<p>Last month, on the 87th edition of Mann Ki Baat, PM Narendra Modi highlighted that interest in Ayurveda worldwide is on the rise. He also mentioned that the growth in AYUSH manufacturing business from 22 thousand crores to 1.40 crores in a span of six years, and the credit for it goes to new-age brands that are creating quality products and spreading awareness on the topic. A special mention was given to Cureveda, a leading plant-based supplement brand co-founded by entrepreneurs Bhavna Anand and Siddhesh Sharma. Cureveda offers a range of premium dietary supplements for beauty, wellness, and common ailments such as arthritis and diabetes. </p><p>Bhavna, a health-conscious individual herself, has been a part of the supplement space since 2009, and over the years she noticed a gap in the general nutrition space, especially for vegetarians. This led to the inception of Cureveda. Her husband Siddhesh, who is the president at Baidyanath (an Indian pharmaceutical firm specialising in Ayurvedic medicines), joined the effort and the duo launched Cureveda in 2019. They leveraged the nutritional knowledge of Baidyanath and leaned heavily on modern research to create the concept and eventually their brand. </p><p>With over a decade’s experience in the supplement industry, Bhavna wanted to create a conscious, research-backed range of plant-based products that cater to the modern Indian consumer. What sets them apart, according to Bhavna, is their drive to educate the customers on the positive impact of high-quality, plant-based supplements have on long-term health.   </p><p>In conversation with Zee Zest, the co-founder of Cureveda, spoke to us about the future of plant-based dietary supplements in India, the importance of educating the customers, and more.  Excerpts from the interview: </p><h2>From stepping into the world of dietary supplements in 2009 to launching Cureveda in 2019, what are the challenges that you’ve faced? </h2><p>Back in 2009, I was just 22 years old, and there was a trust deficit and both my brother and I were learning on the job. Fortunately, we had resources from my father, who had invested in the business as well. Also, we had a strong entrepreneurial bent of mind, so we took up the challenge.   </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_bhavna_sharma_cureveda_2_1654074832403.jpg"><figcaption>Siddhesh Sharma and Bhavna Anand Sharma, co-founders of Cureveda</figcaption></figure><p>I think we were very instrumental in laying the foundation of what supplement businesses in India are today, because at that point there were no players in the market. The sports nutrition market was still sizeable at that time, but general nutrition wasn’t. So, we got a great opportunity to bring supplements to Indian doorsteps. Another challenge was the lack of knowledge regarding supplements among people, so, we had to educate the customers at the same time.  </p><h2>What sets Cureveda apart from its competitors in the current market?  </h2><p>To begin with, it is the experience that we have in this space. Apart from having the benefit of being early birds, my husband Siddhesh [Sharma], who is also the co-founder of Cureveda and I have a total of over 30 years of experience in the dietary supplements space.  </p><p>The benefit of getting insights from Baidyanath (an Indian pharmaceutical firm specialising in Ayurvedic medicines), which is my husband’s family business as well, is another plus point.  </p><p>They are all the insights and the formulations that we create, laced with decades of experience, that help us build credibility. With Cureveda, we’ve been able to change the narrative to create even more quality formulas based on high-quality research. Premium ingredients, high levels of sanitisation, product innovation or format innovation, and packaging are some of the factors that set us apart. And, of course, a strong foothold in clinical and registered trials helps us convince customers that there’s proof in our claims.  </p><h2>Do you think that when it comes to over-the-counter dietary supplements, there is a lot of unawareness still in the market?  </h2><p>Yes, that’s correct. The market is continuously evolving, and the COVID-19 pandemic has also given many businesses opportunities to launch newer brands and products. Consumer education is important, and a lot of resources go into generating awareness. The pandemic has probably helped surpass consumer education for many.  </p><p>Having said that, it has given an opportunity to many to sell all kinds of products and, to an extent, exploit customers as well. Hence, I feel it is crucial to set up a credible brand, one that you can trust enough to buy over-the-counter products. Cureveda has FDA-approved formulas, and we are transparent about all our practices, testing, and certifications. Also, our branding is such that we don’t sell by ingredients, we sell by solutions. For instance, we will sell a product as a stress-reliever rather than ashwagandha. We aim to build a brand presence and credibility so strong that people don’t have to look for research because they trust the brand to have done it for them.   </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_bhavna_sharma_cureveda_3_1654074447238.jpg"></figure><h2>What is Cureveda doing, as a brand, to educate its customers? </h2><p>Free consultations are a big part of our brand’s portfolio. But I think there’s more that can be done in this case because we’re not just selling a product, but a service, a lifestyle. With consultation, we are trying to engage a customer so they might engage with our products. At the same time, we have outreach initiatives for existing as well as potential customers.  </p><p>AlsoRead0 </p><h2>How do you think the dietary supplement market has changed over the years?  </h2><p>Back in 2019, when we entered the Indian market, no vitamins and minerals were being derived from herbs, plants, and fruits. We wanted to create something new and we're trying to identify opportunities. It took a lot of research and domain expertise to reach here. I believe that innovation gives way to opportunities. Over the years, several brands have been launched in the supplements space, but we still have a distinct advantage in the minds of many discerning customers, who are looking for quality products.   </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_278963887_394440545620948_2888637271953278849_n_1654075119054.jpg"></figure><h2>Where do you think the trend of plant-based products is heading? </h2><p>Even though it is picking up now, plant-based products are not a new-age concept. Vegetarianism has anyway been a large part of the Indian diaspora. You know education helps to bypass so many challenges, for instance, if a documentary gets launched on yoga on OTT, suddenly people will start sitting up and noticing the benefits of yoga, which has been part of our history and culture since time immemorial.  </p><p>Statistics show that the supplement business in India is going to grow at a rate of 20 per cent CAGR over the next two years. The current status is just the beginning for OTC supplements in India. I also feel that it is good to have several players in the market because it’s impossible for a single brand to take responsibility for educating such a sizable customer base.  </p><p>AlsoRead1 </p><h2>Where do you source raw materials for your products and where are the supplements produced?  </h2><p>All the formulas are our own and we have an in-house research and development team. We do a lot of our sourcing from Indian farmers and businesses. You’ll be surprised to know that a lot of global businesses do that because the tropical belt is one of the richest, brimming with quality herbs and ingredients. They source it from here, repackage it, and then send it back to India for us to buy. At Cureveda, we do away with these kinds of middlemen and buy ingredients of international quality from local farmers and suppliers. At the same time, we encourage best practices to improve their processes as well.  </p><p>For instance, vitamin D, which is derived from a certain plant is only available in England.</p><h2>What is the road ahead for Cureveda?  </h2><p>Expect newer formats and dosages. Also, we will soon be entering tier 2 cities in a big way. Apart from that, we will start duet operations this year and a category expansion is in the pipeline too. </p>

Bhavna Anand Sharma, co-founder, Cureveda, talks about the future of dietary supplements in India.

The co-founder of Cureveda, a homegrown plant-based supplements brand, talks about the measures they are taking to educate customers. Read more on zeezest.com. 

