According to the World Health Organization, cancer is a leading cause of death globally. However, incorporating nutrient-dense foods into your diet can significantly reduce cancer risk. Broccoli, berries, carrots, whole grains, and olive oil are highlighted for their anti-cancer properties, supported by scientific studies. These foods contain compounds that combat oxidative stress and inhibit cancer cell growth.

Broccoli

Berries

Carrots

Whole grains

Virat Kohli’s love for ‘dhaba’ food, priority for family & more | RCB bus driver shares stories

Olive oil

NB: This information is based on internet research and is intended for general knowledge only. It should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.

Cancer has emerged as the second leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). While many factors increase the risk of cancer, one cannot deny the influence of diet. A balanced diet rich in nutrient-dense foods plays a significant role in reducing cancer risk. Here is a list of foods, supported by scientific evidence, which is known to slash the risk of cancer.Cruciferous vegetables are known for significantly reducing the risk of several types of cancers. Broccoli in particular contains sulforaphane, a compound known for its potent anti-cancer properties. Cruciferous vegetables contain compounds called glucosinolates, which break down into biologically active substances that may inhibit cancer cell growth. Several studies have found that it can decrease the risk of colorectal cancer. A meta-analysis of studies in 2012 found that cruciferous vegetables reduced the risk of colorectal and colon cancer.Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are packed with antioxidants like anthocyanins. These compounds combat oxidative stress and thereby reduce the risk of cancer. A 2009 study found that bilberry extract decreased the growth of cancer cells in colorectal cancer patients by 7%.Regular berry consumption may reduce the risk of oral, esophageal, and colon cancers.Eating carrots is good for your overall health. It is also linked to a decreased risk of certain types of cancer. A 2024 study found that the carotenoids, which are responsible for the bright orange colour of carrots, are linked with increased antioxidant protection and a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers. Another 2014 study found that eating carrots is associated with 18% lower odds of developing prostate cancer.Well, this may come as a surprise to you. But whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats are rich in fiber, which supports digestive health and may lower the risk of colorectal cancer. Higher fiber intake is linked to reduced risk of colorectal cancer. Fiber helps regulate blood sugar and promotes a healthy gut microbiome, which may also reduce inflammation tied to cancer. Instead of opting for refined grains, pick whole grains.Olive oil is an important factor in the Mediterranean diet and is celebrated for its potential to lower cancer risk. It is rich in monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Extra virgin olive oil is packed with polyphenols, potent antioxidants that combat oxidative stress, a key factor in cancer development. A 2011 review found that people who consumed the most olive oil had a lower risk of developing several types of cancer, such as breast cancer and digestive system cancers, compared to those who consumed the least.

Top stocks to buy (AI image)

According to Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, the top stock picks for the week (starting June 16, 2025) are Home First Finance and Kaynes. Let’s take a look:

Stock Name

CMP (Rs)

Target (Rs)

Upside (%)

Home First Finance

1268

1500

18%

KAYNES

5478

7300

33%

Home First Finance

Kaynes

Disclaimer: The opinions, analyses and recommendations expressed herein are those of brokerage and do not reflect the views of The Times of India. Always consult with a qualified investment advisor or financial planner before making any investment decisions.

Stock market recommendations:HomeFirst, with 155 branches across 13 states, is sharpening its focus on emerging states with strong infra growth. Technology remains its key differentiator, with 50%+ of sourcing now fully digital and ~75% Account Aggregator penetration as of FY25. Having recently received a credit rating upgrade from both ICRA and India Ratings, coupled with the 50bps repo rate cut by the RBI, HomeFirst is expected to lower its cost of borrowing while supporting NIM expansion.Its strong fundamentals, healthy return ratios, and superior execution reinforce its position as a top Affordable Housing Fin. franchise. We estimate a 30% PAT CAGR over FY25-27E, driven by a proven model and a seasoned, transparent leadership.Kaynes Technologies is expanding across EMS, HDI PCB manufacturing, and OSAT, targeting high-tech, high-margin segments. It aims to achieve USD 1 billion revenue by FY28, supported by strong orders in automotive, aerospace, industrial, and medical sectors, along with strategic North American acquisitions.HDI PCB and OSAT units are expected to commercialize by 4QFY26, targeting INR25b revenue in FY27 and INR50b by FY28, with robust margins (~30%/20%). FY25 revenue rose 51% YoY to INR27b, slightly below guidance due to railway order delays. We estimate revenue/EBITDA/PAT CAGR of 57%/61%/70% over FY25–27, driven by scale and margin gains.

Global shift from beauty to medical-grade skincare drives $94.95 billion market as Korean brands prepare for massive India expansion with functional cosmetics.

