Month: May 2023

Top 10 healthy and Easy to Make Snack Options for Kids

Post author By parastar
Post date May 30, 2023

Top 10 healthy and Easy to Make Snack Options for Kids

Here’s a list of 10 healthy, quick, and easy snack options for kids that satisfy the cravings of your little ones while keeping them healthy. Hence, we have carefully laid out unique and innovative healthy snack choices for your little ones while keeping in mind the importance of essential nutrients for their growing bodies.

Mini Veggie Uttapams
Moong Dal Dhokla
Baked Veggie Cutlets
Mixed Sprouts Baked Samosa
Paneer Sesame Balls
Oats Egg Omelette
Broccoli Paratha
Roasted Peanut Poha
Oats Bhel
Ragi Upma

Mini Veggie Uttapams

The first choice on our list is mini veggie uttapams. As you are aware, uttapam is a highly nutritious dish that can keep your child full and energetic throughout the day. This healthy South Indian dish is made from fermented lentils or rice batter and is served with coconut chutney, or sambhar.

The pulses or lentils used in the batter will provide an adequate amount of protein and carbohydrates for the child’s meal. Topped with healthy vegetables, this dish will also provide fiber in your child’s diet.

Check out the recipe

A dosa coupled with eggs is ought to be a protein-packed meal

Moong Dal Dhokla

The next snack choice for kids is moong dal dhokla. Dhokla is a famous, healthy Gujrati dish that is steamed during its preparation. Let us make it more healthy by preparing the dhokla batter from moong dal instead of following the conventional recipe. Moong dal is a rich source of zinc, iron, protein, and folic acid, making it a super healthy choice for kids and adults.

Furthermore, adding a dash of vegetables to the batter will increase the fiber content of the dish, increasing its nutritional value. You can serve the fresh moong dal dhoklas with mint chutney on the side.

Check out the recipe

Baked Veggie Cutlets

Vegetable cutlets are almost everyone’s favorite. A tasty vegetable cutlet, when baked and not deep fried, can be a healthy option for your child. Loaded with vegetables like peas, potatoes, carrots, and French beans, will be a nutritious and satisfying snack choice your child will most definitely enjoy. Serve the hot cutlets with a slice of brown bread and a mint chutney on side.

Check out the recipe

Mixed Sprouts Baked Samosa

As we all know, samosas are everyone’s all time favourite snack, be it for children or adults. The nutritious stuffing of mixed sprouts like moong, kaala chana, matki, etc. will add sufficient dietary nutrition to the children’s meal.

Mixed sprouts are loaded with essential nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin E, and the B complex and are also a rich source of fiber. Serve the fresh samosas to your kids immediately because, as they are baked, the dish may tend to get dry after a while.

Check out the recipe

Paneer Sesame Balls

This super rich protein snack can be a great hit among kids and adults. Paneer and sesame seeds both contain high levels of protein and calcium, which are extremely important for bone growth and enhanced muscle mass.

Paneer also contains essential fatty acids that promote metabolism and aid in overall health. This snack is extremely recommended for children who partake in daily physical activities or sports. Serve this snack with a side of tangy tomato or mint chutney to give it that extra zest.

Check out the recipe

Oats Egg Omelette

Oats Egg Omelette is another protein rich dish that can be made in a jiffy. Eggs are a great source of protein, that will give your child tremendous energy and keep them satiated for longer periods of time. By adding oatmeal to the omelette, you will further increase its nutritional value. As oats contain nutrients like fiber, vitamin B complex, etc. It is an ideal snack option for breakfast and can also be eaten during dinner or breakfast.

Check out the recipe

Broccoli Paratha

Parathas hold a special place in Indian households and are often the go to snack choice for mothers when it comes to their children. Let us increase the nutritional value of this snack by adding healthy broccoli to its filling. Brocolli is a rich source of antioxidants like vitamin C, which helps protect against harmful infections and strengthen the immune system. It is also loaded with fibre, keeping you satisfied for longer.

Serve this an evening snack or you can also give it to your children in school tiffin.

Check out the recipe

Roasted Peanut Poha

Poha is another popular snack in every Indian household and can be made in a matter of minutes. Roasted peanut poha is an ideal evening snack option that will offer adequate energy to the kids.

Poha is a great source of iron and carbohydrates that will keep your children’s energy levels up all day. By adding peanuts to the recipe, we have added protein and good fats to the dish. Making it a perfect, well balanced snack for your little loved ones.

Check out the recipe

Oats Bhel

If you are looking for the perfect evening time snack for yourself or your kids, oatmeal bhel could be an ideal choice. This simple dish can be made instantly by lightly sauteing the oatmeal in a pan and adding some freshly chopped onions, chilli, peanuts, etc and mixing them together.

Check out the recipe

Ragi Upma

Ragi upma is a healthier alternative as compared to regular semolina upma, as it has a higher nutritional value. Ragi is high in protein, iron, and vitamin B and is also gluten free, making it an absolutely healthy choice among kids and adults. It is best to serve ragi upma immediately, or else the upma may turn a little lumpy after some time.

Check out the recipe

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Health

Who is the Health Minister of India? (As of 2023)

Post author By parastar
Post date May 29, 2023

Who is the Health Minister of India? (As of 2023)

The current Health Minister of India is Mr. Mansukh Laxmanbhai Mandaviya. Mr. Mandaviya started his responsibilities as the Health Minister of India on July 7, 2021. He was preceded by Mr. Harsh Vardhan, who served as the Health Minister for a period of over 2 years.

We will talk about some of the important aspects pertaining to the Health Minister and the Ministry, such as:

Who is the Health Minister of India?
What is the role of the Health Minister of India?
How is the Health Minister of India appointed?
List of all Health Ministers of India

Who is the Health Minister of India?

As mentioned above, the current serving Health Minister of India is Shri Mansukh Laxmanbhai Mandaviya. Shri Mandaviya, prior to becoming the Health Minister, held notable positions such as Member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, Member of the Rajya Sabha, General Secretary of the BJP in Gujarat, Minister of State for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and more.

What is the role of the Health Minister of India?

