Health Bytes
A newly found study shows that high-salt intake damages the liver and developing embryos along with high blood pressure. The sodium ions from salt regulate water movement in the body and help conduction of nerve impulses. The test was conducted on animals and found that excessive sodium led to an increase in cell death and decrease in cell proliferation which ultimately, leads to the development of fibrosis. Although on the brighter side, the ill effects of excessive salt intake were partially countered treating the damaged cells with Vitamin C.
According to a new study, organic meat and milk may be more beneficial to your health than conventionally offered products. The provision of Omega-3 fatty acids is 50% more these organic products which are essential for human nutrition. Organic meat also contains 40% more of linoleic acid. It carries higher concentrations of iron, Vitamin E and few carotenoids. These differences are due to the way livestock is produced, where they are fed grass and reared outside which leads to the production of milk and meat of higher quality which can prevent numerous chronic diseases.
Gourmet defines a class of food cuisine, meal or ingredients which are usually expensive and of high quality.They are of superior taste and are presented in a special way. Sometimes they are even hand-crafted. According to a study, the population of India is gradually moving towards filling their kitchen with Gourmet products. They are beginning to prefer organic, gourmet and healthier food over usual diet. Some commonly bought gourmet food are cheese, Organic Indian Staples, handpicked teas, flavored freshly-roasted coffees, organic honey, quinoa puffs, grains etc.
Cashew nuts are highly nutritive seeds of the cashew tree. They are a rich source of proteins, carbohydrates, unsaturated fats etc. They also provide minerals like calcium, iron, phosphorus and vitamins. They boost health significantly. Cashew nuts are memory boosters and are also needed for brain function. The dietary copper content helps to fight the fats in your food. TheVitamin-E content is anti-aging and prevents tissue damage. It helps to reduce the risk of cancer and increases immunity. However, excess consumption of cashew nuts increases body weight. Only.5-10 nuts a day are recommended.
Based on the data from a study conducted on rats, if alcohol is consumed by a woman during pregnancy, it not only affects her child but also increases the possibility of developing alcoholism in the next three generations. It was observed that if a mother consumes alcohol equal to one glass of wine minimum four times a day during pregnancy period, her offspring and grand-offspring are less sensitive to alcohol and prefer it more. The risk of her progeny becoming alcoholic increases even if the mother drinks a little bit of alcohol.
According to the new data, the most common cause of premature death around the globe is due to unhealthy eating. Unhealthy eating refers to a poor diet which contains excessive salt and sugar and fewer vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts. According to the study conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), such diets proved to have killed more than alcohol and smoking. Lack of exercise, improper diet and obesity leads to high blood pressure which causes more premature deaths in the world. Additionally, more consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages contributes to ischemic heart disease, strokes and diabetes.
Earlier, the bone cells had fewer chances of healing because the blood vessels around the fracture which were meant to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the cell, themselves faced a shortage of same. In this new mechanism, the researchers inactivated the oxygen sensor in the bone cells before implantation ensuring better chances of survival. The bone cells showed an increased storage of an emergency fuel inthe form of glycogen, which is a sugar reservoir. Additionally, they also started using an amino acid - glutamine to produce more antioxidants which will nullify the harmful oxygen radicals produced. This ultimately will lead to better bone regeneration.
Brain activity or several experiences we encounter during the day are replayed at fast-forward speed while we sleep. The researchers say that the brain stores only that information in the memory pockets which is significant. The key result is that the sleep replay helps to strengthen the microscopic connections between nerve cells that are active. This process is deemed critical for consolidation of memories. For a peaceful life, goodnight’s sleepis utmost important. A bad night’s sleep which is experienced either by healthy people or by people affected with schizophrenia or Alzheimer’s disease often leads to impaired mental function.
A manufacturing facility developing World's first non-invasive, saliva-based diabetes monitoring test was set up on 22nd Feb '16 near Hyderabad by DiabetOmics. This innovation would change the approach to monitoring and detection of diabetes globally and also stimulate the development of middle and low-income countries by reducing their economic burden. As compared to blood sugar tests, this innovation would bring in low-cost and affordable tests for monitoring diabetes. The company will also develop point-of-care tests for rapid measuring of Type I diabetes and also to detect diabetic kidney and eye complications at an early stage.
101 varieties of health drinks were launched by the Kerala government on Wednesday, 17th February ’16 with a motto to bring about total prohibition by the end of 2023. This initiative will be called ‘Subodham’ which is against alcoholism and substance abuse. The drinks will be called “Magical Drinks” and will be made using tender coconut water, cucumber, mint, milk and Indian sarsaparilla. These drinks are not meant as a substitute for liquor but as healthy retreats which will help cleanse the organs of the human body. They will soon be introduced in the market.
