Tag: Nutrition

Health

Cardiovascular Diseases Account for 17% of Deaths in Goa: Dr Roque Wiseman Pinto

Tanisha Cardozo

Cardiovascular diseases account for 17 per cent of all deaths in Goa, making them the single largest cause of mortality in the state, senior pathologist Dr Roque Wiseman Pinto said on Saturday.

Dr Pinto was speaking at an interactive presentation titled ‘Life’s Journey – The Long Haul’, organised as part of the centenary celebrations of Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias in Panaji. Drawing from his long engagement with medical records and postmortem data, including a 2008 study on mortality patterns in Goa, he underlined the growing burden of heart disease in the state.

“At the medical records department, I studied postmortem reports, pathology findings and death certificates and found that cardiovascular diseases were the most common cause of death among people in Goa, accounting for about seventeen per cent,” Dr Pinto said.

He attributed the rise in heart ailments to lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and drug use, along with underlying conditions like hypertension and diabetes. According to him, cardiac conditions including myocardial infarction, arrhythmias and heart failure are increasingly affecting younger individuals. “Usually heart attacks would occur in older people, sixty years and above, but in the last ten years we have seen younger people with heart attacks,” he noted.

Dr Pinto also highlighted the high prevalence of diabetes in Goa, stating that nearly one in four people in the state are affected. He warned that uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications such as kidney failure, stroke, dementia and organ damage. He pointed out that diabetic foot remains a major concern, with Goa Medical College performing an average of one amputation daily, either of a toe or an entire leg.

Addressing cancer, he said that around 30 per cent of cases are linked to smoking and passive smoking. He explained that cancer develops due to genetic changes, including in oncogenes and repair genes, and that environmental and lifestyle factors such as pollution, alcohol, certain occupations, infections and food additives also contribute to risk.

On pollution, Dr Pinto cited extensively studied cases in Delhi, where air pollution has been linked to construction activity, vehicular emissions and industrial operations. In Goa, he identified mining areas, coal handling, industrial estates and road construction as emerging concerns. He warned that pollution can lead to severe lung and respiratory diseases and may even affect unborn children through the placenta.

Emphasising preventive healthcare, Dr Pinto stressed that lifestyle choices remain the primary determinant of health outcomes and urged individuals to adopt healthier habits to reduce the growing burden of disease in the state.

Allycaral Kitchen

Celebrate Navratri 2025 with These 5 Delicious & Wholesome Fasting Foods

Tanisha Cardozo

Fasting during Navratri is more than a tradition—it’s a way to detox your body, renew your energy, and celebrate with purpose. But to stay truly active and healthy during the nine auspicious days, it’s important to eat right. Here are five fasting-friendly foods that not only taste great but also provide essential nutrition to keep you going strong.

🥗 1. Beetroot Salad: A Colorful Energy Booster

Beetroot salad is a refreshing, low-calorie fasting meal rich in antioxidants, fiber, and minerals. Add grated cucumber, carrot, or radish for extra crunch. A dash of lemon juice enhances flavor and provides a vitamin C boost. Sprinkle some roasted pumpkin seeds or sprouts to elevate the protein and healthy fat content.

✅ High in fiber
✅ Packed with antioxidants
✅ Supports digestion

🌾 2. Buckwheat Paratha: Hearty and Wholesome

Buckwheat (kuttu) flour is a powerhouse grain that’s allowed during fasting. Use it to make soft, delicious parathas, best served with curd or a simple potato curry. Cooking it in desi ghee adds flavor and boosts nutrition.

✅ Gluten-free grain
✅ Keeps you full longer
✅ Rich in protein and fiber

🥔 3. Curd Potatoes: Classic Comfort

This simple dish combines boiled potatoes with cooling yogurt. The starch from the potatoes provides energy, while yogurt adds protein and beneficial probiotics. Season with fasting rock salt and herbs like coriander for a delightful taste.

✅ Excellent source of energy
✅ Aids digestion
✅ Cooling and satisfying

🍚 4. Sabudana Poha: Light Yet Filling

Sabudana (sago) is a staple during fasting. Sabudana Poha is made with soaked sago pearls, peanuts, ghee, and mild spices. It’s light on the stomach yet high in carbohydrates, making it a perfect breakfast or snack during fasts.

✅ Easily digestible
✅ High in carbs and good fats
✅ Ideal for an energy boost

🥜 5. Sabudana Tikki: Crispy, Nutritious Snacks

Sabudana Tikkis are made from sago, boiled potatoes, and crushed peanuts. These can be shallow-fried or baked, offering a crispy exterior and soft inside. They’re a flavorful and protein-rich fasting snack.

✅ Great for evening hunger pangs
✅ Crunchy and delicious
✅ Rich in protein and carbs

Navratri fasting is not just a religious practice; it’s a mindful way to cleanse and nourish your body. Including foods like curd potatoes, buckwheat paratha, sabudana snacks, and beetroot salad ensures you stay healthy, energetic, and festive throughout the nine days. Balance your meals, hydrate well, and enjoy the spirit of Navratri with wellness and vitality.

Social

Vedanta Sesa Goa Ignites #RunForZeroHunger at VDHM 2025 with 5 Million Poshan Packs Mission

Tanisha Cardozo

Vedanta Sesa Goa has officially launched its #RunForZeroHunger initiative as part of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon (VDHM) 2025, setting an ambitious target to contribute 5 million ‘Poshan Packs’ to children and nutritious meals to animals. The campaign was kicked off with a vibrant walkathon held at Patto, Panjim, where employees, business partners, and community members gathered in solidarity for the cause.