The most important roles of the Health Minister of India and the Health Ministry include:

Making policies: The Health Ministry is charged with the incorporation of important policies relating to the health and wellness of the people of India. Some of the most important policies include National Health Policy, National Vaccine Policy, National Population Policy, National Mental Health Policy, and EMR-EHR Standards for India
Healthcare planning: The Health Minister is also required to initiate planning activities that ensure the smooth operation of the healthcare policies outlined above. Effective and efficient planning is crucial to ensuring policy implementation.
Regulation: This is one of the most important functions and roles of the Health Minister. The Ministry ensures the regulation of stakeholder groups, healthcare institutions, medical professionals, and more. This regulatory oversight is important to ensure the safety and security of the people of India.
Budgeting: Effective budgeting is crucial to ensuring the smooth running of healthcare policies. It is the role of the Health Ministry to decide how much and where the funds need to be allocated. These funds are allocated across the various healthcare policies and plans incorporated by the Ministry.
Encourage Innovation in Healthcare: It is the role of the Health Minister to ensure that there is a good rate of innovation across the Indian healthcare industry. This rate of innovation is directly tied to the quality of Indians’ health. This innovation is sped up by various incentives introduced by the ministry.
Inter-Ministerial Coordination: It is the role of the Health Minister of India to be in constant communication and correspondence with other important cabinet ministers. There needs to be an active and efficient synergy between various cabinet ministers. This ensures a more cohesive and efficient environment.
Crisis Management: There are times of crisis that a nation faces; for instance, the COVID-19 pandemic could also be considered a major crisis. During such times, the Health Minister of India needs to take charge and incorporate plans of action to mitigate such threats.
Promotion of Healthcare: A healthy population is a happy population. The Ministry knows this, which is why promotion of healthcare across the nation is one of the most important functions of the Health Ministry.
Emergency Medical Services: Emergency medical services such as state-sponsored ambulance services, free medical treatment, crisis management, and more are important. These aspects come under the ambit of the Health Ministry of India.
Disease Prevention: There are certain diseases that can be easily prevented, like polio, hepatitis B, tetanus, measles, and more. It is the role of the Health Ministry to ensure that vaccination drives are underway across the nation. Along with vaccination, it is also important to educate people about these diseases and their ways of treatment.

How is the Health Minister of India appointed?

The process for appointing the Health Minister of India is as follows:

First, the prime minister of the nation is selected by the political party or coalition that wins the general election.
Once the Prime Minister is selected, he or she selects the Cabinet of Ministers. This Cabinet of Ministers includes ministers such as the Railways Minister, Roads and Highway Minister, Education Minister, Health Minister, and more.
Thus, the PM of India, along with consultation with the President of India, appoints the Health Minister of India.
The Health Minister is selected based on his acumen, experience, qualifications, and more.

List of all Health Ministers of India (From latest to oldest)

Sr. No	Name	Beginning Date	Ending Date
1.	Mansukh Mandaviya	7th July 2021	–
2.	Harsh Vardhan	30th May 2019	7th July 2021
3.	Jagat Prakash Nadda	9th November 2014	30 May 2019
4.	Harsh Vardhan	26th May 2014	9th November 2014
5.	Ghulam Nabi Azad	28 May 2009	26 May 2014
6.	Panabaka Lakshmi	29 March 2009	22 May 2009
7.	Anbumani Ramadoss	22 May 2004	29 March 2009
8.	Sushma Swaraj	29 January 2003	22 May 2004
9.	Shatrughan Sinha	1 July 2002	29 January 2003
10	C. P. Thakur	27 May 2000	1 July 2002
11.	N. T. Shanmugam	13 October 1999	27 May 2000
12.	A. K. Patel	16 August 1999	13 October 1999
13.	Dalit Ezhilmalai	19 March 1998	14 August 1999
14.	Inder Kumar Gujral	9 June 1997	19 March 1998
15.	Saleem Iqbal Shervani	29 June 1996	9 June 1997
16.	H. D. Deve Gowda	1 June 1996	29 June 1996
17.	Sartaj Singh	16 May 1996	1 June 1996
18.	A. R. Antulay	11 June 1995	16 May 1996
19.	P. V. Narasimha Rao	23 December 1994	11 June 1995
20.	B. Shankaranand	18 January 1993	22 December 1994
21.	M. L. Fotedar	21 June 1991	17 January 1993
22.	Chandra Shekhar	20 February 1991	21 June 1991
23.	Shakeelur Rehman	21 November 1990	20 February 1991
24.	Rasheed Masood	23 April 1990	10 November 1990
25.	Nilamani Routray	6 December 1989	23 April 1990
26.	Rafique Alam	4 July 1989	2 December 1989
27.	Ram Niwas Mirdha	24 January 1989	4 July 1989
28.	Motilal Vora	14 February 1988	24 January 1989
29.	P. V. Narasimha Rao	24 June 1986	14 February 1988
30.	Mohsina Kidwai	31 December 1984	24 June 1986
31.	B. Shankaranand	16 January 1980	31 December 1984
32.	Rabi Ray	28 July 1979	14 January 1980
33.	Morarji Desai	1 July 1978	24 January 1979
34.	Raj Narain	28 March 1977	1 July 1978
35.	Karan Singh	9 November 1973	24 March 1977
36.	R. K. Khadilkar	5 February 1973	9 November 1973
37.	Uma Shankar Dikshit	19 May 1971	5 February 1973
38.	Kodardas Kalidas Shah	14 February 1969	19 May 1971
39.	Satya Narayan Sinha	14 November 1967	14 February 1969
40.	Sripati Chandrasekhar (MoS)	13 March 1967	14 November 1967
41.	Sushila Nayar	10 April 1962	13 March 1967
42.	D. P. Karmakar	17 April 1957	9 April 1962
43.	Rajkumari Amrit Kaur	15 August 1947	16 April 1957

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Health

Top 15 Most Important Health Benefits of Watermelon Seeds

Post author By parastar
Post date May 29, 2023

Top 15 Most Important Health Benefits of Watermelon Seeds

In this article, we will talk about the 15 incredible health benefits of watermelon seeds when incorporated into your diet. Watermelon is an extremely nourishing and hydrating fruit offering a plethora of health benefits. While we savour the juicy fruit, we often overlook its seeds, unaware of the incredible nutritional value they possess.

From supporting heart health with its high magnesium content to giving you glowing skin with its rich antioxidant properties. We’ll discuss about it all in this article, and we will also tell you how you can incorporate these healthy seeds into your diet daily.

Contents:

15 Benefits of Watermelon Seeds
Nutritional Profile of Watermelon Seeds
How to eat Watermelon Seeds?

Top 15 Benefits of Watermelon Seeds

Nutritional Powerhouse
Cardiovascular Health Support
Aids Digestion
Helps in Weight Management
Promotes Brain Health
Strong Bone Health
Supports Skin Health
Regulates Blood Sugar Level
Boosts Immunity
Promotes Healthy Hair
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Reduces the Risk of Cancer
Reduces Hypertension
Supports Liver Health
Enhances Male Fertility

1.) Nutritional Powerhouse

Watermelon seeds have an extremely high nutritional profile as they offer a rich source of essential nutrients.

The seeds are rich in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin B. The seeds are also rich in minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. These nutrients are essential for the nourishment of the body. Hence, eating watermelon seeds regularly can aid in improving our health and well-being.

2.) Supports Heart Health

Due to their high magnesium content, watermelon seeds are extremely beneficial for regulating and improving heart health. Magnesium is proven to regulate blood pressure as it helps relax and dilate the blood vessels, promoting healthy blood flow and preventing strain on the heart.

As per a research report from the National Library of Medicine, magnesium is also important for maintaining a regular heart rhythm. Low magnesium levels in the body can cause irregular heartbeat. Adequate levels of magnesium support proper electrical signaling within the heart, preventing irregular heartbeats and promoting a steady heart rate.

