7 snacks that help lower your cholesterol Cholesterol in the blood can be a problem when its levels are high. It can lead to clogged arteries and exposes a person to the risk of a heart attack or a stroke. Those with high cholesterol need to follow a strict diet. The snacks listed here can help in lowering cholesterol levels. Nuts Nuts are tasty and filling and would be a great snack for anyone. Having a fistful of nuts at 11 am or 4 pm is the best way to snack to avoid hunger pangs and to feel satisfied. Those having high cholesterol levels would find nuts highly beneficial as nuts have shown to be useful in reducing the levels of bad cholesterol, i.e., LDL cholesterol. Almonds, cashew nuts, pecans, Brazil nuts, and peanuts can be consumed as a snack. A quarter cup per day is recommended by the American Heart Association. Popcorn A tasty snack that everyone loves is popcorn. For someone with high cholesterol, popcorn can be a good snack to help in lowering the levels, provided it is made without butter and salt. Instead of butter, olive oil would help not just in reducing bad cholesterol levels but also in increasing good cholesterol levels.

Foods to avoid if one has colitis Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum, which make up for a major part of the large intestine. It can cause symptoms like bleeding from the rectum, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. These can flare up due to various triggers, with food being one of the major ones. A low-fat, low-salt, high-calorie, low-fiber and gluten-free diet is the best diet to follow for those who suffer from colitis. There are certain foods can result in the aggravation of the symptoms of the condition, read on to know more. Gluten Foods that have gluten, like wheat, rye, and barley can cause allergies in some people. It can also lead to the development of symptoms similar to those seen in ulcerative colitis in those who have gluten sensitivity. This is why the ingredient is high on the list of foods to be avoided. Alcohol Alcohol can irritate the stomach and worsen the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. It must be avoided or consumed in moderation and ideally, one should either drink alcohol with a meal instead of on an empty stomach. High-fiber foods High-fiber foods like adzuki beans, peas, lentils, and legumes can cause bloating and gas and can worsen the symptoms of colitis.

Diet options that help ease constipation Constipation occurs when bowel movements become difficult and infrequent (less than 3 times a week). Constipation can be prevented by following a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water. Constipation mostly occurs when there is an insufficient intake of water and fiber. The symptoms of constipation are bloating in the stomach, dry and hard stools, and difficulty in emptying bowels. Thankfully, constipation can be cured by correcting your eating habits. Some foods that help relieve constipation are: Fruits Fruits are abundant with dietary fiber which helps relieve one from the symptoms of constipation. Along with the goodness of fiber, fruits are also filled with vitamins and other nutrients that benefit the body in various ways. Fruits like kiwi, pineapples, berries, apricots, papaya, figs, peaches, plums, grapes, pears help improve one’s bowel movement. Flax seeds Flax seeds are filled with a high amount of fiber, along with other nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which help in easy bowel movements. These flax seeds can be added to a variety of dishes like salads, oatmeal, milkshakes, etc. Vegetables To obtain a high amount of fiber content in our body, it is advised to eat vegetables every day.

5 foods that ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disorder that causes a host of discomforting symptoms like inflammation in the digestive tract, pain in the abdominal area, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and rectal bleeding. At times, these symptoms tend to intensify and lead to a flare-up. Coping with Crohn’s disease flare-up can be extremely challenging as it can have a direct impact on your quality of life. Diet plays a crucial role in tackling the symptoms of this disease. What you eat can either help minimize the severity of the symptoms or worsen the condition. Herein, we discuss some of the best foods you can have to relieve these painful and discomforting symptoms. Refined grains Refined grains are some of the best food items that you can have to relieve yourself from the symptoms of this chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Unlike whole grains, refined grain items can be easily digested. These food items contain a low content of fiber and are likely to help with the flare-up. Some of the refined grain food items you can consume to subside Crohn’s disease symptoms are white bread, rice, pasta, and pancakes. Fully cooked vegetables Fully cooked vegetables are known to support the digestive system’s overall health.