Interview With Bhavna Sharma Of Cureveda On Plant-based Supplements | Zee Zest

How You Can Get Your Vitamins In A Pill Straight From Nature

Interview

Health 

Beauty 

Plant-based

Supplements

Nutrition

<p>A common notion is that yoga is an ancient practice that’s best left unchanged. But even though rooted in traditional science and knowledge, much like any other form of fitness, the practice of yoga is constantly evolving – the credit for which goes to new-age teachers wanting to keep students engaged and students yearning for innovation. Yoga is no longer limited to the mat, but an ocean of opportunities has appeared.</p><p>In the present day and age – unless you are really into yoga – it’s hard to maintain one’s attention span towards it, observes Samiksha Shetty, a celebrity fitness trainer, yoga educator and the co-founder of The Moon Village in Khar, Mumbai. She further explains, “Yoga involves a lot of repetition and getting your breath right with the same asanas. So, we [teachers] try to add props and each has its unique role in the practice. For instance, in our class, we use socks and ankle weights to help increase resistance, sticks to better posture, and chairs for accessibility and support.” One of the trends in yoga, which Samiksha mentions, chair yoga is a current favourite among beginners.</p><p>For International Yoga Day 2022, the celebrity trainer, who has taught yoga to the likes of Mandana Karimi and Kajal Aggarwal, joined hands with Zeezest.com for a video tutorial on easy chair-yoga poses that one can practice anywhere and everywhere if they have a chair.</p><h2>What is chair yoga?</h2><p>Chair yoga involves yoga stretches that you can perform while seated on a chair. Think exercises with easy to intense bends, twists, and folds that help relieve tension and tightness from the shoulders, spine, and neck. They also help hip movement and hip mobility, among other benefits. Chair yoga exercises are great for people who want to take a quick fitness break at work, at their desk itself. Here are 5 easy chair-yoga poses by Samiksha Shetty:</p><h2>1. Warm-up exercises</h2><p>When you practise chair yoga or any other form of fitness, warming up is essential. It not only helps prep the body for the workout but also improves performance and prevents injury.</p><p>Samiksha’s chair yoga warm-up features three types of stretches. The first one involves stretching one’s hands on either side, as though someone is pulling them. You need to hold this stretch for 30 seconds to a minute and relax. The second one involves placing your right palm on your left knee, stretching the right hand behind, holding the chair with the right hand, and twisting. Repeat this with the opposite legs.</p><p>The third warm-up exercise features stretching the hands behind to hold the chair, and then pushing the chest away from the chair, and lengthening your spine.</p><h2>2. Seated figure four stretch</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_samiksha_shetty_1_1655754481460.jpg"></figure><p>The figure four stretch is great for the hips. To perform this asana, sit upright on the chair with your legs hip-width apart. Then keep your right foot on the left knee, flex your ankle inwards, push the left knee downwards, lengthen your spine, and push your upper body towards the ground. Take a few breaths and then slowly come up and repeat with the other side.</p><h2>3.  Seated figure four stretch – extension</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_samiksha_shetty_2_1655754509108.jpg"></figure><p>The third chair-yoga pose is an extension of the seated figure four stretch that improves hip mobility and facilitates healing. For this, you must sit in the figure four stretch position and then place your left elbow on your right knee, join the palms of both hands at the side, and then push and turn. Repeat on the other side. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>4. Lizard pose</h2><p>The fourth chair-yoga asana, the lizard pose, is beneficial for our quadriceps, and hip flexors, and improves balance and flexibility. This involves standing up, placing the left foot on the chair, extending the right leg behind, and stretching. This makes your quads stretch from the backwards and hip flexors from the front. Repeat this on the other side as well. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>5. Shoulder stretch</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_chair_yoga_2_1655754730904.jpg"></figure><p>The last pose in Samiksha’s easy chair -yoga poses series for International Yoga Day 2022 is the shoulder stretch. It is great to relieve tight shoulders, back and chest. It is also known to improve body posture. For this, stand behind the chair and place both hands, shoulder-distance apart, on the backrest. Take a big step away from the back rest and then drop your chest towards the ground to stretch. You must feel the stretch from your torso to the back of your shoulders.</p><p>Now that you’ve read about chair yoga and learned about its benefits, learn how to practise these asanas at home with the help of the video tutorial, available at the beginning of the story. </p>

Meant mostly for beginners, these chair-yoga poses can be practised anywhere, as long as you have a chair. 

Learn how to practise easy chair-yoga poses at home and stay fit with this video tutorial by Samiksha Shetty, celebrity yoga trainer. More on zeezest.com. 

International Yoga Day 2022: Easy Chair Yoga Poses Video by Samiksha Shetty | Zee Zest 

International Yoga Day: Celebrity Trainer Samiksha Shetty Teaches You Chair Yoga 

International Yoga Day

Samiksha Shetty

Yoga

Fitness

Video

Tutorial

Guide 

samiksha shetty chair yoga poses

<p>Cancer is a disease that has affected several of us - be it our own diagnosis or a loved one's - and battling it is no easy feat. It is commendable to see that celebrities are coming forward and are using their star power to raise awareness about different types of cancer and being a source of strength for not just their family and friends but also fans and followers. </p><p>The latest example of this being actor Mahima Chaudhry. On June 9, 2022, <i>The</i> <i>Kashmir Files</i> actor Anupam Kher took to Instagram to post a video of fellow Bollywood actor Mahima Chaudhry. In this short clip, which Mahima reposted on her profile too, the <i>Pardes</i> fame was seen narrating her journey of breast cancer – from diagnosis to treatment. This video comes at a time when Mahima has started shooting for the film <i>The Signature</i>, which is Anupam’s 525th film that he announced about today on the photo-sharing platform.</p><p>“#MahimaChaudhry a month back from the US to play a very important role in my 525th film #TheSignature. Our conversation turned to her discovering that she has #BreastCancer. What followed is this candid conversation between us,” read Anupam’s Instagram post caption, where he shared the actor’s story of ‘courage and cancer’ and called her a ‘hero’. “She is ready to fly,” he added.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CekpAGEpOWz/"></oembed></figure><p>Mahima’s cancer was detected during a yearly routine check-up, she revealed, and the fact that she didn’t have any symptoms. In the beginning, it was just a doubt, and based on the biopsy result, which was negative, the doctor had said: “Doesn’t look like anything, these are pre-cancer cells called DCIS. Sometimes, they become cancer and, sometimes, they don’t,” Mahima revealed. “But I still wanted to take it out. When we took it out and the doctors did the biopsy of the cells that were removed, they found tiny portions of cells that had already become cancer,” she added. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><p>In the second half of the video, the <i>Pardes</i> actor explained that it has been a painful and overwhelming journey, and that she ‘was not the very brave one’. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_mahima_chaudhry_inside_cancer_1654786349605.jpg"></figure><p>Mahima and Anupam’s latest film <i>The Signature</i> is the story of a common man, it is being directed Gajendra Ahire, he is the mind behind popular Marathi films <i>Not Only Mrs Raut</i> and <i>The Silence</i>. The film is backed by producer KC Bokadia. Mahima had hinted about this project in early April 2022, when she had congratulated Anupam for the success of <i>The Kashmir Files</i>. </p><p>In the past, Bollywood actors Lisa Ray, Manisha Koirala and Mumtaaz have battled and won against cancer. The most recent was actor Sonali Bendre, who inspired her fans and followers with her positive outlook during her cancer treatment. </p>

A video shared by Anupam Kher reveals co-actor Mahima Chaudhry’s journey of battling breast cancer. 

A video shared by Anupam Kher reveals co-actor Mahima Chaudhry’s journey of battling breast cancer. Read more on zeezest.com. 