3.) Aids Digestion

Watermelon seeds are also a rich source of dietary fibre, which aids in improved digestion. As fibre increases the bulk and roughage in your diet, it helps promote regular bowel movements, supports gut health, and prevents constipation.

4.) Helps in Weight Management

As mentioned above, watermelon seeds are a rich source of fibre that can also aid in effective weight loss.

The fibre content in watermelon seeds can add bulk to your diet, which increases satiety and makes you feel satisfied post meals for longer periods. Watermelon seeds also contain an adequate amount of protein, which can curb your cravings and reduce your desire to snack between meals.

5.) Promotes Brain Health

Watermelon seeds are packed with a range of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B9, and B12) that promote brain health and cognitive function. As per a research report, these essential vitamins play a vital role in brain health.These essential nutrients aid in contributing to neurotransmitter synthesis, preventing cognitive decline and diseases like dementia or Alzheimer’s.

The seeds also contain omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids, known to regulate mood and improve cognitive abilities. Furthermore, watermelon seeds are high in antioxidants like selenium and vitamin E, that helps protect brain cells against harmful free radicals. By incorporating watermelon seeds into your diet, you can provide essential nourishment for your brain, boosting optimal mental performance.

6.) Strong Bone Health

Watermelon seeds are a high source of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which help maintain healthy bones and promote overall bone health. The seeds have an adequate amount of calcium that can fulfil your daily calcium requirement. It also contains minerals like zinc, copper, and manganese that regulate bone metabolism and the synthesis of bone tissue.

Hence, it is advisable to incorporate watermelon seeds into your daily diet if you are suffering from conditions like osteoporosis or low bone density.

7.) Gives Healthy Skin

If you want to achieve youthful and radiant skin, including watermelon seeds in your diet is highly recommended. Loaded with powerful antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin A that protect your skin against harmful free radicals. These vitamins are essential for the nourishment of the skin’s health, boosting collagen and skin elasticity making you look glowing and youthful.

8.) Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

Inculcating watermelon seeds in your diet daily can be a great option if you are suffering from diabetes or unstable blood sugar levels. The high fibre content in these seeds can help stabilize blood sugar levels within the body.

When we consume fibre rich foods, like watermelon seeds, the fibre forms a gel like substance in the digestive system, slowing down the digestion process. This reduces the rate at which glucose enters the bloodstream. As a result, the body experiences a slow and balanced increase in blood sugar levels, preventing diabetes and its complications.

9.) Boosts Immunity

Watermelon seeds are packed with minerals, potent antioxidants, and vitamins like vitamin C and zinc that defend against harmful infections and strengthen the immune system.

10.) Promotes Healthy Hair

If you want healthy, shiny, and strong hair, incorporating watermelon seeds into your diet could be a great choice. The seeds are loaded with powerful nutrients like vitamin E and fatty acids like omega 3 and omega 6, which nourish the hair and make it stronger. Regular consumption of watermelon seeds will promote healthy hair growth, giving you shiny luscious hair.

11.) Boosts Energy Levels

Watermelon seeds are packed with proteins, healthy fatty acids, and fibre that can enhance your energy levels, keeping you energetically active during or after physical activities.

12.) Anti Inflammatory Properties

Compounds found in watermelon seeds have been shown to possess anti inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation in the body. Regular consumption of these seeds can be beneficial for persons suffering from various types of cancer or any other inflammatory illnesses.

13.) Reduces the Risk of Cancer

Watermelon and its seeds contain a potent antioxidant called lycopene that shields the body against harmful diseases. Lycopene prevents cell damage and promotes the production of healthy cells in the body.

As per studies, it is said that this powerful antioxidant helps in the prevention of prostrate cancer, breast cancer, respiratory diseases, and uterine cancer.

14.) Supports Liver Health

A lesser known and unique benefit is their role in supporting the well functioning of the liver. Watermelon and its seeds contain an amino acid compound called citrulline, which has detoxifying properties that promotes good liver health.

As per a research report, this potent antioxidant has been proven to prevent weight gain and reduce the accumulation of fat in the liver.

15.) Reduces Hypertension

The magnesium rich content of watermelon seeds can aid in reducing blood pressure levels by relaxing the blood vessels. This reduces the risk of developing hypertension and its complications.

16.) Enhances Male Fertility (Bonus)

Another lesser-known benefit of watermelon seeds is that they aid in improving male fertility. Watermelon seeds are a natural source of zinc, a mineral that is responsible for playing a vital role in the male reproductive system. Adequate zinc levels are necessary for the normal development of sperm cells and healthy testosterone levels in men

Nutritional Profile of Watermelon Seeds

Watermelon seeds have an impressive nutritional value, below is a breakdown of the key nutrients found in watermelon seeds:

Zinc: Watermelon seeds are a rich source of zinc, an essential mineral that aids in digestion, supports the male reproductive system, boosts immunity, and protects against infections.
Magnesium: Watermelon seeds are abundantly rich in magnesium, another essential mineral that aids in supporting heart health,bone density, metabolic activity in the body, and much more.
Healthy Fats: Healthy fats like omega 3 and omega 6 are found in watermelon seeds. These healthy fats are important for maintaining heart health, supporting hormonal balance, and promoting healthy skin and hair.
Fibre: Watermelon seeds are fibre rich source that aids in digestion, regulates bowel movements, and relieves from constipation.
Vitamins: The seeds are a rich source of essential vitamins like Vitamin B complex, like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folate, which are found in watermelon seeds. These essential nutrients are important for optimal brain health, immunity, and much more.
Antioxidants: Watermelon seeds contain powerful antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, etc that protect the body against any damage from free radicals and stress.

Note: It’s important to keep in mind that the specific nutrient content may vary depending on the quality, and processing of watermelon seeds. Incorporating them into your diet can add nutritional value to your overall health.

How to eat Watermelon Seeds?

Roasted Watermelon Seeds: You can lightly roast the seeds in a tawa or pan for about 10–15 minutes, or until they turn slightly brown. You can then add a pinch of salt or other seasonings as per your choice, like cinnamon powder or some lemon juice for a tangy flavour.
Grounded Watermelon Seed Powder: Watermelon seeds can also be taken in powder form by mixing them directly into your favourite juice or protein shakes. Directly grind the seeds in a mixer until they turn into a fine powder. You can then add this powder to any of your favourite health drinks.
Sprouted Watermelon Seeds: Soak the seeds overnight to sprout them. Once the seeds are sprouted, you can add them to your salads, subzis, and gravies, or you can also eat them raw.

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Health and Wellness (A Comprehensive Guide)

Health

Top 10 Easy and Healthy Indian Breakfast Options

Post author By parastar
Post date May 27, 2023

Top 10 Easy and Healthy Indian Breakfast Options

Here is a list of top 10 healthy, easy, and quick breakfast options for Indians (Veg and Non-veg both). Eating a healthy breakfast can be a great source of energy early in the day and can help kick-start your day on a positive and energetic note. Are you looking to jazz up your breakfast game? Then check out some of our unique breakfast ideas that are sure to be a hit in your home.

