Yesteday was Polling Day in Amritsar. Having spent past six weeks in Amritsar campaign in this heat, it will be time for me now to move to other states where elections are still being held. An integral and enjoyable part of the stay in Amritsar is obviously the food in this city. I have always regarded Amritsar as the Food Capital of India.

Food is your friend and your biggest foe. A healthy diet sustains us, but a poor diet can raise blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar levels and weight and put you at risk for heart disease.

Over the past year consumers have been shifting their priorities when it comes to what they want to eat, when they eat and where they eat.

The amount of salt a person should have each day is a highly debated topic. In the recent issue of Food Technology magazine published by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), Contributing Editor David Despain writes about the new low sodium solutions that are entering the food market.

One in three women have heart disease, the number one killer in the United States. The leading female cardiovascular experts of Mount Sinai Heart at The Mount Sinai Hospital are recommending the following “Top 10 Things Women Need to Do to Protect their Hearts,” from cardiovascular disease.

WEIGHTQ: I’ve heard that low- and no-calorie beverages might cause weight gain. Is that true?