Monday, Sep 19, 2005
Answers To Diet Questions
Pramila K Duphare, MS, RD, LDEducated from Lady Irwin College , Delhi University- I acquired my Diploma in Dietetics and Public Health Nutrition and Masters in Food And Nutrition. I worked in ALL INDIA INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES for 12 yrs as Clincial Dietition. I did additional course work and Internship from Univ of Wisconsin at Madison. Currently I work at Redmond Regional Hospital in Rome, GA as Registered and Licencesed Dietition.
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Readers can send their diet related questions to the nutrition expert, Pramila Duphare, by clicking on the comments page link at the bottom of the article. The answers to the questions will be published in the next update.
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Photo Source: www.foodsubs.com
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Que: What are the medical benefits of eating "Kalonji" the black seeds of onion?
From Shashi Bansal
Ans: Kalonji is known to be helpful in treatment of many ailments, like asthama, kidney stones, hemorrhoids and many other diseases. It is said to be good for digestion and flatulence. This information comes from anecdotal use of Kalonji from the Indian subcontinent and there have been no scientific studies to back this up.
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As with any nutritional supplement caution must be used before trying any treatment. Also use common sense and judgement -anything in excess can be harmful. So continue using kalonji in achars and panchphoran (tadka) but do more research before you try it to cure a disease.
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Photo Source:
California Avocado Commission
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Que: I am very fond of eating Avocado but I believe its calorie loaded. Is it as fattening as butter?
From Reena Patel
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Ans: Avocado is a rich source of saturated fatty acids and many different vitamins and micronutrients. Consuming it in moderation, a spoon or two once in a while, can be part of a healthy diet but eating a bowlful everyday is obviously in excess.
So go ahead and enjoy it occasionally but do remember, to stay healthy you must eat a wide variety of food and exercise regularly.
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Que: Are there any foods that will bring radiance to my skin and make my hair healthy?
From Beverly
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Ans:Eat a balanced diet which includes plenty of vegetables and fruits. Make sure you have some protein sources in your diet like milk meats and beans. For more tips go to http://www.Mypyramid.gov to customize a diet plan for yourself.
Try to avoid fried foods and keep your total fat intake below 25% of your total calories. Drink plenty of fluids, at least 6-8 glasses, a day. Water should be the top choice but other beverages in moderation are acceptable.
Keep your skin and hair clean, exercise regularly. You need to take care of your whole body and beautiful skin and hair will follow.
Que: I am a strict vegetarian and I have a condition called PCOS(Polycystic ovarian disease).I am a south indian and would like to know what kind of diet i can follow.Which foods are of low glycemic index?
From Anjali Rao
Ans: Hi Anjali,
Polycystic ovary disease causes hormonal imbalance and can cause insulin resistance in the body. This means that the blood glucose levels can be high, this can lead to diabetes and also weight gain.
You need to aim for a body weight within normal range- if you are over weight try to loose weight.
Try to eat meals which have a variety of food groups in it. A mixed diet gives the best results. This means each meal should include vegetables, fruits, beans/dals and rice/wheat/roti. Try to stay away from excessive amounts of sugars/sweets,foods made of refined flour and processed foods. Read food labels to find the total carbohydrate in all foods.
Low glycemic index foods GI less than 50 are:
Most vegetables like cauliflower, cucmber, eggplant, peppers, spinach, tomatoes and yogurt.
Medium GI foods 50-70 are:
Banana, cheese pizza, popcorn, instant oatmeal, orage juice from frozen concentrate, potato chips and white rice.
High GI food over 70 are:
Watermelon, honey, mashed potatoes, puffed wheat, cookies, pies and 'mithai' (Indian sweets)
For a more detailed diet contact a registered dietitian.
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