Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people, both children and adults. The key characteristics are hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Because of many obstacles, researchers have been searching for other therapies—inclining to include diet intervention to control the symptoms of ADHD more effectively. One interesting area of research is that for chili peppers! Yes, you read it correctly, scientists are studying the effects of chilli peppers in order to help ease symptoms of ADHD through their action on gut microbiota and the gut-brain axis.

The gut-brain axis (GBA) is a two-way communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract with the central nervous system. It has significant roles in brain function, emotional control, and cognitive processes. The most recent research indicates that gut microbiota- bacteria living in the digestive system can potentially affect ADHD by impacting the production of neurotransmitters and brain structure.

People with ADHD tend to have reduced levels of healthy gut bacteria, including Lactobacillus, and a less diverse gut microbiota. This imbalance can contribute to greater neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are involved in ADHD pathology.

Gut microbiota also control the production of dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters critical for attention, impulse control, and emotional stability.

Can Chili Peppers Be A Natural Treatment For ADHD?

Chili peppers have bioactive molecules, such as capsaicin, vitamin C, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), that could affect symptoms of ADHD through modulation of the gut microbiota and neurotransmitter concentration.

Capsaicin, the phytochemical in chili peppers, has been found to modulate neurotransmitter levels. Experiments with animals reveal that capsaicin boosts the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, which has the potential to enhance attention and impulse control.

Additionally, capsaicin has been shown to inhibit neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are associated with ADHD pathology. Through the reduction of these variables, capsaicin could help to decrease some ADHD symptoms. While animal models offer promising information, human studies are needed to ascertain if capsaicin supplementation can produce a concrete effect on ADHD symptoms.

Role of Vitamin C and Gut Microbiobe

Chili peppers are a rich source of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that enhances immune function, neurotransmitter production, and iron absorption. New evidence indicates that vitamin C can also increase the prevalence of helpful microbes such as Lachnospiraceae in the gut microbiota. Gut microbial balance has been implicated in neurodevelopmental diseases such as ADHD, and vitamin C's activity in regulating gut microbes could potentially be used as a therapy.

Moreover, vitamin C also decreases brain inflammation, which tends to be higher in patients with ADHD.

Chili peppers are also rich in PUFAs, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Studies have established that patients with ADHD tend to have lower levels of omega-3 PUFAs, which are important for brain function, synaptic plasticity, and regulation of neurotransmitters. Omega-3 supplementation has been shown to enhance memory function and boost short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing gut bacteria, which promote brain and gut health.

Given that PUFAs have anti-inflammatory properties and maintain cognitive function, their occurrence in chili peppers contributes to the accumulating data indicating dietary intervention may be effective in modulating ADHD symptoms.

Although chili peppers have bioactive substances that could affect the gut-brain axis and help alleviate ADHD symptoms, their impact is speculative until stricter human trials are carried out. Being a readily available food item, peppers can be used as a possible adjunct therapy, which can be added to conventional ADHD treatments. Peppers, however, cannot be used as a substitute for established medical therapies, including behavioral therapy and prescription drugs.

The developing connection between nutrition, gut microbiome, and ADHD has paved the way for exploring non-medication interventions. Chili peppers, rich in capsaicin, vitamin C, and PUFAs, represent a novel yet unproven method for modulating ADHD symptoms. While early research points towards a possible intervention by chili peppers in modulating neurotransmitter content and minimizing neuroinflammation, human studies are essential to validate the observations.

Mornings rarely go as planned. Someone cannot find their keys, the alarm rings too late, or the commute suddenly looks longer than expected. In that rush, breakfast is often the first thing sacrificed. A cup of tea, maybe a biscuit, sometimes nothing at all.

That is why easy “grab and go” breakfasts have become a small survival tool in modern life. Smoothies, protein bars and packaged cereals promise speed, but many people now want something that feels both convenient and genuinely nourishing.

Enter overnight oats. The humble jar sitting in the fridge overnight has quietly turned into a breakfast trend across social media and nutrition clinics alike. But are overnight oats actually healthy or just another wellness fad?

What exactly are overnight oats and why people like them

Overnight oats are simply raw oats soaked in liquid for several hours, usually in the refrigerator. Instead of cooking them on the stove, time does the work. The oats absorb the liquid and soften into a creamy porridge by morning.

The base is usually rolled oats mixed with milk or a plant alternative. After that, people customize endlessly. Fruits, nuts, seeds, peanut butter, cocoa powder, yogurt or spices like cinnamon often go in. The result feels less like diet food and more like dessert you can justify eating at 8 am.

