The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

A dinner date
Dinner With Friends explores the good, bad and the ugly in a marriage
Jasmine Singh

Perizaad Zorabian Irani

If 'relationship' is an overrated word, it is the trickiest one too. And if you thing a marriage can untangle the mystery, well, then you probably need a Pulitzer winning play, Dinner With Friends, to understand the complexity, the real and the fake of it. Even when it claims to leave you with more questions than answers as director Feroz Khan says, it might leave you with something to ponder on, on a serious note. As the cast, including Perizaad Zorabian Irani, Tisca Chopra, Joy Sengupta, Vinay Jain present Donald Margulie's Dinner With Friends, courtesy Ballantines, we get to know how actors let go of the 'acting clutches' for a stage act.

The play has been inspired by Donald Margulies play Dinner With Friends. Directed by Feroz Khan, it explores the relationship between four close friends and how a couple's break-up takes a toll on the others relationship. The director is the first one to hand us the thread of the complexity he has woven.

Director's cut

Having made his foray into motion picture with Gandhi-My Father, Feroz is recognised for exploring new forms of theatre and also for getting mainstream recognition in Hindi theatre. With Dinner With Friends, he explores the universal phenomenon. "Some time ago, I didn't think I could do this play. But urban India has changed a lot in the past few years. This play shows a glimpse of relationships in urban India," says Feroz.

What makes the director decide on the language of the play. "I have given many Hindi plays like Tumhari Amrita and Salesman Ramlal. I wanted to reach across the country, also because the play deals with the problems of upper middle class, English language did justice to the subject."

Act two

The Joggers Park girl, Perizaad Zorabian Irani, who starred in movies like Nagesh Kukunoor's Bollywood Calling, Mumbai Matinee, Morning Raga, Ek Ajnabee is on cloud nine. Not because she is having 'Dinner with Friends', but the gossamer skinned beauty admires and can't get enough of her 'quick production', her two kids as she calls them. "Even though I joined as an actor in this industry, I also knew I wanted to have a family, settle down and have kids. It is because of my husband I am breaking my sabbatical with this play".

Happily married, how does a blissful soul relate to the intricate theme? "I guess each one us could relate to either of the couples. I am strong, opinionated, instinctive, so this real aspect of me spills on the stage. The challenge, however, wasn't this," Perizaad, the theatre actor takes the lead now. "There is no way any one of us could get away with insincere emotions. In fact, each one of us had to unlearn our craft of acting and get back to the basics. I just couldn't be filmy in this play," she smiles sharing the lesson she got from the play. "Never take relationships from granted."

Role model

What is the biggest fear of an actor, we mean for a real actor. See another chiseled body go shirtless and semi-topless figure in a raunchy number! For Tisca Chopra, who plays Diya in the play, getting stereotyped in a role can be scary. "It is hard for an actor to keep playing the same role. After Taare Zameen Par, I didn't want to do any more taarey kind of roles that I was offered. So, I went ahead with various other projects like Dil To Bacha Hai Ji, 10ml Love, Firaaq, 404," she offers. "I invest my life and soul in a film, I might as well be able to relate to it," provides the actor who feels it is the formula films that are flopping and non-formula going down well the audiences.

Audiences too want to see something of their lives, like the play? "I have been an unsuccessful actor who had had her journey, and something similar to it also finds a mention in the play that I relate to." The real challenge on stage? "In movies cameras get the emotions out of me, on stage I had to show 'real ones' that would touch the person sitting at the last row as well."

Joy-ous moments

As for Joy Sengupta and Vinay Jain, the real challenge lies in baring themselves on the stage. "The fear that you are playing yourself can be scary," shares the duo.

Threadrare
Neha Walia

Innovations, experiments, infusions, inspirations…fashion may have found different ways to break free, but traditions remain. 'To each his own' seems to be the first rule of fashion but traditions beg to differ. They are same for everyone; right from our grandmas to mothers and now, us. How we boast of inheriting a sari, a duppatta or even shapeless piece of cloth from our nani or amma? So many of us would still prefer borrowing an element from our mother's wedding dress. The 'bagh' (with its elaborate and intricately done phulkari) still finds its place comfortably alongside the cocktail gowns in our wardrobe. Despite all kinds of glamorous options available to us, we eye at our mothers' benarsis or kanjeevarams. Traditionally speaking, they are an expression of our belongingness. Fashion wise, it's revival of treasure trunk.

