Eye Care Tips
- Wash your eyes with cold water at regular intervals.
- Eat foods rich in vitamins like papaya, egg, fish, milk, green leafy vegetables.
- Increase your water intake.
- Use slices of cucumber and potato regularly to reduce the dark circles under your eyes.
- Blink often or close your eyes to relax the eye muscles.
- Take a short nap to reduce the puffiness in the eyes.
- Get regular eye-check ups done.
- Wear proper sun glasses.
- Foods rich in vitamin A helps reduce the risk of night- blindness and cataract.
Different Types of Toothpaste
Nowadays, Different types of toothpastes are available in market and it becomes really confusing to choose which toothpaste is good for oral health and which is not. Most of us randomly buy without even giving a second thought. Kids are fond of advertisements which they daily see on Television. At last parents are left with no choice except, end up in buying toothpaste without knowing the side effects.
Common types of Toothpaste:
Fluoridated Toothpaste: Fluoride is the most important ingredient for teeth. But, those who are already staying in fluoridated areas should not use fluoridated toothpaste as this can make their teeth look yellow. Always look for ingredients before buying toothpaste. In case of kids, optimal level of fluoride is recommended, so always be cautious before using fluoridated toothpaste.
Whitening Toothpaste: Regular use of whitening toothpaste tends to give you a brighter smile but sometimes it can be harmful as well for your teeth. Whitening toothpastes contains abrasives which slowly and slowly removes upper layer of teeth (Enamel) and expose the inner layer (Dentin). So, consult your Dentist before buying Whitening Toothpaste.
Gel Toothpaste: Some toothpaste contains gel which gives long lasting freshness.
Herbal Toothpaste: Herbal toothpaste is one of the good options, as it contains all natural ingredients which are helpful for teeth and retains the strength.
Sensitive Toothpaste: After cleaning of teeth (scaling) patients often complain of sensitivity in teeth or sometimes sensitivity occurs in couple of teeth. In that case sensitive toothpaste is prescribed.
Always make it a point to consult a dentist and know your toothpaste type so that you do not end up in buying toothpaste which is not meant for you.
Dance is an art-form that usually refers to rhythmic movements of the body, generally with respect to music.
Dance and health have been a subject of a number of research activities and shows that dance is a very healthy exercise. In other words, dance is a reliable indicator of the dancers’ health and intelligence.
In general, being a form of aerobic exercise, dance brings with it a number of health benefits.
Dance workouts can be used by people as a way of exercise. And one need not be a good dancer in order to enjoy its health benefits. And we all know that good health results in a beautiful mind and a charismatic personality.
Dancing is a very good mind-body-spirit exercise. It increases memory power as it involves remembering the dance steps and sequences. This form of exercise is suitable for people of all ages to stay in proper shape and size. Various dance forms like folk dance, classical dance, jazz etc are perfect for exercises and workouts. The benefits of dance workouts are same as other low-impact weight bearing exercises such as jogging and cycling. This form of exercise also impact bone and muscles without stressing the joints.
Dancing provide flexible muscle which in turn lead to a healthy body because dancing requires a great amount of flexibility. Dancing tones the whole body and improves posture and balance. There is an increase in stamina and flexibility and reduction in stress and tension. Dance may also help in the prevention of diabetes, heart diseases, osteoporosis and depression.
Endurance is the muscles ability to work hard for increasingly longer period of time without fatigue or tiredness. Dance, being a form of exercise increases endurance of the muscles. There are various successful records treating obesity which is becoming a major health problem of all age-groups.
Masala Bhangara and Bhangara aerobics, a form derived from the original folk dance of Punjab (Bhangara), is a challenging workout vigorous movement of the various body parts. The form of workout results in firm arms and sculpted shoulders. Same involves with Vegas Jazz, a moderately challenging, sleek and showy version of the traditional Jazz dance form, which primarily focuses on ram rod straight posture. The abs, back, legs and butt are the main beneficiaries of this workout. Similarly, the belly dance (Middle Eastern Dance) is a high intensity workout with the emphasis on belly. This form dance workout is well known to tone the entire body.
And finally, we all know that dancing is a social activity. It provides a sense of well-being and many opportunities for the dancer to meet other people. Strong social ties and socializing with friends contribute to high self esteem and a positive outlook. Therefore, dancing can increase self-confidence and build social skills in addition to resulting in a healthy body.
Child Health » Fish Good for Babys Brain
Fish is rich in Omega 3 fatty acid which is an important nutrient for the growth of baby’s brain, form the retinas and develop the nervous system. Omega 3 foods can provide your baby with the energy and materials necessary to good physical and mental growth. Omega-3s are also important for your own health and well-being during pregnancy. Though Omega 3s are called fatty acids, they are actually very good for you and are a necessary component for both mental and physical health. Omega 3 fatty acids are often referred to as essential fatty acids. This is because they cannot be produced by your own body, but instead need to be gotten through essential foods.
