plantmedicine

 Drinking just one 12-ounce sugar-sweetened soft drink a day can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 22 percent, a European study contends. The finding is based on an analysis of data collected from more than 28,000 people in Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The increased risk of developing diabetes associated with having one sugar-sweetened soft drink a day fell to 18 percent when the investigators took into account people’s total calorie intake and body-mass index (BMI), a measurement of body fat based on height and weight. Both total calorie intake and BMI are believed to play a role in the link between sugar-sweetened soft drinks and diabetes risk. The fact that diabetes risk fell only slightly when these two factors were taken into account could indicate that the effect of sugar-sweetened soft drinks on diabetes goes beyond their impact on body weight, said Dora Romaguera, of the Imperial Coll...

Pregnancy is one of the most important phases of a woman’s life and not to mention the most stressful. But did you know that maintaining  good oral hygiene is as important as taking good care of your overall health? Read on to learn more about the top dental care tips every mom-to-be should know, in order to maintain good oral health before, during and after pregnancy! There are several hormonal changes in your body during pregnancy which may increase the risk of gum disease (pregnancy gingivitis) which in turn might affect the health of your baby. Studies suggest that pregnant women with pregnancy gingivitis are more likely to deliver premature and low-weight babies when compared to others. ·          Visit the dentist:  “Prevention is better than cure,” like in most of the cases. It is advisable to have your teeth checked and cleaned by a dentist if you are planning to get pregnant. Many dentists would also recommend you to ...

Drinking two or more cups of coffee daily could decrease the risk of breast cancer recurring in patients taking the widely used drug Tamoxifen, a study at Lund University in Sweden has suggested. In the study, patients who took the pill, along with two or more cups of coffee daily, reported less than half the rate of cancer recurrence, compared with their non-coffee drinking, Tamoxifen-taking counterparts. The team followed over 600 breast cancer patients from southern Sweden for an average of five years. Approximately 300 took Tamoxifen. The drug, a common hormone therapy after breast cancer surgery, reduces the risk of new tumours by blocking oestrogen receptors. How coffee interacts with the treatment, however, isn’t immediately known. “One theory we are working with is that coffee ‘activates’ Tamoxifen and makes it more efficient”, said Maria Simonsson, doctoral student in Oncology at Lund University. The Lund University researchers have previously linked coffee cons...

A few simple changes to diet and lifestyle can protect you against a string of killer diseases and add years to your life, a landmark study has shown. Following seven golden rules not only cut the risk of dying from cancer by 20 per cent, it also slashed risks of lung disease by half and heart attacks by 44 per cent, the study of nearly 380,000 people by scientists at Imperial College London found. The researchers noted that those who stick closely to the rules, which also govern exercise and alcohol consumption, will cut their risk of dying from any of the major circulatory or respiratory diseases, including stroke and angina, by at least 34 per cent. The rules were drawn up six years ago by the World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research, the Daily Express reported. Now, by studying patients across nine European countries, the British scientists have shown that they help people live longer by reducing the risk of death from many other causes as we...

A diet that includes tart cherries can provide cardiovascular benefits similar to the prescribed medications and can also reduce the risk of stroke, a new research has revealed. A class of drugs called PPAR agonists that help regulate fat and glucose was considered promising by doctors who prescribed them for patients with metabolic syndrome – a collection of risk factors linked to heart disease and type 2. However, studies have shown the long-term use of these drugs can also increase stroke risk, which has prevented many from securing FDA approval. The new research from the U-M Cardioprotection Research Laboratory suggests that tart cherries can reduce the risk of stroke even when taken with these pharmaceutical options. The group’s previous research has shown that intake of US produced, Montmorency tartcherries activates PPAR isoforms (peroxisome proliferator activating receptors) in many of the body’s tissues. Researchers believe that anthocyanins – the pigments that gi...

The sudden involuntary contraction of a powerful muscle called the diaphragm causes the vocal cords to shut producing the characteristic `hic’ sound of the hiccup. The diaphragm is a muscle separating the chest from the abdomen and it helps in breathing. Causes of hiccups 1.      Most often, no cause can be determined for a hiccup. It stops as suddenly as it starts producing temporary discomfort. 2.      Drugs like diazepam, lorazepam , drugs  used to treat  acidity  , ondansetron used to control vomiting and others may cause hiccups as a side-effect. 3.      Hiccups commonly occur as a result of eating too fast, consuming fatty or spicy foods or swallowing a lot of air while eating. They may also occur due to having carbonated drinks or alcohol during the meal. The gas in the drink makes the stomach expand which irritates the phrenic nerve leading to hiccups. 4.      In some chro...

A study conducted by the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad has found guava to be the healthiest fruit. This study, published in the journal ‘Food and Research International’, evaluated the natural antioxidant level in 14 fruits consumed in India. And guava, as per this study, contains it in the highest amounts. The modest guava Depending on the variety, a guava’s skin and seeds are typically, white or pink. While some people like it semi-ripe, when it’s crunchy yet soft, a few others prefer the fully ripe ones. It is rich in antioxidants and fiber; in addition to containing high levels of pectin, making it a super-food in our current-day busy lives. Health benefits of guava: Reduces risk of   cancer :   This super fruit contains high levels of vitamin-C, a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants protect cells against damage from free radicals – which can lead to development of cancer, and thus guava’s help fight oxidants in the body, protecting it against ca...