The event was flagged off by Mr. Navin Jaju, CEO of Vedanta Sesa Goa, who emphasized the power of collective action in addressing hunger while also promoting personal health and well-being. Participants are encouraged to register on the Step Set Go app and contribute through their daily walks and runs, with every kilometer translating into a meaningful donation — a ‘Poshan Pack’ for a child and a meal for an animal.

The initiative, under the aegis of the Anil Agarwal Foundation, represents Vedanta’s deep commitment to social impact. Over past editions of the VDHM, Vedanta Sesa Goa has successfully delivered over 1 million meals. With the 2025 edition, the company seeks to multiply its efforts and impact by encouraging more people to join this unique movement that bridges fitness with philanthropy.

With over 40,000 participants already contributing more than 2 million Poshan Packs, the campaign is rapidly gaining momentum across India. Through its consistent efforts in nutrition, education, women’s empowerment, and animal welfare, Vedanta continues to lead with purpose and action — building not just healthier individuals but stronger communities.

Health

 Jamaat e Islami Hind Women’s Wing and Healthway Hospital Organize Free Medical Camp in Vasco

Closed Account

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

 The Jamaat e Islami Hind Women’s Wing, in partnership with Healthway Hospital, recently organized a free medical camp in Vasco, dedicated to improving women’s health in the community. This thoughtful initiative addressed a critical need, as many women often neglect their own health due to various reasons. Mrs. Naazmeen Khan, a prominent member of the Women’s Wing, emphasized that the camp was a sincere effort to serve society by reaching women who might otherwise hesitate to seek medical care.

The camp offered a range of general health screenings, including checks for diabetes, hypertension, orthopedic concerns, gynecology, and skin ailments. A physiotherapist was also present to provide expert advice and guidance. Dr. Ankit Nair, a specialist in general medicine, highlighted the importance of such camps in expanding healthcare access through comprehensive investigations and consultations. Dr. Rini Naik, a gynecologist, stressed the need for regular health checkups and early detection, especially for conditions like cancer, encouraging women to be proactive about their health. Additionally, she shared information about Healthway Hospital’s discounted test schemes, making essential diagnostics more affordable.

Dr. Anupama Kuchadkar, a dermatologist, urged women to seek care from experienced medical professionals rather than relying on over-the-counter remedies, which may not address underlying conditions effectively. Mrs. Khan expressed deep appreciation for the doctors and the organizing team, whose commitment and teamwork were instrumental in the success of this medical camp.

Over 60 women from diverse age groups and socio-economic backgrounds took part in the camp, benefiting from personalized consultations and screenings. The clinical breast examinations conducted raised awareness about early cancer detection, a vital aspect of women’s health. The camp was well-organized and created a supportive environment where women felt comfortable and informed about their health.

Initiatives like this free medical camp underscore the importance of community-driven healthcare efforts and serve as a reminder that early diagnosis and regular health maintenance can save lives. Through collaboration and dedication, the Jamaat e Islami Hind Women’s Wing and Healthway Hospital continue to empower women in Vasco by ensuring they have access to quality medical services.

The Diet Plate

Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Happy Fertility

allycaralgoa

Written by Wellishia D’sa | Dietitian

Motherhood is a dream close to many hearts, but the path to conception can sometimes feel challenging. The truth is, our bodies are beautifully designed to reproduce, but they need the right care, nourishment, and mindset to flourish. Fertility, however, is a team effort — men face challenges too. Stress, toxins, alcohol, smoking, and belly fat can reduce sperm quality and affect conception chances.

The good news is that simple lifestyle changes make a huge difference. Nutrition forms the foundation. Traditional Goan foods are naturally fertility-boosting and can support reproductive health for both partners. Some key fertility-friendly foods include:

  • Goan Red Rice & Local Millets (Nachne, Bajra, Jowar): Help balance blood sugar and improve ovulation.
  • Leafy Greens (Methi, Drumstick leaves): Rich in folate and iron, vital for egg health and preventing birth defects.
  • Seasonal Fruits (Guava, Papaya, Pomegranate, Mango): Packed with antioxidants to protect eggs and sperm.
  • Nuts & Seeds (Cashews, Flax, Pumpkin Seeds, Coconut): Provide zinc and healthy fats that boost sperm count and hormone balance.
  • Pulses & Legumes (Moong, Chana, Kulith, Alsande): Plant-based proteins rich in iron and folate, essential for vegetarian couples.
  • Fish (Mackerel, Sardines, Shellfish): Omega-3s that improve sperm motility and egg health.
  • Eggs: Provide choline and protein, crucial for fertility and fetal development.
  • Lean Meats (Chicken, Local Goan Pork in moderation): Aid hormone regulation and reproductive health.

Along with diet, regular exercise such as beach walks or light yoga supports healthy weight and reduces stress. Adequate sleep allows hormones to reset naturally, while 15 minutes of morning sun provides vitamin D, essential for fertility.

Emotional well-being is equally important. Practices like meditation, prayer, or quiet gratitude ease emotional pressures and nurture hope during the fertility journey.

For couples with special dietary needs or health concerns like thyroid issues or vitamin deficiencies, personalized nutrition advice can make a significant difference. Consulting a qualified dietitian is recommended to tailor plans for optimal egg and sperm health.

With a balanced diet, lifestyle, and love, fertility can flourish — bringing you closer to the dream of parenthood.