Diet to reduce body inflammation: Foods that help reduce inflammation.

Functional Cosmetics Take Center Stage Worldwide

Korean Beauty Giants Eye the Golden Opportunity

The Perfect Storm for Indian Beauty Evolution

Gone are the days when cosmetics were just about looking good! The world is witnessing a massive shift from traditional skincare to dermacosmetics – products that actually treat skin conditions while making you look amazing. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a complete transformation of how we think about beauty.The global dermacosmetics market tells an incredible story of growth. From a valuation of $47.91 billion in 2025, it’s projected to explode to $94.95 billion by 203. That’s nearly doubling in just seven years! This phenomenal growth reflects a fundamental change in consumer mindset worldwide – people want products that don’t just cover problems but actually solve them.What makes this even more exciting is that this isn’t just a Western phenomenon. The shift from cosmetic enhancement to actual skin condition treatment is happening globally, with consumers everywhere demanding products that deliver medical-grade results. It’s like the beauty industry finally decided to get serious about actually helping people instead of just making them feel good temporarily.The functional cosmetics market is absolutely on fire right now! These aren’t your regular creams and serums – they’re scientifically formulated products that combine beauty with actual therapeutic benefits.The global functional cosmetics market is growing at a steady 5.2% CAGR, expected to reach $4.1 billion by 2030.What’s driving this madness? Simple – people want results, not just promises. Modern consumers are incredibly savvy and well-informed. They’re looking for products with proven active ingredients like retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants that actually deliver measurable benefits. It’s like having a dermatologist’s arsenal in your bathroom cabinet!The global trend is clear: multifunctional products that address multiple skin concerns simultaneously are becoming the new standard. Think tinted moisturizers with SPF and anti-aging properties, or serums that hydrate while treating acne. Consumers everywhere are embracing this “less is more but better” philosophy.Here’s where it gets really interesting for us! Korean beauty companies are going all-in on the Indian market, and they’re not coming empty-handed. They’re bringing their cutting-edge dermacosmetics technology to tap into our growing appetite for functional skincare.The Korean approach is smart and strategic. Companies like Velymonkeys have already established local subsidiaries in India, understanding that success here requires more than just shipping products – it needs local presence and cultural understanding. These aren’t just fly-by-night operations; they’re serious about making India a key market.What makes this particularly exciting is the timing. As traditional Korean companies have already made their mark in automobiles and electronics, the beauty sector represents the next big wave of Korean innovation hitting our shores. With the India-Korea CEPA agreement eliminating import duties on Korean cosmetics, we’re looking at a perfect storm of opportunity.Several Korean giants including PLK International, Coson Company, and Esthetic House have already signed joint ventures with Indian partners, with plans to establish manufacturing facilities under the ‘Make in India’ campaign. They’re not just importing products; they’re building an entire ecosystem here.For Indian consumers, this couldn’t come at a better time. Our beauty market is experiencing its own transformation, with increasing disposable income and a growing emphasis on skincare over makeup. The functional cosmetics trend aligns perfectly with our cultural preference for holistic wellness and Ayurvedic traditions that focus on treating root causes rather than just symptoms.What’s particularly exciting is how this medical approach to beauty resonates with Indian consumers. Just like how we trust our local pharmacist’s recommendations for health products, the dermacosmetics trend brings that same credibility to beauty. When Korean brands bring PDRN technology (that salmon DNA magic) or advanced exosome delivery systems to Indian pharmacies, they’re not just selling products – they’re offering scientifically-backed solutions.The convergence is remarkable: global consumers wanting treatment-focused cosmetics, Korean companies perfecting these technologies, and Indian consumers ready to embrace functional beauty. It’s like the stars have aligned for beauty innovation that actually makes a difference in people’s lives.

Weight loss isn’t what it used to be.

The old “eat less, move more” mantra just doesn’t cut it for many people anymore, especially those dealing with hormonal, genetic, or metabolic roadblocks.

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Now, a powerful new tool has arrived in India’s fight against obesity: Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg), the much-discussed weight loss injection that’s already made waves in the U.S.

and Europe.

But is it just another hype-heavy fad, or is it a genuine medical breakthrough? We spoke to some of India’s top endocrinologists, gynaecologists, and diabetes specialists—and their answers may surprise you.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is the brand name for a higher-dose formulation of semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist originally designed to help manage type 2 diabetes.

It mimics a hormone that regulates hunger and insulin levels. In simpler terms: it makes you feel full faster, eat less, and burn fat more efficiently—all while improving blood sugar control.