"Traditional Indian embroideries never had lost their charm, just went under transformation," says Nidhi Gupta, a city-based designer. "They were always in fashion, whether dabka, kantha, chikenkari or phulkari. This art is priceless," she adds.

And she represented this priceless art through her collection Sattvika, inspired by the dancing peacock at Chandigarh Fashion Week. "It had a lot of peacock colours like gold, blue, green on blouses with modern cuts and designs. Traditional yet bold, was the call," says Nidhi.

Designer Anju Modi brought with her "An Ode to Benaras" at the CFW, that celebrated the rich, royal Indian embroideries, "I am trying to keep the heritage weaves alive," says the revivalist about her collection. Using the Benaras craft of weaving in cotton and silk, her pieces were symbolic of a treasure chest, with Benarasi paan offset, Mughal angrakhas, churidaars and jacket paired with lehengas and saris.

The acceptance is not an issue here, because of the originality. "In fact, in a time when Indian embroideries are finding their importance in the global fashion market, we should be proud to flaunt them," says Neeru Ahuja, a designer-cum-revivalist of old Indian embroideries. "They are like pieces of art. It's about owning them rather than glamorising them or marketing them. One has to have an eye for details and be passionate about it," Neeru adds. Her passion for the past 20 years now has been restoring Indian embroideries that includes rich Mughal ones like naquashi work, do rukha and zardosi. And with that she makes sure that it suits the urban couture without forsaking the traditions. "One has to be very innovative while selling such clothes as recycling old forms is a very expensive preposition. Apart from that one has to have the knowledge and inclination towards it, a reason very few dare to do it," she shares.

Her work is mostly lot of infusion, whether in embroideries or fabrics. A lot of mix of tussar, crepe, silk and blends of modern cuts that make even an ethnic dress look glamorous. Even Nidhi revamps the look a bit, keeping the original flavour. "You can play around with the fabric or the cuts, but the work has to be kept original. A little mix and match brings in the glamour effectively," says Nidhi. "And the demand for such pieces is increasing in bridal wear," she adds.

Well, the good news is that we have a few who are making their efforts count and glamorising the underestimated elegance of Indian embroideries.

nehawalia@tribunemail.com

Power-puff girl

She was missing in action on the silver screen for sometime but Bollywood actor Amisha Patel is back with a bang, starring in Rajkumar Santoshi's upcoming film Power.

The actor is sharing screen space with stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt and Anil Kapoor in the film and is anxious to deliver a good performance.

"Power is such a big film with people like Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgn—you feel so small working with them! I was thinking, 'How will I perform?' I hope to do a good job and not let my director down," Amisha said.

The Kaho Na Pyaar Hai star is aware that her role might be eclipsed by power-packed performances from such seasoned actors, but is determined to leave a mark with whatever bit is given to her.

"In a film like this obviously a girl gets hidden; the actor is not going to be the focus like the actors, but whatever scenes she gets are important. I am looking forward to it," said Amisha, who was in the Capital recently to launch designer Rocky S new festive collection at the Aza store.

The actor, whose last major role on the big screen was in Bhool Bhulaiyaa, has also signed up to star opposite tennis player Leander Paes in his debut movie Rajdhani Express, to be helmed by Sagar Bellary of the Bheja Fry fame.

"I have a very interesting role in the film, which is still being developed by the director. It is a drama with a social message. We will start shooting in December," said Amisha, refusing to divulge further details.

The 35-year-old actor is glued to her TV set these days, watching her brother Ashmit Patel, who is currently locked inside the Bigg Boss house. The actor has been embroiled in quarrels and controversies on the reality show, but sister Amisha is proud of the way he has been handling it all.

"I think he is doing a good job and being very honest. Of course you have nasty people who will try to create controversies, but he is handling it very well. He is the perfect combination of a friend and a flirt, which is great," said the actor.

But Amisha herself is not ready to be part of any such reality show, saying she is not strong enough to go through such an ordeal.

"To be locked up with unknown people, whose sensibilities, background do not match yours and to take insult after insult calmly like my brother - I don't think I am strong enough to go through all that," she said.

— PTI

Big, fat Indo-Canadian wedding
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

For a country and its people who either live for cricket or weddings, marriage is a heavenly affair that has to be celebrated in grand style (read—invite almost everyone, spend a fortune in a day to showo ff the best of clothes, jewellery etc etc). The Indian wedding market is worth over 800 billion and is growing by at least 25 per cent per annum,. Thanks to the NRI community which is adding to its share by spending more than what we do. And it was on a Saturday afternoon that we met Gautam Sharma, group publisher, Suhaag (a magazine and a bridal show by the same name in Toronto, Canada), who is selling the great Indian wedding dream in Canada and the US.

