Nutritional Wellness

The Flavor of Health: How Food Impacts the Brain and Body

January 8, 2023
The Wellness Tribe Team
The Flavor of Health: How Food Impacts the Brain and Body

The connection between what we eat and our overall health is undeniable, and in this article, we will delve into the specific ways in which food can impact our brains and body. 

From the role of different macronutrients in brain function and mood to the link between certain foods and cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease, we will cover a wide range of topics.

Additionally, we will discuss the impact of food on daily lifestyle and provide some actionable advice for readers on how to optimize their diet for optimal brain and body health.

The Brain and Food: A Delicious Connection

Our brains are the command center of our bodies, controlling everything from our movements to our thoughts and emotions. And, like all other parts of our body, they need the right fuel to function at their best. The food we eat can profoundly impact our cognitive function and mood, and we're here to explore the delicious ways in which it does so.

The food you eat can either be the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison." - Ann Wigmore

When it comes to macronutrients, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins play a vital role in keeping our brain healthy. Carbohydrates, for instance, can help boost our mood by increasing the production of serotonin, the feel-good chemical. Fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, are crucial for brain development and function, while proteins are essential in the creation of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that transmit signals in the brain.

But it's not just about what we eat; it's also about what we avoid. A diet high in saturated fats and processed foods has been linked to cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. On the other hand, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids may help to protect against them. So, next time you reach for that bag of chips, remember that your brain will thank you for choosing a handful of nuts instead.

The Body and Food: A Nutritional Symphony

The Body and Food: A Nutritional Symphony
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

Food plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases. The right nutrition can help keep our body in tip-top shape, while a poor diet can lead to a host of health issues.

First and foremost, the role of nutrition in maintaining overall health cannot be overstated. Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help to provide the essential vitamins and minerals our body needs to function properly. This can help to prevent chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Again it's not just about what we eat; it's also about what we avoid. Certain foods have been linked to specific health conditions. For example, a diet high in saturated fats has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Processed foods, on the other hand, have been linked to obesity and diabetes. By choosing whole foods and avoiding processed foods, we can help to keep our bodies in check.

Food and Mental Health: A Delicious Relationship

Food and Mental Health: A Delicious Relationship
Photo by Juan José Valencia Antía on Unsplash 

Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, and the food we eat plays a crucial role in maintaining both. The relationship between food and mental health is delicate, and understanding it can help us keep our minds in top shape.

When it comes to our mental health, the impact of diet cannot be overstated. Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help to provide the essential nutrients our brain needs to function properly. This can help to prevent conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress.

Conclusion

To sum up, the food we consume is the fuel that keeps our body and mind running smoothly. Here are a few things to keep in mind: 

  • Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
  • Avoid processed foods and saturated fats
  • Include omega-3-rich foods
  • Provides essential nutrients for optimal brain and body function
  • Achieve a balanced diet for optimal wellness.

But, just like a gourmet meal, everyone's nutritional needs are unique and personal. So, before making any drastic changes to your diet, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional or a dietitian to determine what specific dietary changes would be best for you.

In the end, let's remember that food is not just about sustenance; it's also about pleasure. By making mindful food choices, we can nourish our body and soul. So, let's savor every bite and enjoy the delicious symphony of health food offers.

Corporate News

Report: Indian startups reduce full-time hiring by 61%

November 18, 2022
The Wellness Tribe Team
Report: Indian startups reduce full-time staffing by 61%

India is experiencing severe hiring cutbacks, according to a recent study released on Monday, showing that permanent staff recruitment has decreased by 61 percent over the last 12 months.

From October 2021 to September 2022, data were collected from more than 25,000 Indian workers working at more than 1,000 companies in 20 different industries.

A recent report from Razorpay's business banking platform RazorpayX Payroll reveals a 1,300% decline in hiring for chief experience officers (CXOs).

Due to the changing dynamics of the startup environment, employment trends have changed significantly over the last year.

