Latest news with #LukeCoutinho
NDTV
2 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Lifestyle Coach Shares Health Benefits Of Okra
Okra, also known as lady's finger, is a bright green vegetable loved for its mild flavour, subtle crunch, and versatility. Whether fried, stewed, or tossed into curries, it's a staple in many kitchens, and it turns out, it's also a nutritional powerhouse. Nutritionist and health coach Luke Coutinho recently shared a video on Instagram highlighting the many health benefits of okra. In the video, he explained how the vegetable is rich in essential nutrients and can easily be included in a balanced diet. One of the key components of okra is its mucilage, a gel-like substance that acts as a form of fibre. According to Luke Coutinho, this fibre helps nourish good gut bacteria, supports bowel movement, and improves stool consistency. He also pointed out that okra is especially beneficial for people managing diabetes, inflammation, and gut health. It's packed with Vitamin K, Vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and all B vitamins. Its high fibre content works as a prebiotic, supporting a healthy gut microbiome. In addition to being low in calories, okra contains small amounts of protein and carbohydrates. Luke Coutinho added that scientific studies have shown okra helps reduce glucose absorption and improves insulin sensitivity, thanks to compounds like flavonoids and polysaccharides. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also help lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Luke Coutinho - Official (@luke_coutinho) He also mentioned that he often includes okra in diets for people who are preparing for or recovering from surgery, dealing with colorectal issues, and undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or heavy medication. He said okra-based meals ease digestion, reduce oxidative stress, and support cellular healing. Luke Coutinho also cautioned people to avoid okra if they are allergic to it or those taking heavy blood thinners. He also advised people not to deep-fry or overcook okra, as it kills most of the nutrition. He recommended steaming, light cooking, or even adding okra to salads or soups instead and suggested trying okra water by soaking it overnight and drinking it the next day. He suggested, "Stop deep frying it. Lightly saute, steam, or mix into dals and sabzis." He stated that managing conditions like diabetes, heart problems or weight loss issues requires regular exercise, good sleep quality, stress management, and proper nutrition, as there is no magic food that can cure diabetes, prevent heart attacks, or cause weight loss on its own. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
'Liquid Gold': Luke Coutinho Shares Health Benefits Of Pure Ghee
Contrary to popular belief, Ghee is good for your health when consumed in moderation. Modern experts and ayurveda suggest pure ghee for overall well-being. Ghee, which is well-known for its vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats content. There are several health advantages for your gut, heart, and skin from this abundant supply of vitamins A and E. Lifestyle expert Luke Coutinho explained the wonderful benefits of pure ghee, the "liquid gold" in his recent Instagram post. According to Luke, although many people may be concerned about cholesterol, it is important to understand that saturated fats are not the only factors that affect it. According to the lifestyle guru, there are several health-related questions arise when it comes to consuming ghee and many individuals are still hesitant to include ghee in their diet. The truth is, however, that pure ghee was a mainstay in Indian cooking for many centuries before synthetic oils replaced it. The issue was never ghee. Ghee was mistakenly linked to heart disease and high cholesterol for many years. However, science has evolved. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Luke Coutinho - Official (@luke_coutinho) Explaining the health benefits of pure ghee, Luke mentioned the following benefits: Nutritional value Pure ghee is rich in vitamin A and vitamin E. Although it contains saturated fats, when taken as directed, it is beneficial than detrimental. Heart and skin health Pure ghee may be beneficial for heart health as well when taken in moderation. It also helps skin stay healthy and glow. Gut health Besides being rich in vitamins, A, D, E, and K, ghee is a healthy fat that contains a lot of butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) that supports digestive and immune health. It supports colon cell health, and promotes better digestion. High smoke point Moreover, pure ghee has "High Smoke Point," that is it does not oxidise or break down at high heat, making it ideal for Indian cooking, according to Luke. Naturally balances insulin Pure ghee, the liquid gold, balances insulin naturally. It promotes improved metabolic health and decreases the glycaemic index when combined with rice or vegetables. Quality > Quantity Select A2, hormone-free, grass-fed, and ethically sourced ghee; the quality really does make a difference, according to lifestyle expert Luke. Luke Coutinho further mentioned in the caption that ghee does not cause heart problems. Heart issues are caused by a number of other things, including smoking, long-term stress, a sedentary lifestyle, excessive consumption of processed oils, poor sleep, chronic inflammation, and refined carbohydrates. Thus, including pure ghee in your diet can improve digestion, boost your immune system, and have major health advantages. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