Mahima Chaudhry Talks About Dealing With Breast Cancer | Zee Zest

“I Wasn’t Very Brave,” Mahima Chaudhry On Battling Breast Cancer

Mahima Chaudhry

Cancer

Bollywood

<p>Fashion designer Saisha Shinde’s life has been full of trials and tribulations and coming out as a transwoman was definitely not cakewalk. It’s been a year and a half since Saisha Shinde transitioned into a woman from Swapnil Shinde. People around her still mix up her pronouns and address her by her former pronoun ‘he’. Every time it happens, it puts Saisha into a dilemma whether she’s still not a woman or feminine enough. Recalling her childhood turmoil and distress, during her recent <i>Lock Upp</i> stint, Saisha had opened up about being molested by a close family member at age of 10. She also shared how she was mentally abused by her partner in a relationship.</p><p>In a recent tête-à-tête with Zee Zest, Saisha gets real about her struggles as a transwoman, how misconstrued pronouns affect her mental health and how she plans to live up to the meaning of her new identity Saisha which means a meaningful life and intends to make hers an exceptionally meaningful one.</p><p><strong>Excerpts from the interview:</strong></p><h2>1. It took 20 years for you to discover yourself. When did you first realise you were a woman?</h2><p>I don't think there was a specific time to realise something like this. I think the time is of acceptance that you are not a woman. Earlier I always felt that I was a girl, but once the acceptance came that I am not a girl, because obviously the body is that of a boy, it hits you that you are not actually a woman physically, but your identity is always that. You don’t realise these things, you just have to accept them at a point, when you realise your body doesn’t match your soul and your inner identity. </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CeIUuCQN_SB/?hl=en"></oembed></figure><h2>2. How did your body react to HRT? What issues did you face?</h2><p>As far as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is concerned, there’s a lot of misinformation and misguidance out there - online and otherwise. There is so much fear that has been fed to the trans community such as: once you start your hormones you will have extremely heavy mood swings, you won’t understand what you are thinking, there will be a lack in energy, it’s going to affect your professional life and you might get suicidal. These were the things that I read before I started HRT but thanks to my doctors and psychiatrists, I got the confidence that these are misguided information and subjective. So, keeping those things in mind, I started my HRT and after being on it for almost two years, I realised that it’s all a myth, there’s no reality to it as far as I am concerned. There are definitely some mood swings because there’s a big change in one's hormones, where your testosterones are blocked and your oestrogen is boosted so definitely there is a change in the way your body is going to accept these things, but it didn’t really affect to the extent it's shown on YouTube, or other information websites.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMJd6Gsgdyf/?hl=en"></oembed></figure><h2>3. In ‘Lock Upp’, you mentioned how psychiatrists suggested you get conversion therapy instead. How did you deal with it? </h2><p>I felt very confused in a weird sense. Is this good that I am not trans or it’s just a phase or is it bad that I don’t get to be someone that I always thought I was. So, because of the wrong guidance on the therapy that was given to me, I started questioning everything and it became extremely confusing to understand what my reality was. So more than anything else it was a major amount of chaos in my brain because for the longest time I thought I was a woman trapped in a man’s body, but after what the psychiatrists started telling me I started wondering if that was my reality at all. For me it was a battle between figuring out, whether I am a gay, whether am straight, trans, and it really takes a toll on you because until and unless you find your true self you are always questioning not just yourself but everything that’s happening around you. So for me, what the psychiatrists suggested gave an extremely confused perspective.</p><h2>4. Many transgender people are lost to suicide and murder. Does the Indian law not protect them at all?</h2><p>I think this is a universal issue, it’s a problem that every transgender person faces, no matter where they are in the world. From first-world countries to countries like ours, because the problem is not about transgenders, it’s about human rights, people think that they can very easily violate us, and that’s why it’s very important that the government of not just our country, but every country protects us. The laws are extremely discriminatory and are limited to cis gender people. In India, specifically I feel there’s so much to be done and I really hope we can bring some change as far as protection for transgender men and women are concerned because a lot of kids run away from their homes, and once they run away from their homes there’s no one to protect them except for a few organisations. One of the organisations that I work with is Tweet foundation and their initiation Garima Greh which is a shelter for trans kids and through them I have come to know so many stories where protection is one of the major issues because families of these kids make life a living hell even when the kids are 18 above. I definitely feel that the laws need to be worked upon because we are human beings by the end of it and we have all the right to be protected. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>5. What are the things that people should stop saying to/or asking a transgender?</h2><p>Since there’s a lot of curiosity, there are a lot of uncomfortable questions, and while everyone considers it basic, it’s offensive to a trans person. A lot of these questions have to do with your genitalia and your body parts, and that is unnecessary because I am a transgender woman not because of my genitalia but that’s because of who I am inside, I am a woman, and the Government of India has passed a law where if my identity is that of a woman, I don’t need to be asked any further questions. A lot of transgender women also don’t like that they are referred with their dead name, the name that they had at birth, the male name is what is called the dead name and that is something not to be referred upon but people obviously don’t really consider these things.</p><h2>6. Do you watch LGBTQ films? Do you have a favourite?</h2><p>I do watch a lot of queer movies, they are important to our culture and society because they are informative and give light on our stories. However, what really affects me is the fact that characters for LGBTQAI+ roles are given to cis gender people. Although, there’s nothing wrong in that, but I feel when will the time come that these roles are given to people from the community. So, if you have an equal distribution of characters for people from the community then I feel there’s no problem in hiring cis gender people, but currently, we have absolutely zero representation of trans community. I think the most amazing was not a movie, but a documentary I watched, it’s called <i>Disclosure</i> and it’s extremely informative about transgender women and how the trans community is represented through history.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CbZvdIcA6Sm/?hl=en"></oembed></figure><h2>7. During your ‘Lock Upp’ stint, you stressed a lot on people getting your pronouns right. Did you face similar situations in real life too and how did you cope?</h2><p>Getting the pronouns right is an ongoing battle for trans people. It’s become so conditioned for people to call you by the way you look or sound, that it becomes extremely difficult for others to start calling you by your pronouns. As understanding and easy going I am for certain people, if it’s extremely hurtful and painful for me when people don’t get my pronouns right because that’s one battle we have been fighting since birth. Something as simple as when people call you ‘sir’, although I know they are saying it out of respect because they are unaware of the pronouns, but even when people do know your pronouns they get it wrong. That definitely is something I face even now. I might be wearing an anarkali with jewellery and everything that’s as feminine as could be, but I still get called ‘sir’ sometimes, because of my height, my body frame or my voice. Now that’s something we as a country are too nascent to understand but it pains me when people get my pronouns wrong. I try to not let it affect me so much, but it is something we battle every day in India. I try to compensate for the pain by meeting my friends or watching an inspiring movie but whenever people mix up my pronouns I go into the “why me” phase. I am still under therapy for a few of these issues.</p><p>AlsoRead2</p><h2>8. What have been some of your other struggles?</h2><p>One of the battles that I have faced pretty much all my life is my weight. I am six-feet tall and I’m broad. There’s a preconceived idea about how women look and how they are. They are expected to look delicate and fragile, and I am anything but that. This has been my biggest battle, trying to sort of fit into the mold the world has created. As far as losing weight is concerned, I have been anorexic for the longest time, but I have fought it all and reached a stage where I am slowly and steadily getting comfortable with the idea that I might forever be a tall broad woman and that’s something I have to make peace with.</p><h2>9. Transgender people are still fighting for acceptance in the society. What do you think could help to encourage acceptance and understanding of the community?</h2><p>It will become a lot better for the trans community when there’s a lot of representation. You have to understand, India is Bollywood-centric and everyone adores our stars, so I feel the moment you see our stars with a lot of transgender people, on screen or offscreen, there will be some normalcy. Secondly, representation not just in Bollywood but politics, in the corporate structure, doctors, lawyers. I feel the more visual representation there is that we are educated, we can achieve our dreams, and we can be successful, there will be acceptance.</p><p>AlsoRead3</p><h2>10. What are some of the deep-rooted misperceptions about transgender people in our society? Please share instances from your personal journey.</h2><p>There are so many misconceptions such as transgenders are eunuch, they are from the hijra community, they are going to take your children away. I have had a lot of these experiences that are extremely disturbing. Because as much as I respect the eunuch community, people need to understand the difference between me and them simply because they are part of the cult, and they have chosen that path, but every time I am in an elevator or sometimes elsewhere, people think I am a eunuch and ask for blessings from me and want to shower wishes for their children, that is one of the misconceptions that I belong to that community which I don’t. That’s a separate entity under the LGBTQAI+ umbrella, and that’s not who I am.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CX-dC96NcHM/?hl=en"></oembed></figure><h2>11. You had mentioned that coming out to friends and family was relatively easier for you. What would be your advice to people who are still struggling there?</h2><p>For me, as much as I say that it was easy for me, it wasn’t. I have always been fearless, I have always been rebellious, positive so when I decided to come out to my family and friends, it wasn’t hunky-dory. It has been a process of acceptance, love and respect for them. It has been a process for all sides. For them, Swapnil is dead, and that is something heavy that they need to accept, and it takes time. For me, it was also about understanding where they come from, but for a lot of trans and gay people, it becomes extremely difficult and that’s when they choose to seclude themselves or run away from their homes and some even take their own lives. My career has been my biggest saviour. It has protected me, given me security, social standing, which is why I would say it’s been easy to me. My only advice to people struggling to come out is take your time, no one needs to force you to come out. Do it when you know the time is right.</p><p>AlsoRead4</p><h2>12. As promised, you donated your ‘Lock Upp’ earnings to a LGBTQ+ organisation. Tell us more about it. Do you plan to do more for the trans community? </h2><p>There are a few organisations that I have worked with and want to work with. One is Tweet Foundation and one of their initiations called Garima Greh foundation, which is a shelter for trans kids that have either been shunned from their homes or have run away from home. These kids live under one roof and it’s a government-affiliated organisation. I am also on the advisory board of the foundation, but there’s so much more I want to do. Saisha has been alive for a year-and-a-half, so there’s so much I want to do to represent my community. I want you to see me anywhere and everywhere. </p><p>AlsoRead5</p>