Quinoa Upma
Besan Chilla (Gramme Flour Pancakes)
Jowar roti with lentil curry
Vegetable Dalia with yoghurt
Upma and Poha
Jowar Methi Paratha
Chicken idli with chutney
Chicken Upma
Egg Dosa
Egg Bhurji

1. Quinoa Upma

A traditional upma is delicious and nutritious, but we suggest you take your breakfast game to the next level by preparing a quinoa upma the next time you consider making one. Quinoa is considered the food of the gods in ancient Aztec culture, and there is good reason for that. Quinoa is rich in antioxidants, rich in fiber, and highly nutritious. It is also gluten-free and celiac-friendly.

Another important but unheard-of benefit of quinoa is that it is extremely rich in ecdysterone. What is ecdysterone? Ecdysterone is an anabolic agent that increases muscle protein synthesis. It can be an excellent breakfast choice for people who go to the gym. It also has anti-diabetic properties.

Check out the recipe here

quinoa upma — Quinoa is an excellent anabolic food that increases muscle protein synthesis

2. Besan Chilla (Gram Flour Pancakes)

Besan chilla is an easy-to-make, nutritious breakfast item that you can whip up in a jiffy. It is essentially a pancake made out of besan and vegetables, and let us point out that it is rather delicious.
Some of the most notable benefits of besan chilla include:

It is a high source of fiber due to the vegetables within it.
Besan is rich in vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, folate, iron, phosphorus, and B-vitamins, including thiamine and vitamin B6.
Besan is a gluten-free alternative for people with celiac disease.
Besan is high in plant-based protein.

Check out the recipe here

3. Jowar roti with lentil curry

Jowar is a naturally gluten-free grain that can be an excellent replacement for chapatti and bread. A Jowar roti with lenil curry can be a wholesome start to the day. The lentil curry is extremely easy to make and is simply based on lentils, curry powder, garlic, ginger, and coconut milk. You can also add some cream at the end. Some of the most notable benefits of jowar with lentils include:

Lentils are heart-healthy and help with cholesterol management.
They are a source of important vitamins, proteins, and fiber.
Jowar is naturally gluten-free and a source of B-vitamins like niacin and thiamine.
Jowar has a low glycemic index, which means that it is friendly to diabetics.
Jowar is a rich source of minerals that facilitate bone health, like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Check out the recipes here:

Recipe for Jowar Roti
Recipe for lentil curry

jowar — Jowar is a power-packed crop that you need to incorporate in your breakfast

4. Vegetable Dalia with yoghurt

Dalia, also known as cracked wheat or bulgur wheat, is a tasty cereal that can be paired with vegetables like tomatoes, capsicum, and spices, among other vegetables. Dalia is an excellent source of dietary fibre, iron, magnesium, and B-vitamins like thiamine and niacin. You can pair vegetable dalia with yoghurt and create an easy-to-make, yummy breakfast for yourself and your family.

Check out the recipe here

porridge — Dalia is an excellent source of B-vitamins

5. Upma and Poha

Upma and poha don’t need any introduction; they are popular snacks across India. Let us dive into the nutrition benefits of both upma and poha and find out why they should be a part of your breakfast lineup. The most notable benefits of upma and poha include:

Both poha and upma are great sources of iron. Foods rich in iron keep anemia at bay.
Both poha and upma are good sources of carbohydrates that give you a good energy boost to attack the day.
Poha and upma are relatively low in calories and easy to digest due to their light nature.
Poha and upma are highly versatile and can be cooked along with a variety of vegetables to create attractive and tasty food combinations.

Check out poha and upma recipes here

6. Jowar Methi Paratha

Combining jowar and methi into a paratha can be a power-packed and delicious way to initiate the day. The benefits of jowar are mentioned above. The most important benefits of methi (fenugreek) include:

Powered with nutrients and minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium, flavonoids, and antioxidants.
Methi is easy to digest and is a healthy option if you are considering improving your gut health.
Methi reduces inflammation in the body due to the presence of flavonoids and alkaloids.
It is an excellent source of food for diabetics due to its ability to regulate blood sugar effectively.

Check out the Jowar methi paratha recipe here

7. Chicken idli with chutney

Chicken idli with chutney can be an exciting and mouth-watering way to start your day. This exciting dish can break monotonous, boring breakfast habits and is sure to be a hit with children and adults alike.

The chicken in the chicken idli is an excellent source of dietary protein. Idli is made through fermentation, which helps break down complex carbohydrates and proteins, thereby making them easier to digest.

Check out the chicken idli with chutney recipe here

idli breakfast — Idli is fermented, thereby it improves gut-health

8. Chicken Upma

Jazz up your breakfast game with an exciting chicken upma breakfast. Regular upma is tasty as it is, but chicken upma is sure to be the new breakfast favorite in your home. Both upma and chicken complement each other and combine to make a tasty breakfast treat for yourself and your family.

Check out this chicken upma recipe

9. Egg Dosa

Conventional dosas are made out of lentils and rice and are delicious and healthy to consume. But if you are looking to increase the protein content of your breakfast, you can consider making an egg dosa. The preparation of an egg dosa is quite similar to a regular dosa (recipe below).

Check out this egg dosa recipe

10. Egg Bhurji

How can a list of healthy and easy breakfast ideas for Indians be complete without mentioning the all-popular and healthy egg bhurji? This is stable in most Indian households, and with good reason. An egg bhurji is made out of eggs and vegetables, giving the body ample nutrition. Some of the most important and notable nutritional benefits of egg bhurji include:

Excellent source of protein that nourishes our muscles and promotes general health and wellness.
Eggs are an excellent source of choline, which improves neurological function.
Eggs are a good source of unsaturated fats (healthy fats).
Eggs are also a great source of lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants known to be beneficial to our eyesight and eye health.

Check out this exciting egg bhurji recipe

fancy bhurji — Bhurji is great source of protein and fats

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Health and Wellness (A Comprehensive Guide)

Star Health Insurance

What is the Star Health Agent Portal? (A Simple Guide)

Post author By parastar
Post date May 26, 2023

What is the Star Health Agent Portal? (A Guide)

The Star Health agent portal is where insurance agents affiliated with Star Health Insurance can login to the portal and create health insurance policies for their clients. It is a comprehensive and feature-rich agent portal that allows affiliated health insurance agents to fulfil their insurance requirements.

An agent can simply login to the Star Health agent portal, and from there, he can quickly and easily create a health insurance policy for his client. This article will talk about the following:

How to Login and Register for the Star Health Agent Portal
Features and Benefits of the Star Health Agent Portal

How to Login and Register for the Star Health Agent Portal

How to Register for the Star Health Agent Portal

Visit the official portal page: You can access the official Star Health Agent Portal page here. Alternatively, you can also search for ‘Star Health Agent Portal’ on your preferred search engine and navigate to the official page from there.
Click to register: Now that you are on the portal, navigate to “New Users? Click here to register” and click on it.

