Vegan diets are a plant-based nutrition programme, which involves eating solely plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Following this kind of diet means refraining from all types of animal products like eggs, dairy, meats etc. Advocates of this diet across the world argue that a well-balanced vegan diet not only protects people from chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease but also saves animals from the pain and terror of slaughter and factory conditions. A vegan diet also contributes to the environment by significantly decreasing the emission of greenhouse gasses.

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Vegan Data Helps Improve Gut Bacteria

A 2023 study, published in the journal Nature, elucidated how different diet types influence an individual's microbiota composition. Research indicates that there is a significantly higher diversity of gut bacteria, like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, capable of breaking down fibres found in vegan and vegetarian diets compared to the bacteria needed to metabolize the fats and proteins from animal-based diets. This suggests that plant-based diets promote a more varied and beneficial gut microbiome, which can enhance digestive health and nutrient absorption. The greater abundance of fiber-digesting bacteria may also contribute to improved overall health outcomes, as these microbes are linked to better metabolic functions and reduced inflammation.

Rujuta Diwekar is the nutritionist who has transformed many lives with her healthy and hearty take on eating well. In a health-centric world where deep-fried food is seen as the ultimate foe of a nutritious diet, Diwekar begs to differ. She recommends eating pakodas during the monsoon and has even listed the benefits of doing so in one of her videos on Instagram. And in Indian cuisine, where ghee is much valued, she advises including it in everyday meals, and for a good reason. Diabetics, especially, can benefit a great deal by adding desi ghee to their diet, especially when wheat rotis are topped with it – and Diwekar has explained why.

What is desi ghee?

Desi ghee, or clarified butter, is much loved in India—some people like topping their roti with it, cooking paranthas in it, or simply adding a spoonful to a bowl of dal. People who have a sweet tooth often smear it over toast and top it with sugar to enjoy a quick and delicious snack. And despite being loaded with a good number of calories, desi ghee is a source of vitamin A, healthy fats, and other traces of essential nutrients. Rujuta Diwekar, in an Instagram video, spoke about the health benefits of ghee that neutralise the negatives. Furthermore, the expert also spoke about the ideal desi ghee portions.

Why should diabetics eat desi ghee?

Diwekar says in the video that ghee is celebrated in Ayurveda as it is considered medicinal. Eating ghee can be a good way to enhance the flavour of food, but it also works well to treat congestion and a cold. Ghee, as per Diwekar, promotes a healthy gut and curbs inflammation as well. Vitamin A in it can be beneficial for skin and hair health. However, smearing it on atta rotis can be particularly beneficial for diabetes patients, as it can reduce the glycaemic index of wheat.

For a diabetic, uncontrolled high blood sugar can be deadly or may have severe consequences. This is why it is imperative to eat foods that have a low glycaemic index because these do not cause blood sugar spikes as such – these slow-digesting foods release sugar into the bloodstream gradually.

How much ghee should you eat every day?

In the Instagram video, Diwekar said that based on what one is eating, one must add a proportionate amount of ghee. For instance, in a dal-rice preparation, you can add a teaspoon, but if you are preparing a millet like ragi, then you need to add more ghee. However, the portions should not completely overshadow the actual flavour of the food.

Read more: Cardiologists Lift The Lid On Whether Ghee Is Unhealthy For Your Children

What are the health benefits of eating ghee daily?

Desi ghee is meant for all – even heart patients. It supports heart health and reduces cholesterol, thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids in it. This nutrient nourishes the brain and helps keep heart diseases at bay as well. If eaten right, it could also go a long way in supporting your weight loss goals. And if you are looking for a way to improve skin and heart health, consider topical application of ghee or simply adding a spoonful to your dal or smearing half a teaspoon on your roti.

Eat everything, eat right, and do not forget to give a generous touch of ghee to your food.

Energy drinks are quite popular among adolescents, students, athletes, and even working professionals who use them for a quick energy boost.

Now, a Texas family has alleged that their 17-year-old daughter has died from an enlarged heart caused by ingesting large amounts of caffeine present in a popular energy drink.

Larissa Nicole Rodriguez, a college-bound high school student in Weslaco, Texas, died in October last year.

According to her family’s attorney, Benny Agosto Jr., Rodriguez often drank Alani Nu energy drinks, which “had inadequate warnings about the serious cardiac risks that this product brings”, NBC News reported.

As per Agosto, Rodriguez began drinking energy drinks after being influenced by social media posts that advertised them for their wellness and health benefits, in addition to an energy boost.

The family has filed a lawsuit against the distributors Glazer’s Beer and Beverage and Glazer’s Beer and Beverage of Texas, and is seeking more than $1 million in damages.

During a press conference, Agosto noted that Rodriguez had no pre-existing heart conditions or heart-related problems. He added that the medical examiner tested for myriad drugs and that “everything was negative, not one trace of alcohol or anything. The only thing she had in her system was caffeine.”

How Much Caffeine Is Healthy

The US Food and Drug Administration permits 400 mg of total daily maximum of 400 mg of caffeine for healthy adults, and less than 100 mg of caffeine per day for children and teenagers ages 12 to 17.

