GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Over the last few years, we have seen an increasing number of people making various lifestyle changes. People are exploring different diet options like intermittent fasting, keto, veganism, low-fat diet, etc. Today we will look at the keto diet and its benefits and risks.

The ketogenic diet is an extremely low-carb diet with a high fat intake. It aids in faster weight loss and has thus, become a favourite in recent times. Keto drastically reduces carbohydrates and replaces them with fat. This dramatic reduction of carbs puts the body in a metabolic state known as ketosis. During ketosis, the body's tendency to burn fat for energy increases rapidly, promoting faster weight loss.

Now, let's look at the benefits of a ketogenic diet.

1. Reduced appetite:
Binge eating is a concerning habit that contributes to weight gain. Studies show that people who concentrate on protein and fat intake eat fewer calories than those who intake carbs. Low carb eating helps you with reducing food cravings.

2. Abdominal fat loss:
It's a piece of common knowledge that abdominal fat or more commonly known as tummy fat, is the most rigid kind of fat. Keto is effective in reducing abdominal fat and getting into a perfect shape.

3. Increased level of good cholesterol:
High-density lipoprotein is commonly known as "good" cholesterol. A keto diet improves HDL cholesterol. It further helps lower total cholesterol and bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. Lower cholesterol levels mean a reduced risk of heart attacks and improved immunity. These are just a few of the many benefits that keto provides. However, since Keto is instrumental in faster weight loss, it also comes with its own set of risks and disadvantages. Let's look at a few of those.

4. Muscle loss:
Protein is the key ingredient in gaining muscle. However, it is heavily dependent on carbohydrates for muscle development. Depriving your body of carbohydrates means that the protein is incapable of building the muscles. Which therefore results in significant muscle loss.

5. Kidney stress:
A high meat intake makes urine acidic, which increases calcium and uric acid levels. This is a potential cause of kidney stones and other health problems.

6. Dehydration and Discomfort:
Your brain is heavily dependent on glucose provided by carbohydrates for energy. In a ketogenic diet, the brain depends more on ketones. And the kidneys release electrolytes when insulin levels fall. These drastic changes in bodily functions can cause various symptoms such as constipation, nausea, headache, fatigue, etc.

These are some of the benefits and risks of following a keto diet. Although there are ways to research various kinds of diet trends. It is best to visit a dietician who can give you a detailed diet chart that is suitable for your lifestyle and body type.

Adapting to a new diet can come with various challenges and frequent visits to your dietician's office. While you are working on modifying your lifestyle, it is the wisest move to look up the best health insurance in India. By choosing the best health insurance in India, you safeguard yourself against unnecessary medical expenditure during medical emergencies.

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Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

The sea has always opened up numerous opportunities for humankind. And now, with cruises becoming popular in the travel culture, people want to avail this luxurious and unforgettable adventure. Sailing from one horizon to another, experiencing the waters, foreign sunsets, and the regal amenities of the ship, make a complete package and a perfect bullet on your bucket list.

Planning a cruise trip can be intimidating and overwhelming. Ships are now as high as six to ten storeys and can contain upto three thousand passengers! You'll come across people from various cultures and backgrounds when visiting different port cities and countries. With expansive breathtaking views of the ocean, enjoy the vibes of a unique vacation far away from the city crowd and hassle. Cruise companies make every effort to make the guests feel welcome and curate experiences that cater to all travellers' expectations.

In this article, we will discuss some essential things to know before you set out on a cruise trip.

1. Windowless cabins:
For first-time cruisers, this can come as a shock. Some rooms may look like a coach in a train (size), but they might not have a window. These cabins are small spaces and can be congested for some. If you are uncomfortable in tiny spaces, make sure you check the amenities before booking a room. You can always travel with a partner to split the cost of the room if the price is too high.

2. Dress codes:
Some cruises have strict dress codes for mealtimes. You can be turned away if you don't adhere to the code and show up in ripped jeans or anything that comes off as casual. Make sure you prepare yourself in advance, enquire about these rules and regulations, and pack your outfits accordingly.

3. Book a higher cabin:
If you get seasick, booking a higher cabin will help you have a fun trip without the stress of feeling nausea or seasickness. Consider your health as a priority while sailing. Carry all necessary medications along with you and take good rest. The more you look after your body, the better you will enjoy your trip.

4. Last-minute upgrades:
Amenities like bigger beds, rooms, complimentary spa services, rooms with balconies, etc., become available at reasonable prices and deals if they are not sold out by the time the ship sets sail. Check the last-minute offers, upgrade, and avail of the luxuries if you like a discount.

5. Pricey internet:
Phone companies slap you with high roaming charges if you keep using your data without checking the roaming prices or switching to roaming data packs. Most ships have Wi-Fi options for basic tasks like emailing, online meetings, etc. Check with your travel group while looking for Wi-Fi hotspots.

Now that we have discussed some essential things you should know before setting out on a cruise trip, it would be wise to insure your travel as well. Cruises are expensive and can be risky if you don't get your trip insured in case of some unprecedented situations. These can be very stressful monetarily. To avoid this, explore general insurance plans in the market and choose the travel plan which suits your needs.

