Our family is the most crucial part of our lives. Spending quality time with family helps reduce stress, strengthen bonds, and build self–esteem. Amidst work and other life commitments, we typically get less time than we like with our loved ones. That’s why it is essential to grab every opportunity or excuse to spend some good old–fashioned family time – festivals, for instance. Celebrate this Makar Sankranti with fun activities with your family.
Significance of Makar SankrantiMakar Sankranti is known by different names in different parts of India, like Magh Bihu in Assam, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayana in Gujarat, etc. It is a Hindu harvest festival that marks the end of winter and the onset of spring. Sankranti refers to the transmigration of the sun from one zodiac to another. Therefore, the day when the sun transitions from Dhanu (Sagittarius) to Makar (Capricorn) is called Makar Sankranti.
Fun family activities for Makar SankrantiMakar Sankranti is typically a time when families get together to enjoy delicious treats and engage in fun activities. Here are fun–filled activities to make your family time worthwhile.
Kite flying is an essential tradition during Makar Sankranti. This fun–filled activity’s significance is encouraging people to leave their houses and spend time under the sun to eliminate illnesses and skin infections associated with winter. Hosting a kite flying competition is an excellent opportunity for parents to teach their technology–savvy children an outdoor activity.
Rangoli is an art form that involves drawing patterns on the floor using powdered limestones. Decorating your home entrance with colourful powders is typically a daily activity in many Indian households. However, the designs get more elaborate during festivals. You can encourage the little ones to help you out with Rangoli drawings. You can also fill in the Rangoli designs with leaves, flowers and petals.
Lighting a bonfire in a safe location in the evening and hosting a musical night filled with dance and frolic is another fun Makar Sankranti activity. You can invite your friends, extended family members, neighbours, etc., and have a gala time. The bonfire keeps you warm during the cold January winter nights. Add a little dance to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a festive bash.
Sesame sweets are a staple during Makar Sankranti celebrations. You can combine the sesame and jaggery mixture and bind them into delicious round ladoos with help from your family. Another important Makar Sankranti tradition is distributing the sesame sweets among neighbours and relatives as a mark of respect, friendship and camaraderie.
There’s nothing more precious in the world than family. Spending time with your family is imperative for your well-being. Moreover, you should ensure that they are financially protected from unwarranted medical expenses. One of the best ways to do so is with health insurance. For instance, a family floater health insurance plan covers your family against the costs associated with various diseases and ailments.
This Makar Sankranti, ward off financial uncertainties and protect your family with health insurance.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.It secure our most valuable assets, It secure our most valuable assets
6 Healthy Habits For Families
The key to long-term health is to get the entire family involved. Right from making healthy food choices to leading an active lifestyle – incorporating healthy habits in your daily lifestyle can be simple and practical when everyone in the family is working towards the same health goals.
Over here we discuss 6 healthy habits for families. You can add these habits into your daily routine to ensure your family’s good health.
6 Healthy Habits for Families
Eating a healthy diet, together as a family
The easiest of all family eating habits to cultivate is eating together. In today’s hectic world, eating together may be a challenge, but it’s worth making the efforts. There are several benefits of eating together. Eating together will help everyone in your family stick to scheduled meal times. Combine this habit with a healthy diet. Make a variety of healthy food choices, preferably food made at home so that family members, especially children do not look for junk food.
Make meal prep a fun activity
For family health benefits, it is essential to lead by example.Make healthy food choices so that your children can follow suit. A great way to promote healthy eating habits is to invite your children to be part of the cooking process. Help them choose the recipe and shop the ingredients. This will go a long way in inculcating healthy food choices in children.
Have no-phone zones
Apart from instilling good and healthy family habits and practices with regards to meals, it helps to turn meal hours into exclusive family hours with no interruptions. Having no phone zones at the dinner table and in the bedroom can encourage your family members to get moving and spend less time sitting. Encourage your kids to play outside. Planning fun activities like play board games and treasure hunts with your children can prove to be highly rewarding.