Saisha explains how being addressed with the wrong pronoun affects her mental health. 

Fashion designer Saisha Shinde gets real about her struggles as a trans woman and how misconstrued pronouns affect her mental health. Read more on zeezest.com

Saisha Shinde On Struggles Of Being A Trans Woman | Pride Month | Zee Zest

Saisha Shinde Still Struggles When She’s Referred To As ‘He’ 

Saisha Shinde

Transwoman

LGBTQIA+

<p>Women, our vaginas are capable of incredible things. It can not only cleanse through natural secretions and discharge but also protect itself from infections. However, even though it is in attention mode all the time, our lady part may sometimes need our help, especially during the summer season. According to Dr Mukesh Gupta, obstetrician and gynaecologist, Le Nest Hospital Malad, Mumbai, due to the hot weather, women are at risk of developing infections, and these can be fungal, yeast or bacterial.</p><p>“Excessive sweating can affect the internal as well as the external pH of the vagina, making it more prone to infections. This imbalance can impact the good bacteria, which help maintain the acidic level of the vagina, thus causing increased growth of bad bacteria,” he further explains. Too much heat can also increase susceptibility to dryness, inflammation, rashes, or other skin issues.</p><p>Here, Dr Gupta shares insights on intimate hygiene mistakes women must avoid making during summers.</p><h2>Avoid lacy, silk, and satin fabrics</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Intimate_hygiene_mistakes_2_1655376323015.jpg"></figure><p>Choose breathable and comfortable undergarments over silk and synthetic fabrics like polyester and lace during the summer season. “Cotton can be your best bet since it keeps the area dry by soaking up the sweat and improving air circulation,” he informs. Apart from this, the expert advises avoiding staying in wet clothing for long because it may become a breeding ground for infections.</p><h2>Clean but don’t overdo it</h2><p>Heat and sweat in the intimate area can cause discomfort, and even aggravate it. But that doesn’t mean you overdo the cleaning bit. Sure, the market is brimming with a host of feminine hygiene products such as washes, deo sprays and powders, but you must be smart and not fall for marketing gimmicks and promotions. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Intimate_hygiene_mistakes_3_1655376364992.jpg"></figure><p>The pH balance of the vagina is responsible for good flora. The normal vaginal pH ranges between 3.8 to 4.5 – any product that doesn’t disturb this balance is safe to use. Stressing the importance of making informed choices, Dr Gupta shares, “If you choose to use intimate washes, deo sprays and powders, do look out for the chemicals and harsh ingredients present, then take a call. Powder combined with sweat forms an uncomfortable paste. Powders used by females are associated with ovarian cancers due to talc.” He suggests picking natural products over deodorised ones since they can dry out the skin and disrupt the microflora.</p><p>Another important point to note here is, that the use of any cleansing product/intimate wash must be limited to external use only. They are not cleaning your lady part from inside – that your vagina can do for itself. Pick a mild cleanser with a neutral pH is the best option. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! </h2><p>The importance of water in our lives can’t be emphasised enough. Drinking plenty of water not only helps your body beat the scorching summer heat from inside out but also flushes out toxins and any infection. However, avoid sugary drinks, caffeine, and colas. Your best bet could be plain or infused water and fruit/vegetable juices.</p><h2>Say no to douching</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Intimate_hygiene_mistakes_1655376406829.jpg"></figure><p>Reiterating his previous point and a natural fact, the expert says, “The vagina is a self-cleaning organ and doesn’t require any additional cleaning. Interrupting that natural process with douching can cause inflammation of the internal organs and disturb the good bacteria presence.” Rinsing of the vagina may disturb the pH balance and that’s like an open invitation to infections and several other health problems. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>Rethink that bikini wax</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Intimate_hygiene_mistakes_4_1655376430481.jpg"></figure><p>Sure, grooming is a personal choice, and many women prefer shaving pubic hair, especially during summer since it calls for pool time and time at the beach. “But one needs to understand that pubic hair safeguards you from infection, trap harmful bacteria and prevents them from penetrating the skin,” informs Dr Gupta. However, if you still decide to go ahead and get rid of this hair, do note that the skin down there is sensitive. In the case of a bikini wax, ensure you go to a professional and that the wax isn’t too hot because it may cause boils and abscesses. In case of shaving, ensure that it is a non-rusted and new blade to avoid bruises and cuts, which may also lead to infection.</p><p>For those considering trimming, using a pair of scissors or an electric trimmer is okay. If not, you can opt for sensitive depilatory creams too.</p><p>“Stay natural as much as possible, keep away from unnecessary products, and don’t get fascinated by advertisements that claim otherwise,” Dr Gupta concludes. </p>

To begin with, say no to douching and stop overdoing that cleaning.

