GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Dietary supplements can be an easy option to provide your body with enough nutrients. Supplements fulfil your nutritional requirements, but they come along with their pros and cons. For example, many supplements have active ingredients that can adversely affect the body.

Here is a post that guides you about the different food supplements. To understand the merits and demerits, we will categorize the commonly used supplements in the market.

1. Dietary protein food supplements:
Protein is a macronutrient and the fundamental building block required to build muscles, maintain tissue, and boost the immune system. According to scientific research, every human need 0.8 to 2.2 grams of protein per body weight in kilograms.

Merits:

• You can carry these supplements anywhere. They are readily available in shakes, bars, cereals to provide on-the-go energy.

• Moreover, protein food supplements consist of certain micronutrients not often found in our daily food like EAA's, creatine, glutamine, etc.

• These supplements can help you reach your protein goal faster.

Demerits

• The downside of these supplements is that many people depend on them rather than whole food to fulfil their daily body's protein needs.

• Secondly, these supplements are promoted majorly for fitness industries, hence are expensive.

2. Vitamins and minerals food supplements:
Vitamins and minerals are crucial for our body's functioning. According to the body structure, every person has different needs for vitamins and minerals.

Merits:

• These supplements can be helpful if you have difficulties having wholesome food or consuming a calorie deficit diet.

• Suppose that you don't like eating food that is rich in nutrients. In this case, vitamins and mineral food supplements can work best for you.

Demerits:

• Consuming specific vitamins and minerals for a prolonged period can accumulate them in the body and later result in severe toxicity symptoms such as kidney stones and heart rhythm issues.

• Excess amounts of minerals like zinc, magnesium, iron can also have adverse effects on your health.

3. Calorie food supplements:
Calorie food supplements come in handy when suffering from a health condition. They will help you fulfil the daily calorie intake that you cannot take from the whole food.

Merits:

• These supplements are beneficial for individuals dealing with busy schedules, eating disorders, or suffering from any diseases. Here, calorie food supplements play a significant role when the nutritional intake changes.

• Fitness enthusiasts, children, picky eaters are highly benefited from calorie food supplements. Certain supplements like mass gainers provide you approximately 500-600 calories per 45 gm serving. This calorie intake is very accessible if you cannot reach your calorie goal.

Demerits:

• Having this form of food additive may add additional calories to your diet, culminating in the buildup of belly fat.

You might have understood the overview of food supplements. But, as we know, that excess of anything is harmful. Even excessive use of these supplements is not good. Before you start consuming any food supplements, it is always suggested to consult your doctor or physician to get the best possible advice.

Along with this information, it is crucial to safeguard your health against the possibility of any issues. Magma HDI's online health insurance plan is designed to meet your and your family's requirements by providing complete coverage against health-related concerns.

Click HERE to know more about the different types of online health insurance coverage.

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.

For some, vehicles are simply a method of commuting. But for passionate motor-heads, their vehicle reflects their personality. If you belong to the latter category, you'll always want your vehicle to look shiny. One of the best methods to achieve this is by keeping your vehicle waxed.

Even if you fall in the first category, the benefits of waxing are not something you should oversee. Merits of waxing range from preserving the paint to maintaining the car's value at its maximum potential.

Waxing is not very popular, and most of us are not familiar with the concept. But, keeping its advantages in mind, we have listed all the necessary information about it for your reference.

What is car wax exactly?
Car wax is a specifically designed combination of beeswax, carnauba wax, natural oils, and numerous petroleum refined products. It forms a protective layer atop the vehicle's body when applied.

How does it differ from car polish?
Car polish helps you remove scratches and swirl marks from the vehicles' body. Unlike wax, it does not prevent these scratches and swirls from happening in the first place. If the polish is the cure, then wax is the precaution.

Advantages of waxing.

1. Shields against scratches:
Waxing protects the vehicle's paint from unavoidable attacks such as slamming gravels and even microscopic scratches that are caused due to improper washing methods.

2. Shields from the wrath of the sun:
Ultraviolet rays from the sun interact with oxygen in the atmosphere to disintegrate the vehicle's paint at the molecular level. The wax coating slows down this process by acting as a barrier between the UV rays and the paint.

3. Shields from dust and bird droppings:
The coat of wax makes settling of dust and dirt difficult. It also blocks tree sap, bird droppings, and other impurities from adhering to the vehicle's paint. Bird's dropping may be an excellent fertilizer for farming, but your car's paint doesn't like it at all.

