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Is dark chocolate healthier than milk chocolate? 2 dietitians explain

 ​Easter chocolate is all over supermarket shelves. Some people reach straight for milk chocolate eggs while others pause at the darker varieties, assuming they’re healthier.. Dark chocolate has gained a reputation as the “better” choice because it usually contains more cocoa and less sugar than milk chocolate.. But is dark chocolate actually healthier? Let’s see how the evidence stacks up.. All chocolate begins with the cocoa (or cacao) bean. Cocoa beans are the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree, a tropical plant native to Central and South America.. Processing the bean gives you cocoa solids (the bitter part) and cocoa butter (the fat part that gives chocolate its smooth texture).. Chocolate is made from cocoa solids, cocoa butter and sugar. Milk chocolate also contains milk powder or condensed milk.. Story continues below this ad. Dark chocolate typically contains a much higher proportion of cocoa solids, usually 50–90 per cent.. Milk chocolate generally contains 20-30 per cent cocoa solids, with the remaining bulk made up of milk ingredients and sugar.. How about nutritional benefits?. Because dark chocolate contains more cocoa solids than milk chocolate, it naturally provides slightly higher amounts of certain minerals.. This table shows the differences between milk chocolate (30 per cent cocoa) and dark chocolate (more than 60 per cent cocoa) per 20-gram serve. That’s about one row of a Lindt chocolate block.. Story continues below this ad. As you can see, dark chocolate provides more minerals such as magnesium, iron and zinc. It also contains noticeably more caffeine (but far less than in a typical cup of coffee, which would contain about 100mg).. Milk chocolate offers significantly more calcium due to its milk solids, but it generally contains more added sugar.. Cocoa is naturally rich in plant compounds called polyphenols. These act as antioxidants in the body, helping to protect the body’s cells from damage.. Because dark chocolate contains more cocoa, it naturally contains higher levels of these compounds. In fact, dark chocolate contains roughly five times more flavanols (a type of polyphenol) than milk chocolate.. Story continues below this ad. Compared to other foods often praised for their antioxidant content, cocoa contains around 17 times more catechins (another type of polyphenol) per serving than black tea. It also contains around three times more than red wine.. Does dark chocolate improve your health?. Research into cocoa and dark chocolate has produced some interesting findings, particularly about heart health.. Cocoa flavanols appear to help blood vessels relax and support better blood flow. Some clinical trials have reported small reductions in blood pressure and improvements in measures of blood vessel function after consuming cocoa products.. There is also broader evidence suggesting diets rich in flavanols may be linked with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease overall.. However, these findings come w  

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‘A worried parent is not a good parent’: Sadhguru’s advice to Alia Bhatt sparks a vital conversation on parental anxiety; an expert on navigating it

 ​Sadhguru gives a parenting tip to Alia Bhatt (Source: Instagram/Alia Bhatt and Sadhguru). Parenting today often comes with a constant undercurrent of self-doubt. Many parents find themselves questioning whether they are doing enough, making the right decisions, or unintentionally getting things wrong. This idea recently came up during a conversation between Alia Bhatt and Sadhguru at a session in Chennai.. While the full discussion has yet to be released, clips circulating online show a candid moment in which Alia asked, “Your one piece of advice to a parent who is worried about if they are a good parent (sic).” In response, Sadhguru said, “A worried parent is not a good parent,” a remark that drew laughter from the audience. Acknowledging the reality many parents face, Alia replied with a smile, “I don’t think you can take the worry out of it. I mean, you would admit.”. The exchange captures a tension that many parents experience: the gap between knowing that excessive worry may not help, and still feeling unable to switch it off. We spoke with an expert who answered deeper questions about what healthy concern looks like, and when it crosses into anxiety that can affect both the parent and the child.. Is parental worry always a sign of care, or can it sometimes interfere with effective parenting?. Gurleen Baruah, existential psychotherapist at That Culture Thing, tells indianexpress.com, “It really depends on the self-awareness of the caregiver. Parental worry is inevitable; everyone worries, some more than others. Worry itself is not the problem, even over-worrying is not really the core issue. The key is what you do with that worry.”. If you are self-aware, Baruah states that you can notice it, label it, sit with it, and not let it turn into behaviour that becomes controlling or limiting for the child. When that awareness is missing, that’s when it can start interfering with the child’s emotional development.. Drawing the line between being attentive and being overly anxious. This again comes back to self-awareness and emotional regulation. Drawing the line is not a one-time decision; it’s ongoing. It means being able to notice your anxiety, sit with it, and not act on it immediately.. “In my work, I often talk about dialectical thinking, that is, holding two opposite truths together. You can care deeply and still not act on every anxious thought. It also involves separating facts from feelings. This is where more prefrontal, deliberate decision-making comes in, rather than reacting instantly. With practice, this becomes easier,” states Baruah.. Realistic ways to manage that anxiety so it does not negatively impact the parent-child relationship. If worry cannot be taken away, Baruah mentions, the focus shifts to managing it better. That starts with knowing yourself, or at least trying to understand your own patterns. Then, separating facts from feelings, thoughts from actions, and questioning assumptions.. Story con  

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Hanuman Jayanti 2026 Date: When is Hanuman Jayanti in India?