Say no to douching to stop overdoing that cleaning, these are the vaginal hygiene mistakes you must avoid. Read more on zeezest.com. 

Intimate Hygiene Mistakes A Gynaecologist Wants You to Avoid | Zee Zest

Ladies, These Are The Mistakes A Gynaec Wants You To Avoid In Intimate Hygiene

Health

Menstrual Health

Intimate Hygiene

Women's Health

<p>If you have ever felt butterflies in your stomach when you are stressed, you will believe that this sensation is because of the gut-brain connection. With claims of the gut being the second brain, how to keep the gut in top condition, what are gut bacteria, and how do they affect your overall health is what you should know about? And are all probiotic foods as good as the internet claims them to be? All these and several other questions about gut health and nutrition, have been cropping up in our minds, and probably yours too. </p><p>We turned to celebrity nutritionist Munmun Ganeriwal for help. She is the author of <i>Y</i><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(102,102,102);"><i>uktah</i></span><i>aar: The Belly And Brain Diet</i>, a gut microbiome specialist, and a nutritionist, who has been in the industry of health and nutrition for almost two decades. One of her top clients is Bollywood actor and <i>Shabaash Mithu</i> lead Taapsee Pannu, who has written the foreword of Munmun’s book. </p><p><i>Edited excerpts: </i></p><h2>1. What is the gut microbiome and how does it affect our body and overall health? </h2><p>Gut microbiome is the collection of trillions of microbes in our gut. There’s a whole ecosystem inside our digestive system that thrives on the food we eat and in turn benefits us with good health – mind and body. These microbes release beneficial compounds called postbiotics, which circulate throughout the body and affect our key physiological signals. These are the signals that may lead to benefits including weight loss, immune protection, and better mood. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_gut_health_1_1655809132875.jpg"></figure><h2>2. What causes gut bacteria imbalance?  </h2><p>Diet, by far, is the most dominant factor shaping our microbiome composition.  Along with diet, other factors such as, living under high stress, not getting enough sleep, physical inactivity, frequent long-distance trans-meridian (east-west or west-east) travels, indiscriminate use of antibiotics, and other pharmaceuticals, and immigration to a western country, among others, can create a certain kind of environment inside our body. An environment that encourages the growth of harmful microbes, reduces microbial diversity, and increases predisposition to diseases. </p><h2>3. What is gut diversity? </h2><p>Microbial diversity means having diverse strains of bacteria in the gut. A diverse gut with many different microbes is like a diverse workforce that brings a variety of skills to the table. </p><p>AlsoRead0 </p><hr><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><h2>10 Best Ways To Keep Our Gut-Brain Axis In Top Condition</h2><p>1. Eat a light breakfast.</p><p>2. Make lunch the biggest meal of your day.</p><p>3. Eat but don’t graze because by keeping sufficient meal gaps, you allow true hunger to build in between meals. Eat only when you are ‘truly’ hungry.</p><p>4. Count on the quality of the food, not the calories.</p><p>5. Chew your food well; go slow and take breaks throughout the meal.</p><p>6. Keep your mind relaxed while eating. </p><p>7. Maintain regular meal timings.</p><p>8. Eat with the sun. Wake up early and feed yourself soon after you wake up. Stop eating close to sunset.</p><p>9. Sip on hot (or lukewarm) water throughout the day.</p><p>10.  Practice Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing exercise – a type of pranayama in Yoga) for 10-15 minutes before bedtime.</p><p><i>As mentioned in Munmun’s book Yuktahaar: The Belly And Brain Diet</i></p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><hr><h2>4. What is the connection between our belly and brain? It’s said what’s in our belly can be the cause of what goes on in our brains.</h2><p>Our belly and brain are deeply connected – that too, through more than one mechanism. We use phrases such as, ‘butterflies in my stomach’ and ‘fire in the belly' to indicate our state of mind or emotions, and inadvertently make a connection between the belly and brains, even though just figuratively. <br>Research tells us that, even though the belly and brains are distant from each other, they are constantly communication. We see the signs and symptoms of this connection often but just don’t know the cause. For instance, someone who is dealing with chronic acidity is often found to be living a mentally stressful life. Anxiety and constipation are also often found to co-exist – it is not uncommon to see students suffering from an upset stomach or diarrhoea right before exams.  </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_gut_health_2_1655809145065.jpg"></figure><h2>5. Are all fermented foods, including curd and yoghurt, probiotic?</h2><p>The current definition of probiotics by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) is <i>“live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host”. </i></p><p>Curd, yoghurt, and other fermented foods contain a wide variety of living bacteria that are beneficial to human health. But they do not qualify as probiotics. Fermented foods like these have an undefined, mixed microbial content. Therefore, it is wrong to generalise all yoghurts and/or <i>dahi</i> as probiotic.</p><p>According to the definition set by an international panel of experts and that is universally accepted, it is important that a food item/ product is standardised in terms of the strain of bacteria and contains the studied strain at a dose that can confer a health benefit for it to be called a ‘probiotic’. Not all fermented foods contain live cultures that meet the definition of probiotic. Unless the strain has been tested and shown to be probiotic (having clinical evidence of a health benefit), and the same viable numbers are in that food, you can’t call that fermented food probiotic. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>6. What is the Belly and Brain Diet (TBBD) that your book <i>Yuktahaar</i> talks about? And what are the principles it is based on?  </h2><p>TBBD is not just a diet. It is a holistic programme that encourages a gut-balancing lifestyle, mainly consisting of food, exercise, sleep hygiene, and neural retraining (brain retraining). It combines traditional Indian foods, ancient Indian yogic practices, and Ayurveda principles with gut microbiota study to understand and fight obesity and other diseases.  </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_gut_health_5_1655809914543.jpg"></figure><p>This diet is the outcome of several studies and research to understand the interaction between our lifestyle and gut microbiota during the onset and progression of chronic diseases. </p><h2>3 Drink Recipes To Ensure A Healthier Gut</h2><h2>1. Ginger pepper tea</h2><p>This recipe may help clear sinuses and keep our body warm, but the expert suggests you drink it only once or twice a week.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_gut_health_6_1655809868119.jpg"><figcaption>Representational image</figcaption></figure><h3>Ingredients: </h3><p>1. 1.5 cups water</p><p>2. ¼ dried ginger powder</p><p>3. A pinch of black pepper</p><p>4. A pinch of coriander powder</p><p>5. A pinch of cumin powder</p><p>6. Jaggery to taste</p><p>Method: </p><ul><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">In a tea pan, pour water and add all the other ingredients of the ginger pepper tea. </span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Boil the mixture for 5-10 minutes. </span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Strain the concoction into the glass/teacup and drink.</span></li></ul><h2>2. Amla Ginger Soup</h2><p>Two nutrient-rich ingredients, amla and ginger, come together in this comforting soup recipe. It is full of anti-inflammatory, immunity strengthening and detox benefits, says Munmun. </p><h3>Ingredients: </h3><p>1. 3 pieces amla</p><p>2. An inch-long ginger</p><p>3. Water, as required</p><p>4. 1-2 green chilli</p><p>5. 4 sprigs curry leaves</p><p>6. 1.5 tsp whole peppercorn</p><p>7. 1.5 tsp cumin seed</p><p>8. 1 tsp ghee</p><p>9. A pinch of asafoetida</p><p>10.  ½ tsp haldi powder</p><p>11.  Salt to taste</p><h3>Method: </h3><ul><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Start by pressure cooking 3 amlas and fresh ginger (an inch long) in around 1 cup of water. Add salt to it. </span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Once done, separate the boiled amla and ginger. Reserve the stock.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Discard the amla seeds and make a paste of boiled amla and ginger.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Next, make a dry coarse paste with 1-2 green chillies, 4 sprigs of curry leaves, 1.5 tsp of whole peppercorns and 1.5 tsp of cumin seeds. </span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Heat 1 tsp of ghee, add a pinch of hing, ½ tsp haldi powder and the ground coarse paste. </span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Next, add the amla ginger paste along with the stock. Add another 2-3 cups of water.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Let it simmer for 15 minutes.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Either drink it as is or strain the soup before consuming if you prefer a clear soup.</span></li></ul><h2>3. Turmeric Soup</h2><p>The antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory turmeric is paired with anti-microbial ingredients garlic, onion, and ginger to create a soup perfect for monsoon. Are seasonal illnesses bringing you down? Try this recipe.  </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_gut_health_4_1655809891642.jpg"><figcaption>Representational image</figcaption></figure><h3>Ingredients: </h3><p>1. 1 tbsp ghee</p><p>2. 1 onion, diced</p><p>3. 1 tbsp garlic, minced</p><p>4. 2-inch fresh turmeric, grated</p><p>5. 1.5 tbsp ginger, grated</p><p>6. 3 carrots, diced</p><p>7. 4 cups vegetable stock</p><p>8. 1 lemon, juiced</p><h3>Method: </h3><ul><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Heat a tbsp of ghee in a pan. Sauté diced onions till they get translucent. </span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Add 1 tbsp minced garlic, fresh grated turmeric, 1.5 tbsp grated ginger and sauté these together for two minutes.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Add carrots and sauté again.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Next, add 4 cups vegetable stock and let it simmer for 20 minutes.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">With the help of a blender or the back of a spoon, give the soup a good blend and check if the carrots are cooked.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Squeeze some lemon and serve hot.</span></li></ul>

