When not whisking us away into her realm of kaleidoscopic prints or slaying it on magazine covers, Masaba Gupta is inspiring women by sending out bold messages about self love and body positivity. Since the COVID-19 outbreak in India, health experts have stressed on the importance of a strong immune system to keep ourselves protected from infection. With that in mind, the actor-fashion designer, who follows a few basic principles of Ayurvedic nutrition, recently took to Instagram to share a Giloy aka guduchi kadha recipe that she swears by to boost her immunity amid the pandemic.
In a step-by-step video, she took her Instagram followers through the process of brewing this Ayurvedic decoction, which is made using dried giloy stems and water. She also shared the health benefits of the herb and mentioned that one can drink it twice a day post meal for better results. Masaba also revealed, “I am a pitta type (in Ayurveda) and this is known to manage excess pitta, but you must check with an Ayurveda specialist before you consume it.”
According to Dr Indranil Ghosh Mandal, deputy advisor, Homeopathy at the Ministry of AYUSH, giloy is a plant known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties and its benefits go beyond bolstering immunity. “It is used for the treatment of chronic fever, joint pain and arthritis. Giloy is also used to reduce signs of ageing due to its antioxidant properties,” he mentioned on the giloy special episode of 20 herbs for 2020 series by the ministry.
Masaba's diet and fitness regime has time and again made headlines since 2017, the year she embarked on a weight loss journey, and served as a source of inspiration for many. What stole everyone's attention was the way this self-confessed foodie took on the challenge to become a fitter and happier version of herself without relying on a fad diet. Clean eating, intermittent fasting and yoga have been her go-to for achieving her health goals.
In the first 12 months of her weight loss journey, the Masaba Masaba actor had lost 10 kilos despite suffering from PCOD (Poly Cystic Ovaries Syndrome), a hormonal disorder that after women of reproductive age. During an Instagram Q&A, in September 2020, she spoke about her struggle with PCOD (Poly Cystic Ovaries Syndrome) and how, with the right guidance, she has it all under control. The Mumbai-based designer had also shared a few tips that she found the safest to deal with this hormonal disorder. The tips included: lose weight, say no to fast food diet, avoid falling for fad diets consult a nutritionist and stick to home-cooked meals. Masaba had also warned her Instagram family to avoid keto, saying that it messes up your body.