Part of the appeal is practical. You prepare it the night before, close the lid and forget about breakfast anxiety the next day. It travels well and does not require reheating, which matters for commuters and students.

But convenience alone does not make something healthy.

Why overnight oats can be good for you

Oats themselves carry most of the nutritional weight. They contain complex carbohydrates and a soluble fiber called beta glucan. This fiber slows digestion, which means energy releases gradually instead of spiking and crashing. Many people notice they stay full longer compared to refined breakfast foods.

Beta glucan also supports heart health by helping lower LDL cholesterol. That is one of the reasons oats have been recommended in heart friendly diets for years.

Then come the add ons. Chia seeds and flax seeds contribute omega 3 fats and extra fiber. Nuts add healthy fats and protein. Milk or fortified plant milks provide calcium and vitamin D for bone health. Fruits add antioxidants and vitamins.

Together, a well balanced jar can offer carbohydrates for energy, protein for satiety and fats for sustained fullness. It becomes closer to a complete meal than most quick breakfasts.

Another benefit is blood sugar control. Because digestion is slower, overnight oats tend to produce steadier glucose levels than sugary cereals or pastries. That matters for people trying to manage hunger, weight or insulin resistance.

The catch: healthy depends on how you make it

Overnight oats can easily cross into dessert territory. Honey, maple syrup, chocolate chips and large amounts of nut butter can quietly double the calorie count. A small jar can become heavier than a full meal without you noticing.

People with diabetes or insulin resistance should especially be mindful of added sweeteners and portion size. Even natural sugars affect blood sugar.

There is also the fiber factor. The same fiber that supports gut health can cause bloating in some people, especially if they suddenly increase intake. Starting with smaller portions often helps.

Finally, variety matters. Eating the exact same breakfast daily limits the range of nutrients your body receives across the week.

So, are overnight oats healthy?

Yes, they can be. Overnight oats are one of the more balanced quick breakfasts available when built thoughtfully. Oats, fruit, seeds and a protein source create a filling and steady start to the day.

They are not magic food and not automatically healthy either. The benefits depend entirely on ingredients and portions.

Still, compared with skipping breakfast or grabbing processed fast food, a simple jar waiting in the fridge is often a meaningful upgrade. In a rushed morning, sometimes the healthiest habit is simply planning ahead the night before.

Red meat, especially processed varieties such as sausages and deli meats, can significantly increase your odds of developing diabetes, a British Journal of Nutritionstudy shows.

Researchers found that those who ate high quantities of red meat had a 49 percent more risk of developing the chronic disease than their counterparts. Additionally, the risk was similar for processed red meat (47 percent higher) and somewhat lower, but still significant, for unprocessed red meat (24 percent higher).

Each extra daily serving of total red meat was linked to a 16 percent higher risk of diabetes. Each serving of processed or unprocessed red meat was linked to about a 10 percent higher risk. The study did not clarify whether eating red meat paved the way for Type 1 or 2 diabetes.

Replacing red meat with plant-based protein sources, poultry, dairy products, and whole grains was associated with a lower odds of diabetes, but not with a proven risk reduction.

Plant-based proteins showed the strongest statistical association in substitution models. These results illustrate that diet is a potentially modifiable factor associated with diabetes prevalence, although the cross-sectional design precludes conclusions regarding prevention or causation.

What Is Diabetes?Diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels. It develops when the pancreas either doesn't produce enough insulin, doesn't produce any insulin at all, or when the body doesn't respond properly to insulin, a condition known as insulin resistance.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and occurs when your body doesn't use insulin properly. The risk of developing Type 2 diabetes increases if you are overweight or obese, or if you have a family history of the condition.

India today carries one of the heaviest diabetes burden in the world. This is a crisis that is not just driven by genetics, but also by rapid urbanization, sedentary routines, shifting diets, stress, and late diagnosis.

With over 101 million Indians currently living with diabetes in India, and 136 million in the pre-diabetic stage, as stated by the latest ICMR estimates, the country is facing an epidemic. This threatens to overwhelm the healthcare system in the coming years.

According to Dr. Hetashvi Gondaliya, the surge is largely due to “unhealthy dietary habits, physical inactivity, stress, and obesity,” adding that India is witnessing a rise in both Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes among younger people.

She emphasizes that early screening, lifestyle modification, and weight management are no longer optional, they are essential.

The biggest challenge in India’s diabetes landscape is late diagnosis. Many people discover their condition only after developing complications.