However, Alani Nu’s drinks contain a far higher concentration of caffeine than some other popular energy drinks on the market, the report said.

Celsius Inc., which owns Alani Nu, in a statement said that it is “saddened by this loss, and our thoughts are with the family. We take product safety seriously and believe consumers should have clear information about

what they are drinking.”

“Alani Nu energy drinks disclose 200mg of caffeine on the can, and the label states the product is not recommended for children, people sensitive to caffeine, pregnant women, or women who are nursing,” the statement said. “Our products comply with applicable federal labeling requirements, and our policy is not to market or sample to anyone under 18, consistent with those label warnings.”

What Are The Health Risks Posed By Energy Drinks

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), too much consumption of energy drinks is on the verge of becoming a major public health problem.

A 2025 study published in Frontiers stated that regular consumption of energy drinks, especially sugar-free varieties, may damage the brain's protective barrier (blood-brain barrier) and trigger inflammation.

The study, conducted on mice, also linked these apparent "health drinks" to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis.

Other studies have shown that the short-term effects of ingesting high amounts of caffeine are increased heart rate, nervousness, palpitations, and dehydration.

Energy drinks have also been known to cause:

• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Hypertension
• Seizures
• Psychosis
• Sudden cardiac arrest

Although fatalities directly linked to energy drinks are still uncommon, they are occurring often enough to raise legitimate alarm among health professionals and scientists alike.

Despite growing evidence, laws governing the promotion and production of energy drinks are lax, particularly in the United States and Europe.

Experts from the WHO, in the 2025 review, advocated stricter regulation—including establishing a maximum amount of caffeine per serving, labeling of warning messages, and public awareness of the risks of combining energy drinks with alcohol.

Parkinson’s Disease is traditionally characterized by motor symptoms such as tremor and dyskinesia, although non-motor symptoms, in particular gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as constipation and incomplete emptying, are often the first markers of the disease and may precede the motor symptoms by years.

GI dysfunction is reported in approximately 70-80 per cent of Parkinson’s patients, mediated in large part through the gut-brain axis (GBA).

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr Paresh Doshi, Director of Neurosurgery and Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery at Jaslok Hospital and Research Center, GBA, is an established two-way network that links the GI tract and the central nervous system (CNS). The connection is multifaceted, involving the vagus nerve, the enteric nervous system (ENS), the immune system, and a vast number of microbial metabolites and neuroendocrine signals.

“Constipation is seen in 66 per cent of Parkinson’s patients, attributed to disordered central and peripheral parasympathetic disruption, and can lead to alteration of the gut microbiome, which in turn worsens constipation, starting a feedback loop,” the doctor explained.

What Parkinson’s Patients Must Eat

Dr Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist at Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad, told HealthandMe that changes in the gut microbiome may influence inflammation, α-synuclein aggregation, and symptom progression.

Practical dietary principles for Parkinson’s patients include:

• Prefer fiber-rich, plant-based foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains), which support gut microbiota
• Include fermented foods (curd, buttermilk), which may improve microbial diversity
• Reduce ultra-processed and pro-inflammatory foods
• Ensure adequate hydration (helps reduce the risk of constipation, a common non-motor symptom)
• Protein timing matters: Levodopa competes with amino acids for absorption.

These gut-targeted interventions are promising adjuncts to conventional Parkinson's therapy, and improving patient quality of life.

Parkinson’s Treatment With Dance, Art

Beyond gut-brain axis, research has proven that unconventional therapy, like dance and art, can improve Parkinson’s treatment.

A 2024 study published in the Scientific Reports found that tango, particularly Argentine tango, improved Parkinson's symptoms like thinking problems or balance issues. It also led to a significant improvement in recognizing emotions on people's faces.

Dr Kumar said dance therapy improves balance, gait, and coordination; provides rhythmic cueing, which enhances motor performance, and improves mood and motivation (dopamine-related pathways).

Similarly, art therapy has been shown to improve overall visual-cognitive skills and visual exploration strategies as well as general motor function in patients with Parkinson’s. The changes in brain connectivity highlight a functional reorganization of visual networks, as revealed by a study published in Parkinsonism & Related Disorders.

Dr Kumar said art and creative therapies are also helpful in enhancing cognitive engagement. It may help with executive function and emotional well-being and provide a non-verbal outlet for expression. However, these therapies work best as adjuncts, not replacements, to standard treatment, the expert noted.

World Parkinson’s Day 2026

World Parkinson's Day is observed annually on April 11 to raise global awareness of Parkinson’s disease, the world's fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorder.

It highlights the need for early diagnosis, research, and support for the nearly 10 million people living with the condition. The day marks the birthday of Dr. James Parkinson, who first described the disease in 1817.

The theme of World Parkinson's Day 2026 is "Bridge the Care Gap." It reflects a critical challenge that persists despite advances in medical research: many people living with Parkinson's still lack consistent access to specialist care, affordable treatment, and integrated support systems.

Parkinson's disease affected 11.9 million people in 2021 and will affect 25.2 million people globally by 2050, representing an alarming 112 per cent rise.