Munmun Ganeriwal, a gut microbiome specialist and the author of ‘Yuktahaar: The Belly And Brain Diet’, talks about gut health with Zee Zest.   

Celebrity nutritionist Munmun Ganeriwal talks gut health with Zee Zest. Plus, shares three gut-friendly recipes. Read more on zeezest.com.  

Taapsee Pannu’s Nutritionist Answers Common Gut Related Questions | Zee Zest

Taapsee Pannu’s Nutritionist Addresses Common Gut-Related Questions

Gut Health

Munmun Ganeriwal

Expert Advice

Taapsee Pannu

<p>Tiger Shroff has come a long way ever since his Bollywood debut in the 2014 film <i>Heropanti</i>. Due to his chiselled abs and hardcore workout sessions, he has now become a fitness role model. Tiger not only woos his fans with his on-screen stunts, but he can also pull off the same stunts in real life. Tiger Shroff, who is trained in martial arts, follows a strict gym workout routine. Everyone is enthralled by his flawless mid-air splits, punches, and stunts, but few are aware of his efforts behind the camera.</p><p>Tiger Shroff's Instagram feed is full of gym workout videos, proving that he never skips a day at the gym. His commitment to fitness will inspire netizens to get up and get fit. Tiger's gym workout videos are a must-see for anyone looking for motivation to start a fitness routine. Here we list a few of them…</p><p>In the video, the actor can be seen performing a series of somersaults which are unmissable. Dressed in a pair of denim and a lime green t-shirt, Tiger can be seen aiming higher with his somersaults. He is also seen matching his dance moves from the music video in the latter part of the video, combining his love of dance and fitness. Along with the video, he also wrote, "Here's my <i>Heropanti 2</i> style <i>Poori Gal Baat</i> challenge. Show me what you guys got". Take a look at Tiger Shroff’s Instagram post. </p><p>In the video, the <i>Heropanti 2</i> star is seen practising a flying kick stunt while wearing a red t-shirt. The actor's ripped biceps are on display thanks to his choice of blue joggers. "What goes around comes around," the actor wrote for the caption.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVHqYGLsHkf/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=caf0f5b9-ac6a-4993-b77c-a080dba710ca"></oembed></figure><p>On Instagram, the fitness enthusiast posted a video from his London trip. He can be seen executing many somersaults without stopping, leaving us gasping for breath. "Getting some fresh air in the lovely city of London... The 31-year-old captioned the video: "No days off on a day off." Take a look at Tiger Shroff’s Instagram post.</p><p>Tiger never misses a workout, and his Instagram is proof. His muscular build is impressive. Tiger can be seen flaunting his huge biceps and sculpted physique in this latest exercise video. He captioned the post, “Rise and grind (sic).” He added The Weeknd's “Earned It” as the background music for the video. Take a look. </p><p>Tiger can be seen in this video running toward his gym trainer, who is holding a cushion in his hands. Tiger then circles his body four times in the air, striking the cushion with his feet, before landing on the ground. This video makes us wonder if there’s anything Tiger Shroff can't accomplish? “4! Ok, I’m proud of this one,” wrote the actor. He also stated that he will almost certainly use this trick in his next action sequence. “Using this in my next action seq for sure,” he wrote.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUt9Ck5NVPd/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=4d97a370-ac39-44cc-b050-aad78e0cc89a"></oembed></figure><p>The <i>WAR </i>star posted a video to his Instagram account, unleashing some flying Taekwando kicks. In the video, which appears to have been taken at his MMA Matrix club in Bandra, Jackie Shroff's son flaunted his jaw-dropping martial arts talents in a patterned pink tank top and green track trousers. Raakesh Yadhav, his teacher and martial arts expert, later commented on his post, stating, "Lajavaab," and shared the footage on his Instagram account. Take a look at Tiger Shroff’s Instagram post.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/COuQ_zTnYbv/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c3766322-407c-48e5-b749-436321feeaae"></oembed></figure><p>In this video, the <i>Baaghi </i>star was seen doing squats while lifting some heavyweights. The actor said in the caption that he was working on his leg muscles by squatting while lifting 180 pounds. The caption on Tiger's picture read: "Do you think I had one more rep in me? #squats #legdays 180 kg"</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ5QD2THDuC/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5e4f2f48-ecf5-421b-9b9c-8a07b6e529d2"></oembed></figure>

Tiger's gym workout videos are a must-see for anyone looking for motivation to start a fitness routine.

Bollywood actor,Tiger Shroff, posts exercise videos regularly to his Instagram account. Here are some of his best training videos to get you motivated to work out.

