Category Archives: nutrition

education, health, nutrition, policy

Something fishy about fried shark served in Indonesia’s free meals programme?

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Over 6,000 students have reportedly come down with food poisoning since the launch of the nutritious lunch scheme in January. This initiative aims to cover more than 80 million children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers by next year.

The cause of the food poisoning has been traced to contaminated fried tofu, chicken in soy sauce, and several fruit and vegetable dishes. However, administrators at a school in Ketapang attributed the outbreak to a dish of shark fillet with tomato sauce on the menu.

Critics have questioned the choice of shark meat, citing concerns over its potentially high mercury content and its suitability for feeding children. In response, authorities have issued a rebuttal.

Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency Deputy Head, Nanik Deyang, explained that shark meat is a traditional part of the diet in that region, justifying its inclusion in the school meals.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3327576/fried-shark-served-indonesias-free-meals-programme-comes-biting-criticism?utm_source=rss_feed

food, health, nutrition

Pumpkin v/s carrot: Which is more nutritious?

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**Pumpkin vs. Carrot: Which Is More Nutritious?**
*By Anujj Trehaan | Sep 30, 2025, 11:26 AM*

Pumpkin and carrot are two of the most popular vegetables, celebrated not only for their vibrant colors but also for their impressive nutritional benefits. While both pack a punch in terms of vitamins and minerals, each has its unique nutritional profile. In this article, we explore the differences between pumpkin and carrot, highlighting the key nutrients they offer to help you make informed dietary choices.

### Vitamin Content Comparison

Pumpkins are an excellent source of vitamin A, providing more than 200% of the daily recommended intake per cup. This vitamin is crucial for vision, immune function, and skin health. Additionally, pumpkins supply vitamins C and E, both vital for boosting immunity and maintaining healthy skin.

Carrots also offer a substantial amount of vitamin A but stand out for their high vitamin K content, important for blood clotting and bone health. They also contain various B vitamins, which support energy production and brain function.

### Mineral Composition Insights

Both pumpkins and carrots are rich in essential minerals. Pumpkin is particularly known for its potassium content, which plays a key role in heart health and blood pressure regulation. It also contains magnesium and calcium, albeit in smaller amounts.

Carrots, meanwhile, are also high in potassium and provide notable quantities of calcium and iron. These minerals contribute to healthy bones, muscle function, and oxygen transport throughout the body.

### Fiber Content Analysis

Fiber is essential for digestive health, and both vegetables deliver it effectively. A cup of pumpkin contains about three grams of fiber, while the same serving of carrots offers approximately four grams. Consuming fiber-rich foods supports regular bowel movements, helps lower cholesterol levels, and promotes satiety—beneficial for weight management.

### Caloric Value Considerations

When it comes to calories, pumpkins slightly edge out carrots with fewer calories per serving. One cup of cooked pumpkin has roughly 50 calories, whereas a cup of raw or cooked carrots contains about 52 calories. Both are excellent low-calorie options to include in your diet for a nutrient boost without excess calories.

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**Bottom Line:** Both pumpkin and carrot are nutritious vegetables that bring unique benefits to your plate. Choosing between the two can depend on your specific nutritional goals, but incorporating both into your diet is a delicious way to enjoy a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/pumpkin-v-s-carrot-comparing-their-nutritional-value/story

family-friendly, food, health, nutrition, wellness

Quick and healthy: 5 antioxidant-rich breakfasts

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**Quick and Healthy: 5 Antioxidant-Rich Breakfasts**
*By Simran Jeet | Sep 29, 2025, 04:21 PM*

Moringa and spirulina are two superfoods that have taken the health world by storm, thanks to their high antioxidant content. Adding them to your breakfast can give you a great start to the day, keeping you energized and healthy. Here are five antioxidant-rich breakfast bowl ideas that use these superfoods, making your mornings both delicious and nutritious.

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### 1. Moringa Smoothie Bowl with Berries

A moringa smoothie bowl with berries makes for an antioxidant powerhouse. Blend one banana, a handful of spinach, one teaspoon of moringa powder, and half a cup of almond milk until smooth.

Top with fresh berries like blueberries or strawberries to add extra antioxidants.

This bowl not only tastes great but also provides you with vitamins C and K, along with iron.

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### 2. Spirulina Chia Seed Pudding

Spirulina chia seed pudding is another fantastic way to start your day. Mix two tablespoons of chia seeds with one cup of coconut milk and one teaspoon of spirulina powder.

Let it sit overnight in the refrigerator.