“It was in 1997, we did our first bridal exhibition Suhaag with 25 vendors and today we have almost 200 vendors with us for the show,” says Gautam.

Having grown over 13 years, Gautam along with his friend and partner Sanjay Agnihotri also launched a bi-annual magazine ‘Suhaag’ in 2001 and also holds the Miss India/Canada beauty pageant. “Lot of hard work has gone into it but today we are an established name and work under the umbrella company ‘Toronto Star’, a known publication in Tornoto,” says Gautam.

Back to Suhaag. Related to Indo-Canadian wedding theme, the magazine features almost everything connected to a marriage—right from photography to clothes, to jewellery to the first baby and issues related to health, the magazine is one-stop-shop for would be brides and grooms.

It’s an answer to Bridal Asia India, but this is a one-day event. Says Gautam, “India has a big market for weddings but at the foreign shores it’s not easy to get all these things easily, so we came up with the idea of a marriage exhibition.”

However, the inspiration comes from India, and Gautam comes here twice a year to get the latest in fashion. And yes, the photography shoots for the magazine are also done here considering the real feel.

Ask him if the wedding industry is as big as in India and he says, “Definitely. In India the guest list must be big, but abroad the money involved is much bigger. An average wedding in Canada would cost around 50,000 to 60,000 dollars.”

He has also launched a coffee table book Suhaag, celebrating 10 years of the company.

jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com

Spice up
On a solid foundation
Shahnaz Husain

The secret of good grooming is to adjust make-up, hairstyle and jewellery to different face shapes and features. In other words, you can create an illusion by playing down the minus points and emphasising the plus points. One can also camouflage defects. First, you need to have a good look at yourself, your facial features and the shape of your face. Individual features and your looks as a whole should both be taken into consideration.

With the right kind of make-up, hairstyle and accessories, you can give your face symmetry and play down facial flaws. For instance, if your nose seems too large or you have a square jaw or plump cheeks, you can use make-up to create a different look and provide symmetry to the face. The first rule you have to keep in mind is that dark colours help to ‘tone down’, while light colours help to emphasise.

You will need to buy foundation in three shades. One shade should be as close to your skin colour as possible, which you will be using for the entire face. Of the other two, one should be a shade lighter and one a shade darker. A highlighter would be useful for emphasising areas and camouflaging dark spots and patches. Instead of going for stark white, choose very pale beige or pink, cream or ivory. You will also need a sponge for blending. Blushers also help. What you have to remember is that blending is of utmost importance, so that no lines of demarcation are visible.

To make a round face longer: First apply the normal foundation on the entire face, blending with a damp sponge. Then, apply the darker colour foundation along the cheeks, at the fullest part. To make a round face appear longer, blend the blusher from the cheekbones downwards, fading gently outwards. Emphasising the cheekbones also helps a round face with plump cheeks appear less so. Use your blusher under the cheekbone, starting from under the centre of the eye and going outwards and slightly upwards. Apply highlighter or translucent powder on the cheekbones, to lift them.

For a square or rectangular face: Use the dark foundation at the jaw line, in a diagonal line, from the ears to the tip of the chin, on either side. To make a square face appear rounder, apply blusher high on the cheekbones, blending it smoothly and softly downwards.

If you have a double chin: Apply the darker foundation under the chin line. Apply blusher also, under the chin line, to make a soft shadow and minimise the fullness.

To make a long face look wider: Use a darker foundation on the forehead and chin, after applying your basic foundation for the entire face. Blusher should be kept to the top half of the face, high on the cheekbones and blended outwards and upwards.

To make a wide nose slimmer: Apply a dark foundation on either side, from eyebrows to nostrils and use a lighter one down the centre of the nose, from the bridge of the nose to the tip. If the nose is very broad, use a powder on the nose which is two shades darker than the one you use on your face.

Whatever you wish to camouflage, remember to blend well, so that the make-up looks like a whole, rather than lines and blotches being visible. These
are some of the tricks of the trade. See what suits you and try it out several times at home. Never try a new make-up for the first time just before an important occasion. One learns from trial and error. Also, practice makes perfect.

Finding the hairstyle to suit individual facial features is important. It helps to ‘play down’ your minus points. You should also keep your hair texture in mind. Thin hair can be cut and styled in a way which adds body to the hair. A few tips can help you in choosing a style that is in keeping with the individual facial shape and hair texture.

