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This insect can literally blow away its attackers if necessary, but only if it is done with care and consideration. The Bombardier Beetle is for you. The Bombardier Beetle is a member of the Carabidae Family and has a chemical weapon built in. It can be found on every continent except Antarctica, hiding in fields, forests, and leaf litter. The beetles release a sizzling spray from their abdomen when threatened. This hot, boiling spray can kill or deter predators such as ants, spiders or small vertebrates. When danger strikes, chemicals are funneled into a reaction chamber equipped with enzymes like catalases and peroxidases. The chemicals undergo a violent exothermic reactions that reach near the boiling point (100 degrees Celsius), vaporising a part of the mixture, and creating high pressure. Their reaction chambers are also impressively sturdy and thermally resistant, ensuring that only the spray escapes, not their own insides. The reaction chambers of the Bombardier Beetle are thermally resistant and sturdy, ensuring only the spray is released. Many ground beetles use quinones as shell hardeners or basic deterrents. Over time, through exaptation the Bombardier’s ancestors repurposed those chemicals into a much more advanced, explosive defence, supported by accumulating enzyme control. The evolution of the Bombardier Beetle is a fascinating story. According to the Natural History Museum, in controlled studies, nearly 43 percent of beetles that were swallowed by toads later regurgitated themselves alive. This is likely because the chemical spray they released under the skin caused enough discomfort to trigger the expulsion.

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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 (empty belly) – Ayurvedic KadhaBoil 2 cups 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-3s and omega-6s. 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 intestines. 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 that become less sticky and more separated after cooking, improving both texture and digestion. 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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Gen Z often go through a rigorous process before committing to their partners. From swiping right to situationship and hard launching on the Internet, they often go through a rigorous process. Gen Z is known for their rigorous dating process, which includes everything from swiping to situationships to hard-launching on the Internet. In many cases, however, the pet might not be the owner’s. It could be the pet of a friend, a street animal, or a cafe cat. According to a survey conducted by Happn dating app, 19% of Indian singles had pets in their dating profiles, or were considering doing so. The data also suggests that pets influence how people date offline. While 33 percent still prefer pet-free dates at coffee shops, 25 percent choose dog walks or low-pressure strolls in public places like Delhi’s Lodhi Gardens and Chennai’s Marina Beach. Experts have commented on the trend and shed light on why people exaggerate some traits on dating sites. “They want their chances of being like,” Dr Murali Krishna said, Visiting Consultant Psychiatry & Counselling Services at Aster RV Hospital in Bangalore. “Liking animals signals emotional intelligence and ability to form attachments. She said that it subconsciously reassures the person of their ability to care and commit, making them more attractive as a long-term companion. Story continues below this adAccording Dr Krishna, a pet or a love for animals exudes warmth and fosters trust. Ghosting is bad, but ‘ghostlighting’ is worse: Early warning signs of this toxic dating trend, according to an expertHowever, while petfishing may help secure matches, Dr Krishna warned that it can create cracks in trust early on. “Petfishing” is the act of pretending to own or love pets in order to appear more attractive. It can damage trust in early stages of relationships. He noted that one partner may discover the deception of the other, which can lead to doubts regarding their character and the possibility of hidden lies. For singles navigating modern dating, Dr Manchanda advised understanding a person’s personality beyond their dating profile, and avoiding emotional investments based on online dating profiles in the early stages. Ask open-ended, observant questions and let the relationship develop naturally. “Authenticity cannot be rushed and patience is the key to avoid disappointment,” she said.

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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, kirtan, bhajan”. He told Curly Tales that the less food you consume, the healthier and longer 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, energized, 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.