Page 42 - The Indian EYE 081426

HEALTH & WELLNESS AUGUST 14, 2026 | The Indian Eye 42

Manisha Koirala Says Ageing Supercharged millet

improves children’s
Redefined Her Fitness Journey gut health: study

ew Delhi: A specially devel-
oped variety of millet enriched
umbai: Actor and cancer Nwith prebiotic compounds
survivor Manisha Koirala
Mhas opened up about how could help improve gut health and
nutrition in children without the gas-
ageing and her battle with cancer trointestinal side effects commonly
have transformed her understanding associated with conventional fibre sup-
of health, saying wellness is no longer plements, according to new research.
about chasing perfection but about The findings offer a promising food-
caring for the body with patience, bal- based strategy to tackle childhood
ance and consistency. Her reflections malnutrition and poor gut health, par-
have resonated widely, offering a re- ticularly in low- and middle-income
alistic perspective on healthy ageing countries where stunting remains
and long-term recovery. a major public health challenge.
The 55-year-old actor shared
Researchers found that the en-
that the physical changes that come hanced millet promotes the growth
with age have prompted her to adopt of beneficial gut bacteria by naturally
a gentler and more sustainable ap- delivering prebiotics through a com-
proach to fitness. Instead of focusing monly consumed staple food. Unlike
on appearance or intense workouts, many commercial fibre supplements
she now prioritises strength, mobility that can cause bloating, abdominal
and overall well-being. She empha- discomfort or poor compliance, the
sised that healing is an ongoing pro- fortified millet was designed to be
cess and that listening to the body’s better tolerated while supporting a
changing needs has become central choices made every day rather than a vital role in maintaining health as healthier gut microbiome.
to her lifestyle. quick results. people grow older. Scientists said the innovation
Having successfully overcome The actor also highlighted the Koirala’s message arrives at a
ovarian cancer over a decade ago, importance of adapting fitness rou- time when conversations around could provide a sustainable and cul-
turally acceptable dietary intervention
Koirala said the experience funda- tines with age, encouraging people healthy ageing and preventive for children at risk of malnutrition.
mentally changed her relationship to focus on gradual progress rath- healthcare are gaining momentum. Since millet is already widely cultivat-
with health. She noted that recovery er than comparing themselves with Her journey from cancer survivor ed and consumed across parts of Asia
extends beyond medical treatment younger versions of themselves. Ex- to wellness advocate continues to and Africa, integrating the improved
and includes consistent self-care, perts have increasingly advocated inspire many, reinforcing that resil- grain into everyday diets may prove
emotional resilience and mindful similar approaches, stressing that ience, consistency and self-compas- easier than relying on supplements or
living. According to her, wellness regular strength training, flexibility sion remain the foundations of life- fortified products alone.
is built through small, disciplined exercises and adequate recovery play long health.
The study comes amid growing
evidence highlighting the critical role
FSSAI Cautions Dabur Over Misleading Labelling of gut health in childhood growth and
development. Previous research has
shown that disruptions in the gut mi-
crobiome can impair nutrient absorp-
ew Delhi: The Food Safety such marketing practices have the Responding to the directive, tion, contribute to chronic intestinal
and Standards Authority of potential to create a false impression Dabur said it is complying with the inflammation and increase the risk of
NIndia (FSSAI) has directed among consumers regarding a prod- regulator’s order by revising product stunting even when children receive ad-
Dabur India to immediately stop the uct’s composition and quality. labels carrying the disputed claims. equate food. Scientists are increasingly
sale of several food products market- The company added that it is seek- focusing on food-based approaches
ed with “100%” claims, ruling that The regulatory action is part ing legal advice and maintained that that restore healthy gut bacteria rather
such labels are ambiguous, unverifi- its products comply with applicable than simply increasing calorie intake.
able and likely to mislead consumers. of a broader push by FSSAI to quality and safety standards. Experts believe functional foods
The action covers products including tighten oversight of food label- Consumer health experts have such as biofortified millet could be-
honey, cow ghee, virgin coconut oil, welcomed the move, saying absolute come an important component of fu-
sesame oil, apple cider vinegar, coco- ling and ensure greater trans- purity claims can create a “health ture nutrition programmes by combin-
nut milk and tender coconut water. parency in consumer commu- halo” that influences purchasing de- ing local dietary habits with advances
According to the food regula- nication. The authority has cisions without providing verifiable in agricultural and nutritional science.
tor, claims such as “100% Natural”, evidence. While further clinical studies are need-
“100% Pure”, “100% Purity Guar- increasingly focused on curb- The latest action signals stricter ed to confirm long-term health benefits
anteed” and “100% Organic” violate ing exaggerated or misleading enforcement of advertising norms in children, researchers say the findings
the Food Safety and Standards (Ad- and serves as a warning to food represent an encouraging step towards
vertising and Claims) Regulations, health and purity claims made companies against making sweeping developing affordable, accessible and
2018, as they cannot be substantiated by food manufacturers. claims that cannot be scientifically sustainable solutions to improve child
with absolute certainty. FSSAI said substantiated. nutrition and gut health worldwide.

www.TheIndianEYE.com