored in plastic tanks and passed through rusted pipes which as a result ends up becoming what is known as ‘dead water’ according to Ayurveda. The easy solution is Sun Charged Water. Sun is the source of life, and it is believed that sunlight contains more than 70 elements and powerful waves. When mixed with water the water is charged while also making it anti-viral, antifungal, and antibacterial.

What is sun-charged water?

Sun-charged water is natural water infused with minerals from the sun.

How to make sun-charged water?

Procedure:

Pour clean drinking water into a shallow earthen pot or a clear glass container. Place it outside in direct sunlight (do not place it on grass).

Cover it using a thin muslin cloth or cork (in the case of glass bottles). Allow it to charge for a good 5-7 hours, preferably in the morning around 7-9 am. Later, collect it in your water dispenser and drink it within 24 hours (do not refrigerate).

Uses:

-Great for cooking food and bathing regularly for its natural potency, and hair and skin benefits.

-Beneficial for pets and plants.

What are the benefits of sun-charged water?

It has a lot of Ayurvedic importance and benefits. This solarized water is also known as sun-treatment or Surya Chikitsa/ Suryang Santaptam in Ayurveda. It is considered to be the purest water, which is highly effective due to the light and heat that oxidises the water, changing its molecular structure and making it more alive by infusing it with natural benefits.

Natural benefits of sun-charged water

-Its healing property addresses skin concerns and helps it glow naturally.

-Speeds up the healing process and improves skin condition through cell and tissue rejuvenation.

-An excellent natural source of Vitamin D. Solarized water contains a fantastic amount of natural sunshine that can give us around 10,000 IU of vitamin D. It is strong enough to help provide our bodies with Vitamin D, which is crucial for regulating your immune system.

-Helps get rid of diseases, eliminating the root cause of internal diseases and improves the health of internal organs.

-Maintains a healthy body by removing toxins.

-Removes heavy metals, radiation, and toxins from digestive systems as well as blood circulation systems that might cause congestion or other types of problems in the colon.

-During hotter months it can help change the PH level of the body to alkaline, thereby eliminating body heat and also decreasing the chances of getting sick with chronic diseases.

-Increased energy levels as it also helps with insomnia, depression, mental instability, and anxiety.

-Enhances memory, brain functioning and body’s energy retention power.

– Cleans brain cells from harmful ingredients and balances the quantum of the sun’s energy in the body.

Conclusion: Whether it is summer or winter, any time is the perfect time to get going with this habit and incorporate it into your daily routine because it’s these small steps that eventually make a huge difference in your overall well-being. You can also jazz up this water by adding 4 to 5 strands of vetiver roots or 2 to 3 drops of our edible rose water for an extra hydrating and cooling effect.

July 16, 2022

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.