In the morning, top it with sliced almonds and kiwi for added texture and flavor. This pudding is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E.

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### 3. Moringa Oatmeal with Nuts

Start your day with a warm bowl of moringa oatmeal topped with nuts. Cook half a cup of oats in water or milk until creamy.

Stir in one teaspoon of moringa powder before serving.

Top with walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and healthy fats. This meal provides fiber for digestion and antioxidants for cellular protection.

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### 4. Spirulina Granola Parfait

For a quick breakfast option, try spirulina granola parfaits. Layer granola mixed with one teaspoon spirulina powder between layers of yogurt or plant-based alternatives like almond yogurt.

Add sliced bananas or apples between the layers for natural sweetness.

This parfait is ideal for busy mornings while still offering essential nutrients.

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### 5. Moringa Green Tea Bowl

Combine the benefits of green tea with moringa in this unique breakfast bowl. Brew green tea as per instructions, then let it cool slightly before mixing it into cooked quinoa or brown rice.

Stir in one teaspoon of moringa powder and top with dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.

This bowl is a refreshing way to kickstart your metabolism.

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Incorporate these antioxidant-rich superfoods into your breakfast routine to fuel your day with health and vitality!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/start-your-day-with-these-antioxidant-breakfast-bowls/story

food, health, nutrition, science, wellness

Why you must add black pepper to your daily diet

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**Why You Must Add Black Pepper to Your Daily Diet**
*By Anujj Trehaan | Sep 22, 2025, 06:53 PM*

Known as the “king of spices,” black pepper is much more than just a kitchen staple. Packed with antioxidants, it combats oxidative stress and offers numerous health benefits. Here are five compelling reasons why black pepper’s antioxidants make it a must-have in your daily diet.

### 1. Boosts Digestive Health
Black pepper stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which aids digestion. Effective digestion ensures that nutrients are absorbed efficiently and waste is eliminated properly. Additionally, the antioxidants in black pepper help reduce inflammation in the gut, promoting overall digestive wellness.

### 2. Enhances Nutrient Absorption
The active compound piperine in black pepper enhances the bioavailability of nutrients from other foods. This means that when consumed with nutrient-rich ingredients, black pepper helps your body absorb more vitamins and minerals. For instance, it can increase the absorption of curcumin from turmeric by up to 2,000%. Including black pepper in your meals is a smart way to maximize nutritional benefits.

### 3. Supports Respiratory Health
Traditionally, black pepper has been used to alleviate respiratory issues due to its expectorant properties. Its antioxidants help clear congestion by breaking down mucus in the airways, while its anti-inflammatory effects soothe irritated respiratory passages. This makes breathing easier when dealing with colds or allergies.

### 4. Promotes Skin Health
Thanks to its antioxidant properties, black pepper contributes to healthier skin by combating free radicals, which are responsible for premature aging and skin damage. Regular consumption may help maintain skin elasticity and reduce signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. Moreover, black pepper’s antibacterial qualities can help prevent acne by keeping pores clean and free from bacteria.

### 5. Aids Weight Management
Adding black pepper to your diet may support weight loss efforts through its metabolism-boosting effect called thermogenesis—the process by which the body burns calories faster after consuming certain foods and spices. Piperine not only accelerates metabolic rate but also helps prevent fat storage when combined with regular exercise and a balanced diet focused on a healthy lifestyle.

Incorporate black pepper into your daily meals to enjoy these health benefits and enhance your overall well-being.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/black-pepper-s-antioxidant-power-five-health-benefits-revealed/story

business, food, health, nutrition, wellness

Add these spices to your daily drinks

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By Anujj Trehaan | Sep 22, 2025 | 6:31 PM

**Incorporate Daily Spices into Hydrating Drinks to Boost Wellness and Refresh Instantly**

Incorporating daily spices into your hydrating drinks can provide an instant wellness boost and refresh you naturally. These common spices, often found right in our kitchens, offer numerous health benefits when added to beverages. From improving digestion to enhancing immunity, these natural ingredients can transform ordinary drinks into powerful wellness elixirs.

Here’s how you can use some everyday spices to create simple yet effective health-boosting drinks:

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### Tip 1: Turmeric’s Golden Touch

Turmeric is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, largely due to an active compound called curcumin. Adding a pinch of turmeric to warm water or herbal tea can help reduce inflammation and support joint health. For enhanced benefits, combine turmeric with black pepper, which can increase curcumin absorption by up to 2,000%.

