Wellness

Rice as Medicine: Choosing the Right Grain for Your Health Needs

Rice isn’t just a staple food—it’s a healing grain that’s been part of Indian diets for centuries. Different varieties offer different nutrients and health benefits, making it possible to tailor your rice intake to combat specific diseases and nutritional deficiencies.

Hashtag magazine tells you how different Indian rice types support various health conditions:

1. For Diabetes

Best Rice: Black Rice, Brown Rice, Red Rice, Sona Masoori (semi-polished)

Why?

Low Glycemic Index (GI): These varieties cause slower blood sugar spikes.
High in fiber: Helps with blood sugar management.
Anthocyanins in Black Rice also support insulin sensitivity.

Tip: Avoid highly polished white rice. Pair with pulses or vegetables for a balanced meal.

2. For Heart Health

Best Rice: Red Rice, Brown Rice, Matta (Kerala Red Rice)

Why?

Rich in antioxidants, magnesium, and fiber
Lowers LDL (bad cholesterol)
Improves blood pressure and blood flow

Tip: Use these for regular meals instead of white rice to protect your heart long-term.

3. For Iron Deficiency / Anemia

Best Rice: Black Rice, Red Rice, Bamboo Rice

Why?

High in iron and folate
Bamboo rice and red rice are often recommended in traditional diets for increasing hemoglobin levels

Tip: Cook with jaggery or dark leafy greens for added iron absorption.

4. For Bone Strength & Joint Health

Best Rice: Matta Rice, Bamboo Rice

Why?

Rich in calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium
Bamboo rice has natural healing compounds used in tribal medicine for joint pain and arthritis

Tip: Serve as a porridge (kanji) with ghee for enhanced benefits.

5. For Weight Management / Obesity

Best Rice: Brown Rice, Sona Masoori, Red Rice

Why?

High in fiber = promotes fullness
Lower starch = reduced calorie intake
Improves gut health and metabolism

Tip: Try portion control with hand-pounded rice + salads and protein for effective weight loss.

6. For Digestive Health

Best Rice: Gobindobhog, Indrayani, Kalajeera Rice (Baby Basmati)

Why?

Soft and easy to digest
Ideal for post-illness recovery or people with sensitive stomachs
Promotes gut flora balance

Tip: Use these for curd rice or lightly spiced khichdi.

7. For Antioxidant Boost / Anti-Ageing

Best Rice: Black Rice, Red Rice, Wild Rice (where available)

Why?

Rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols
Fights free radicals and oxidative stress
Supports skin and organ health

Tip: Great for beauty diets and detox routines.

8. For Pregnancy & Lactation Support

Best Rice: Parboiled Rice, Gobindobhog, Kalajeera Rice

Why?

Easy to digest
Offers natural folate, energy, and B-vitamins
Strengthens immunity during and post-pregnancy

Tip: Make porridge with these during third trimester and postnatal period.

9. For Mental Well-Being & Sleep

Best Rice: Kalajeera Rice, Indrayani Rice

Why?

Traditionally used to calm the mind
Naturally promotes serotonin and melatonin levels

Tip: Light evening meals using these rice types can aid better sleep and relaxation.

10. For Protein Deficiency (Supportive)

Best Rice: Bamboo Rice, Brown Rice (paired with dals/legumes)

Why?

Bamboo rice has higher protein content than most rice
Brown rice contains more amino acids when combined with lentils

Tip: Always combine rice with dals or fermented foods for better protein bioavailability.

Bonus: How to Choose the Right Rice

Health Goal	Rice Type
Weight Loss	Brown / Red Rice
Energy Recovery	Basmati / Gobindobhog
Diabetic Diet	Black / Sona Masoori
Bone Health	Matta / Bamboo Rice
Beauty + Antioxidants	Black / Red Rice
Daily Easy Digestion	Kalajeera / Indrayani

Final Thoughts:

Rice, when chosen mindfully, can support your healing, prevention, and nutrition goals. Instead of seeing rice as a “carb to avoid,” it’s time to rediscover it as a therapeutic grain deeply rooted in Indian food wisdom.

April 9, 2025

Increased Hair Fall in Summer and How to Control It

The sun is out and vacations are planned, but there’s one summer guest we never invite—excessive hair fall. If you’ve noticed more strands on your pillow, in the shower drain, or on your hairbrush during the hotter months, you’re not alone. Summer brings with it a slew of hair woes thanks to rising temperatures, increased sweating, and exposure to heat and humidity. The good news? It’s preventable and treatable with the right care, Hashtag magazine gives you a lowdown… Why Does Hair Fall Increase in Summer? 1. Sweaty Scalp and Oil Buildup:Excessive sweating clogs pores on the scalp, weakening hair roots and leading to hair fall. 2. UV Ray Exposure:The sun’s UV rays can damage the scalp, weaken the hair shaft, and cause dryness and brittleness. 3. Dehydration:Your hair needs moisture to stay healthy. If you’re not drinking enough water, your strands can turn weak and break easily. 4. Pool Chlorine and Salt Water:Frequent dips in the pool or sea? Chlorine and salt strip hair of its natural oils, leaving it dull and vulnerable to breakage. 5. Change in Diet and Routine:Holiday binging, skipping meals, irregular sleep patterns, or high stress levels can also cause hair to shed more. How to Control Hair Fall in Summer 1. Keep Your Scalp Clean and Sweat-Free 2. Hydrate Inside Out 3. Cover Up When Out in the Sun 4. Avoid Over-Styling and Heat Tools 5. Oil Massage Once a Week 6. Use a Hair Mask 7. Eat Hair-Loving Foods 8. Avoid Tight Hairstyles 9. Use Satin Pillowcases When to Seek Help If your hair fall is sudden, or excessive, or you notice bald spots or thinning, it’s wise to consult a dermatologist or trichologist. Summer hair fall is common, but sometimes it could be masking underlying issues like hormonal imbalance, thyroid problems, or

