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BuzzBallz is a hard drink sold in bottles that look like phosphorescent billiard balls. They contain 15% alcohol by volume which is more than twice the amount of beer. Lucy Rocca, a mother of a 13-year-old girl, first heard about these balls from her daughter. It was December and Rocca and her daughter were discussing a shopping list for a New Years Eve party. Rocca, 50 years old, said that when the girls mentioned BuzzBallz she was “like, ‘Whoa! No way'”. She asked her daughter where she got the idea. Rocca, a woman from Sheffield, England who runs a women’s sobriety program, was shocked by the exchange. Why Gen Z believes matcha, makeup, concerts are essential self-careRocca had flashbacks to drinking similar sweet, flavored beverages like Castaway, a wine cooler, when she began binge drinking as an adolescent. (She stopped drinking in 2011) Her daughter’s age group seems to have found an equivalent. BuzzBallz are a 2009 invention, but they have become almost ubiquitous. You can find them scattered like confetti at college parties and stacked near the checkout in convenience stores. The fluorescent orbs can be easily spotted on a Florida Beach during Spring Break; in a crowded Facebook feed, they shine like beacons. The brand was acquired by spirits company Sazerac in that same year, Forbes estimated its annual revenue to be about $500 million. Forbes estimated that the brand’s annual revenue was about $500 million. Story continues below this adAndrew Pentland is a manager and buyer for Gator Beverage in Gainesville. He said he noticed a spike in sales of BuzzBallz and other strong, ready to drink beverages like BeatBox, Cutwater, and other. Pentland, a manager and buyer at Gator Beverage in Gainesville, Florida, said he had noticed a surge in sales of BuzzBallz over the past two years. He also noted that college students are always cautious to card BuzzBallz because they believe it offers “more bang-for-your buck”. He said that there are definitely people who come in underage and this is what they would be trying to buy. Sazerac says it is careful to not market to people under the legal drinking age, and that the company takes measures to prevent BuzzBallz getting into too young hands. As the brand has grown so have the frustrations from watchdog groups who claim that the drinks are deliberately positioned to appeal towards minors. According to Pam Pearce of Community Living Above in Oregon, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing young substance abuse, BuzzBallz follows a familiar playbook to attract young people. The toy-like packaging makes the product look more like an energy drink than a alcoholic beverage. “And now they’re everywhere.”BuzzBallz contain about 15% alcohol by volume, more than double that of the average beer (Photo: Pexels)The Dry Generation? Hold My BuzzBall. BuzzBallz were created by Merrilee Kick, an ex-high school teacher from Texas. She says she was drinking a cocktail by the pool while grading papers when she had her first idea of a drink packaged in a ball-shaped plastic container. She was inspired by the spherical votive she kept nearby. “I thought it would really cool to make round, party-ball types of beverage,” she stated in an interview. The idea, initially called “Party Balls,” became her thesis project for her master’s degree in business administration.BuzzBallz sold in liquor stores contain spirits like vodka and rum, while BuzzBallz Chillers, available in gas stations and convenience stores, contain a base of wine made from oranges or agave. This allows them to be available in stores with wine licenses, rather than the more restrictive liquor licenses. Story continues below this advertisementVictor Lopez, a 24-year-old San Diego resident, loves the Berry Cherry Limeade, and Grapes Gone Wild flavours. He said the drinks are easy to drink and lend themselves to social media stunts. He has posted several TikTok Videos in which he chugs 3 BuzzBallz consecutively. “Whenever you go to party, you’re likely to see a BuzzBall,” said he. He said that people his age pass around supersized BuzzBallz at parties called Biggies. The company released a larger version in December called Boulders. It contains 3 liters and has about the same amount of alcohol as 25 standard beer cans. BuzzBallz is reaching a group of people who are known for being hesitant to drink. According to a Gallup study, the rate of adults aged 18 to 34 who drink alcohol has fallen 9 percentage points between 2023 and 2025. This trend began more than 10 years ago. Jess Scheerhorn is the president of BuzzBallz. She said in an exclusive interview that the drink’s appeal was “about as simple as you can make it.” Story continues below this advertisement. “I think that’s why I think we buck the trends a little bit.” BuzzBallz has leaned into a more rambunctious image than your typical hard drink brand. It sold basketballs that were designed to be filled up with the drinks. They are called Big Blue BBallz. BuzzBallz announced in 2024 that it would partner with athletic programs from Louisiana State University and Texas Tech University, to offer its drinks at stadiums. But Scheerhorn resisted the idea that BuzzBallz is courting underage consumers, despite the fact the drinks are colorful, sweet and flavorful. “I think there are a lot examples of that,” said Scheerhorn. “The new trends will always be favored towards young, influential consumers. So I think that’s always going be a thin line around that. Story continues below this advertisement. She said the company is “relentless” in making sure that its marketing events comply with federal, local, and state laws, as well as the advertising standards set forth by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. She said that events on and around college campus require strict ID checks. The company also employs a “community manager” who monitors the appropriateness of online discussions about BuzzBallz. She and her friends dressed as different flavors at a recent pub crawl. “The marketing is really good,” Inman added, adding that “Because of the constant bringing out of new flavors, it is always topical.” Story continues below this advertisementInman, who is of legal drinking ages in Britain, said that younger teens in her area “100%” get their hands on these drinks. Since years, critics have claimed that the branding and marketing of the products can lead to dangerous territory. They say that it increases a young person’s risk of alcohol addiction and negative health consequences. In 2016, advocacy group Alcohol Justice accused BuzzBallz intentionally targeting youth. In 2022, the British alcohol industry regulator dismissed an appeal from a consumer who claimed that BuzzBallz had been designed and marketed as toys. (A panel stated that the branding of the drink was “close to acceptable” but did cross it. “You have bright colors and a sugary beverage with a high alcohol content in a container that is easily concealable,” said Jonathan Noel. He is a professor at Johnson & Wales University, the lead author of a study on digital alcohol advertising. “I’m not saying that it was their intention, but the design of the bottle and the product is conducive to youth consumption.” In one dangerous, but common challenge, people mix BuzzBallz and two other beverages with high alcohol content and then down the entire combination. Story continues below this advertisementBuzzBallz offers free drinks to people over 21 who promote the brand, but says it has not encouraged videos about drink mixing. “We don’t engage in or promote these types of challenges overtly, and our position is that any challenge of this nature should be done always through the lens of measured and responsible consumption,” Scheerhorn said in an email.Alcohol-drenched recklessness is not a new phenomenon nor is it a result of BuzzBallz alone. Pentland said that he didn’t think the brand is any more dangerous than other brands that have attracted young drinkers. “There’s always the ability to abuse something and not use it the way it was intended,” he said. At least some fans have cut back on the drinks. Lopez, a 24-year-old San Diego resident, still enjoys the BuzzBall every now and then. He said that it has been some time since he had three consecutive wins, as he was paying more attention to health. “I just wanted better choices,” said Lopez. This article originally appeared in The New York Times