Tiger Shroff’s Workout Videos Will Leave You Inspired | Zee Zest

Tiger Shroff’s Workout Videos Will Inspire You to Hit The Gym

Tiger Shroff

Workout Videos

Celebrity Fitness

Workout

<p>Imagine meeting someone you were introduced to a few days/months ago, and not recognising their face at all. Happens to the best of us, right? Sometimes we just forget. But now imagine the same thing happening to you repeatedly, and this time it’s not just new people—but also your loved ones, sometimes. Confusing and hurtful at the same time, right? Plus, it gives out a negative impression. </p><p><i>Ishq Vishk </i>actor and travel influencer Shenaz Treasuryvala has been living this nightmare for a while now, and yesterday she took to Instagram to open up about this condition to her fans and followers. The actor revealed that she has been diagnosed with prosopagnosia, commonly known as face blindness. In a series of Instagram stories, she shared the signs and symptoms of the disorder. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_health_Face_blindness_3_1656603597985.jpg"><figcaption>© Instagram/Shenaz Treasuryvala</figcaption></figure><p>“Now I understand why I’ve never been able to put faces together. It’s a cognitive disorder. I always felt ashamed that I can’t recognise faces. I recognise voices,” read one of her stories. </p><h2>What is prosopagnosia? </h2><p>For the uninitiated, prosopagnosia is a cognitive disorder that makes it difficult for a person to recollect familiar faces and learn to recognise new ones. Dr Kaustubh Mahajan, consultant neurologist, SL Raheja Hospital – a Fortis Associate, Mumbai, shares that it is not a rare condition. There are two types of prosopagnosia: developmental and acquired. In the developmental kind, the person has the disorder without having brain damage, whereas, in acquired, it is the result of a stroke or head injury. </p><p>“They are unaware or cannot remember or recollect known faces and hence their brain is being indifferent towards the ones they know. Some may even not be able to recognize their own face,” he explains. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>Symptoms of prosopagnosia </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_health_Face_blindness_1_1656603687234.jpg"></figure><p>The most common symptom of prosopagnosia is the inability to recognise known faces. But Dr Mahajan says there are different levels at which a patient’s ability to identify people may differ. </p><p>“Someone who is affected by minor face blindness might find it difficult to identify or differentiate between faces they know against the ones they have never seen,” he adds. In the case of people with moderate to severe prosopagnosia, however, they may not recognise the faces even of their family, relatives, neighbours, and co-workers—the people they meet daily. </p><p>People suffering from prosopagnosia may, hence, face difficulty in socialising and making friends, and may feel withdrawn in public places. </p><h2>Can prosopagnosia be treated? </h2><p>Ask about the treatment for prosopagnosia and Dr Mahajan informs us that there is no specific treatment or cure for this disorder. There are a few training programs that can help in recognising faces, such as voice recognition, remembering a certain feature of the face or tattoo on the body. </p><p>The condition may also affect a person’s relationships with loved ones and people around them, which in turn can affect their mental health. This can be a cause of depression or anxiety, and therefore they must seek counselling and support, the expert suggests. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>Shenaz is not alone </h2><p>Shenaz’s account of dealing with prosopagnosia comes almost a week after Hollywood actor Brad Pitt revealed that he is suffering from ‘undiagnosed face blindness’. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_health_face_blindness_inside_1656603714699.jpg"></figure><p>During an interview with an international men’s magazine, he shared that he finds it difficult to remember people and recognise their faces, especially in social settings. He also spoke about how this possible medical condition has led to a certain impression of him—-     that he's aloof. </p>

Actors Shenaz Treasuryvala and Brad Pitt recently revealed that they are suffering from prosopagnosia. A neurologist tells us what it is all about. 

A neurologist explains what prosopagnosia is, its symptoms, and how it can be treated. Read more on zeezest.com. 

What is Face Blindness | Shenaz Treasuryvala Suffers From Prosopagnosia | Zee Zest

Think You’re Bad With Faces? You Might Be Suffering From Face Blindness

Face Blindness

Shenaz Treasurywala

Brad Pitt

<p>On International Yoga Day 2022, Zee Zest speaks to certified yoga expert and professional dance artist Tanvi Mehra, who is also the founder of Tangerine Arts Studio, Mumbai, on the benefits of yoga beyond physical ones, how yoga has influenced her life, self-acceptance, the practice’s role in healing and transformation, and asanas that can help detoxify our body and make us feel refreshed.  </p><h2>1. What is your life mantra?  </h2><p>Live and let live.  </p><h2>2. What does healing mean to you, and what facilitates the process? </h2><p>For me, healing is being the most authentic, best version of yourself. To be able to find yourself and to facilitate that you need to do more and more things that you love without thinking about what the world thinks.   </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_tanvi_mehra_1_1655797984838.jpg"></figure><h2>3. What does a typical day in your life look like?  </h2><p>My day starts early, at 6am, then from there on, I am teaching yoga till noon or one in the afternoon. Then I have my lunch, I study and rest for a bit, and do a lot of the studio work with my team. Post that, 4pm to 8-8.30pm I am again teaching yoga or practising or dancing.  </p><p>As far as my fitness routine goes, I do everything – from cross-training, and strength training to weightlifting, and gymnastics to dancing, swimming, and even kickboxing. I don’t limit myself to one thing.  </p><h2>4. When did you start yoga and how has your yoga practice influenced your lifestyle? </h2><p>My mother’s always been practicing yoga, so I was influenced by her. Also, I’ve been dancing since I was a child. I am trained in Indian classical (Bharatnatyam) as well as Western forms of dance and would perform a lot on various platforms. That’s the time when I had a big show and then I turned to yoga to help my dance – help me be more centred, better my stamina, and just control my mind. That’s when I fell in love with it. This is easily 15-16 years back.   </p><p>Post that, I decided to learn how to teach it and ever since, I’ve been teaching yoga it all across – from my house to my building’s terrace, a close-by club, and then finally, I started the Tangerine Arts Studio.  </p><h2>5. You were a professional dancer first and then became a yoga teacher. What made you teach yoga over dance?   </h2><p>I decided to teach yoga instead of dance because this is something in which I found my cause in. It helps me feel centred and makes me feel truly the best version of myself. I feel like the way has helped me mentally, and emotionally throughout my life, no other medium has helped me as much. </p><p>Yoga has also helped me reach out and meet so many amazing people, and for that, I’ve grateful.  </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CbuFKr4jHlx/?hl=en"></oembed></figure><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>6. What is the purpose that you have been aligning your life towards? And where do you want to go from here?  </h2><p>I found my purpose through yoga itself. And I aim to build a community where more and more people can come together under one roof, a place where they feel empowered, where they feel like they belong; a place/community that can hold them and support them.  </p><p>I want people to realise that more than medicine, social media and shopping, there is something where you can just roll out your mat and you can find all the answers.   </p><h2>7. The physical benefits of yoga are most talked about. Can you tell us about its benefits beyond fitness?  </h2><p>I’ll begin with an example of one of my students. She came to our studio a few months ago with the aim to lose weight. Three months into the practice, she came up to me and said that, losing weight aside, she has been enjoying the practice so much and that she feels so much calmer and more confident. You know, she hasn’t mentioned weight even once after that.  </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_283147467_136942828926525_3780532737870964165_n_1655798176664.jpg"></figure><h3>That’s true, the benefits of yoga today have gone beyond the physical ones.  </h3><p><strong>1) Yoga is an experience  </strong></p><p>The beauty of this practice is that we use the means of an asana to route to something that’s beyond question. We use the asana to pay attention to our breath, we use the breath to get into our mind, and use our mind to get into meditation – it’s a beautiful ladder.  </p><p><strong>2) Aids healing </strong></p><p>The beauty of being still and silent, and we must understand how a lot of healing lies right there. All of us are restless souls, including me, and yoga helps you to be a better human being. And that’s the biggest takeaway. </p><p><strong>3) Improves self-awareness</strong></p><p>It sort of builds a voice within you that helps you become the best version of yourself. This voice makes you more self-aware, aware of your emotions and actions, and makes you feel more connected with your body and mind. This voice becomes your guiding light.  </p><p><strong>4) Helps you connect better with people around </strong></p><p>Only when we feel connected with ourselves – our body and mind – can we go ahead and build a better connection with the people around us. And yoga helps you there.  </p><p><strong>5) Builds self-confidence </strong></p><p>Regular yoga practice can help one understand one’s self better and once you do that, you are much calmer and your confidence levels improve. There is a certain affirmation within yourself, and that can help you be more confident.  </p><p>AlsoRead1 </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_287730444_1495350270902128_6439278816442577649_n_1655798190477.jpg"></figure><h2>8. Can yoga really help cleanse/detox one's body? How does it work?  </h2><p>Let me begin with the example of a lemon. We all know how refreshing it is, and after a tiring day, we all want a big glass of <i>nimbu pani</i> to feel a little detoxified. This is symbolic and something that is giving you a relaxing experience by virtue of having it.  </p><p>The thing about detoxifying is, and why I gave the example of lemon is, that when you squeeze a lemon, you are kind of extracting something that is giving you that life and energy. Similarly, in the practice when you twist, twists are associated with this kind of refreshing effect. When you twist, what you’re doing is contracting and squeezing all the organs and everything that’s stuck in limbo, not moving, or is static. When you contract and release, you’re sort of creating a route for that squeeze to happen.  </p><p>It makes everything flow better and because of that, you start feeling livelier and more energised. Doing these twists, it may help you breathe better, improve circulation, and of course, flexibility.  </p><h2>9. What is your message to those aspiring to take up this form of exercise?  </h2><p>Don’t look at yoga as exercise or workout but look at it as a lifestyle. Also, my suggestion is please start young and don’t wait until you get older to begin your yoga practice. </p>