Consumption of whole eggs can be a part of a heart healthy diet, even in those with existing coronary heart disease, a new study has found. Research from Yale University explored the impact of daily whole egg consumption in men and women with coronary heart disease. The subjects were randomized to consume either two eggs, half a cup of egg substitute or a high-carbohydrate breakfast for six weeks as part of their typical diet. The subjects who ate either whole eggs or egg substitute did not experience any negative impact in total cholesterol, blood pressure, body weight or endothelial function. Research from the University of Connecticut suggested that daily whole egg consumption may have a positive effect on the function and composition of HDL cholesterol in adults with metabolic syndrome. Subjects followed a carbohydrate-restricted diet, and consumed either three eggs per day or an equivalent amount of egg substitutes. After 12 weeks, subjects consuming whole egg...

Consumption of white potatoes is linked to increased intake of potassium, a new study has revealed. For each additional kilocalorie of white potatoes consumed, there was a 1.6 mg increase in potassium intake among adults 19-years-old and older, and a 1.7 mg increase among children and teens from 2 to 18 years of age. Gender, age, race/ethnicity and educational attainment, but not income or body mass index, were also highly predictive of potassium intake. Potassium is considered a shortfall nutrient of public health concern because 97 percent of Americans do not have an adequate intake of potassium. Maureen Storey, PhD, co-author of the study and president and CEO of the Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE) noted, “Very few Americans get enough potassium, which is a key nutrient that helps control blood pressure. Our study shows that the white potato is a particularly nutrient-rich vegetable that significantly increases potassium intake among adults, teens and c...

Prolonged use of painkillers and antacids can tamper with your health in more ways than one. Why not instead, choose goodies from nature’s basket, to curb pain, naturally. Yogurt: Commonly known as dahi or curd Target: Stomach problems Yogurt is rich in lactobacilli-the good bacteria that aids digestion, relieves stomach cramps and improves gastrointestinal function. You can choose from a variety of probiotic yogurts available in the market. Even better, blend together a cup of curd with fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas for flavored yogurt. Cherries: Look for red, fresh and firm ones Target: Muscle pain People suffering from arthritis and muscle pain have a reason to rejoice. Studies now show that cherries are a rich source of anthocyanins which block pain by inhibiting the pain enzymes and reducing inflammation. Turmeric: Use sparingly in your gravies Target: Colitis, achy joints Turmeric, also known as   haldi   is a favo...

More young women suffer from cardiovascular problems than men, heart experts have revealed. According to British Heart Foundation (BHF) research, there are 710,000 women across the UK, aged 16-44, living with heart disease compared to 570,000 men, the Independent reported. Professor Peter Weissberg, BHF medical director, said clear signs of heart complaints are going unnoticed by women. “There’s a great tendency for women to ignore symptoms because they think of it as a man’s problem. Women are affected by heart disease and sometimes more than men,” he said. Doctors believe the higher rates among women are due in part to their susceptibility to certain rarer diseases, such as coronary artery dissection, where around eight out of ten cases are women. They warn these rare conditions are going seriously under-researched. Amongst the conditions which young women are prone to – and which experts say need more research – are valvular heart disease, dissection of the coronary a...

Mango  can be eaten raw or ripe, these mangoes! Called the king of fruits, it’s one of the most popular fruits found in umpteen varieties such as Raspuri, Badami, Malgoba, Alphonso. Native to our country, mangoes are now cultivated everywhere from California to Mexico, from the Caribbean to Africa, Australia and China. The yummy health-booster As we enjoy this fruit sliced or in delectable delicacies like   aamras , mango   lassi   etc. – we have enough and more reasons to indulge guilt free. ·          Keeps  cancer  at bay : The phenols and enzymes found in the fruit have cancer-preventing properties. Mango also has a high content of soluble dietary fibre, which according to scientists helps lower the risk of cancers in the gastrointestinal tract. The fruit is rich in vitamin C – which helps protect cells from free radical damage – reducing risk of cancer. ·        Eye health : On...

Naturally cooling foods 1.  Coconut Water Tender coconut water is not only delicious and full of health benefits; it also has excellent cooling properties. Easily available, especially in southern India, this should be a staple of anyone’s summer diet. 2. Aam ka panna Since   mangoes   are available only in the summer, we Indians know how to make complete use of the fruit. This includes making   aam ka paana  out of raw mangoes. This tangy drink full of ice and a mix of other juices is perfect for a hot summer afternoon. 3. Butter milk (chach) Curd in general is an excellent coolant. Make a nice, light buttermilk with it, full of spices and lots of ice and stay fresh and hydrated through the day. Watch as nutritionist Gauri Rokkam prepares this delicious and extremely healthy  butter milk. 4. Watermelon You should be having lots of this crunchy, juicy fruit through the summer to stay cool and healthy. Along with being delicious, it’s al...