Health Bytes
Last month Poland opted out of growing GMOs joining countries like Greece, Italy and Germany. In total 19 European countries have said no to GMOs as they are concerned about the health and environmental hazards associated with them. With more than two - third of all europian union countries (19 out of 28) discouraging GMOs,one can’t help but wonder why the United States isn’t doing the same.
Obesity has taken million of lives across the world making it one of the most dangerous lifestyle diseases. Excess body fat reduces life expectancy and disrupts normal functions of the body. Researchers from Oregon State University in the US in their recent study stated that A diet rich in vitamin E is required by people suffering obesity as they do not get sufficient amount of it. Chronic Deficiency of vitamin E can lead to various diseases that can affect metabolism and heart. It can also cause Alzheimer's, diabetes and cancer.
11th International Food Data Conference (IFDC) to be held the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) today. The International Network of Food Databases (INFOODS), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and NIN are jointly organizing this three day event. According to NIN, this is the first time IFDC is to be held in India.
As per the recent report, Singapore is the world's healthiest countries. India though secured the 103rd position. The list was creating using data from the United Nations, the World Bank and the World Health Organization. The study also revealed a growth in healthy food consumption such as fruits and vegetables throughout the world.
Recent studies have linked many cancer-related deaths to bad lifestyle choices which include smoking, drinking, unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. Studies also showed that almost 90% of people who ignored their health continued bad lifestyle choices fueled a cancerous growth within the system though the exact reason of the cancer could not be found. Current research shows the best way to prevent cancer is to exercise regularly and have a healthy balanced diet that boosts immunity.
A survey was conducted in northern Kerala which reported excessive use of synthetic colours in sugar-based confections, which may have serious health risks, especially for children. Two non-permitted colours, Amarnath and Rhodamine were found to be used in the survey. 97% of the 14 samples collected contained permitted food colouring while the remaining 3% contained a combination of non-permitted and permitted colouring. This survey underlines the need for strict food safety regulations.
A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition last year showed that organic crops and crop-based foods had 18 to 69 more antioxidant content than conventionally grown crops. Various studies have linked reduced risk of chronic diseases to antioxidants. The research team concluded that a switch to organic food would provide additional antioxidants equivalent to consuming one and two extra portions of vegetables and fruits a day.
Beetroots are crunchy and earthy but what makes it stand out is the incredible colour that can turn anything shocking pink! Its colour comes from a pigment called betanin which is used to create natural food colouring and dyes. On one hand, it is low in calories and on the other it is high on antioxidants, fibre, vitamins and minerals. It also helps in the detoxification of the body.
Healthy dieting not only needs dedication but it also needs coordination and cooperation from the people around us and our surroundings. If you are constantly breaking your diet plans or spending a lot of time at your work then you workplace can be a reason for your poor dieting. Healthy diet needs discipline but your workplace can ruin it a lot of times.
According to a new study, if you are addicted to chocolate and pizza then you are not the only one as these are closely linked to eating disorders or behaviours that mimic addiction. A research team from the University of Michigan and Columbia University’s New York Obesity Research Centre looked into common addictive foods. They found that chocolate topped the list of foods that are most addictive which was followed by favourites such as ice cream, French fries, pizza and cookies.
Just like exercise stimulates growth of muscles, regular exercise can help build better brain connections. Physical exercise aids in not only maintaining a fit body but also a sharp mind. Regular exercise can have a great effect on brain's functions like improving memory, releasing of hormones that participate in the growth of brain cells, It also increases heart rate thereby pumping more oxygen to the brain.
IARI - World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer, gathered a group of health experts in France this month to assess potential risks linked to red and processed meat. A report on the same is to be published which may cause a damaging blow to the meat industry as this report will affect customer confidence and tarnish their views on certain types of meat.
We all have bad days a work or at home when stress becomes a constant state of mind. Some people may drop their appetite, but most people tend to indulge with something delicious and comfy. The comforting food is generally junk food. To test this theory, researchers presented healthy and unhealthy food to individuals under stress. The results showed that even moderate levels of stress can impair self-control that even moderate levels of stress can impair self-control.
Choosing the right kind of oil is always a difficult decision especially for mothers. After all, choosing the right cooking oil plays a key role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Oil Technologist, Dr. Amit Pratap, who is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Oils, Oleochemicals and Surfactants Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology share 10 lesser known facts about canola oil.
Soon to become a national policy, the Food Standards and Safety Authority of India has issued a set of draft nutrition rules on junk food due to the rising obesity-linked diseases among teens. The rules would aim to limit marketing and sale of unhealthy snacks within 50 meters of a school, in lines with similar curbs on tobacco products. As per the draft, private of public schools must have a canteen policy to provide healthy food which is color coded according to its nutritional value.
Stress has become a part of our fast-paced lives. Although, all stress is not bad as long as we know how to cope up with it. Managing stress is an art and it can be managed not just by yoga, meditation, exercise or medication, it can also be managed by the food we eat. Take a look at these 5 stress-busting foods.
A new study suggests that differences in brain activity determine eating patterns in people suffering from anorexia nervosa. Dr. Joanna Steinglass, a psychiatrist at Columbia University Medical Center in New York said that the study is exciting as it is the first time that researchers are able to study what is going on in the brain of patients with anorexia nervosa.
Excessive use of steroids can cause various health complications. These include thinning of the skin, high blood sugar level and weaker bones. According to doctors, quitting steroids after prolonged intake can lead to severe depression. "Steroids, although considered as life-saving medicines, can also cause certain side-effects. These side-effects even include thin skin, a higher blood sugar level, dry mouth, and irregular menstrual cycles," said Behram Pardiwala, consultant, internal medicines, Wockhardt Hospitals, in a statement.
A new study shows that early parenthood in men may have health risks later in life. Finnish researchers have shown that becoming a father before the age of 25 can be linked to a higher chance of dying in middle age. Dr. Elina Einio from the University of Helsinki said that men who have a child before the age of 22 have a very clear higher midlife mortality than men who have children later, at an average age of 25 to 26.