If you have a long face, a short hairstyle that adds width to the sides will suit you. It should not be top heavy, as that would make your face seem longer. Do not have your hair hanging long on either side. It should add width to the sides. A fringe, or hair falling on the forehead would help. If you have a layered hairstyle, the layers should begin at ear level.

A square face has a wide jaw line. Your hair should be cut with soft curls and waves, which falls around your face, so that the jaw line is not emphasised. A side parting would suit you. The hairstyle can add width on either side of the forehead and curl forward at chin level. This would draw attention away from the jaw line. Avoid tying your hair back tightly.

For a round face, shoulder-length hair can be worn straight, with the hair falling straight on either side. A centre parting will help. Avoid hair falling on the forehead. If you have layers, they should begin at chin level or lower. The hair can softly frame the face.

When it comes to wearing jewellery too, some attention should be paid to the facial shape. For example, if you have a wide jaw line, you should not wear earrings which have a wide base and end at the jawline. Instead of wearing traditional jhumkas, long drop earrings are more flattering. For round faces and wide jaw lines, long earrings that extend well below the jaw line would be more suitable. An oval or long face would look good in the jhumka type earrings. A long face would also take large tops, instead of long earrings. Tops would help to add width to the face. Something dainty and delicate is better for you.

The neck also counts. Keep away from heavy chokers if you do not have a long neck. For short necks, wear long chains, or strands of pearls that hang down and form a long oval. A chain with a locket would also suit. For round and square faces too, heavy chokers may not look good. It is better to go for a dainty necklace, pearl strings or beads that are not worn close to the neck, but hang down a little. These tips help to create an illusion of length.

Health vs wealth
The string of zeros in your pay cheque may make you susceptible to lifestyle diseases
Jasmine Singh

Honestly, there is nothing more alluring than an assurance of a good, appreciable and fat (the three categories corporate guys are known to divide their salary income into) pay cheque at the beginning of every month. How good it is for your health to count the zeros tagging along those humble digits? Only your heart knows how it relishes the thought of taking the crisp notes back home and every muscle in your body twists and turns at this lovely sight. But take a closer look, acknowledge the effort that went behind the zeros. The endless sitting in front of the computer, when your eyes were begging for a break, the stiffness in the neck that could no longer bear the brunt of your dedication. Acknowledge that with the perks what you take home are the occupational hazards. Whether you are a honcho of a business world or a barber at a salon, occupational hazards seep in, if you are not careful. Hear it from the experts.

“Young people tend to ignore their problems even when they see it coming,” says Dr Harinder Baath, orthopedic surgeon. “If the problems are not dealt with they can turn chronic. Most of the people working in corporate sectors have 8-10 and even more working hours, which lead to problems like lower back pain, wrist pain (carpal tunnel) due to wrong usage of computer mouse. Numbness in fingers is also a common problem with these people,” says Dr Baath.

No matter how many times we say, we would still like to repeat that prevention is better than cure. “It is advisable to take small breaks after every half-an-hour. Stretching exercises or a stroll in the office compound helps. In addition to this, ergonomically chairs that support the back should be used, also special pads for mouse are recommended,” he says.

With every office becoming hi-tech, the word technology cannot be ignored. Computers, certainly not! SPS Grewal, CEO, GEI, cautions that constant gazing at computer screens can result in dry eyes and computer-vision-eye syndrome. If the work involves long sitting hours then follow certain easy steps—Avoid starring staring at the computer screen for long. The monitor height, chair height, and monitor inclination should be such that neck is in comfortable position. Frequently blink eyes to avoid dryness. Lastly, contrast and brightness of the monitor should be kept at minimum comfortable levels.”

Occupational hazards, if you think only those sitting in offices go back with it, here is some information. “Skin allergies and skin infections find a common ground at barber shops or places where hygiene is not a consideration,” adds Dr Swami Das Mehta, consultant dermatologist, Speciality Hospital 16. “People who have field jobs, get skin infections. Farmers and even gardeners come with various infections that result due to constant exposure to poisonous chemicals.”

As a remedy Dr Mehta suggests that farmers should cover their face and wear gloves while working, which most tend to ignore. “Barbers should keep their towels clean the towels and also sterilised equipments once a week for sure.”

BODY wise
Get Flaxible
Sachin Kalra

Since the beginning of civilization humans have consumed flaxseed. In spite of its various nutritional benefits, flaxseed is still a mystery to many of us. It is only in recent times that flaxseed has started to regain its popularity in the world of nutrition. Many nutritionists and scientists believe that flaxseed is the most important health-promoting supplement next to a multi-vitamin. It is considered to be nature’s richest natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are required for overall health and the general well being of a person. Here are some of the ways flax helps your body.