Depression is a common problem faced by many people. It can have a negative effect on one’s mental health. Food has an important role to play in fighting depression. There are certain food items that can help with depression and improve a person’s general mental health. Antioxidants It is believed that free radicals in the body have a role to play in causing depression. Antioxidants that are found in food can help fight them. This in turn helps to fight the symptoms of depression. Some of the foods rich in antioxidants are broccoli, carrots, peaches, pumpkin, spinach, tomatoes, nuts, seeds, sweet potato, kiwi, pepper, and green tea. Good carbohydrates There are certain food items that have ‘good’ carbohydrates. They are complex carbs that have a number of health benefits. They produce a chemical called serotonin that can help to improve one’s mood and thus fight depression. Good carbohydrates are found in whole grains, legumes, and fruits like apple. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish like tuna, sardines, herring, and salmon. They are also abundantly found in nuts like walnuts and almonds. Apart from food, they are also available as food supplements. Studies have shown that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids helps to reduce anxiety levels in those who suffer from depression.

Top 10 snacks for those with diabetes It is very important to keep blood sugar under control to prevent health problems like kidney failure. Diet is very important for diabetics and they need to be careful about what they eat. The snacks mentioned herein would be excellent choices for diabetics. Almonds Almonds have various minerals and vitamins that are very useful in controlling blood sugar level. Studies have shown regular consumption of almonds result in reduced blood sugar levels. Almonds are a good snack for diabetics to enjoy. They are also good for cardiac health. Yogurt and berries Yogurt and berries are a very good snack for diabetics to enjoy. Yogurt is a probiotic that can help in digestion and thus aids the absorption of food with sugar. Berries are rich in fiber and help to stabilize the level of blood sugar. It also has antioxidants that can reduce inflammation in the pancreas and ensure low sugar levels. Hard-boiled eggs Eggs that are hard-boiled have protein. This can ensure that blood sugar levels don’t rise after a snack. Eggs are also filling and eating two eggs daily ensures a diabetic doesn’t feel hungry and snack on unhealthy food. Salsa on eggplant A good snack that diabetics can have is eggplant slices that are baked with black-bean salsa on it.

Gastritis is a stomach disorder where the stomach lining becomes inflamed. It may happen due to certain foods or bacterial infection. Gastritis can be avoided by shunning certain foods as they help in dealing with the symptoms. Herein, we discuss the foods one needs to have and avoid when suffering from gastritis diet. What to avoid Gastritis symptoms can be aggravated by certain foods. Allergies to foods can cause gastritis and, hence, certain foods need to be avoided as they would trigger symptoms. Spicy foods Spicy food can irritate the stomach and aggravate the symptoms of gastritis. Peppers, chili powder and chilies in general, jalapenos, and spices like nutmeg and clove can cause a wide variety of problems. Spicy foods should be avoided or a least used in moderation. Alcohol Alcohol can aggravate symptoms of gastritis and should be definitely avoided. The stomach lining is adversely affected when Acidic foods Food that is acidic in nature must be avoided. It can irritate the stomach. This includes citrus fruits, coffee, grains, and even tomatoes. Any acidic food affecting a person must be avoided to prevent worsening of the symptoms. Fried and fatty foods Foods that are fried and fatty affect the digestive system.

The American Academy of Dermatology has stated that 80 million men and women in the country suffer from hereditary hair loss, one of the most common types of hair loss. On a positive note, hair loss can be stopped or reduced considerably with certain changes in hair treatment or the diet. Certain foods can promote hair growth and improve the quality of hair, and healthy hair in men also increases their confidence. Here are the best foods to promote healthy hair growth in men: Eggs Eggs are an amazing source of protein and biotin, two nutrients that can promote hair growth. Hair follicles are made up of protein and biotin is known to promote keratin, which is responsible for hair growth. Green leafy vegetables Dark leafy vegetables like spinach are rich in iron and can contribute to hair growth. Iron deficiency can cause hair loss, making iron an important nutrient to be incorporated into the daily diet. Iron is also found in red meat like beef, but one should keep in mind that eating too much red meat can increase the risk of developing heart diseases due to their high fat content. Salmon Fish like salmon are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, and healthy fats like these help in keeping the hair lush and healthy.