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Farah visits Gaurav Taneja at his farmhouse in Gurgaon. (Image source: Farah K Khan/YouTube.) Gaurav Taneja has been creating buzz with his health-related content. The YouTuber appeared last year on the TV reality series, Shark Tank India to raise investment for his brand BeastLife. In a recent appearance, Farah Khan hosted Fun With Farah where Taneja gave insights into his other venture, Rosier. He produces and sells organic products like buttermilk and pickles under this label. The farmhouse in Delhi-NCR is where he operates these businesses. He has described it in his videos as the most expensive investment he’s made, costing approximately Rs 10 crore by February 2024. The property combines luxury and sustainability. It is a residence as well as a hub for various ventures including organic farming and milk production. The YouTuber oversees the nearly 200 cows that live there. The video also highlighted the interior walls, which were painted using ‘lipai.’ This eco-friendly and traditional technique uses cow dung to regulate indoor temperatures and act as a disinfectant. Farah was initially surprised, but noted that there was no unpleasant odor, and appreciated the rustic yet comfortable aesthetic. The property is home to a variety of trees and plants, including mangoes and lemons. Taneja showed her the cowshed and explained that he does not sell milk directly but instead processes it into A2 butter and ghee. He sells his buttermilk in large glass bottles. He also introduced Ghar Ka Achaar pickles, which operate under the Rosier label. The vlog concluded with gift exchanges, a litti-chokha meal and gift exchanges. Experts clarify that the difference often is more about safety than nutrition. Ginni Kalra of Akash Healthcare’s Head Dietetics explained that organic food was preferred because it had a low to zero level of pesticides or chemicals. She explained that while some studies indicate slightly higher antioxidant levels in organic food, the overall nutritional differences are not drastic. Story continues below this advertisement.She added that choosing Organic can reduce long-term exposition to harmful residues which may benefit overall health. Kalra warned that not all packaged food is created equal. Additions such as salt, sugar, refined ingredients, and preservatives can reduce the health benefits of a food. She advised consumers to read labels and not rely on the organic label alone.
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly in order to reduce pesticide residue
Before buying packaged food, read the labels carefully.
Limit the intake of ultra-processed products
Use packaged food as a back-up, not a replacement for daily meals

