How many are aware of what berberine is? Also called as nature`s Ozempic, berberine is a compound belonging to the alkaloid group that is present naturally in plants like European barberry, phellodendron etc. Point to be noted is that it is bitter in taste and is yellowish in colour. It is true that its use can be traced to traditional Chinese medicine or TCM. Working mechanism of berberine in our body: Berberine would activate an enzyme present in the cells called AMPK or activated protein kinase. It must be taken into note that metabolism would be regulated and also the energy levels by this AMPK. Various health benefits of berberine are Lowers blood sugar in us: These days, many people have increased blood sugar levels or diabetes in them. It must be noted that berberine has the ability to lower blood sugar levels. Therefore, those with type 2 diabetes or those having risk of developing it would be benefited. Improves cholesterol: Bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides would get lowered and good cholesterol or HDL would get increased due to berberine. This would also support heart health in us. Helps in weight loss: It can be a superb weight loss supplement. This has been proved by research studies also. By improving metabolism and by reducing fat storage, berberine would help us in weight loss. Inflammation gets lowered: It has been brought out by the doctors that berberine has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in it. This would lower the inflammation in us and protect us against cell damage. Point is that berberine reduces oxidative stress, minimises the inflammatory protein production and promotes immune regulation. Reduces depression symptoms:  It has been revealed by some studies that berberine might also lower depression symptoms in us. Other benefits of berberine are Berberine might reduce the growth of various types of cancer plus reduce the growth of microorganisms like virus, bacteria and fungi etc. Those with heart failure coululd feel delighted because berberine has the ability to prevent death in these patients also.

It`s not only about eating less but also eating right!! This is regarding dieting many women follow these days. Truth is that cutting calories intake, skipping indulgences and trying to eat clean won`t be enough for those women who are dieting. The unknowingly made mistakes by many women these days regarding food intake would slow down metabolism, drain energy and might even result in unhealthy weight increase in them. So, please be careful and take care of your health. Some common mistakes women make regarding dieting are Relying on low calorie diet: Bitter truth is that packaged foods have sugars, sodium and refined carbohydrates and these would increase hunger. Though these foods might appear healthy but they would create issues in weight loss efforts taken by the women. It is superb to choose whole nutrient dense foods that would curb hunger and improve overall health. Vitamins, minerals etc would be provided in plenty by whole nutrient foods. Cutting out all carbohydrates: Energy in women would get drained, hormones would get disrupted and recovery would get affected when they consume an extremely low carbohydrate diet. Women must not completely cut off carbohydrates intake as it would lead to certain side effects in them. It is good to eat whole carbohydrate foods like millets, oats, fruits etc for sustained energy and overall health etc. Avoiding healthy fats: Women would not get the much needed fatty acids if they avoid healthy fats like oils, nuts and seeds etc. For the production of hormones and for good skin health, fatty acids in healthy fats are important. Intake of chia seeds, flaxseeds, almonds etc are very essential for women. The overall health of women would get better by the presence of omega 3 fatty acids present in these foods. Skipping meals or fasting long etc: Women could overeat and they could have stress hormones increase and poor metabolism etc if they skip meals without proper planning. For sustaining energy levels and for metabolism, it is necessary to eat balanced meals at regular intervals. Stress would be reduced and overall well being would be there by eating regular meals. Ignoring micronutrients: For optimal body functions, micronutrients are very much needed. Therefore, women mustn`t igngnore micronutrients at any cost. Bitter fact is that eating just calories and macronutrients would lead to gaps in minerals and vitamins. Women must consume greens, seeds for the sake of micronutrients. 

Have you eaten potatoes with dairy products and felt heavy? Being versatile, affordable and able to compliment a variety of dishes, potatoes are one of the most consumed vegetables across the globe. It is worthy to note that potatoes can be mashed or boiled, baked or roasted and they are used in combination with many cuisines. It is known that potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, fibres, minerals and vitamins etc and eating potatoes would provide us with many health benefits. The health benefits of eating potatoes are improved heart health, improved digestive health, provides sustained energy, helps to weight management etc. Avoid these foods with potatoes Avoid potatoes with non-veg foods: For optimal digestion, foods like meat, eggs and fish require an acidic environment. Potatoes would require an alkaline environment as they are starchy foods. When we consume NV foods with potatoes, our digestive system would be made to work harder and this can lead to issues like bloating, indigestion and sluggishness etc. Avoid potatoes with dairy products: It must be noted that dairy products are a superb combination with potatoes. By consuming potatoes with dairy products like paneer, milk, curd etc we might get issues like acidity and gas etc especially in those with sensitive stomachs. Avoid potatoes with baked vegetables: Combining baked vegetables with potatoes is not advisable. This can lead to overloading of the digestive system. Truth is that both potatoes and baked vegetables are rich in starch and fibres and intake of the combo would lead to bloating etc in us. Avoid potatoes with lentils and pulses etc: We could feel heavy by eating potatoes with lentils. Point is that lentils are high in proteins and fibres and combining with potatoes could slow down digestion in us plus fermentation in the gut and formation of gas etc. Avoid potatoes with bananas: Our digestive system would find it difficult to handle when we eat potatoes and bananas together. We could feel bloated and heavy. Avoid potatoes with acidic vegetables: It is important to note that we must not eat acidic vegetables like tomatoes etc along with potatoeses. This can lead to bloating, gas etc in us. Avoid potatoes with sugary foods: There could be rapid spikes in the blood sugar levels in us followed by sudden crashes if we eat potatoes with sugary foods like desserts and sweet beverages etc. There are chances of weight gain, metabolic issues etc. It would be good to consume potatoes with foods with fibres, healthy fats etc.