There are 3 main types of Omega 3 fatty acids,
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): EPA is found primarily in fish and fish oil.
Docosahexanoic Acid (DHA): DHA is especially important to your body, and is also found primarily in fish.
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA): ALA is found mostly in seeds, vegetable oils, and leafy green vegetables. It is converted into EPA and then into DHA in your body.
Breast milk is the primary source for Omega 3 fatty acid – DHA. Fish is the next source when they switch from breast milk. The Omega 3 fatty acids present in the fish which helps in the brain growth, eye development and nerve development.
Foods that is rich in Omega 3 Fatty acids,
• Fishes such as tuna, salmon and sardines. Shark, swordfish and marlin are species to skip and a baby should never eat raw fish due to the danger of food poisoning.
• Hemp oil, Soyabean oil, Walnut oil, Flaxseed oil.
• Green leafy vegetables.
• Some eggs are enhanced with Omega 3 fatty acids.
Health Articles » Foods that boost metabolism
Metabolism includes both anabolism and catabolism. Catabolism is the process where the complex substances are broken down and energy is produced when needed. Anabolism is the process of synthesizing energy and building up of tissues .To improve metabolism you should eat good nutritious foods which boost metabolism. . When lean people overeat their metabolism speeds up and when obese people diet their metabolism slows down. When a person skips meal the body metabolism slows down to compensate for lack of nutrients. Physical activity also plays a role in boosting up metabolism.
Low fat foods, high fiber foods improves metabolism. Choosing lean proteins and taking adequate water with small frequent meals. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, limiting refines cereals improves the metabolism.
Examples of some of the foods that boosts metabolism are:
Green Tea is the main source of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), this speed ups the brain and nervous system, causing body to burn more calories. This green tea also contains anti-cancer properties and age fighting antioxidants.
Complex Carbohydrates and Fiber Rich Foods helps in maintaining low insulin levels in the body and increasing the metabolism rate, where a high insulin level prompts the body to store fat by reducing metabolism rate.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Rich Food including the Omega-3 fatty acids rich food in the diet alters the levels of leptin a hormone in the body which plays an important role in metabolism.
Including Vegetables and fruits in diet helps to maintain elevated metabolism, atleast one should ingest 10-12 fruits & vegetables daily as they are rich sources of fibre, vitamins and essential nutrients.
According to research studies having one or two cups of coffee helps in speeding up metabolism, heart health and increased concentration.
Having plenty of water helps in boosting metabolism, it also helps in keeping flow of nutrients and helps in get rid of free radicals.
Eggs are the best source to speed up the metabolism by including in daily diet as eggs are one of the highest proteins sources available.
Best Metabolism Boosting Foods:
- Whey Protein
- Raw Almonds
- Beans
- Green Tea
- Brown Rice
- Coffee
- Cayenne Pepper
- Red potatoes
- Curry
- Hot Peppers
- Oats
- Natural Yogurt
- Lemons
- Lettuce
- Berries
- Eggs
- Salmons
Curative and Prevention Tips » Home first aid kit
First aid means giving help to a sick or an injured person who needs urgent or immediate attention. For this we need to be well prepared at any moment. All homes and vehicles should be well equipped with an emergency/ first aid kit to avoid last minute rush to a pharmacy. A first aid box should be kept locked and out of reach from children, as it contains medications and instruments which may be dangerous.
A well stocked first aid kit and medicine cabinet should have the following items:
Equipments:
Band aids: For minor scrapes and cuts
Bandages: To control bleeding
Absorbent cotton: To clean the wound
Roller gauze: To cover/dress a wound
Adhesive tapes: For dressing a wound or injury
Scissors: Aids in dressing of wound.
Elastic bandages: For sprains or muscle tear
Thermometer: To check temperature
Ice packs: To arrest bleeding
Medicines:
Antiseptic solution (Dettol, Savlon, hydrogen peroxide): This helps to clean the wound or minor cuts, and prevents infection.
Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin.): To be applied on wound or injury to prevent infections.
Hand cleaner: A hand wash is essential before and after treating any conditions, to ensure clean and bacteria free hands.
Pain relief ointments/ spray (Iodex, Relispray, Just go, etc.): To treat inflammations, swellings or pain in muscles.
Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen: To treat fever, headache, and body ache. These medications are available in drops/ syrups for infants.
Calamine lotion: To relieve the skin from dryness or itches, after a bite by an insect or bug.
Cough syrup (Benadryl): To treat cough due to minor allergic conditions.
Diaper rash cream: If there is a baby at home, this may be very useful.