Flax promotes cardiovascular health: Several studies indicate that flaxseed oil, as well as ground flaxseeds, can lower cholesterol, thereby significantly reducing the risk of heart disease. Taking flaxseed oil may also protect against angina (chest pain) and high blood pressure. It can help prevent elevated blood pressure by inhibiting inflammatory reactions that cause artery-hardening plaque and poor circulation.

Flax promotes colon health: It controls constipation, hemorrhoids and gallstones. Because they are high in dietary fiber, ground flaxseeds can help ease the passage of stools and thus relieve constipation and hemorrhoids. If taken for inflammatory bowel disease, flaxseed oil can help to calm inflammation and repair any intestinal tract damage. In addition, the oil may prevent painful gallstones from developing and even dissolve existing stones.

Flax promotes healthy skin: It can treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, sunburn and rosacea. The essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil are largely responsible for its skin-healing powers. Red, itchy patches of eczema, psoriasis and rosacea often respond to the EFA’s anti-inflammatory actions and overall skin-soothing properties. Sunburned skin may heal faster when treated with the oil as well. In cases of acne, the EFAs encourage thinning of the oily sebum that clogs pores. It also promotes healthy hair and nails.

Diabetes: Flax may lessen the severity of diabetes by stabilizing blood-sugar levels.

Slimming: Fats high in essential fatty acids, such as flax, increase the body’s metabolic rate, helping to burn the excess, unhealthy fats in the body. Eating the right kind of fat gives you a better fighting chance of your body storing the right amount of fats.

Fitness aids: It increases the body’s production of energy and also increases stamina. It can also shorten recovery time for fatigued muscles after exertion. It also accelerates the healing of sprains and bruises.

Reduce cancer risk: The lignans in flaxseed oil appear to play a role in protecting against breast, colon, prostate, and perhaps skin cancer. It also protects against various effects of aging.

Woman health: It treats menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps and female infertility. The hormone-balancing lignans in flaxseed oil help stabilize a woman’s estrogen-progesterone ratio, which can have beneficial effects on the menstrual cycle and relieve the hot flashes of premenopause and menopause. Flaxseed oil may also improve uterine function and thus treat fertility problems. Male health: Fight prostate problems and male infertility- The EFAs in flaxseed oil may help to prevent swelling and inflammation of the prostate, the small gland located below the bladder in males that tends to enlarge with age. Symptoms of such enlargement, such as urgency to urinate, may lessen as a result. The EFAs also play a role in keeping sperm healthy, which may be of value in treating male infertility.

Incorporating Flaxseed into your diet:

It is easy to incorporate ground flaxseed into your daily diet. If you like the nutty flavour, you can sprinkle it on foods and if you don’t, you can cook or bake with it and the flavour will be much more subtle. Flax can also be consumed in seed form or you can buy vitamin supplements of flax seed oil. The recommended daily dose of ground flax seed for most people is 25 to 30 grams per day or one tablespoon of liquid flaxseed oil per day.

kalrasachin@hotmail.com

Butt obvious
Anuja Jaiswal

Attention smokers! If the long list of health hazards aren’t good enough to motivate you to quit smoking, here is another one that may do the trick. While it is well known that smoking takes a toll on lungs, respiratory system and heart etc, not many would know it adversely affect the skin too.

Recently, researchers in the US had carried out the study and found that puffing increases the risk of psoriasis on those who have the tendency to develop psoriasis, which causes symptoms such as inflammation, redness, itching, and scaling of the skin.

“These findings, along with well-established hazardous health effects of smoking, provide incentives for smoking cessation to those at risk or suffering from psoriasis,” lead researcher Hyon K was quoted as saying.

Incidentally, soriasis is now being linked to smoke, doctors and experts say that it could be other reasons too, which are relatively unknown as of now.

Agreeing with the findings, Dr GP Thami, head of dermatology department of the Government Medical College and Hospital-32, says cigarettes contain toxins which when inhaled and absorbed by the body would weaken the immune system and eventually lead to the ailment. Psoriasis is an inflammatory, autoimmune skin disease, which occurs when faulty signals in the immune system prompt cells to regenerate.

“Faulty and rapid turnover of the skin cells leads to thick, stubborn, and scaly patches. There is a chemical change at the level of the cells that triggers off this process. One must have the tendency to develop psoriasis, which may not always be genetic,” he says.