And no, it’s not a magical skinny shot. But it might be the closest modern science has come to offering one—especially for people with obesity who haven’t seen results from diet and exercise alone.

India’s obesity epidemic: Why Wegovy’s arrival matters

India is now third globally for obesity and second for type 2 diabetes, according to experts like Dr Muffazal Lakdawala, Director, General Surgery and Minimal Access and Surgical Sciences, Sir H.

N. Reliance Foundation, Hospital, Mumbai, Wegovy represents more than just another prescription drug—it’s a mindset shift.

“There is no such thing as ‘healthy obesity.’ Even when complications are not yet visible, the long-term risks—infertility, cancer, diabetes—are very real,” he says. “The first step is to view obesity as a disease, not a cosmetic issue.”

This change in attitude could finally nudge the Indian public—and policymakers—to take weight seriously.

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Beyond the kilos: Wegovy’s real benefits

One of the most impressive things about Wegovy is that its impact goes far beyond the weighing scale.

According to Dr. Ambrish Mithal, Chairman & Head of Endocrinology at Max Healthcare, it’s not just about dropping a few kilos.

“Semaglutide 2.4mg enhances satiety and also reduces cardiac events by 20% in people with overweight or obesity with pre-existing heart disease,” he explains. “That’s a major breakthrough.”

So while narratives may focus on rapid weight loss, doctors are more excited about what’s happening inside the body—improved insulin function, reduced inflammation, and even potential neuroprotective benefits, according to Dr. A.G. Unnikrishnan, CEO of Chellaram Diabetes Institute.

“It restores blood-brain barrier integrity and improves astrocyte-vascular interaction,” he says. “This could be a game-changer for overall metabolic health, not just weight.”

A lifeline for diabetics and postpartum women

Wegovy may also be a critical lifeline for people with type 2 diabetes and women struggling with postpartum weight gain or PCOS.

Dr. Shashank Joshi, a prominent endocrinologist at Lilavati Hospital, explains: “Semaglutide is valuable for diabetic patients battling obesity. What excites us most is its ability to restore metabolic homeostasis at a cellular level—it’s sustainable.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Rishma Pai, a top Mumbai-based gynaecologist, highlights how the drug can help break the intergenerational cycle of obesity.

“We see a rising trend of abdominal obesity in women of reproductive age. Around 12-13% of pregnant and postpartum women in India battle obesity. Wegovy, combined with lifestyle changes, can improve maternal health outcomes significantly.”

Not a shortcut, but a scientific strategy

The word “weight loss drug” often gets misunderstood—thanks to the many dodgy fat burners that flooded Indian markets in the past. But doctors are clear: Wegovy is not a shortcut.

It’s science.

Dr. V. Mohan, a leading voice in diabetes care, puts it bluntly, “This is not just about shedding pounds. It addresses the entire obesity-diabetes-metabolic syndrome triad, which is extremely common in Indian patients. We’ve needed something like this for years.”

Experts also see Wegovy as a much-needed alternative to bariatric surgery, especially for patients who aren’t eligible or willing to go under the knife.

“It can be an adjunct for those who regain weight post-surgery or an option for those who are ineligible for it,” adds Dr. Lakdawala.

So, who should be taking it?

Wegovy is not for everyone. It’s specifically meant for:

Adults with a BMI of 30 or more (obese)

Adults with a BMI of 27 or more who also have weight-related health problems like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol

It’s not a vanity drug. It’s a prescription-only, doctor-supervised therapy that needs to be part of a broader weight loss plan that includes a balanced diet and regular movement.

Risks and realities

Like any drug, Wegovy isn’t side-effect-free. Nausea, vomiting, constipation, and headaches are some of the commonly reported issues—especially in the early weeks.

And it’s not a magic wand. Once you stop taking it, the weight may come back unless long-term lifestyle changes are in place. That’s why all doctors stress the importance of pairing the drug with behavioural support and nutritional guidance.

“Anti-obesity medications like Wegovy must be evaluated not merely by percentage weight loss, but by their ability to change hard clinical outcomes — reducing CVD, CKD, and potentially extending life.

It’s time we see these therapies as tools for longevity and disease prevention, not just for the weighing scale,” says Dr. Rajiv Kovil, Head of Diabetology, Zandra Healthcare, and Co-founder of Rang De Neela Initiative.

India has long treated obesity as a willpower problem rather than a medical condition. Wegovy’s arrival could finally change that.

If used wisely—and accessibly—Wegovy could be more than just a drug.

It could be India’s long-overdue wake-up call to treat obesity as the serious, system-wide condition that it truly is.