Star health agent portal click to register — An Image of the registration link

Register: Now, you will need to put in your intermediary code, PAN card number, email ID, mobile number, and captcha code. Once filled out, click on “Register.”
Enter the portal dashboard: Now that you are registered, you can begin using the various features that are provided to Star Health agents and begin creating your first online policy.

Star health agent portal registration form — An image of the registration form

How to Login to the Star Health Agent Portal

Visit the official portal page: You can access the official Star Health Agent Portal page here.
Enter your details: You will be able to see the agent login box on the right side. Enter your user ID, password, and captcha code, and login to the portal.

star health agent portal login box — An image of the login box

Features and Benefits of the Star Health Agent Portal

Create policies: This is the most important feature within the agent portal. Through this feature, you can create a variety of health insurance policies for your clients directly through the Star Health Agent Portal. This feature brings with it a whole lot of convenience, as it drastically reduces the paperwork an insurance agent deals with, thereby saving the agent a lot of time and effort.
Create payment links: Star Health agents will also have the ability to create payment links directly from the agent portal itself. The agent can then send this link to their clients, and the clients can make the policy premium payment directly through this payment link.
Manage renewals: Agents also have the ability to manage policy renewals through the portal. They will get all of the details as and when their policy premiums are due, as well as the premium charges.
List of insurance policies: The agent portal highlights the most popular health insurance policies that an agent can sell. Some of the popular Star Health Insurance policies include the Star Family Health Optima Health Insurance Plan, the Star Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan, the Young Star Insurance Policy, the Senior Citizens Red Carpet Health Insurance Plan, and much more.
Analytics: As a Star Health agent, you can also access the analytics within the dashboard. This is where the most important facts and figures relating to your account are visible. Some of the data available includes the number of policies sold, the number of renewals, the premium collected, and more.
Check claim status: As an agent, you can also check the claim status of your client directly through the portal.

How do I use the Star Health Agent Portal?

You can refer to the official agent portal manual, which you can find here.

The PDF is comprehensive and detail-rich. It will show you how you can do the following:

How to Create a Star Health Insurance Policy
How to renew a policy
How to create a payment link
How to calculate the premium
How to connect with the customer

These are just a few of the aspects covered in the PDF. It would be worth your while to investigate the PDF in depth and absorb all of the information provided within it; as a new Star Health agent, it can prove quite valuable.

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How to Locate an Agent through IRDA Agent Locator

LIC Merchant Portal (login process, forgot password, change email ID)

Health

Why do we need food? (A comprehensive Guide)

Post author By parastar
Post date May 24, 2023

Why do we need food? (A Comprehensive Guide)

Why do we need food? Well, let’s answer this question with a comprehensive guide that talks about a variety of topics such as metabolism, growth, repair, and energy and how they are linked to the food that we eat.

Food and water are essential for our survival, but have we ever considered what goes on behind the curtain when we crave food or when we eat it? Let’s take a deep dive into this topic.

Food and Energy
Food and Metabolism
Role of food in growth and repair
Food and the Immune System
Neurology and food
Role of food in hormone regulation

1.) Food and Energy

Why do organisms eat food? The answer is “energy!” This is the fundamental importance of food: to facilitate movement. Movement requires energy, and energy is provided by the food we eat. Our foods are made out of either carbs, proteins, or fats.

The body breaks these down into energy, which is supplied to our organs and muscles, resulting in movement.

2.) Food and Metabolism

We know that our food is broken down into energy, but what is this process called? This breakdown of food into energy is called the metabolic process.

For metabolism to work, the body needs certain nutrients, such as zinc, magnesium, iron, and more. Therefore, it is important that the food we eat be rich in these nutrients that aid metabolism.

3.) Role of food in growth and repair

There is constant wear and tear happening within our bodies, even though we may not see or feel it. It is a constant process of growth and decay. The food that we eat, if it is sufficiently rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins, aids in the repair of muscles, bones, organs, and even our neurological state.

Therefore, it is extremely important to fuel yourself with high-quality organic and nutrient-dense food items.

4.) Food and the Immune System

Our environment is full of bacteria, viruses, funguses, and other living organisms that can prove to be dangerous to our health and well-being.

So how are we fit and fine even though we are surrounded by so many dangerous elements? The answer is your ‘immune system.’ The human immune system has developed over the course of millions of years of evolution and is competent at dealing with almost any external element.

That being said, it needs to function properly in order to do its job. The immune system also needs nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, and more for optimal performance. Be sure to include such immune-system-building foods in your diet.

5.) Neurology and food

Eating a healthy diet is required for optimal brain function. The brain requires glucose, sodium, zinc, vitamins, and enzymes for optimal function. If the brain gets these nutrients, it functions well. A lack of these nutrients can cause a variety of issues, such as grogginess, lack of focus, lack of energy, and more.

6.) Role of food in hormone regulation

What are hormones? Hormones are like little messengers that regulate the critical functions of our body. For instance, the insulin hormone, which is produced by the pancreas, regulates the level of sugar in your blood stream.

If the level of sugar in your bloodstream is high, insulin is released. This insulin will give the cells of your body a signal to absorb the additional sugar in your bloodstream, leading to lower sugar levels in the blood.

Another important example of hormone regulation through food is the relationship between leptin and appetite. Leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells within the body. This hormone plays a key role in regulating our appetite.

If a person consumes highly processed foods, there is an increase in leptin production, which causes a condition called leptin resistance. Once a person is leptin-resistant, he or she will find it difficult to regulate their diet and appetite, increasing the urge to eat more often.

There you have it; you have now understood why we need food. The food that we eat plays a major role in our physical, psychological, emotional, and hormonal health.

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5 ways to find healthy foods near me

Health and Wellness (A Comprehensive Guide)

Health

5 ways to find healthy foods near me

Post author By parastar
Post date May 23, 2023

Top 5 Ways to Find Healthy Foods Near Me

We will talk about the top 5 ways you can find healthy foods near you, be it in a metropolitan city, a town, or even a village. You can find healthy organic fruits, vegetables, and meats if you follow the steps mentioned below.

Why do you need to eat organic foods? Here’s why: in a research study published in 2019 in the health journal “Environmental Research,” it was found that children who ate organic foods had fewer pesticides in their urine compared to children who ate a regular diet. Although pesticides keep pests away from crops, they are inherently harmful to the human body.

Just a few side effects of pesticides include acute and chronic toxicity in the body, respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and developmental issues in children. This makes it clear that we need to ensure that the foods that we consume have little or no pesticides in them.

This is why sourcing organic foods is so important. Let us now find out how we can source organic and healthy foods in India.