Wellness

Spiritual Retreats in the Himalayas

The Himalayas, one of the world’s most majestic and awe-inspiring mountain ranges, have long been a source of spiritual inspiration and guidance for millions of people. For centuries, the Himalayas have been revered as a sacred and mystical land, where the air is crisp, the water is pure, and the energy is palpable. In this article, we will delve into the importance of the Himalayas for spirituality, yoga, and meditation and explore some of the best retreats in the region. The Spiritual Significance of the Himalayas The Himalayas have been a sacred and spiritual destination for thousands of years, attracting sages, saints, and seekers of truth from all over the world. The region is home to some of the most revered and sacred sites in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, including the Ganges River, the Yamuna River, and the holy city of Rishikesh. The Himalayas are considered a sacred and mystical land because of their unique geography and geology. The region is home to some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest, K2, and Kangchenjunga, which are considered sacred and awe-inspiring. The Himalayas are also home to numerous glaciers, rivers, and lakes, which are considered sacred and life-giving. The Importance of the Himalayas for Hindus The Himalayas hold a special significance for Hindus, who consider the region to be the abode of the gods. The region is home to numerous sacred sites, including the Char Dham temples, which are considered to be the four most sacred temples in Hinduism. The Char Dham temples are located in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas and are dedicated to the four gods: Badrinath (Vishnu), Kedarnath (Shiva), Gangotri (Ganga), and Yamunotri (Yamuna). The Himalayas are also considered to be the home of the sages and rishis, who are revered in Hinduism as

Wellness

How to Stay Fit, Healthy, and Happy with these Wellness and Fitness Trends

The pandemic has changed how we think about our health and well-being. More than ever, we are looking for ways to stay fit, healthy, and happy in a challenging world. Whether it’s finding new ways to exercise, exploring alternative therapies, or embracing a more holistic approach to wellness, plenty of trends are shaping the future of health and fitness. Dhanush Kumar explores some of the most popular and promising ones you should try. Virtual and Augmented Reality Workouts If you are bored of the same old treadmill or bike, why spice up your workout with virtual or augmented reality? VR and AR workouts can transport you to different worlds, where you can enjoy immersive and interactive experiences that challenge your body and mind. You can also play VR games like Thrill of the Fight, a VR boxing game that tests your stamina and skills in the ring. VR and AR workouts are not only fun and engaging, but they are also making exercise more accessible for people with disabilities or mobility issues. IoT-enabled fitness devices Wearable technology like smartwatches and fitness trackers have been around for a while, but the next generation of wearables is set to rule in the coming years. These devices can collect biometric data on body movement, distance traveled, muscle stretch, heart rhythm, and more to help you enhance and personalize your home workouts. Soon AI and machine learning will be integrated into these fitness wearables. Wellness Travel Traveling for wellness is not a new concept, but it is gaining more popularity as people seek out destinations that offer more than just sightseeing or relaxation. Wellness travel is about finding places to help you improve your physical, mental, or spiritual well-being through various activities, therapies, and experiences. For example, you can visit a wellness resort that

Wellness

Men’s Nutritional Deficiencies: Unveiling the Hidden Gaps

Maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for overall well-being, and men are no exception. However, due to various factors like hectic schedules, poor dietary choices, and lifestyle habits, men often fall victim to nutritional deficiencies. Dhanush Kumar explores the most common nutritional deficiencies that men encounter, their potential health impacts, and strategies to combat them for a healthier and more fulfilling life. Iron Deficiency Iron, an essential mineral, plays a crucial role in the production of red blood cells and oxygen transport throughout the body. Iron deficiency affects men too, though it is more prevalent among women. The lack of iron can lead to fatigue, weakness, and decreased cognitive function. Encouraging iron-rich foods such as lean red meat, spinach, lentils, and cereals can help combat this deficiency. Vitamin D Deficiency Vitamin D, often referred to as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ is synthesized in the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. However, due to modern sedentary lifestyles and limited sun exposure, many men suffer from inadequate levels of Vitamin D. This deficiency has been associated with decreased bone health, increased risk of certain cancers, and weakened immune function. Including Vitamin D-rich foods such as fatty fish, and dairy products, and spending time outdoors can help address this deficiency. Vitamin B12 Deficiency Vitamin B12 is vital for nerve function, red blood cell production, and maintaining cognitive health. Symptoms of deficiency include fatigue, memory loss, and numbness or tingling in the extremities. Incorporating foods like lean meats, fish, eggs, and plant-based alternatives can help address this nutritional gap. Magnesium Deficiency Magnesium, an essential mineral involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, is crucial for muscle function, energy production, and maintaining heart health. Men who engage in intense physical activity, experience high-stress levels, or consume excessive alcohol are prone