Be more active as a family
Staying active as a family doesn’t have to be boring! You can let every family member choose one activity for every week. From taking strolls to doing yoga together, from biking to swimming, many fun-filled activities can help you and your family burn some calories, relieve stress, while forming healthy family habits and practices.
Practice hand hygiene
As a family, make sure everyone follows hand hygiene. Wash hands after going to the restroom, before preparing food, after touching a pet, changing a diaper, blowing your nose, coughing, or handling garbage. You can also make a 20-second song so that children thoroughly wash their hands.
Do not skip medical tests
The importance of keeping track of your health cannot be emphasised enough. By undergoing regular medical check-ups you can help your family make informed health care decisions. It can help you catch health problems in the early stages and make lifestyle changes accordingly. Do include dental and eye checkup for yourself and your children in the annual medical checkup. To reap family health benefits, it’s important to take the right precautions, at the right time and make the right changes to avoid the most common health illnesses
Why is family insurance a must?
Illnesses don’t come knocking on the door. So, it only makes sense to have a backup plan in case you or your family member falls sick or needs hospitalisation in case of an accident or a health condition. With medical expenses skyrocketing, a health insurance policy is the best protection cover for a family. A comprehensive health insurance plan will give you that peace of mind regarding your family’s health and your financial well-being.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
10 Worst Diseases That Smoking Can Cause
Smoking causes diseases but it is one of the most preventable causes of death worldwide. Every puff of a cigarette exposes the body to many harmful chemicals which can cause serious health problems. As awareness of these risks increases, so does the importance of having a reliable health insurance plan to help manage the financial burdens associated with these diseases.
12 Foods With More Vitamin C Than Oranges
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in maintaining overall health. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, vitamin C is crucial for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues. It aids in the formation of collagen, absorption of iron, and the proper functioning of the immune system.
20 Foods High in Vitamin A: A Guide to Boosting Health Through Diet
Vitamin A is a vital nutrient that plays a key role in maintaining overall health, supporting vision, immune function, skin health, and more. As a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin A exists in two main forms: retinoids (found in animal products) and carotenoids (found in plant-based foods). Retinoids are readily usable by the body, while carotenoids must be converted into the active form of vitamin A.
Given its essential functions, maintaining adequate vitamin A levels is crucial for both adults and children. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to significant health problems, underscoring the importance of including vitamin A-rich foods in one’s diet. This article explores the various sources of vitamin A, recommended intake, health benefits, and how to prevent deficiency.
What is Vitamin A?
Vitamin A is essential for several physiological processes. It is found in animal-based foods such as retinol and in plant-based foods as beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Recommended daily intake levels differ based on age and gender. Adult men require approximately 900 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin A daily, while adult women need about 700 mcg. Pregnant and breastfeeding women generally require higher amounts to support foetal and infant development.
Role of Vitamin A in Health
Vitamin A is associated with various health benefits, from antioxidant protection to immunity. Below are some of its primary roles:
1. Antioxidant Protection: As an antioxidant, vitamin A helps prevent cellular damage from free radicals, which can lead to chronic diseases and ageing.
2. Immunity: Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining immune function, and enhancing the body’s response to infections.
3. Eye Health: Known for promoting good vision, vitamin A helps prevent night blindness and age-related vision problems.
4. Skin Health: Vitamin A supports skin health by promoting cell growth, reducing wrinkles, and addressing acne concerns.
5. Organ Functioning: It aids in the proper functioning of the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
6. Reproductive Health: Vitamin A plays a role in reproductive health and foetal development, making it essential for pregnant women.
7. Foetal Development: It is critical for foetal tissue and organ development during pregnancy.
8. Teeth and Gums: It contributes to healthy teeth and gums, supporting oral health.
Also Read: 6 Key Pregnancy Care Tips You Should Know
Animal Foods High in Vitamin A
Animal-based foods are an excellent source of preformed vitamin A, which is easily absorbed by the body. Here is a vitamin A foods chart showcasing some common animal-based vitamin A sources.