Local farmers’ markets
Scout for organic food shops near by
Join a community-supported agriculture (CSA) group
Health food websites
Use filters on food delivery apps
Bonus way: Visit organic farms

1.) Local farmers’ markets

Local farmers’ markets are an excellent choice to source organic fruits and vegetables. This is how you can locate a local farmers’ market near you:

Inquire around: Ask around your circle and inquire about your nearest farmers’ market. Chances are there are other people in your network who are interested in eating healthy and are already buying their produce from such markets. Perhaps you can even use Instagram and Facebook to create a broadcast.
Use a search engine: If inquiring about your nearest farmers’ market doesn’t get you far, you can always use a search engine to find out where your nearest farmers’ market is. For instance, we did a simple Google search with the phrase “local farmers market near Mumbai,” and the search engine gave a variety of great options, such as the Farmers’ Market in Nariman Point, the Farmers’ Market in Vashi, and the Bandra Farmers’ Market, along with their days and timings.

2.) Scout for organic food shops near by

Organic food shops have been increasing in popularity recently as people become more aware of the benefits of healthy organic foods. Some of the top organic food shops brands include:

The Food Hall
Suryan Organic
Orgpick
NBLC Organic Health Store
Conscious Foods
Navdanya
Jaivik Haat
Ayuda Organics
Natures Basket

3.) Join a community-supported agriculture (CSA) group

A community-supported agriculture (CSA) group is a partnership between farmers and consumers. This is where consumers buy shares in the farmer’s venture, and the farmer supplies produce to the consumers in the form of dividends. It is a novel concept that is quite popular in western nations.

Popular CSAs in India would include:

The Navadarshanam CSA
CSA India

4.) Health food websites

This is an extremely convenient way to order healthy organic food from the comfort of your own home. Let us list the most notable websites that deliver fresh, organic, and healthy food directly to homes.

Organic Tattva
Amazon India
Naturally Yours
Natures Basket
Healthybuddha.in

5.) Use filters on food delivery apps

You can even use popular food delivery apps like Zomato and Swiggy to order organic fruits and vegetables by filtering out only the food partners that deal in organic produce. This is a highly convenient way of placing orders for organic foods for the busy individual.

6.) Visit organic farms (Bonus Way)

What better way to ascertain the authenticity of the food that you eat than by actually visiting the farm on which it is grown? Although impractical for most, the adventurous individual can plan a picnic on the farm and even simultaneously find out how his or her food is grown.

This, however, only needs to be done once, as once you have taken a first-hand tour of the organic farm and are satisfied with what you have seen, you do not need to visit it again.

How do I identify the authenticity of organic food in India?

So, you’ve ordered organic produce at home; now how do you identify the authenticity of the food? Well, follow these steps. Check for the following seals on your food packaging:

Jaivik Bharat seal along with the FSSAI registration number
India Organic Certified Seal
PGS-India Certified Organic Seal

Apart from this, organic foods are generally imperfect and not as pretty to look at compared to GMO foods. Keep an eye on this. They also have a limited shelf life compared to GMO foods.

Studies highlighting the benefits of organic foods over a conventional diet

We know you’re serious about your food, here are 3 studies highlighting the benefits of organic foods compared to GMO foods. Have a look:

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Health and Wellness (A Comprehensive Guide)

Health Insurance

Health and Wellness (A Comprehensive Guide)

Post author By parastar
Post date May 23, 2023

Health and Wellness (A Comprehensive Guide)

Health and wellness go hand in hand with insurance. It is absolutely imperative that a person keep his health and wellness paramount even after taking out a health or life insurance policy. Taking out an insurance policy is not a protection against poor health. An insurance policy can cover the losses caused by hospitalizations, personal liability, and more. It is designed to provide relief to people if the object of insurance is covered by an insurance company.

That being said, prevention is always better than cure. An ideal scenario would be that a person is protected under the protective umbrella of insurance, but it never rains. In other words, a person has an insurance policy but never has to use it. This is the ideal scenario.

How do we ensure that this ideal scenario manifests itself for us? Well, it’s rather simple: take care of your health and wellness. You will learn about:

How do we take care of our health?
What is preventive health care?
Improve mental and emotional well-being
Healthy lifestyle habits
Holistic wellness approaches
Maintaining work-life balance

How do we take care of our health?

We need to take care of our health by having a holistic approach to it. Factors affecting a person’s health are multi-fold, and one needs to be cognizant of all of them to ensure a healthy and energetic life. So, what do we mean by having a holistic approach to health? Well, a holistic approach to health means taking into account a variety of factors that affect our health and wellbeing. The most important factors include:

Getting good quality sleep: A research study titled “Sleep and Immune Function,” conducted by researchers in Germany over the course of 15 years, has highlighted the direct positive relationship that sleep has with a person’s immunity.
Staying active: A research study titled “Health Benefits of Physical Activity: The Evidence” has categorically stated that physical inactivity heightens the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is imperative that you incorporate at least a 15-minute daily routine that makes you sweat.
Prioritizing metal and emotional health: Multiple research studies conducted by the Department of Public Health at the University of Oxford has come to the conclusion that physical disease may result from emotional distress. Therefore, prioritizing the improvement of your emotional and mental state can radically change your health and wellbeing.
Eating high-quality food: The body should be treated as a temple, and like how only good-quality food is offered in temples as offerings, the body should also be nourished with high-quality and organic foods. Foods that are ultra-processed, high in processed sugar, and high in carbohydrates should be switched for protein- and fat-rich organic foods. A research study titled “A high-protein diet for reducing body fat” by researchers highlights the role of protein-rich foods for weight management and reduction.
Good-quality water: Our body is made up of more than 60% water. Therefore, it is absolutely crucial that we take in the highest quality water possible and increase the nourishment of our body. The best kind of water that a person can intake is naturally alkaline mineral water. This type of water is directly sourced from glaciers, underground aquifers, or springs and contains minerals and electrolytes that contribute to its alkaline nature. This kind of water is almost free from any harmful chemicals that are introduced to treat and process it.

What is preventive health care?

Preventive health care involves incorporating an activity or a set of activities that increase the health and wellness of a person. Including these healthy habits reduces the likelihood of a person developing health complications later in life. A person should live by the tenet, “Prevention is better than cure.”

Preventive healthcare is more about your attitude and outlook towards health and wellness. A person needs to look at health and wellness in a different light. They need to be more broad and holistic in their outlook on health. Preventive healthcare is basically a type of healthcare that ensures that other types of more invasive healthcare are kept at bay. Remember, staying insured and ready is good, but never needing that insurance is even better.