4. Protects your car's paint from rain:
Rainwater collects everything in the atmosphere on its way down. It is full of minerals that may wreak havoc on your car paint. As wax is an oil, it repels water. Rain (or any other type of water droplet) will bounce up and fall off your vehicle, leaving the paint unaffected.

5. Gives the vehicle the shine it deserves:
The oils in auto wax provide an incredible sheen to the paint, making it seem incredibly gorgeous! Furthermore, the wax covers the tiny defects on the clear coat making the vehicle's exterior appear newly painted.

6. Makes cleaning easier:
The protective coating of wax over the paint prevents anything from settling on the body. This smooth layer also helps clean as wiping and washing become more manageable.

7. Get a higher resale value:
Wax can lessen the amount of damage on a vehicle's body and help it look brand new for a prolonged time. You can get a higher resale figure than a vehicle that was not waxed at all.

Now that you're aware of all the advantages of waxing your vehicle, the drawbacks of not doing it should be obvious. If you don't wax your vehicle, you're merely allowing microscopic scratches to accumulate and perhaps compromising the paint to degrade over time. Furthermore, don't you want your car to be a head-turner when you take it out for a drive? We're sure you do.

However, while waxing adds a layer of protection to your vehicle, another excellent layer of protection to add is comprehensive motor insurance, which is not an option but a mandate. Buy your online motor insurance today and get the best benefits for your vehicle.

Click HERE to know more about online motor insurance.

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.

Your luggage, along with clothes and other travel items, brings a lot of excitement for the trip. But one baggage that comes with flying long distances is “jet lag”, also called desynchronosis or circadian dysrhythmia.

People travelling across several time zones have observed that the different environmental conditions drive their internal clocks out of order. As a result, they face issues while sleeping, which causes dullness and irritation. Other indications of jet lag include fatigue, headache, stomach problems, and lack of concentration.

Your body is naturally synchronized to a 24-hour cycle-the circadian rhythm, and the body’s biological functioning, hormones, and temperature rise and fall according to this alignment. However, jet lag disrupts this clock. On an average, it usually takes a day to adapt to the different time zones. But, the older you get, the longer your body takes to adapt to the change.

Now that we know how jet lag affects your body, here are some ways to minimize it.

1. Rest on the plane:
If you are travelling east and into a brand-new day, try to get quality sleep on the plane. Why? Because eastward travel cuts short your arrival day compared to travelling west which gives you additional hours to adjust to the new time zone. Consider carrying eye masks and earplugs to reduce the light and noise and have a sound sleep during your flight.

2. Night time arrival? Try to stay awake:
You catch up on your sleep upon arrival so that you can wake up the following day naturally, therefore easing into the new time zone.

3. Choosing flights strategically:
Selecting early evening arrival flights helps you stay awake until bedtime in your new location. This will smoothen your adjustment into the time zone. Plan your journey in advance to avoid the last-moment hustle to get the desired flight ticket.

4. Power naps are a big yes:
Sleepy but worried about jet lag? Fret not. Take a power nap for 20-30 minutes and give yourself the rest you need. This can do wonders, especially when travelling to different time zones.

5. Plan ahead:
If you have an important meeting or function to attend, schedule your trip a little early to adjust to the new time zone to avoid any jet lag-induced inconveniences on the D-day.

6. Say no to coffee:
Avoid consuming alcohol or caffeine a day before and on the day of your flight. These beverages can hinder your body clock and affect your sleep cycle. They might make the symptoms of jet lag dreadful for you.

As a traveller, unforeseeable circumstances can interfere with your travel arrangements. You could plan everything in order, yet some last-minute changes are bound to occur. To avoid getting caught up in such a hectic situation and losing money and peace of mind, make sure to purchase general insurance to protect your travel against cancellations, delays of flights, or baggage loss. Purchase your insurance from the best general insurance company to secure your travel dreams and make unforgettable memories.

Click HERE to know more about the general insurance company where you can find an insurance plan for your family.

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.

Toxic waste should not be thrown in the trash, flushed down the drain, or dumped in the yard. Instead, you must dispose of these liquid wastes to avoid damaging the environment, groundwater contamination and save yourself and others from the polluted surroundings.

In this post, we have provided ways to dispose of automotive fluids and chemicals safely.

1. Used engine oils:
These fluids can contaminate millions of gallons of groundwater and disturb pedogenesis. So, for the appropriate disposal of these oils and recycling them, you must follow these simple methods.