Decongestant tablets & (Nose) spray or drops (Vicks vapor rub, cold act tablet): Used to moisten nasal passage and aids in breathing.
Anti Diarrhea medication (lomotil, Loperamide): To control loose motion.
Anti allergic medicines (Avil): To treat unexpected allergies caused due to insect bite or food.
Antacid (Digene): To relieve from indigestion.
Oral care does not ask much from us. We can preserve our beautiful smiles by regularly taking care of our teeth and gums. Oral care also helps oneself to be away from a lot of diseases. Oral diseases are linked to life-threatening illness like heart-diseases, strokes, diabetes, and premature low birth weight babies.
Here are some of the tips recommended for healthy teeth:
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• Clean your teeth after eating by toothbrush and dental floss. Choose a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss that bear the approval of your country’s Dental Association.
• Use the brush and floss in the correct manner.
• Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth cavities.
• Use a tongue cleaner and a mouth wash regularly after brushing
• Replace your toothbrush regularly, approximately after 3 months.
• Visit dentist regularly. Keep a check on periodontal diseases, tooth decay and other gum diseases.
• Do not ignore gums that bleed when you brush or floss or changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
• Don’t use tobacco products; they can increase the risk of gum diseases and also, oral and throat cancer.
• Don’t chew on hard objects that could crack a tooth.
• Wear a mouth guard when playing active sports.
• Eat a balanced diet for good overall health, selecting a variety of foods and limit snacks.
• Eating sweetened cereals dry is bad for teeth, always add milk.
• Drinking frequent cups of tea or coffee with sugar added will increase the risk of tooth decay.
• When less saliva is available on very hot days, one should not consume foods containing sugars that stick in the teeth.
• Don’t use lemon juice for whitening the teeth because vitamin c will cause the teeth to loose calcium thus making the teeth weaker.
Strong and healthy teeth helps one look healthy. If proper care is not given to them, it won’t long before cavities and unhealthy gums make the mouth look pale and sore. Unhealthy teeth make eating and smiling difficult. So, take proper care of teeth before it falls down.
Men and women have different body types and body needs that give rise to specific health concerns that are more bothersome in women than in men.
According to a report published in the United States, the following are the main risks to a women’s health:
• Heart Diseases: 27.2% of women’s death worldwide is due to the heart disease. Of those women who have heart attacks, 42% die within the year.
• Cancer: Cancer is responsible for 22% of women’s death worldwide. The leading cause of cancer deaths among women are lung (26%), breast (15%), and colorectal cancer (9%).
• Stroke: Often thought as men disease, stroke kills more women than men each year. Stroke is responsible for 7.5% of the women deaths. Although women are less likely to suffer from stroke than men, they are more likely to be fatal once they occur.
• Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases: Chronic lower respiratory disease refers to several respiratory illness that occur in the lower respiratory tract. And these diseases account for almost 5.2% of the women deaths worldwide. Of the several chronic lower respiratory diseases, COPD (Chronic Obstructed Pulmonary Disease) are of higher concern for females. In recent years, more females have been dying of COPD than men.
• Alzheimer’s Diseases: Several studies on Europe and Asian population have indicated that women are more prone to Alzheimer’s disease than men. This may be due to the low level of estrogen once the woman reaches menopause. Estrogen provides protection against memory loss. Alzheimer’s disease account for 3.9% of women’s death all over the world.
• Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is the condition in which bone becomes brittle and may break easily. They are one of the most important threats to a woman’s health. Women after menopause are more vulnerable to osteoporotic fractures due to the decreased level of estrogen and calcium in the body.
There are several other threats to women’s health like diabetes (Type 2), injuries, septicemia, kidney disease and depression. But the good news is that all these threats are preventable by consuming proper diets and taking proper care of the body.
Anger is a natural emotion. It occurs as a defensive response to a perceived attack or threat to our well being. Anger is accompanied by psychological changes including the flow of adrenaline hormone, high blood pressure and increased heart beat. Anger can lead to physical problems when not properly managed like chronic headaches, sleep disorders, digestive problems, high blood pressure and even a heart attack.
Some of the effective anger management skills have been mentioned below:
• Take a “timeout” Count to 10 before reacting. This will diffuse the temper.
• Take a break from the person you are angry with. This will help your frustrations subside a bit.
• Once you are calm, express the anger. It is always healthy to express your anger in a nonconfrontational way. This prevents the situation from getting worse.
• Physical activity can provide an outlet for the emotions. So, engage in some physical activity like brisk walk or run, especially when you are about to erupt.
• Think carefully before you say anything otherwise in anger you are likely to say something which you would regret. There are lots of possibilities to get sidetracked when you are angry.
• Identify solutions to the situations. Instead of quarreling over the situation, try to resolve the problem with the person who made you angry.