Here is a list of preventive healthcare routines you can incorporate into your life:

Routine check-ups: It is rather wise to get yourself checked up by a medical professional once a year, even if you are feeling well. He may give you a list of tests to find out if there are any underlying issues simmering within. Identifying such issues can lead to prompt and swift action that can be taken to eliminate them before they become a concern.
Mental health assessment: You don’t need to go to a psychologist or a physiatrist every time you feel low, but it is generally a good idea to talk to someone about your mental health and feelings and let them know about your current state. Further, it is also important that you spend some time alone and try to deduce where such feelings are coming from and attempt to cure yourself from the source rather than just masking the symptoms.
Lifestyle modification: We’re human beings and are prone to certain adverse lifestyle choices. That doesn’t mean we can curb or even eliminate them. Some notable lifestyle modification programmes may include smoking cessation, weight management, sugar reduction programs, food management, and more.

check blood pressure — Simple tests like checking your blood pressure and simple blood tests can go a long way

Improve Mental and emotional well-being

As mentioned earlier, keeping your mental and emotional health in tip-top shape will lead to better overall health. How can we increase our mental and emotional health? Here are the top 5 ways to improve your mental and emotional health:

Practice mindfulness: Yoga can be a fantastic way of improving your mindfulness and staying in the moment. Remember, when you stay in the moment, you forget about the stressors and tensions of life. This results in healing.
Engage in self-care: Along with practising yoga, you can also practise additional meditation and breathing techniques like Anulom Vilom, Anapana, and Kapalbhati Pranayama. This keeps your stress levels in check.
Be assertive: Being assertive is a life skill you must master. It is clinically proven that people who are less assertive end up doing things that they do not want, resulting in latent resentment within them. This latent resentment may lead to a negative outlook on life, thereby affecting a person’s health and wellness. Therefore, it is important that you learn the skill of saying no.
Eat healthy: Eating healthy shouldn’t be a week-long or even a month-long exercise. It needs to be a life choice. A person who wants to eat healthy needs to ensure that he sticks to a diet plan. But how does a person stick to a diet plan? Well, you can stick to a diet plan by being smart about it. Eat foods that are enjoyable. Healthy foods don’t have to be boring; they can be tasty as well. Find a balance.
Engage in physical activities: There is a direct relationship between staying active and improving your cardiovascular health, as mentioned before. But the benefits of staying active don’t just end there. Leading an active life leads to hormone regulation, improved blood flow, improved neurological function, improved confidence, improved mood, and much more.

resistance training — Resistance training can be a great way to stay active

Healthy lifestyle habits

Mentioned below are some healthy lifestyle habits that you can incorporate into your daily life to improve the quality of your health and wellness:

Sleep management: In a research study titled “The Extraordinary Importance of Sleep” by Susan L. Worley, it was mentioned that there is a profound impact of sleep on the attention, cognition, and mood of a person. Aim to get 7-8 hours of high-quality sleep every night. Further, you need to prepare your sleep environment in such a way that you get the maximum amount of deep sleep possible. Ways of doing that include reducing the light exposure in the room, reducing the sound exposure, and keeping the room cool.
Avoid or limit smoking: It is no secret that alcohol and smoking are detrimental to health. Aim to reduce your exposure to alcohol and smoking or, at the very least, eliminate these habits entirely gradually.
Hit the gym: A research study titled “Long-term members’ use of fitness centres: a qualitative study” highlights the correlation between health and wellness and regular use of the gymnasium.
Eat healthy: Limit your consumption of ultra-processed foods like packaged foods and meats. Prioritise the consumption of organic foods and meats. Organic foods are not only free from dangerous chemicals and pesticides; they also generally deliver higher levels of nutrition to the body.
Visit nature: As per a study titled “Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence”, researchers stated that there was a positive correlation between nature exposure and cognitive function, mood, anxiety, stress, blood pressure, immunity, and more.

A nature trek could be a great way of reducing stress

Holistic Wellness Approaches

Mentioned below are some holistic wellness approaches that you can introduce into your daily life to improve the quality of your health and wellness:

Practise yoga: The practise of yoga is thousands of years old and has been fine-tuned and perfected across thousands of years by the advanced yogis of ancient India. These yogis were in tune with the functioning of nature and the functioning of the human body, thereby understanding the relationship between nature and the body. Learn these ancient techniques of health and wellness from a yoga guru and take your health to another level.
Acupressure: Acupressure originated in ancient China and works by stimulating certain parts of the body to improve wellness. It is based on the concept of unblocking energy pathways within the body. Once these energy pathways are unblocked, a person should generally function optimally.
Ayurveda: The health knowledge of ancient yogis, saints, and ancient scientists of India is compressed into the field of Ayurveda. The term “Ayurveda” comes from the Sanskrit words “ayur” (which means life) and “veda” (which means science). Thus, Ayurveda can be termed the “science of life.” Learn about the foundations of Ayurveda and see how you can incorporate its principles into your life.
Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy is based on the concept of improving health, wellness, and vitality by inhaling plant extracts. Some of the most popular plans for aromatherapy include lavender, rosemary, thyme, basil, mint, chamomile, and more.
Nature therapy: Nature therapy includes visiting natural reserves, greenery, and forests. You can incorporate long walks, horticulture, wilderness therapy, and more to increase your wellness through nature therapy.
Sound therapy: Sound therapy uses sounds and their associated vibrations to promote health, wellness, and healing in an individual. Sound therapists may also use a variety of musical instruments to promote healing.
Holistic Nutrition: Holistic nutrition is practised by keeping in mind that the foods that you eat are not just a source of energy; they go way beyond that. Some of the most important principles of holistic nutrition include nutrient balance, mindful eating, gut health, whole foods, and more.

Maintaining work-life balance

People in the metro cities are getting less and less time to develop their mental, spiritual, physiological, and emotional health. This trend is poised to only increase in the future. Knowing this, one needs to be extra cognizant of maintaining a work-life balance that ensures that a person’s equilibrium is maintained. Mentioned below are some of the most important ways to maintain a work-life balance.

Effective delegation: You do not need to do all of the work yourself. Effective delegation ensures that you are only focused on the important tasks that move the needle, and the other mundane tasks can be delegated to someone else. This will give you more time to focus on your health and wellness.
Effective planning: A person needs to make a clear plan in order to prioritise his time. Plan out your day in order to get the most work done in the least amount of time.
Assertiveness: Again, being assertive will help you set boundaries at work, which will in turn ensure that you only get the work you signed up for. You can also discuss flexible work arrangements with your seniors if that is an option.

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Health Insurance (Importance, Benefits, Types and More)

hdfc ergo

ICICI Lombard Vs HDFC ERGO Health Insurance (A Comparison)

Post author By parastar
Post date May 22, 2023

ICICI Lombard vs HDFC ERGO (A Comparison)

When it comes to safe guarding your health, choosing the right insurance provider can seem like a daunting task. Two of the most renowned names are ICICI Lombard and HDFC ERGO. Both the companies offer a wide range of health insurance policies that cater to different health care needs of individuals. But how are their plans different from each other?

In this article, we will compare some key features of ICICI Lombard and HDFC ERGO. We will also compare two of their most popular plans for your better understanding.