Name | Particulars |
Liver (beef, lamb, chicken) | Extremely rich in vitamin A; 100 grams provide more than 6 times the daily requirement |
Cod Liver Oil | A tablespoon provides up to 4,500 mcg of vitamin A |
Dairy Products (Milk, Cheese, Butter) | Source of vitamin A in moderate amounts, especially whole milk products |
Eggs | Egg yolks contain around 140 mcg per 100 gms |
Fish | Fatty fish is a good source of vitamin A, particularly retinol. |
Shellfish | Provides moderate amounts of vitamin A, along with other essential nutrients. |
Vegetables High in Vitamin A
Vegetables, particularly those that are orange, yellow, or dark green, are rich in carotenoids, which the body can convert to vitamin A. Here is a chart listing vegetables that are vitamin A high foods.
Name | Particulars |
Sweet Potato | Contains around 1400 mcg per medium potato, providing well over the daily recommended intake |
Carrot | A single large carrot offers about 1,000 mcg of vitamin A. |
Spinach | Once cup cooked provides approx. 943 mcg |
Kale | A cup cooked provides approximately 943 mcg |
Red Bell Pepper | Provides about 140 mcg per 100 grams |
Butternut Squash | Offers around 1,000 mcg per cup |
Collard Greens | Contains 770 mcg per cooked cup |
Swiss Chard | A good source, with 300 mcg per cup. |
Also Read: Sources of Vitamin D for Vegetarians
Fruits High in Vitamin A
Certain fruits, especially those with orange or yellow pigmentation, are rich in beta-carotene and contribute to daily vitamin A intake.
Name | Particulars |
Mango | Contains about 54 mcg of vitamin A per 100 gms. |
Cantaloupe | A cup of diced cantaloupe provides 270 mcg. |
Papaya | Offers around 47 mcg per 100 gms. |
Apricots | Dried apricots are rich in vitamin A, with 96 mcg per fruit. |
Guava | Contains about 31 mcg per 100 gms. |
Watermelon | A cup of watermelon offers around 43 mcg. |
Signs of Vitamin A Deficiency and Toxicity
Vitamin A deficiency is relatively common and can lead to symptoms like night blindness, dry skin, poor immune response, and growth delays in children. Severe vitamin A deficiency can cause complete blindness and increase the risk of infections. Here are a few signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency:-
1) Irregular white deposits in eyes
2) Delayed Growth (in children)
3) Infertility
4) Infections
5) Night Blindness
6) Lack of quick healing of wounds
If these signs are observed it is recommended to take the required tests and get medications from a doctor.
On the other hand, excess vitamin A, primarily from supplements, can lead to toxicity. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, and even liver damage in severe cases. It’s essential to balance vitamin A intake and avoid excessive supplementation.
Conclusion
Vitamin A is essential for overall health, supporting skin, vision, immune function, and reproductive health. By incorporating a variety of vitamin A sources—such as liver, dairy, carrots, and leafy greens—one can easily meet daily requirements and enjoy a balanced diet. To safeguard long-term health, consider monitoring your diet and explore a health insurance policy that promotes regular health check-ups and preventive care.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How can I increase my vitamin A?
To boost vitamin A intake, incorporate foods rich in both retinoids (from animal products) and carotenoids (from plants) into your diet. Add liver, dairy, carrots, and leafy greens to your meals regularly.
2) How do you increase vitamin A absorption?
Since vitamin A is fat-soluble, pairing it with healthy fats (such as olive oil or avocado) can enhance absorption. This helps the body more effectively utilise the nutrient.
3) What are the symptoms of low vitamin A?
Signs of vitamin A deficiency include night blindness, dry skin, increased risk of infections, and, in severe cases, complete blindness. Other symptoms may include delayed growth in children and poor wound healing.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.