The Indian startup ecosystem has proven to be robust and adaptable despite recent challenges. Taking macro forces into consideration, entrepreneurs have formed smaller but more powerful teams to maximize their workforce. Many businesses are cutting their workforces in the midst of the financial winter.

Indian Startups Cut 61% off Permanent Hiring: Razorpay Report
Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

Another report from my back-of-the-envelope assessment indicates that startups and major tech firms have laid off more than 5,000 Indians in the last month. 

According to some predictions, the Indian economy is anticipated to lay off 16,000 workers by the end of 2022. It seems nobody's job is safe, not even at global behemoths like Twitter or Byju's.

Even though there was a decrease in hiring, the total wage paid to full-time employees increased by 64.7%. It was noted in the survey that the increase in income, particularly among the highest-paid professionals, is not distributed equally between the sexes.

Although employment has declined overall, technology hiring appears to have been the least affected. Technology-related occupations have managed to slightly boost their contributions to the total workforce by 4%, even though the hiring trend has generally slowed down.

A Look at the Gig Economy

It is apparent that companies prefer gig workers over permanent employees as the number of permanent employees has declined. The number of payments made to gig workers has grown by 153% since October 2021. A semi-gig worker model is now being used by 15% more businesses than it was previously.

According to the survey, the majority of semi-skilled gig workers employed by startups earn less than Rs 20,000 per month, followed by those who earn between Rs 20,000 and Rs 40,000.

Interestingly, these employees have among the weakest growth rates, averaging 26% and 52%, respectively.

Research shows that competent gig workers with earnings between Rs 85,000 and more than Rs 150,000 have experienced the fastest growth over the last year, even though they contribute the least to the overall pool.

Personal Wellbeing

Retention - Attrition Spelt Backwards

December 5, 2022
The Wellness Tribe Team
Retention - Attrition Spelt Backwards

We are in the midst of layoff season. While the world is shocked to see large internet companies like Meta and Twitter fire employees, the Indian startup scene has also suffered. So, what led to this, what is happening now, and what is yet to come? 

Race to Mass Layoffs?

Adding to the difficulties in Silicon Valley is the possibility that Amazon will announce layoffs that will affect up to 10,000 workers. Following Microsoft, Twitter, Snap, Meta, and Twitter, Amazon is the next big tech company to lay off employees. There has also been a decrease in recruiting at Apple and other companies. 

In the wake of fears of a worldwide recession, technology companies, traditionally large spenders, are now turning to cost-cutting.

Mass Firings: What Led to This?

From January 1 to June 1, 2022, the market capitalization of the top 30 technology companies decreased by $4.3 trillion. These 30 companies represent the majority of the value of the global tech market.

At least $5–6 trillion was lost in the global listed tech market as a whole. The top 30 businesses account for $4.3 trillion of this. In actuality, the combined contribution of Apple and Microsoft to this market value decline is close to $1 trillion. 

From June to August 18, the market value of the top 30 tech companies experienced a $900 billion recovery.

What's the situation in India?

Many edtech companies have let go of employees, including Byju's and Unacademy. It was reported that Unacademy had laid off 1,150 employees, while Byju's laid off 550 employees, not far behind Vedantu, which had laid off 624 employees.

Meanwhile, MFine laid off 600 workers, Ola fired 500 people, and Cars24 reported 600 job losses. In all cases, layoffs were caused by tighter monetary policies and a correction in the stock market.

How About the Attrition Rate?

In addition to layoffs, IT organizations have experienced high attrition rates. Labor costs and the cost of acquiring talent led to squeezed operating margins for all IT majors during the previous quarter.

During the first quarter of FY23, Indian IT companies spent, on average, 57% of sales on employee salaries, with some, like Infosys, raising their top performers by one or two digits. TCS's attrition rate for Q4 of FY22 was 19.7%, much higher than Infosys's 17.4%.

In Q4FY22, HCL Technologies experienced an increase in attrition from 21.9% to 23.8%. However, Wipro has managed to keep attrition rates relatively stable, dropping from 23.8% to 23.3% between April and June.

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