Firstly let us look at some key features of both the health insurance providers

About the Company	ICICI Lombard	HDFC ERGO
Claim Settlement Ratio	99.7%	98.49%
Network Hospitals	7500+	12000+
Incurred Claim Ratio	76%	62%
Branches	200+	650+
Employees	10,000+	10,000+

Difference between ICICI Lombard vs HDFC ERGO Family Health Insurance Plans

Now, let us highlight the key differences between the family health plans offered by both the companies, to give you a fair understanding.

Plan features	ICICI Lombard Health AdvantEdge	HDFC ERGO Optima Restore Family
Hospitalization	Covered	Covered
Restore Benefit	100%	100%
No Claim Bonus	20% increase SI, for every claim free year, subject to a maximum of 100%	50% increase SI, for every claim free year, subject to a maximum of 100%
Co-payment	Available as optional add on cover	NA
Room Limit	No Capping	No Capping
Pre-Hospitalization	60 days	60 days
Post-Hospitalization	180 days	180 days
Health Check-up	Up to ₹ 10,000	Up to ₹ 10,000
Road Ambulance	Covered	Covered
Air Ambulance	Covered upto SI	Covered
Waiting period	Pre-exisiting diseases covered after 2 years	Pre-exisiting diseases covered after 3 years
Maternity Expenses	Covered	Excluded
Ayush	Covered	Excluded
Renewability	Lifelong	Lifelong
Sum Insured	₹ 2 lacs up to ₹ 3 Lacs	Starting from ₹ 3 Lacs up to ₹ 50 Lacs

From the perspective of a health insurance buyer, there are several key differences between the family floater plans offered by the two respective companies. As per our conclusion, we are highlighting some key differences:

Both plans offer lifelong renewability, ensuring that the policy can be renewed for the insured person’s entire lifetime. They also have similar benefits such as coverage for hospitalization, restore benefit, room limit, pre and post-hospitalization and so on.
A significant difference is in the coverage of maternity expenses. ICICI Lombard Health AdvantEdge includes coverage for maternity expenses, which can be beneficial for couples planning to start a family. In contrast, HDFC ERGO Optima Restore Family Plan excludes maternity expenses from its coverage. Therefore, if maternity coverage is a priority, ICICI Lombard’s plan would be more suitable.
Another major difference between both plans is the sum insured limit. HDFC ERGO Optima Restore offers a vast range of sum insured choices ranging from 3 Lacs up to 50 Lacs. While ICICI Lombard offers a limited range of sum insured options, only between 2 Lac and 3 lacs. Keeping in mind the rising costs of medical inflation, this might pose a challenge for persons who wish to provide adequate coverage for their family members.

From coverage point of view, HDFC ERGO Optima Restore Family provides a broader range of options, allowing you better coverage to meet your family’s healthcare needs.

ICICI Lombard Critical Illness Cover vs. HDFC ERGO Critical Illness Insurance

Plan features	ICICI Lombard Critical Illness Cover	HDFC ERGO Critical Illness Insurance ( Silver and Platinum Plan)
Coverage	Covers 9 life threatening illnesses: Cancer of specified severity Open chest CABG Stroke resulting in paralysis First Heart Attack Major Organ/Bone Marrow Transplant Kidney Failure Heart Valve Replacement End Stage Liver Disease	Covers 15 life threatening illnesses: Cancer Heart Attack Stroke Major Organ Transplant Multiple Sclerosis Paralysis Kidney Failure Aorta Graft Surgery Coronary Bypass Surgery Brain Tumor End Stage Liver Disease Alzheimer Heart Valve Replacement Parkinson’s Disease Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Renewability	Lifelong	Lifelong
Lumpsum Payout	Applicable on first diagnosis of any of the specified illnesses	Applicable on first diagnosis of any of the specified illnesses
Sum Insured	Starting from ₹ 5 Lacs	₹ 3 up to ₹ 12 Lakh

While both plans are pretty much similar, ICICI Lombard Critical Illness Cover focuses on a narrower range of nine specific illnesses, while HDFC ERGO Critical Illness Insurance provides coverage for fifteen life-threatening illnesses.

Hence, you must consider the health care needs of yourself and your family members and also check out the specified illnesses covered by each plan to make an informed decision.

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HDFC ERGO vs Star Health Insurance

Health Insurance

HDFC ERGO vs Star Health Insurance

Post author By parastar
Post date May 9, 2023

HDFC ERGO vs Star Health Insurance

When it comes to choosing a health insurance provider, there are a plethora of options available in the market. Two of the most prominent names are HDFC ERGO and Star Health Insurance. Both companies offer a range of health insurance policies to suit different needs and budgets, but how do they compete against each other?

In this article, we will compare some key features of both companies. We will also compare two of their popular plans for your better understanding.

Firstly, let us compare important key features HDFC ERGO and Star Health Insurance.

Key Important Features

Particulars	HDFC ERGO Health Insurance	Star Health Insurance
Network Hospitals	12000+	14000+
Claim Settlement Ratio	97%	99.06%
Incurred Claim Ratio	62%	63%
Branches	650+	830+
No of Plans	6	11
Employees	10,000 +	14,500+

HDFC ERGO vs Star Health Insurance (Individual Health Plan)

Plan features	HDFC ERGO Optima Restore Plan	Star Comprehensive Insurance Policy
In-patient Care	Covered	Covered
Auto Recharge	100% for any illness	100% for any illness
Cumulative Bonus	50% increase of SI, after every 2 claim free years, up to a maximum 100%.	50% increase of SI up to maximum of 100%.
Pre-Hospitalisation	60 days covered	60 days covered
Post- Hospitalisation	180 days covered	90 days covered
Room Rent	Single room	AC room, single room
Air Ambulance	Covered up to ₹ 5,00,000	Covered up to ₹ 5,00,000
Maternity Coverage	Not available	Available
Co-payment	NA	10% if plan purchased after 61 years of age.
Outpatient Consultation	Covered	NA
Renewability	Lifelong	Lifelong

HDFC ERGO vs Star Health Insurance (Cancer Health Plan)

Plan features	HDFC ERGO iCan Cancer Policy	Star Cancer Care Platinum Policy
In-patient Care	Covered	Covered
Pre-Hospitalisation	30 days covered	30 days covered
Post- hospitalisation	60 days covered	60 days covered
AYUSH	NA	NA
Cumulative Bonus	NA	5% increase of the Sum Insured for each claim-free year subject to a maximum of 50%.
Lumpsum Payout	In-built	Optional
Second Medical Opinion	Covered	Covered

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between HDFC ERGO and Star Health Insurance will depend on your individual needs and priorities. It’s important to carefully check the coverage and benefits offered by each company to make an informed decision.

While both the companies offer extensive coverage and benefits, it’s important to evaluate your personal healthcare needs and budget before making a final decision.

Also, before choosing a health insurance provider, it is imperative to know the network hospitals of the insurer around you. It is also important to check the claim settlement and incurred claim ratios, as they are strong indicators of the financial strength and reliability of the insurance company.

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HDFC ERGO Premium Calculator- Calculate your premium easily

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