As per research documents, ‘the researchers came to the conclusion after looking at the relationship between smoking and psoriasis in more than 78,500 female registered nurses. The women were followed for 14 years, and during that period 887 cases of psoriasis were reported. They measured lifetime smoking exposure in pack-years. A pack-year is the number of packs smoked per day multiplied by the number of years a person has smoked.”

The results showed that smoking not only increased the risk of psoriasis, but heavier smoking raised that risk further. For example, compared with women who never smoked, the risk of psoriasis was 60 per cent higher for those with a smoking history of 11-20 pack-years and more than two times high for those with 21 or more pack-years of smoking.

Dr Thami says that this is the reason why doctors and experts strongly advise the public not to get into the habit or at least quickly drop it. If you would avoid smoking or stop it, not only would you be able to prevent the onset of psoriasis. You would also be able to avoid a host of many other related diseases.

What is PSORIASIS?

An inflammatory skin condition that can affect the joints. For psoriasis patients, the Tcells (a type of white blood cell) affect the skin, instead of attacking disease-causing bacteria.

SYMPTOMS

Blotches of red, inflamed skin, often covered with loose, silver-coloured scales Patches can be itchy and painful, causing fissures and bleeding. Discolouration of nails on fingers and toes; they may begin to crumble or detach from the nail bed.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Topical medications - creams, ointments, gels and shampoos for the skin applied on the skin help reduce swelling, suppress the immune system and help the skin peel and unclog pores. FDA-approved prescription to treat psoriasis include corticosteroids, retinoids, calcipotriene and coal tar products. These drugs slow down skin cell production and reduce inflammation. Medicines, both oral and injections, are prescribed if the psoriasis is severe. Antibiotics are not used. A combination of topical medications, light, medications, injections together are good for severe cases.

Oats up?
Sunita Malhotra

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. There is no better way to start your day than with a steaming bowl of freshly cooked oatmeal to gain the strength and energy to carry you through a hectic morning schedule. Oatmeal keeps you full for long in the morning and provides essential nutrients to meet your nutritional needs. Oats, known scientifically as Avena sativa, is a cereal food that is generally considered to be very soothing for the nerves. A species of cereal grain grown for its seed, they are mainly consumed in the form of oatmeal and rolled oats.

Oats are packed with magnesium, selenium, Vitamin E, zinc, potassium, iron and protein. Oatmeal and oat bran are significant sources of dietary fiber which contains a mixture of about half soluble and half insoluble fibers. Soluble and insoluble fibers are the two types of dietary fibers important for good health. Soluble fiber found in oats is beta-glucans, which has proven effective in lowering blood cholesterol. Only oats have a high amount of fiber beta glucan compared to whole wheat or rice. The beneficial health effects of oats are best if half to one cup of oats is eaten every day. One study found that the three grams of soluble fiber from this amount of oatmeal decreased total cholesterol by approximately 2 per cent. New research has also discovered that the antioxidants called avenanthramides, found in oats reduce cholesterol by reducing the ability of blood cells to stick to the inside of artery walls, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Fiber is also necessary in keeping bowel movements regular. Insoluble fiber in oats helps in relieving constipation.

Studies also show that beta-glucan has beneficial effects in diabetes as well. Type 2 diabetes patients given foods high in this type of oat fiber or given oatmeal or oat bran rich foods experienced much lower rise in blood sugar compared to those who were given white rice or bread. Starting out your day with a blood sugar stabilising food such as oats makes easier to keep blood sugar levels under control for rest of the day, especially when the rest of your day is also supported with nourishing fiber-rich foods.

Eating a serving of whole grains, such as oats, at least six times a week is also good for postmenopausal women with high cholesterol, high blood pressure or other signs of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Oats and other whole grains are a rich source of magnesium, a mineral that acts as a co-factor in enzymes, involved in the body’s use of glucose and insulin secretion.

In addition to its fiber benefits, oats are also a very good source of selenium. A necessary cofactor of the important antioxidant, glutathione peroxidase, selenium works with vitamin E in numerous vital antioxidant systems throughout the body. In addition, selenium is involved in DNA repair and is associated with a reduced risk for cancer, especially colon cancer.

It is recommended that all adults eat half their grains as whole grains - that is at least three servings of whole grains such as oats and whole wheat a day. To increase intake of oat products, try the following:

* Have a bowl of oatmeal in milk with nuts as breakfast

* Add oat flour or whole oats when you make breads and muffins and idlis

* Sprinkle oat bran on cereals or salads.