• Store all the used oils: If you change engine oils frequently, you must have a separate container that holds all the used oil. Most retailers sell their oils in a reusable container, making separating and storing the used oil easier. Once you have sorted the oil, you can return it to the dealer after labelling it as "WASTE OIL." Your retailer will then recycle the oil for the petroleum industry or use it in furnaces for burning purposes.

• Recycling the waste: Once you have drained the used oil from your vehicle, you can use it for oiling your cycle chains, motor chains, or you can use it for other minor household purposes.

NOTE: Do not use waste oil in any vehicle. This will damage your engine and lower the performance of the car.

2. Antifreeze or Coolant:
Initially, you have to drain out all the coolant in a clean pan from your radiator without spilling a single drop of it. Once you have done that, store the coolant in a tightly sealed bottle at a place away from children. To recycle used coolant, you can give it to a mechanic or a car utility shop.
Many shops have machines that recycle the used coolants by filtering out the glycol from the previously used coolant. They add specific additive packages and solvents that turn it into a new coolant. After this process, all that is left is a teaspoon of sludge that can be disposed of with the other insoluble particles.
But there is a catch here: you will have to ensure that no other fluid is mixed with the coolant while transferring it. Even a single drop of oil or other substance will make it nearly impossible to conduct the recycling process.

3. Brake fluids:
Disposing brake fluids is easy and does not require much effort. All you need to do is collect all the brake fluid in a container and keep it in the open air. As the brake fluid is alcohol-based, it will evaporate in two days. As a precautionary measure, make sure that you keep the container away from the reach of pets, children or a source of fire or ignition.

The chemical fluid used in cars can be fatal for the environment. Once these chemicals are mixed into the atmosphere, they can disturb many living organisms' and adversely affect the ecosystem. Not just this, if these fluids make their way into any other part of your vehicle, they can cause severe damage. The repairing of the damaged parts can drain your pockets significantly. However, you can avoid this by investing in a car insurance plan that will cover the expenses of the repair work and servicing. Get online car insurance to avail the benefits of policy add-ons for financial freedom.

Learn more about the benefits of online car insurance HERE .

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.

From Christmas to New Year, winter is welcomed as the joyful season. Despite the temperature falling, this season spreads its charm throughout the world, and the reasons to celebrate don't end. Nonetheless, for all of the delight that the season brings, it also bears bitterly cold weather, as well as a burlap sack full of mist, wind, and snow. Pretty knitwear, beautiful sunsets, countless cups of hot chocolate, and crisp evenings indoors are all things to look forward to.

However, it is no pleasure to have the wind blowing through your house, leaving you with chattering teeth and ice-cold feet. Following is a list of the best ways to keep your house warm during these days of inevitable coldness.

1. Use thermostatic radiator valves:
These valves function by letting you schedule the heating to turn on at predetermined intervals, helping you save energy by only using it when required. In addition, the new smart thermostats let you operate remotely via your smartphone.

2. Make use of curtains:
Sunlight is free, hence take advantage of it. Open your curtains during the daytime for abundant free heat. Close your windows as it becomes darker to provide another insulating layer and preserve the heat in your rooms. You can also opt for heavy curtains to obstruct the cool breezes from getting in.

3. Make the most of your ceiling fan:
Consider placing a fan at the top of your stairway to drive warm air rising through the floors back down to you. If you reverse the flow direction of your fan, warm air will be blown back into the room. Set the fan speed to low for optimum efficiency.

4. Reorganize your furnishings:
Be tactical with your furniture arrangement and check whether the sofa or bed is blocking the radiator and preventing it from heating the entire room. Place frequently used furniture around any heat source to get enough warmth.

5. Use rugs to cover the flooring:
Having rugs and carpets in your home will naturally help in improving insulation. In addition, it is stylish to layer rugs, so you won't have to go for a single enormous pattern to cover a wider area, and your house will seem instantly warmer.

6. Replace your boiler:
If your current boiler is more than a decade old, it's probably time to upgrade to a newer, more efficient type. An old, outdated boiler may consume more power, increasing your electricity bill significantly. However, a brand new one is less likely to have any problems and will consume less energy to generate the same amount of heat.

Winters are challenging, especially if you live in the frigid regions of our country. These are some ideas to keep your home warm and safe during the cold season. However, apart from these tips, insurance is crucial to protect your home throughout the year and add value to it. Purchase the best house insurance India plans that meet your requirements and look for the best deals available to get maximum return on your investment.