In this International Yoga Day 2022 special interview, the yoga expert and founder of Tangerine Arts Studio, Mumbai, tells us why yoga is not just about physical exercise. 

International Yoga Day 2022: Tanvi Mehra On Benefits Of Yoga Beyond Physical Fitness

Yoga Helps You Be The Best Version Of Yourself, Says Expert Tanvi Mehra

<p>Is summer leaving you with a frequently parched mouth, indigestion, lethargy, and temper issues? In case of the latter, Mitesh Thakkar, a yoga therapist, certified pranic healer, and founder, MBS Holistic Clinix, wants you to take a deep breath – actually, a few – and practice yoga to stay cool, calm, and feel nurtured throughout summer. And not just him, early this month, Bollywood’s favourite yogi and co-founder, Sarva Yoga, Malaika Arora too, stressed on the importance of yoga during summers and shared a few exercises that one can practice.</p><p>If you look through the lens of Ayurveda, summertime is pitta dosha season, which is one of the three psycho-physiological elements that govern the functions of our mind and body. This dosha is associated with fire and it governs digestion, metabolism, and transformation in our body. And whether we have this dosha in our body constitution or not, we need to pacify it during summer. “An imbalance in pitta or aggravation can cause inflammation, acidity, and anger, and certain yoga asanas can help you to cool your body, mind and emotions,” shares Mitesh.</p><p>Practise these yoga postures to calm your agni (internal fire), pacify pitta, and keep it cool this summer, as suggested by Mitesh and Malaika.</p><h2>1. Sukhasana</h2><p>The easiest and most familiar posture for beginners, sukhasana is a cross-legged sitting posture. This yogasana aims to help bring peace and calm to your mind, improve stability and concentration, and eliminate stress, anxiety, and fatigue. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_yoga_for_summer_3_1655274242173.jpg"></figure><h3>How to perform sukhasana: </h3><p>1. Seat yourself on a yoga mat. Your back should be straight and your legs spread out. </p><p>2. Cross your legs alternately and bend the knees inwards. </p><p>3. Now place the right foot under the left thigh, and place your hands in gyaan mudra, on your knees. </p><p>4. Your waist, back, neck and head must be in a straight line. </p><p>5. Close your eyes and meditate.</p><h2>2. Sheetali Pranayama</h2><p>One of the top yoga postures for summer, sheetali pranayama is known to reduce the effect of excessive heat/pitta and calm inflammation throughout the body. When thinking of yoga in summer, sheetali pranayama is also favoured since it may kindle the digestive fire and promote healthy digestion. It is also known to soothe the mind in addition to cooling down body temperature.</p><h3>How to perform sheetali pranayama: </h3><p>1. Sit down comfortably and place your hands in gyaan mudra as we do in sukhasana. </p><p>2. Close your eyes and roll up your tongue so it resembles a tube. </p><p>3. Breath in air through your mouth. </p><p>4. Now take the tongue inside and close your mouth. </p><h2>3. Marjariasana</h2><p>Marjariasana aka cat stretch involves a feline stretch that not only relieves tension from the lower back and neck but also increases flexibility and the circulation of spinal fluid. One of the yoga postures for summer suggested by Malaika, this cat stretch is also popular since it helps release heat. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_yoga_for_summer_5_1655274255985.jpg"></figure><h3>How to perform marjariasana: </h3><p>1. Place your hands and knees beneath your shoulders, on the yoga mat. </p><p>2. Keep your spine straight so that it's parallel to the ground.  </p><p>3. Breath in. Now breathe out and at the same time try rounding your back, face facing the ceiling. </p><p>4. Ensure that your hands are in the original position. </p><p>5. Remember to contract your tummy and push your navel up to the spine when breathing out. When breathing in, let your tummy and spine round downwards, towards the floors, forcing your chin towards the chest. </p><p>6. Repeat 5 to 10 times.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>4. Pigeon Pose</h2><p>Also known as kapotasana, this pigeon pose recommended by Malaika helps reduce stiffness in the back and hips, and balances blood pressure. It also helps bid adieu to stress and calms your body and mind. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_yoga_for_summer_4_1655274266483.jpg"></figure><h3>How to perform pigeon pose: </h3><p>1. Start with a marjariasana and bring your right shin to the ground. </p><p>2. Keep your right knee bent outside your right hip. </p><p>3. Stretch your left leg backwards and place your hands on the respective sides of your hips. </p><p>4. Lift your chest. </p><p>5. Hold for 3-5 breaths and release. </p><p>6. Repeat the yogasana with the other leg.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>5. Shavasana</h2><p>Also known as the corpse pose, shavasana is a type of meditation that is done by lying on the floor. This yogasana cools down your body and mind and improves concentration. Shavasana helps relieve stress and gives your body a chance to unwind and connect to the earth. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_yoga_for_summer_2_1655274283411.jpg"></figure><h3>How to perform shavasana: </h3><p>1. Lie flat on the floor and close your eyes. </p><p>2. Place your hands on the sides, near the waist, your palms facing upwards. </p><p>3. Keep a little gap between your feet. </p><p>4. Leave your body loose and inhale-exhale approximately 10-15 times. </p><p>5. Focus all your attention on breathing in and out and gain awareness of the surrounding. </p><p>6. Stay in the position for 10-20 minutes.</p><p><i>With inputs from Mitesh Thakkar, yoga therapist and pranic healer, and Sarva.com</i></p>

You probably went ahead and got a new wardrobe and changed your diet for the season, so why not your yoga routine? 

Your diet and clothing has changed with the season, so why not your yoga routine? Read more on zeezest.com. 