This golden spice not only lends a beautiful color to your drink but also promotes overall well-being.

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### Tip 2: Ginger’s Zesty Kick

Ginger is well-known for its digestive benefits and its ability to ease nausea. Slicing a few pieces of fresh ginger into hot water creates a comforting drink that soothes stomach discomfort and aids digestion.

Moreover, ginger’s spicy warmth improves circulation and provides comforting heat during colder months. Adding ginger to your daily hydration routine is an easy way to enhance gut health.

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### Tip 3: Cinnamon’s Sweet Warmth

Cinnamon is widely celebrated for its role in regulating blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity. Including a cinnamon stick or a dash of ground cinnamon powder in your morning tea or coffee delivers these benefits along with a delightful sweet aroma—without any added sugar.

Additionally, cinnamon contains antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress in the body.

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### Tip 4: Cardamom’s Aromatic Flavor

Cardamom imparts a unique aromatic flavor that complements both hot and cold drinks. Known for its detoxifying properties, cardamom helps flush toxins from the body while promoting digestive health.

Simply add crushed cardamom pods or ground cardamom powder to your beverage to enhance flavor and support digestion naturally.

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### Tip 5: Clove’s Invigorating Essence

Cloves are packed with antioxidants that combat free radicals and promote oral health due to their antibacterial properties, making them a common ingredient in natural mouthwashes.

Adding a few cloves to warm water creates an invigorating essence that assists digestion after meals, without relying on artificial additives. This makes cloves an excellent natural choice for everyday consumption.

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Incorporating these simple spices into your daily drinks not only elevates flavor but also offers a natural path to improved health and wellness. Enjoy exploring these easy, effective ways to boost your hydration routine!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/daily-spices-for-hydrating-wellness-drinks/story

diet, food, health, nutrition, waste reduction

Can you get your nutrition intake from ‘random leftovers’? A dietitian weighs in

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Annie Jacobs-Perkins is a 28-year-old cellist who shares a glimpse into her typical day’s meals and eating habits.

**8:00 AM**
A cup of black coffee starts her day. “I don’t always eat breakfast; today was one of those days,” Annie admits.

**11:45 AM**
For a mid-morning snack, she enjoys homemade pumpkin bread with cream cheese, accompanied by some red plums sourced from a local farmer. “I prioritise plant-heavy meals and local produce,” she explains.

**1:00 PM**
Lunch consists of a variety of random leftovers: lentil curry, tofu salad, kimchi, sprouts, salad, and a few bites of local cheddar cheese.

**4:30 PM**
While on a family holiday, Annie visits an Amish food stand called Sharps Market in Adams, New York, to pick up fresh fruit, vegetables, and cheese. At home, the family shares half a watermelon. They save the rinds, which Annie is fermenting into watermelon rind pickles using gochujang and garlic.

**6:30 PM**
Dinner features grilled corn, beans, and peppers tossed into a salad with lime juice and tomatoes. She also roasts chickpeas and butter beans with salt, pepper, and olive oil. The roasted chickpeas and salad are served on a bed of yoghurt mixed with lemon juice, ricotta cheese, and garlic.

**10:00 PM**
Annie ends the day with a sweet treat: a bowl of vanilla ice cream drizzled with maple syrup.

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**Expert Nutrition Insights**
Dr Joanna McMillan praises Annie’s eating habits:
“Top marks for your strong focus on local produce and the wide variety of plant foods. I love how you use up leftovers and your home-fermenting, which both reduces waste and promotes emerging gut and immune health benefits.”

However, Dr McMillan also offers some advice for continued health:
“If you keep eating like this, you’ll need to watch your iron intake, which can be low for women in their 20s if animal foods are limited. Without fish or seafood, your omega-3 intake is also on the low side. While dairy supplies some high-quality protein, the lack of eggs, meat, or seafood means you need to be mindful of replacing or supplementing certain nutrients.”

She suggests a few practical tips:
– Increase your intake of iron-rich plant foods such as lentils, beans, pumpkin seeds, and dark leafy greens.
– Pair these with vitamin C-rich foods to boost iron absorption.
– Consider a marine algae omega-3 supplement if fish isn’t on the menu.
– For extra protein variety, try nut butters, tempeh, or quinoa.

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Annie Jacobs-Perkins will perform in the Sydney Opera House’s Utzon Music series on October 12.

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https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/can-you-get-your-nutrition-intake-from-random-leftovers-a-dietitian-weighs-in-20250903-p5mrzx.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed