Please tell me the difference between good and bad fat? Also, what foods contain bad fat?

Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats are known as the “good fats” because they are good for your heart, can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Artificial trans fat is the bad fat and can increase LDL levels and contribute to insulin resistance. Trans fat is mostly found in packaged and frozen foods. Saturated fats were looked down upon for a long time but newer research has proved they aren’t bad for you.

I have recently switched to a vegetarian diet. Please tell me which vegetables are a good source of iron?

Spinach, broccoli, potatoes, mushrooms, prunes, olives, dark chocolate, lentils, chickpeas, iron fortified cereals, cashews, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and flax seeds are all great sources of iron. Moreover, vitamin C can increase uptake of iron so these foods paired with a vitamin C source such as citrus fruits is a great combo.

The doctor has asked me to increase my intake of anti-oxidants. How are they important for human body?

Free radicals are molecules that can impact ageing and contribute to chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes etc. Anti-oxidants stop the damage caused by free radicals and are very important for your body.

I am more prone to diabetes due to family history. How can I avoid type 2 diabetes?

Maintaining a healthy weight, exercise, quitting smoking, increasing daily activity and adding sufficient fiber to your diet are key to preventing type 2 diabetes.

I have a severe case of anxiety. Which vitamins, minerals or herbs help curb anxiety?

B complex vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin D, fish oil, magnesium, chamomile and lavender have all proven to have great long term benefits for anxiety, depression and fatigue.