Health Bytes
A new study, published in the journal Acta Dermato-Venereologica, warns that psychological stress can be associated with skin complaints such as itchy skin and flaky patches on the scalp. The study aimed to assess the relationship between perceived psychological stress and the prevalence of various skin symptoms in a large sample of undergraduate students. "Previous studies have demonstrated an association between stress and skin symptoms, but those studies relied on small patient samples, or focused their analyses on a single skin disease," said corresponding author of the study Gil Yosopovitch from Temple University in Philadelphia, US.
Vitamin E is an important member of the vitamin community which is crucial for our health. It is is a group of 8 fat soluble vitamins with antioxidant properties. Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja from Sukhda Hospital says Vitamin E travels throughout the body neutralising free radicals which would otherwise damage fat-containing structures like cell membranes and brain cells.”A regular intake of this nutrient is essential for the proper functioning of a number of processes in our body and it even helps prevent oxidative stress. Other than facilitating healthy muscles, regular intake of Vitamin E benefits our skin, hair, eyesight and immunity.
After US and China, India ranks 3 in number of people suffering from obesity. It is important for India to acknowledge the prevailing obesity issue and initiate efforts to curb this menace before it claims more victims. Legislative, school health guidelines, awareness/education, community efforts, advances in nutrition labeling and better regulations on food advertising are few of several strategies that can be used to curb obesity in India. If obesity is ignored for longer in India, its impending effects on public health will take a toll on whole economy.
Baba Ramdev plans to take over the instant noodles market with his Patanjali atta (wheat) noodles. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) said that Patanjali did not have an approval before to its launch to which Ramdev's company said that Patanjali aata noodles comes under the "pasta" category and they have the licence. The controversy will settle soon but what remains to be seen is whether Indians will swap Maggie noodles with Patanjali noodles.
Evenings is the time when hunger is at its peak and self-control is the weakest. Researchers find it difficult to identify as psychological or physiological. Eating unhealthy snacks at this time is a dietary mess. Urban Indians post work reach out for unhealthy snacks between6 and 8 pm. These snacks include samosas, namkeen, chips, etc. Experts say that replacing the unhealthy snacks with healthier alternatives will not only be good for the waist and the gut, but will also prevent various degenerative diseases.
If you are a diabetic then eating out won't be a challenge for you anymore as there are around 120 restaurants in India that serve diabetic or pre-diabetic food. With the increasing awareness towards health food various restaurants in cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Delhi have started providing healthy culinary experience for the health conscious individuals. Now you can enjoy delicious food guilt free as the diabetic friendly dishes are high in nutrients, low in fat and have very little or no added sugar.
Yogurt is a healthy option to include in your diet. However, one more reason to add yogurt your diet can be its amazing weightloss properties. Studies suggest that yogurt contains calcium and healthy proteins that aid in the crucial function of eliminating fat. Not just that, it also helps in regaining a healthy body mass index.
Innovation in packaging, storage methods and technology has increased the demand of organic fruits and vegetables. As these products are associated with health benefits, consumers are willing to to pay more money than the traditional products. These products are produced without the use of synthetic farming process due to which their demand is likely to grow in the future. The Organic Fruits & Vegetables Market is projected to reach $62.97 Billion by 2020, at a CAGR of 9.4% from 2015.
Federal health officials in the US have reported that the number od obese people have not declined in the recent years but, in fact, has edged up slightly despite the effort by the United States supported majorly by Michelle Obama. Around 38 % of US adults were categorised as obese in the year 2013 and 2014 which was marginally high as compared to 2011 and 2012 where the percentage of the obese population of US was 35%.
Urban India diagnoses one in seven young pregnant women with gestational diabetes wich was just 1-2% a decade ago. This condition occurs during pregnancy and generally disappears after the delivery of the baby. Dr. Pradeep Gadge said that he treated 1 in 10 women with this condition a decade ago and now the same has gone up to 4 in 10 women. He added that the condition can be due to disrupted sleep cycle and an increase in the age of pregnancy among woman.
The Health Department collected milk products and sweet items from separate areas of the district. More than 29% of these samples failed the purity test. 494 samples were collected out of which around 141 were unsafe for human consumption under the Food and Safety Standards Act 2006, as they were manufactured with sub-standard raw materials. The Health Department has launched civil and criminal proceedings against the defaulters.
A recent study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions revealed that the risk of type-2 diabetes can be reduced by eating meals prepared at home. According to researchers, eating fast food from restaurants may lead to higher body weight in children and young adults. Consuming fast food can become a major risk factor for heart diseases as eating out is associated with low diet quality.
We try a variety of things like yoga, gym and even dancing to lose weight and look slim. Even after trying hard losing weight seems difficult for a lot of people. There are several factors that one needs to look at before complaining about not losing weight. The top five factors include eating large portions, turning to food for comfort, drinking less water, numerous excuses for changing lifestyle and lastly, lack of self-confidence.
Consuming antioxidant supplements has become common due to the busy lifestyles. A recent study by Children’s Research Institute at UT Southwestern researchers has found out that antioxidant supplements may promote malignancy of certain cancer cells. This new study may change the way doctors prescribe antioxidants to their patients. Foods like amla, cinnamon, chillies, turmeric and ginger are good sources of natural antioxidants and should be consumed instead of supplements.
Anbumani Ramadoss, PMK leader and former Union health minister has urged the central government to reconsider its decision to approve genetically modified (GM) mustard developed by scientists at Delhi University's Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGCMP). He has asked the ministers to consider alternatives for not only GM mustard but also Bt brinjal. He added that various countries have banned genetically modified crops as these crops may contaminate the non-GM varieties and wild varieties.
A recent postulate published in the Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine, linked chemical toxins and development of obesity. Chemical pesticides and toxins have been known to affect our bodies and increased the risk of developing auto-immune diseases, reproductive defects, neurological disorders and even cancer. This new study discusses the role of pesticides and similar chemical toxins in the development of obesity and associated conditions like high blood pressure, heart diseases and diabetes.
Researchers at Cornell University confirmed that in spite of their bad reputation, fast food, junk food is not the root cause of obesity in America. The scientists found no significant relationship between weight gain and consumption of these sugary and salt-laden food. The researchers concluded by saying that the real problem may be: too many Americans eat too much.
Around 24 food testing labs in India are currently running without notification with the Food Safety and Standard authority of India (FSSAI) under the Union Health Ministry. Out of the 24, 14 labs have enjoyed grant-in-aid from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries for setting up the labs and their upgradation, but yet not managed to obtain the mandatory National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accreditation.
Do you struggle with what to make for breakfast every morning? Here is a way to make something healthy and different every single time. Just grab a bowl of oats and make your perfect breakfast meal. Add milk, fruits, or other toppings. You can also top it with chocolate syrup or have it as it is. Happy breakfast to you!
Stress-free life has become rare these days especially because of the fast-paced city lives. We have experienced stress and most of it originates from exhausting jobs, bad eating habits, pollution and most of all our lethargy. Studies have shown eating well, exercise and meditation can help us reduce stress.