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Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Owning an automobile is one of the most rewarding things in life. Going on long road trips, midnight drives, or simply commuting between your office and home, having your own vehicle is sure to make you happy. But like everything, this also comes with its set of challenges. Zeroing down on the best car insurance company in India, and choosing the right auto repair service are just a few of the many things that need your attention.

Selecting an auto repair shop is not only about the care that your car gets but also about the rates, reviews, customer service, and overall experience. It is a good idea to look for options even before your automobile faces any issue so that you already know where to go. Let's look at a few ways to select a reliable auto repair shop.

1. Experience:
Your car's relationship is with the mechanic, not the company. Look at customer reviews online and get to know the mechanic who will be working on your vehicle. Having an experienced mechanic allows you to have peace of mind.

2. Company-specific service provider:
Repair shops that specialise in specific companies have more hands-on training with upgraded instruments and tools. So, it is best to go to a service provider who deals with the same company as you.

3. Online reviews:
Online reviews are a great way to understand the history of the company. More often than not, people tend to leave reviews of bad experiences they have had with the company. Keep in mind that not all companies have a 5-star rating. So going by the reviews and personal entries, you can make an informed decision about what kind of service you require.

4. Estimate pricing:
Solely depending on your car servicing agent might not be a good idea. Asking around in various service centres and mechanic shops, online rates, etc., can be an excellent way to estimate the money you might have to shell out during or after the process.

5. Warranties:
Ask your mechanic about warranties on different parts. This time frame varies from place to place. Having a good warranty period is crucial to ensure better car performance. A warranty ensures that you get a replacement free of cost.

6. Off-site services:
Sometimes, your car can break down during your journey. Under these circumstances, having your service provider's support will make it easier to avoid further damage. Before signing up for the services, talk to the staff and understand if they are willing to service your vehicle outside of the service centre. Having this added benefit goes a long way and ensures the credibility of your repair shop.

You need to keep these points in mind while choosing your repair shop. Having the right mechanic work on your car is a boon for you and your vehicle. Poor servicing can lead to poor performance and be costly in the longer run. To save yourself from the extra expenditure, it is an excellent option to first look for the best car insurance company in India. Car insurance can offer a bundle of exclusive benefits useful during unexpected mishaps.

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Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Cosmetics have become an integral part of our daily lifestyle. Facial makeup, perfumes, nail polishes, eye makeup, hair colours, etc., all enhance our physical attributes and appearances. The cosmetics market has developed various products for different cultures, skin tones, types, and seasons.

While these products may accentuate your physical features and give you a sense of confidence, they can be harmful in the long run. The high chemical contents present in cosmetics can be toxic to your skin. Often, the side effects of these chemical ingredients are not mentioned on the packaging.

The harsh chemicals in cosmetic products can affect the functioning of your skin's protective barrier, making it significantly easier for pathogens to enter your skin. Regular usage of makeup can hurt your skin's glow.

This article will discuss the long-term side effects of using cosmetics. You need to be aware of these consequences to be vigilant about the ingredients and the usage of cosmetic products.

1. Ageing:
One of the worst things you can do to your skin is to apply makeup without sunscreen. When you expose your skin to the sun, it damages your skin and leads to premature ageing signs like wrinkles, age spots, and fine lines. Also, make sure that you remove your makeup before calling it a night; otherwise, it can get into your pores and break the elastin, thus causing wrinkles.

2. Cancer:
Many cosmetic products like waterproof mascaras, foundations and long-lasting liquid lipsticks contain polyfluoroalkyl substances. These toxic chemicals are proven to cause cancer. When added, they change the properties of surfaces to make them resistant. PFAS are usually not mentioned on the packaging and labels of cosmetic products, making it difficult for consumers to detect their presence.

3. Allergy issues:
Cosmetic products are made with different ingredients. Some are formulated with mild components that don't affect your skin's health. However, products with strong and harsh elements like parabens and SLS-Sodium Laureth Sulfates can trigger your allergies, severely damaging your skin.

4. Acute risks:
Several cosmetic products have ingredients that pose the risk of burns and infections. Hair-straightening products (keratin treatments) contain formaldehyde. Frequent usage of such products can cause blisters, extreme hair fall, rashes, etc.

5. Behavioural issues:
Makeup products consist of eyeliners and lipsticks. Lead (heavy metal) is a component of these makeup essentials. If ingested in small amounts over time, it can have severe consequences like behaviour and cognitive problems, which can be concerning and can disturb your everyday lifestyle.

Now that we have discussed the long-term side effects of using cosmetics, it would be wise of you to consider safeguarding your health in case of unforeseeable circumstances.

Health emergencies bring in a lot of monetary pressure, causing additional stress. You can buy health insurance online to save yourself and your family from the financial load of unprecedented situations. Lastly, act wise, never overuse cosmetics, and use natural products free from harmful chemicals.

Click HERE to know more about how you can buy health insurance online.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.