To browse through our house insurance India plans, click HERE .

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.

Inhabited by some of the most highly religious communities and cultures, India is the world's largest multi-ethnic and religiously diverse republic. The air in the land carries the essence of Dharma and Karma to welcome your spiritually thirsty souls.

Here, we've compiled a list of India's most exquisite holy sites to visit with your family or by yourself to find serenity, knowledge, and peace.

1. Shirdi:
Practitioners of several religions visit the Shirdi Temple in Maharashtra - home of the famous guru Shri Sai Baba. The devotees believe that Sai Baba's 'Dwarkamai' is the place that will solve all their problems.

2. Golden temple:
One of the most significant pilgrimage sites for Sikhs is the Harmandir Sahib Gurudwara in Amritsar. One distinct feature of this Gurudwara is its Langar (meal service), which bagged the honour of being one of the most extensive operating kitchen services. The Langar is open all day for the devotees to enjoy delicious prasad and make their visit more memorable.

3. Kedarnath:
The Hindu temple of Kedarnath in Uttarakhand praises Lord Shiva. It is one of India's Char Dhams. According to the mythology of Skanda Purana, Kedarnath is considered the abode of Lord Shiva.

4. Amarnath:
The sacred Amarnath shrine is located in Jammu & Kashmir. Devotees can only access it after a few days of strenuous hiking. This temple does not contain an idol. Instead, a Shivling forms when water flowing from the cave's top solidifies and rises upwards. This natural phenomenon is the highlight of this holy place. Amarnath is also known as one of the 18 Mahashakti Peethas.

5. Vaishno Devi:
Located in Jammu and Kashmir's Trikuta mountains lies the temple of Vaishno Maa. It is a Shakti Peetha and one of India's most prominent religious sites. Moreover, it is associated with a thrilling story highlighting the victory of good over evil. After visiting the Vaishno Devi, visiting the Bhairavnath temple is a must.

6. Badrinath:
As famous as Kedarnath, Badrinath is one of the Char Dhams for Hindus in the state of Uttarakhand. Lord Vishnu was believed to have come here to meditate and call this location home.

7. Temple of Jagannath:
According to Hinduism, the Jagannath temple in Odisha's Puri is an important pilgrimage site as it conducts the annual Rath Yatra here. Many devotees of Vishnu and Krishna participate in the yatra and celebrate the event like a festival. In addition, this temple is famous worldwide for its architectural magnificence.

8. St. Francis church:
Situated in Goa, it is acknowledged as India's first minor basilica. It houses the bones of St. Francis Xavier in a coffin and is only opened to the public once every ten years. It is also renowned for its gothic architecture.

9. Dargah of Haji Ali:
Dargah of Haji Ali is one of India's most famous Islamic holy sites. Situated in southern Mumbai, it consists of a mosque and Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari's grave. The Mughal style architecture influences the dargah, with beautiful white domes and minarets.

10. Bodh Gaya:
Located in Bihar's Gaya district, Bodh Gaya is one of the significant pilgrimage locations for Buddhists. It features three monasteries and several organizations that offer classes on Buddhist philosophy and an 80-foot-tall Buddha statue. It is also home to the Mahabodhi tree, where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment.

When planning your next vacation, consider a couple of these religious sites in your itinerary. Set off on a spiritual pilgrimage with your family and feel inspired. While you uplift spiritually, it is also vital to ensure your family's safety while travelling. Before making travel plans to these holy places, count on Magma HDI's general insurance policies and have a safety net for you and your loved ones.

Click HERE Browse general insurance policies

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.

Having a fluffy and tiny pet with you is similar to raising a small kid. But, as their parents, you also have a responsibility to make sure they do not face any problems. Additionally, having a pet in your home brings a lot of challenges. You have to ensure that you take adequate care of your pet to get them a cosy and safe habitat.

We help you with some tips to become a good pet parent and shower your pet with some extra love and care.

1. Make your pet get a safe environment:
Since your pet will spend most of the time inside the house, ensure that you create a healthy environment. Perform all the primary duties such as ensuring that their water bowl is complete, having food whenever they are hungry, litter box, and bed to snuggle when they want to relax. Keep chemicals out of reach and make sure they are also away from areas that can put them at risk, such as electric wires, electric cords, and strings.