Now you can easily access your child’s health records at the click of a button with Integrated Child Health Record (ICHR), India’s first ever digital platform. ICHR is supported by cloud computing and mobile technology and it enables the parents to track child’s health and vaccination. Additionally, it offers benefits like early detection of obesity in urban areas and malnutrition in rural areas. Since it is on Amazon cloud, doctors can access real-time information of patients from any part of the world using the internet. The mobile interface will be available in android as well as iOS.
Just recently, with the support of the government, the AYUSH Ministry signed a pact with the World Health Organisation (WHO) with respect to traditional medicine. This step is aimed at gaining more recognition of traditional medicine and the brand AYUSH internationally. PM Narendra Modi approved the pact, which will lead to long-term collaboration with WHO. This will help in better international acceptability of Indian systems. The expenditure to support the collaborative activities will be met by the AYUSH ministry from the allocated budget under the existing plan schemes. This will also help better acceptability of Indian systems worldwide.
Barley increases gut hormones which regulate metabolism and control appetite of a person. A new study found that consuming a special mixture of dietary fibres which are present in barley reduce the appetite and blood sugar levels. It was also observed that barley shows a significant improvement in reducing the risk for cardiovascular diseases. The effects of barley are seen when the special mixture of dietary fibres present in barley kernel reaches the gut, increases good bacteria and releases important hormones. They have suggested to consume barley in meals, for example in salads, soups, stews, or as an alternative to potatoes and rice.
Based on the data collected by Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), the official regulatory authority, it was found that about 4.5% of the drugs available in the Indian market are substandard. Substandard drugs are those which take more time to take effect and cure the disease. They also add to antibacterial resistance which is considered a serious threat. According to WHO, of the total expenditure on Health about 70% constitutes expenditure on Medicines. Costly medicines from top sellers also failed to measure up. Gladly, the ministry is taking measures to put testing in the hands-on consumer of medicine.
The Health ministry is planning to launch a new scheme called "Health Protection Scheme" which will be sponsored by the Central Government and will replace many existing health schemes even those catering to BPL families. In this scheme proposed by the government, around 8 crore families will be provided a cover of Rs 50,000 and also offer packages of special top-up benefit solely for senior citizens of India. As per the suggestions of the Health ministry, a National Health Agency may also be set-up for effective implementation the scheme.
Lima beans may possibly help men live longer if the research of an agency on male fruit flies proves right. According to their research, an oral dose of prunetin which is usually found in Lima beans, if given to the male fruit flies, it extends their lifespan, increases fitness levels and also helps to improve their glucose balance. This was not applicable to female flies. As females live longer when compared to their male counterparts, apparently prune tin feminises the male flies via its estrogenicity. Thus, they have concluded that it can ensure a longer life to Men.
All diabetes affected people and all those innocent lives who have been compromising on consuming rice will be glad to know that there is way out of it. the researchers of Chhattisgarh have been able to identify a high yielding variety of white rice which is proven to be very low on Glycemic Index [GI]. GI measures how much the food affects the blood sugar levels. According to the TOI, it is not only for the people who are suffering from diabetes or for those who are at the risk of the disease, it is also good to be included in the regular diet by average consumers.
Quinoa is highly nutritious and healthy diet food. It has become one of the most popular food for all the people who to control weight gain. It has been called "Super Grain" due its remarkable qualities. Quinoa is a drought resistant crop and also salt tolerant therefore is attracted to various industrially developing countries. It is very high in proteins and mineral contents. Additionally, it is gluten free and cholesterol free and can be cooked within 15 minutes, unlike other whole grains. Quinoa is highly recommended in regular diet.
IAP launched ACE 10/10, a health care initiative which aims at improving the health, nutrition and life of adolescents. Adolescents are the bright future of this country. Their health defines the health of future generations. Pediatricians play an important role as trusted advisers to parents, In this Program, Pediatricians shall be trained to educate parents to make them aware about the importance of comprehensive adolescent care. It also includes ensuring the completion of vaccination which can be used as a means to protect adolescents from some critical diseases. The ACE 10/10 program will be rolled out starting March by the IAP.
The State's mandatory legislation is keeping FMCG companies on their toes.Since India is rapidly moving from junk food to delicious healthy food, brands involved in FMCG are striving hard to be desirable to health seekers. Food fortification is the practice of adding essential vitamins and minerals to staple foods to improve their nutritional content. Fortification is a safe, effective way to improve public health. Some examples of fortified staple food items include - Tata Salt Plus, Rasna Beverages, Sunfeast Marie Oats, Nestle Maggie Noodles etc.