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Roshni’s 3-step water therapy. (Source: Instagram/@roshnichopra)Roshni Chopra’s hydration routine is a dedicated, long process curated to keep her digestion strong and bloating far away. The television actor shared her “water treatment” on Instagram. “Water therapy – This is what worked for my body (ps. each body is unique and though the principles are often the same, you have to find what works best for you),” she captioned Reel. Here’s how Chopra’s daily routine looks:Morning – Ayurvedic Kadha (reduced to 1 cup of water):* 1 inch fresh ginger (crushed)

* 1/2 tsp Ajwain

* 1-2 strands of saffron

* 1 clove

Cinnamon stick, 1/2 inch

* 1 small cardamom, crushed

* 2-3 black peppercornsSip hot. This helps to improve digestion, reduce inflammation, boost metabolism, and gently detoxify your system. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Afternoon – Hydration + Electrolytes* – 1 glass of coconut (200-250ml) water

* 1 tbsp of chia seeds, soaked for a couple of hours.

Night (after dinner, which I try to finish by 7pm), Digestion ResetBoil 1.5 cups of water (reduced to 1 cup)

* 1/2 tsp Ajwain

Warm up 1/2 teaspoon saunf (fennel). Reduces bloating and improves digestion. View this post on Instagram Decoding the benefitsIndianexpress.com turned to health experts to understand the benefits of Chopra’s hydration routine, and find out whether we should hop on the bandwagon:Manvi Lohia, MP, registered dietitian and head of holistic health and International business, Ekaanta, Haridwar, broke down the ingredients, sharing that ginger juice, renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, has long been valued for its digestive benefits. “Gingerol is the active component in ginger and acts as a catalyst for digestive enzymes. This enhances the breakdown and absorption nutrients,” she explained. Cardamom, on the other hand, stimulates the secretion and digestion of digestive enzymes and can alleviate bloating and gases. Coconut water, taken first thing in the morning, can help awaken the digestive system. She explained that some people experience less bloating, and smoother bowel movement over a period of time. This is because better hydration improves gut movements. Chia seeds also suppress appetite and keep one full, and are a good source of omega-3 and Omega-6. The cooling effect of saffron is an added bonus. Story continues below this advertisementAccording to her saffron has a high concentration of antioxidants which protects your cells from free radicals and oxidative stresses. It may improve your mood, learning ability and memory, as well as protecting your brain cells from oxidative stress. Lohia said that cinnamon also has antioxidants which helps to ease digestion by keeping your gut healthy. Sohini Banerjee is a consultant dietician at ILS Hospitals in Howrah, Kolkata, who added that fennel (saunf), due to its antibacterial and antiinflammatory properties, can help reduce GI distress. Carom seeds contain active enzymes that improve the flow of stomach acid, which can relieve indigestion and bloating. Banerjee said that the plant can also be used to treat peptic and stomach ulcers, as well as sores on the oesophagus and stomach. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