NDTV
04-06-2025
- General
- NDTV
Indian Spices And Fruits To Help Boost Your Immunity, As Per Lifestyle Coach Luke Coutinho
We all know how important diet is when it comes to boosting immunity and pretty much everything else that goes on in your body. From your sleep to your mental health, everything plays a pivotal role in maintaining your overall well-being. And Holistic Lifestyle Coach Luke Coutinho recently shared a list of Indian foods and spices that are great for your health. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Luke Coutinho - Official (@luke_coutinho) Indian Fruits And Spices To Boost Immunity For the uninitiated, immunity is like a guardian within your body. Your immune system helps the natural defense mechanism of your body to protect you from diseases and infections by combatting harmful pathogens that try to attack your body. A healthy diet can help boost your immunity and keep diseases at bay. And there are some Indian fruits and spices that you can add to your diet, according to Coutinho. Fruits To Boost Immunity Papaya: Loaded with vitamin C and antioxidant properties, papaya can be a great addition to your diet. Plus, it also contains papain and fibre - all of which support a healthy gut and boost immunity. Amla or Indian gooseberry: Load up on these sour berries as they have a high vitamin C content, which can help you fight infections and inflammation. Pomegranate: According to UCLA Health, pomegranate is a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help keep the bacteria from growing. It can help strengthen your body's ability to fight off infections. Spices To Boost Immunity Turmeric (Haldi): The active compound in turmeric called curcumin contains anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that can help bolster your immunity. Ginger (Adrak): Gingerol in ginger contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing properties - all of which help fight off infections and support overall health. Cinnamon (Dalchini): Cinnamon contains anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that help boost immunity. Other Lifestyle Habits To Boost Immunity What you eat is important, but Coutinho also mentions the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You need to be careful of certain things, including getting good sleep, doing moderate exercise regularly, eating clean, and keeping your stress levels and emotional health in check. In the caption, he also warned, "Not a replacement for medicine or your doctor's advice, immunity is not just food, it's deep sleep, exercise, emotional and mental health, nature, clean nutrition... if these foods and spices don't suit you, don't have them… keep winning. Be educated, not influenced".
Indian Express
30-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Luke Coutinho on weight loss for Indians: ‘Food is no longer a choice, it's medicine'
Nutritional science expert and best-selling author Luke Coutinho insists that food has to be treated as medicine. 'And they have to be as natural as possible,' he says. That's how he has helped many lose weight, reverse their blood pressure, cholesterol and fatty liver, manage their sugar and even fight cancer. Just by going back to the basics. 'Given the disease burden in our country, food is unfortunately not a choice anymore. We have to understand how food works on the gut microbes, on immune and stem cells, even DNA. It is all about understanding how nutrients react with molecules. Nutrition is now a key pillar of preventive health,' he says. Excerpts: Nothing is a magic pill. What most people do not want to understand is that novel weight loss pills like Mounjaro work on one fundamental principle — reducing your appetite. In other words, this is based on denial and suppression, a drastic step intended to help you get off the weight loss plateau, a stage when the body fat gets too stubborn to be lost through the diet-exercise routine and exposes you to a high risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea and certain types of cancer. These pills can help you lose up to 22.5% of your body weight over 72 weeks. Then you have to continue the medication and still maintain the weight drop with lifestyle changes. If people don't learn how to change their behaviour around food and lifestyle before the pill or while taking the pill, then they may regain body weight. At the same time, it doesn't work for everyone. Many people get fantastic results, some experience minimal effects. So it's not a 100 per cent guarantee of weight loss. Mounjaro is an absolute lifesaver when it's given to the population that it was actually meant for, like people who weigh over 120 kg. Question is if it is psychologically motivating enough for them too to make lifestyle changes that matter subsequently. They must take care of their muscle mass with strength training exercises. They must firm up their gut health, change their protein and fibre intake, balance out their macronutrient pie and look out for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. That you can use it to knock off five to ten kilos because you are too lazy to make lifestyle changes and then get back to your life as if it's a disease you cure. Stopping weight loss drugs means your hunger returns that much stronger. The reward centres in the brain still want you to consume, the drugs are just hiding this desire. A medicine is a medicine. It's not something that we fool around with. We should take it with the right intention, the right guidance and with the mindset that we still need to change