Wegovy is finally in India. It’s not a fad, but a clinically proven weight-loss injection that tackles metabolic dysfunction, improves heart health, and might help people with diabetes, PCOS, and obesity live better, longer lives. But it’s no solo act—healthy lifestyle habits still lead the show.

There was a time when fathers were seen only as the breadwinners, the ones who left early for work, came home late, and were more like weekend visitors in their children’s lives. But that story is being rewritten today.

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Across the world, and in India too, more and more fathers are choosing to stay home, take paternity leave, or balance flexible work hours to raise their children.

This change isn’t just a trend or a social media hashtag. It’s a deep, heartfelt shift that’s reshaping families. And it’s not only good for children, but for everyone in the household.

Emotional presence is the new superpower

For years, emotional connection between father and child was understated.

But today, many dads are showing that strength and sensitivity can go hand in hand.

Children are growing up with fathers who aren’t afraid to cry during a school play, talk about feelings, or listen patiently to their child’s daily stories. This emotional availability is not just heartwarming, it builds secure, confident children who are emotionally aware and balanced.

Parenting is not a gender role, it’s a relationship

The old belief was simple: mothers nurture, fathers provide.

But parenting isn’t a fixed role anymore, it’s a partnership. And in some homes, it’s a reversed one.

When fathers take the lead in caregiving, whether due to the mother’s career, health, or mutual choice, it challenges the old idea that men are less capable of nurturing. It shows that care doesn’t belong to one gender. Love, discipline, patience, and sleepless nights are universal languages in parenting.

The result? Children learn that gender doesn’t define love, responsibility, or capability.

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That’s a lifelong lesson in equality.

In clinical settings, we’re witnessing a noticeable and meaningful shift in paternal engagement—one that goes far beyond symbolic gestures. Across many major urban maternity units, over 90% of mothers are now accompanied by their partners during prenatal and birth-related visits. This marks a significant departure from long-standing social norms, where fathers were often peripheral figures in perinatal care.Today, fathers are not only physically present—they are actively participating. They ask thoughtful questions during appointments, engage in discussions about maternal wellbeing, and show genuine interest in newborn care. This level of involvement signals a broader cultural shift in how we view parenting roles, particularly in the context of maternal and child health. Dr Himani Sharma, Clinical Head & Senior Consultant, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Cocoon Hospital, Jaipur

Children see it. And they remember.

One of the most quietly powerful things about involved fathers is the long-lasting impact it has on their children’s memories. The way a father packs a lunchbox with care, braids hair before school, or sits through an exam revision may seem ordinary, but it builds extraordinary trust.

Children who grow up with active father figures often carry better emotional regulation, stronger social skills, and even healthier academic performance.

And for daughters especially, an emotionally involved father becomes a mirror for how they see themselves and how they expect to be treated by others.

This Father’s day, it’s time to celebrate dads who have stepped out of their comfort zones and there has been a paradigm shift, when it comes to their role. They are no longer only the providers of the family, rather they have broadened their horizon and play an equal role in bring the caregivers and nurturers of their children. They even manage their children’s health needs, may it be lte night bottle feeds or midnight crankiness. As a gastroenterologist, I’ve noticed a heartwarming trend in my clinic: dads showing up prepared, asking the right questions, and advocating for their child’s gut health, food sensitivities, and overall wellness. It’s no longer just moms carrying the emotional and medical load — dads are sharing the responsibility.To all the fathers who are unlearning outdated norms, showing up at doctor visits, packing gut-friendly lunchboxes, and making wellness a family value — you’re not just raising kids, you’re raising the bar.Happy Father’s Day to the nurturers, the caregivers, and the quiet heroes in our homes. Dr Shubham Vatsya Senior Consultant Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj

Families feel more like teams than hierarchies

The family structure shifts from a top-down authority model to a team-based one when fathers share or lead caregiving. Together, they make decisions. They share tasks. Respect is reciprocal.

Another, less obvious advantage is that moms feel more appreciated and encouraged for their identities and aspirations outside of parenting as well as for providing care.

likewise kids view both parents as equals rather than as predetermined roles.

Dads caring for their kids: It’s parenting, not babysitting

This isn’t a trend. It’s a legacy in the making.

It’s easy to tag posts with #DadGoals or share viral videos of dads dancing with toddlers. But what’s happening behind closed doors, fathers waking up for 2 AM feedings, managing school schedules, understanding tantrums with patience, that’s where the real legacy is built.

Today’s dads are showing that caregiving isn’t something they were asked to do; it’s something they chose to do. And that choice is changing not just childhoods, but the way the next generation will define love, equality, and family.

This shift isn’t just admirable. It’s revolutionary. And it’s only just begun.