Dr. Ankur Gehlot, Additional Director of Diabetes & Endocrinology at CK Birla Hospitals, stresses that early recognition, especially in high-risk groups, can prevent long-term complications.

However, experts say that there is still hope. With early screening, community support, technological advances, and sustained lifestyle changes, the trajectory can be reversed.

What Other Risks Can Red Meat Increase?

According to researchers at Capital Medical University in China, diets overloaded with pork, beef, or mutton could stoke inflammation inside the digestive system, potentially worsening gut-related disorders.

One of the most striking findings was how red meat tampered with the gut microbiome—the trillions of tiny organisms that work quietly to regulate digestion and immunity. In the study, mice on red meat lost beneficial bacteria, particularly those that protect the gut lining and keep inflammation low. In their place, harmful microbes took over, making the digestive tract more vulnerable.

People with conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis often report flare-ups after eating red meat. The study offers a possible explanation for this: the combination of heightened inflammation and a disrupted microbiome makes the gut more sensitive. For those already battling IBD, red meat might be less of a protein-packed friend and more of a troublemaker.

Experts suggest you should not take supplements with GLP-1 drugs unless you suffer from a confirmed deficiency or cannot meet your nutritional needs through diet alone.

Ozempic mimics the action of a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1. Here’s how it supports weight loss:

• It boosts insulin release when blood sugar levels increase.
• It slows down the emptying of food from the stomach, helping people feel full for longer after meals.
• At higher doses, it can also curb appetite, which may aid weight management efforts.

However, Jordan Beaumont, Senior Lecturer in Food and Nutrition, Sheffield Hallam University, advises against doing so as taking supplements without a clear need is unlikely to provide any benefit and may simply be a waste of money.

He wrote in a Science Alert article: "Nutritional deficiencies occur when the body does not receive enough of a nutrient to function properly. Estimates of how common these deficiencies are in those using GLP-1 medications vary widely.

"Supplement companies are launching 'GLP-1 support' products that claim to offset side effects such as muscle loss and vitamin deficiencies by providing the 'right' nutrients for people using these medications.

"Much of the research linking GLP-1 medications to nutrient deficiencies is observational. These studies look for patterns and associations in data but cannot prove cause and effect.

"In other words, they can show that two things occur together but cannot confirm that one causes the other. This means we cannot yet say for certain that GLP-1 medications directly cause nutrient deficiencies.

"Eating a range of nutrient-dense whole foods, including fruit and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, dairy or fortified alternatives, and lean or plant-based proteins, can help maintain adequate nutrient intake.

If supplements are needed, standard vitamin and mineral products available on the high street are often sufficient. There is rarely any need to pay premium prices for products marketed specifically for GLP-1 users. The evidence used in marketing for these products is often weak."

Can Ozempic Reduce Your Risk Of Death?

Researchers from University College London (UCL) have found that taking semaglutide drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus can reduce the risk of MACE (Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events, defined as cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke) by four percent for every 5kg less body weight or 5cm smaller waist.

The Novo Nordisk-funded study analyzed 17,604 people from 41 countries aged 45 years and over, who were overweight and had cardiovascular disease (CVD) but did not have diabetes.

The involved scientists said this finding “suggests there are multiple ways the drug benefits the heart, rather than its protective effect on cardiovascular health being due solely to weight loss”, which may include “supporting the health of the lining of blood vessels, reduced inflammation, improved blood pressure control and lower lipid levels“.

Lead author John Deanfield, professor of cardiology at the UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science, said: “Abdominal fat is more dangerous for our cardiovascular health than overall weight, and therefore it is not surprising to see a link between reduction in waist size and cardiovascular benefit. However, this still leaves two-thirds of the heart benefits of semaglutide unexplained.

“These findings reframe what we think this medication is doing. It is labelled as a weight-loss jab but its benefits for the heart are not directly related to the amount of weight lost. In fact, it is a drug that directly affects heart disease and other diseases of aging.”

Ozempic Launches In India

Ozempic is a once-weekly injectable prescribed for people living with type 2 diabetes.

The weekly injection received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration in 2017 for treating type 2 diabetes. Since then, it has grown into a global blockbuster and is also commonly prescribed off-label for weight loss because of its appetite-suppressing effects.

The lowest strength will cost ₹2,200 per week. Prices for the higher doses have also been announced, as per the Reuters report.

Here are the details:

• 1 mg dose: ₹11,175/month
• 0.5 mg dose: ₹10,170/month
• 0.25 mg dose: ₹8,800/month