our lifestyle. Is the 70-30 (70 per cent diet and 30 per cent exercise) formula the ideal way to lose weight? It's easier to control calorie intake than to burn a large number of calories through exercise alone. So diet is indeed a key pillar of any weight loss strategy. Your gut is everything. It controls how food is broken down into energy, amino acids and fatty acids and is then absorbed into the body. It controls your mind, anxiety and neurotransmitters. It regulates almost 75 per cent of your immune system and hormonal balance. A healthy gut can burn up food for energy, making it easier to lose weight. If not, unused calories get absorbed, affecting hormones that regulate appetite and trigger inflammation. There are millions and millions of strains of bacteria, fungi and micro-organisms in the gut. But probiotic supplements pick up one strain of lactobacillus as your immunity shield. It's like looking at only one sapling in the Amazon forest. The gut microbiome is a forest where both good and bad bacteria live in balance. But if we feed the bad bacteria through our lifestyle, junk food and sugar, then the good bacteria can't do their job and get outnumbered. What we call gut cleanse or gut reset is really about starving the bad bacteria to death by going off sugar completely for two weeks. The cravings vanish, you start to lose weight, you feel lighter and your gut starts to get better. We were never supposed to suppress hunger, which is a protective mechanism of the human body. The body makes us hungry because at that point it's looking for certain vitamins, minerals and macro nutrients like carbs, proteins and fats. Unfortunately, we feed it the wrong thing and the body becomes hungrier for what it wants. When you have mostly refined carbs, the body's need for protein or good fat is not met and your burger bun is no substitute. Never ever try to follow diets which advocate suppressing hunger. Instead, eat a nutrient-dense meal which gives you the bulk needed for satiety like whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and nuts. The second reason we do not experience satiety even while eating the right food is because we are eating to feed our emotions. We eat when we are angry, sad, stressed or bored, seeking relief in food. Eat mindfully, not mindlessly. Sugar, salt and fat. These trigger the pleasure centres of the brain and release 'feel-good' chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin, affecting the same area of the brain as drugs and alcohol. Even restaurants play with these three ingredients. That's why you keep ordering a particular dish. That's how food companies work. People eat their last meal at 10 pm and sleep by 11 pm. You need three hours to digest food, which will be unused and become extra calories. Only influencers say fruits are making you fat. I can guarantee that no human being can ever become fat because they eat fruits unless they're diabetic and have a fatty liver that cannot absorb fructose. Other than that, you can eat fruits and not put on weight because they have no fat and are rich in fibre. Ghee is often mistaken as a saturated fat but there are good saturated fats and bad saturated fats. The bad saturated fats are your bakery products, junk and processed food. Good saturated fats can help you with heart disease, brain health, even cancers. These include pure ghee, cold pressed mustard oils or wood churned oils. Ghee is rich in Omega 3, and used in moderation, has great uses. Our most common foods like amla, the strongest source of vitamin C, guavas, moringa, ginger, turmeric and other spices are grossly under-rated.
NDTV
24-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Fitness Coach Shares 10-Minute Workout Plan for Busy Days
Working out daily can bring countless benefits to your health. But let's face it, there are some busy days in between which often don't leave you with the time to hit the gym. To solve this problem, fitness coach Luke Coutinho has shared his easy and simple fitness routine for people who struggle to find the time to go to the gym. The regimen yields results and can be performed at home without using any additional equipment. In a post shared on Instagram, Luke mentioned doing three sets each of squats, pushups, planks, lunges and pull-ups. He also added mountain climbers to be performed between each set. "Simplicity is the new luxury and something is better than nothing," Luke concluded. He even suggested an alternative to pull-ups, mentioning that if you can't do pull-ups, then you can start with dead hangs, where you simply hang from a pull-up bar. Other than this, Luke Coutinho also said that if you don't have time for a full workout, you can still stay active by walking and completing your daily steps target. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Luke Coutinho - Official (@luke_coutinho) Luke stated that on days you can't do a workout, it's important to eat mindfully to maintain a balance in your lifestyle. In his previous Instagram post, the fitness coach advised practising a simple yet effective breathing technique to "instantly calm your mind, reduce stress and lift your mood." Whether you are feeling low or anxious or just need a mood lifter, Luke Coutinho added that the 4-7-8 breathing technique can help. It is "one of the most powerful and effective exercises to instantly calm your mind." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Luke Coutinho - Official (@luke_coutinho) This technique will help you get your stress and anxiety levels under control. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