 ​Hanuman Jayanti Date 2026: An ardent devotee of Lord Ram and Sita, Lord Hanuman is considered a protector from negative energies, representing devotion, strength, humility, and selfless service.. Hanuman Jayanti 2026 Date: Hanuman Jayanti is one of the significant Hindu festivals which marks the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman, or the ‘Monkey Lord’.. Renowned as one of the greatest devotees of Lord Ram, Hanuman is the son of Mata Anjana and the Monkey King Kesari.. He is also referred to as “Pavan Putra”, meaning the son of Vayu Deva, the god of wind.. While the exact day of Hanuman Jayanti is unknown, according to popular belief, Chaitra Purnima, Tuesday, is commonly recognised as Lord Hanuman’s birthday.. This year, , with Purnima Tithi beginning on April 1 at 07:06 AM and ending on April 2 at 07:41 AM.. An ardent devotee of Lord Ram and Sita, Lord Hanuman is considered a protector from negative energies, representing devotion, strength, humility, and selfless service.. Many Hindu teachings suggest that Lord Hanuman is the only way to connect with Lord Ram.. Since Lord Hanuman was born in the early morning, devotees start their day early in the morning with a holy bath, followed by the rituals, like installing idols of Lord Hanuman facing east, and offer red flowers, fruits, vermilion (sindoor), jasmine oil, and sweets (ladoos/halwa).. Story continues below this ad. They also pray to the Lord for protection and blessings and recite the Hanuman Chalisa and Sundar Kaand.. ALSO READ: Modern technology breathes new life into ancient storytelling in today’s Ramlila productions. 📣 For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram. © IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd  

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Miss World 2026: Expected date, time (IST), venue, host, other details – what we know so far

 ​Miss India Femina 2024 Nikita Porwal will be representing India at Miss World 2026, eager to be crowned by reigning Miss World Opal Suchata Chuangsri (Images: Instagram). The 75th anniversary edition of the Miss World pageant is set to be hosted in Vietnam in 2026. The competition will kick off on August 9, with the grand finale scheduled for September 5. The official announcement was made during the Miss World Vietnam final on March 29 by Julia Morley CBE and representatives from Sen Vàng, the local organisers and co-producers of the event.. Contestants will arrive in Hanoi, while the grand finale is set to take place in Ho Chi Minh City. The exact broadcast time for Indian viewers (IST) has yet to be announced and is expected to be announced closer to the event.. “I am truly delighted to celebrate 75 years of Miss World and Beauty With a Purpose in Vietnam, a country that exudes culture, warmth, and an extraordinary sense of hospitality, and that has always welcomed us with open arms. I very much look forward,” said Julia Morley CBE, Chairwoman and CEO of the Miss World Organization during the announcement.. Miss World 2025 Opal Suchata added, “I am so happy to know that I will crown my successor in Vietnam. During my journey, my roommate was Miss World Vietnam, Huỳnh Trần Ý Nhi, who became a good friend and always spoke about her beautiful country with such love and pride. I have grown to truly love Vietnam, and being so close to Thailand makes this even more special, as I hope many of my friends will join me for this celebration and my farewell moment.”. View this post on Instagram. Miss World 2026: India and other contestants. India will be represented by Femina Miss India World 2024 Nikita Porwal, who has already shared her excitement about representing the country at the global stage on Instagram.. Her post read: ” Vietnam, here I come! ✨🇻🇳 Still feels surreal to be representing India at the 75th anniversary edition of Miss World Festival, carrying my dreams, my story, and the pride of my nation onto a global stage. 🇮🇳👑✨ With Vietnam as the beautiful host country, this journey feels even more special and exciting. Ready to embrace every moment and make it truly unforgettable.♥️”. So far, only a few contestants have been officially announced, including Kristianna Gordon. The full list will be revealed gradually as national pageants conclude worldwide. Typically, the competition sees participation from over 100 countries, and this time, 130 nations will be participating, as announced during Miss World Vietnam 2026 finale.. View this post on Instagram. Also Read | Lakmé Fashion Week 2026 Day 3: Disha Patani, Tamannaah Bhatia lead Bollywood’s runway takeover. What to Expect. Founded in 1951, Miss World will celebrate its 75th anniversary with this edition. The event will feature multiple rounds, cultural showcases, and the “Beauty With a Purpose” segment.. The reigning titleholder, Miss World 202  

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Happy Mahavir Jayanti 2026 Wishes, Quotes, Images and Status: Heartfelt Messages to Share with Family and Friends