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In Indian kitchens, aged basmati rice is prized for its aroma, fluffy texture and perceived health benefits. Is it healthier than freshly milled basmati rice? What makes aged basmati rice different? The key difference is the ageing process. Dt Kalra explains that as basmati rice ages its starch structure and moisture content changes. “This results in grains which are less sticky and more separated after cooking, which improves texture and digestibility.” This structural change is what separates aged basmati from freshly milled, which tends be softer and more lumpy when cooked. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Does ageing affect its nutrition? Contrary to popular belief, ageing does not significantly increase the nutritional value. Dt Kalra says that the ageing process doesn’t alter rice’s core nutrients in a major way. It is the way the body processes the rice that changes, particularly due to the reduced moisture and restructured starsch. These changes can have subtle metabolic benefits, especially when it comes to how the body digests carbohydrates. Dt Kalra notes that aged basmati rice is easier to digest than freshly milled. It has a lower glycaemic indices, which may mean that it causes a slower rise in the blood sugar levels. It’s a good option for those who want to control their blood sugar levels or have sensitive digestion. However, it doesn’t mean they can eat it in large quantities. Dt Kalra says that aged basmati rice is still a refined carbohydrates. “Portion Control is Essential, Especially for People with Diabetes, as Excess intake can Raise Blood Glucose Levels.” She also highlights a common nutritional gap: “If you diet relies on too much polished rice, without enough whole grains and vegetables, it can impact on overall nutritional balance.” Disclaimer: This article was based on public domain information and/or experts we spoke to. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

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(Source: Instagram/@rajpalofficial) Decoded – Rajpal Yadav’s longevity secret. (Source: Instagram/@rajpalofficial)Rajpal Yadav, 55, wishes to live a long and happy life surrounded by his family and friends. In a recent interview, the Bhooth Bangla star revealed the secret to his long life: “Eat half, drink twice as much water, and do three times as much hard work.” According to him, “food is for everyone, bhajan is for everyone, and kirtan, kirtan, kirtan, is with everyone”. He told Curly Tales that the less food you consume, the longer and healthier you will live. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Kanikka Malhotra is a certified diabetes educator and consultant dietician. She explained that practicing portion control, mindful eating (not strict dieting), as well as eating less than usual can improve sleep quality and boost your mood. Malhotra said that by eating smaller, more balanced meals, and avoiding late night snacking, your body will maintain stable blood sugar levels and support its natural circadian rhythms. You can also prevent digestive discomfort, which can disrupt sleep, by eating smaller, more balanced meals. “These simple habits are backed by science and not only help you to sleep better, but also make you feel more positive, energised and refreshed every day,” said Malhotra.
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Eat slowly and savour each bite. This will help you feel full sooner. Limit distractions: Avoid eating while watching TV or working, as these distractions can lead to mindless eating and overconsumption of food. ‘We were in a long-distance relationship for…’: Rajpal Yadav’s wife, Radha, recalls her parents’ opposition to their 13-year age gap; an expert weighs inStart with smaller portions: Serve yourself smaller portions initially, and only go back for seconds if you are still hungry.Incorporate more vegetables and whole grains: These foods are high in fiber and can help you feel full for longer periods. Opt for whole-grain chapatis, brown rice, or whole-wheat pasta instead of refined options.Drink water before meals: Drinking a glass of water before eating can help you feel fuller faster, reducing the chances of overeating.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.