2. Take your pet to the vet regularly:
Like humans, pets also fall sick, and it often goes unrecognized. To ensure your pet is away from sickness, take them to the vet for a regular visit.

3. Keep them active and provide enough socialization:
Similar to how kids need to play outside, pets are equally active and playful. Take your pet to outings, for a walk, run, or take them out for fun activities. You could also take them to pet events where they have plenty of socialization with other pets.

4. Set a daily routine for your pets:
You can create timelines for bathroom breaks, mealtimes, playtime, and outings. This way, your pet sticks to a daily routine, making everything easier.

5. Groom them regularly:
Hygiene is crucial, whether it’s for humans or pets. To avoid infection and diseases, keeping your pets groomed is essential. Regular baths and cleaning will help in keeping them fresh. Additionally, trim their nails so you or other family members do not get injured while playing with them.

6. Invest in training your pet:
Training your pet is an essential aspect of being a good parent. While many pets change and adjust to new behaviours as they grow, training is necessary. You can start by training them from the initial stage, developing them into habits. However, you can also invest in professional pet trainers to save time.

7. Understand that your pet may suffer from separation anxiety:
Like humans, pets such as dogs and cats suffer from separation anxiety. Your pet will become anxious and follow aggressive behaviours as you leave home. An easy way to reduce separation anxiety is by leaving something with your scent on, such as a blanket or sheets, so they feel close to you even if you are not home.

8. Create a playful environment:
Your pets may become bored after a while. Although you cannot ensure that you will entertain them all the time, creating a playful environment by filling their area with toys and other products designed for pets will keep them joyful all the time.

Being a pet parent can be challenging and fun at the same time. Some people feel more connected to their pets than humans, and it’s no harm in that. However, as a pet parent, you must take proper measures to ensure your pet feels loved all the time.

Entrust your bond with your beloved pet with insurance benefits to avoid the worries of injuries and focus just on spending quality time with your animal buddies. Invest in a robust online general insurance plan and get the advantages of its features for your complete family.

Click HERE to know more about online general insurance plans.

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.

We have all been in a situation where we've felt completely drained of energy but have no clue what to do to get it back. Work fatigue results in higher unproductivity and even leads to draining mental health. Therefore, to help you combat it, we have compiled a list of the best six ways you can regain your energy.

1. Stay hydrated:
When you don't drink enough water, your heart pumps at a lower rate than usual, resulting in a decrease in the supply of blood and oxygen to the organs. It is recommended to drink at least 3-4 litres of water per day. To get this amount of water, you can keep a bottle of water on your desk while working and take regular sips as you get your job done.

2. Have a clean diet:
It is necessary to ensure that your diet is balanced and contains the appropriate amount of nutrients required by your body. Your meals should include the right portion of protein, fibre, and, most importantly, green leafy vegetables. In addition, you must limit simple carbs and avoid sugar. Overeating can also be one reason why you feel lethargic all the time. Have a balanced diet that covers all your micro and macronutrients.

3. Use Pomodoro Technique:
Studies have proven that the human brain works more efficiently when given rest after any activity. If you work without taking breaks, you will feel low and unproductive. To avoid this, you must try the Pomodoro technique. Using this technique, you break your work into 25-minute chunks and take a 5-minute break every 25 minutes. This will help you manage your time efficiently and help you feel more productive and active.

4. Get yourself moving:
Studies have proven that individuals who work out daily have better cardiovascular activity and a better mood than those who do not. When you are physically active, your body releases endorphins in your bloodstream that give you a feeling of excitement and joy. Exercising for at least 20-25 minutes every day will help you be more active and physically fit.

5. Practice yoga and meditation:
To improve your focus and feel more energetic, you must try yoga and meditation. Many businesses and corporates have adopted meditation as a part of their culture. Practicing yoga and meditation every day may help improve your focus and achieve mental peace that will indirectly help you be more active throughout your day.

6. Consult your doctor:
This is your final resort if you have tried all of the aforementioned tips. There could be other causes why you feel tired and awful all the time. It is recommended to consult your doctor if you continue to feel fatigued even after a considerable amount of time. If you have health insurance, your insurance company can cover your medical expenses. Therefore, you will not have to worry about the cost of medical bills and pressure on your finances.

It can be extremely stressful to be unable to complete a given task even as the clock ticks closer to the deadline, especially when you are struggling with work fatigue. Fortunately, with the help of these tips, you will have a much easier time regaining your energy and feeling more productive!

Click HERE to understand the merits of health insurance.

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.