 ​Happy Mahavir Jayanti 2026 Wishes, Quotes, Images and Status: Warm wishes on Mahavir Jayanti to share with your friends and family.. Happy Mahavir Jayanti 2026 Wishes, Quotes, Images, Messages, and WhatsApp Status: Mahavir Jayanti, also known as Mahaveer Janma Kalyanak, is a significant festival in Jainism, celebrated by the community in India, Nepal, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This year marks the 2624th birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and last Tirthankara, falling on . With the festival just around the corner, indianexpress.com has curated these heartfelt wishes to convey to friends and family.. Happy Mahavir Jayanti 2026: Wishes. Wishing you peace, happiness, and spiritual growth this Mahavir Jayanti.. May Lord Mahavir bless you with wisdom and compassion. Happy Mahavir Jayanti!. Let this auspicious day of Mahavir Jayanti bring harmony and positivity into your life.. May your life be guided by truth and non-violence. Happy Mahavir Jayanti!. May the teachings of Lord Mahavir inspire you to live a life of truth, non-violence, and compassion.. Warm wishes to you and your family on this sacred occasion of Mahaveer Janma Kalyanak.. Happy Mahaveer Janma Kalyanak! May your heart be filled with kindness and your actions with purity.. Story continues below this ad. Wishing you a life of peace and spiritual enlightenment on Mahavir Jayanti!. May Lord Mahavir’s teachings illuminate your path always. Happy Mahavir Jayanti to you and your family!. Celebrate this day with love, forgiveness, and joy. Happy Mahavir Jayanti!. Happy Mahavir Jayanti 2026: Quotes. “All souls are equal and deserve respect and compassion.”. “Non-violence is the greatest religion.”. “Silence and self-control are the paths to inner peace.”. Story continues below this ad. “Every living being has a soul and deserves to live freely.”. “A man is great by deeds, not by birth.” Sending warm wishes on Mahavir Jayanti to you and your family.. “Conquer anger with forgiveness and pride with humility.”. “Right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct lead to liberation.”. “Peace comes from within; do not seek it outside.”. “The greatest wealth is a peaceful mind.”. Happy Mahavir Jayanti 2026: Messages. Let us honour Lord Mahavir by embracing forgiveness and humility. Blessed Mahaveer Janma Kalyanak!. Story continues below this ad. On this Mahavir Jayanti, may you follow the path of truth and kindness.. Let us promise to practice non-violence and spread love everywhere. Jai Mahavir!. Celebrate the spirit of peace and humanity this Mahavir Jayanti.. May your thoughts be pure and your actions noble. Happy Mahavir Jayanti!. May your life be filled with harmony and spiritual joy. Happy Mahavir Jayanti. Story continues below this ad. Wishing you strength to walk the path of righteousness on this occasion of Mahavir Jayanti.. May this day inspire you to live a life of discipline and compassion. Happy Mahaveer Janma Kalyanak!. Let this M  

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Saina Nehwal opens up about her journey, recovery, and diet: ‘I used to have desi khaana with ghee, milk…’

 ​Saina Nehwal, 35, who announced her retirement from badminton following a knee injury, recently recounted her humble beginnings and the belief in a support system at home and around her that helped shape her path. “Papa ne bhi apne friend se kaafi loan liye, bank se bhi to get me shuttle, shoes (My father took a lot of loans from friends, banks…). It lasted for many years. And when I look back, I am like…why did he do that? Why did he take money from his friends… what if I wasn’t able to pay it back? What if I wasn’t able to achieve as much?” she said in a conversation with Devashis Jena.. Speaking about the belief placed in her, the shuttler added: “I think my mother and my coaches had the belief in me and even I did…that they never let pressure affect me…whether of a job, or to payback loans…What I only thought about was how to recover for the next day. That included eating right at night, afternoon.”. Recalling the period during 1999-2000 when there was no concept of a trainer and a physiotherapist, Saina shared, “So, my mother used to sit the whole night and massage my legs so that I feel good the next day. Khaane me (as regards to diet), she used to think… as a vegetarian, to make me eat everything good, so that she could make me look strong and big, so that she could defeat someone who might be older than her. So, I used to have desi khaana with ghee, milk…all these were there. But it was all about the next day.”. Taking a cue from her reflection, we understand how diet and recovery play a crucial role in an athlete’s life.. “She highlighted an often overlooked part of fitness success — recovery and readiness for the next challenge. For elite athletes, what you eat is not just fuel for the moment, but nourishment that affects muscle repair, energy restoration and neuromuscular readiness for the next day’s training or competition,” said consultant dietitian and fitness expert Garima Goyal.. Her emphasis on “all about the next day” reflects a deep understanding of how consistent habits build long-term performance. “A balanced diet rich in protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals ensures that the body has the building blocks it needs to recover, adapt, and come back stronger. For an athlete, this means prioritising meals that repair micro-tears from training, replenish glycogen stores, and support hormone balance. Recovery isn’t passive; it’s an active process that begins with nourishment, hydration, and quality sleep,” said Goyal.. Saina ate home-cooked food (Photo: AI-generated). As Saina describes, family support is not just emotional but also practical. Having people who understand the demands of training means meals are planned with recovery in mind, snacks are timed to support muscle repair, and rest is prioritised over immediate gratification. “The psychological reassurance that comes from knowing your routine is supported at home reduces stress and allo  

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