• Avoid criticizing and blaming others. This may make the other person angry or resentful- and thus increase the tension.
• Don’t hold grudge. Try to forgive the person you are angry with. It is unrealistic to expect everyone to behave the way you want to.
• Try to diffuse the tension by using humor. Don’t use sarcasm- it can hurt the person emotionally.
• Practice relaxation techniques. Learning skills to relax and distress helps control ones temper. These relaxation techniques may include deep-breathing exercises, listening to music, writing a novel or practicing yoga, etc.
Anger need to be expressed. Suppressed anger stays with you for a long time and may lead to mental health problems like depressions and physical problems like headaches. Continuously suppressing anger can curtail ones ability to act in the face of real threat to ones well being. The goal of anger management is to help one find healthy ways to express ones anger and resolve the problem that led to anger.
Olive oil is found to have many nutritional values for a healthy living. Olive oil is monounsaturated oil. It is a product which has many advantages and no negative effects of the body. Olive oil is used in many cosmetic products, cooking and medicinal products. It is very beneficial in curing many diseases. Here are few health benefits of olive oil in our daily life.
Healthy heart: Olive oil is found to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart attacks and prevents blood coagulation. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats therefore prevents the deposition of LDL (Bad cholesterol) on the arteries.
Controls obesity and abdominal fat: Olive oil aids in weight loss and reduces abdominal fat.
Pregnancy: Consuming olive oil during fetal development helps the development of fetus. This has a positive influence of baby’s height, weight and behavior.
Skin glow: Olive oil is rich in vitamin E. They have antioxidant property and delays aging of the skin. It is a natural moisturizer to the skin. It prevents the development of certain types of skin cancers and ailments.
Guard against cancer: Olive oil contains a monounsaturated fatty acid called oleic acid, which guards against cancer.
Prevent diabetes: It does not cure diabetes but has the power to prevent or delay the onset of the disease.
Protect against Rheumatoid arthritis: Olive oil is found to protect against rheumatoid arthritis.
Other benefits: Aids in the development of brain and bones in children. It helps in overall body function, increases excretion of bile, digestion and maintains good health.
Women Health » Foot care
Feet are part of the body that is neglected by most of us. A person’s hygiene can be found out by looking at his feet. Therefore, good health of feet depicts one’s personality. Foot care is simple and easy. It not only keeps the feet clean but also a stress reliever.
• Soak feet regularly in lukewarm water. Use a pumice stone or foot scrub to remove dead and rough skin. These dead skin if left unattended, become thick and cracks, leading to infections.
• Feet are a place where the nerve endings are pooled up. Therefore a good massage to the feet relaxes the whole body.
• The soles of the feet lack oil glands, so apply a moisturizer very night in regular basis. This nourishes the skin and keeps it fresh. Do not apply cream in between toes.
• Choose shoes of right size. Preferred time to buy shoes is later in a day. That is the time when feet are a bit swollen. Shoes that are comfortable at that time are the right choice.
• Make sure the feet are dry before wearing a socks or shoes. Apply a sun screen if you are wearing sandals.
Apple contains more antioxidants. Apple contains soluble fiber known as pectin which helps in proper digestion process. The dietary fiber present in apple also helps in reducing the bad cholesterol. Apple is rich in Vitamin A and vitamin C. The sugars present in apple are easily absorbed by the body. Apple contains minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, potassium and phosphorus in small quantities. Flavonoids present in apples help to prevent prostate cancer.
The quercetin in apples may protect brain cells from the kind of free radical damage that may lead to Alzheimer's disease. Apples protect post-menopausal women from osteoporosis and may also increase bone density. Boron, another ingredient in apples, also strengthens bones.
Sodium is found in salt. 5 gms that is 1 teaspoon of salt contains about 2,000 – 3,000 mg of sodium. The recommended daily intake of sodium is 5gm that is around 2300mg. Limiting the salt in our daily diet is low sodium diet. Too much sodium in your diet is not good for health. It may cause your body to retain excess fluid. Limiting the salt intake is important for patients with kidney disease, liver and heart disease.
Normal sodium intake recommendations:
| 0 - 12 months | 1 gm |
| 1 - 3 years | 2 gm |
| 4 - 6 years | 3 gm |
| 7 - 10 years | 5 gm |
| Above 11 years | 5 to 6gms |
Role of sodium:
The amount of sodium in the body is regulated by kidneys. When there is too much of sodium in the body kidneys filter some out and the excess sodium is excreted in the urine. When the body doesn’t have enough sodium, the kidneys help to conserve sodium and return the needed amount into the blood stream. When kidneys are not working properly or not able to filter, sodium begins to build up in the blood. Sodium in the blood pulls up out and holds the water from cells in the body and leads to edema. This in turn increases the volume of the blood and puts pressure on the circulatory system.
Benefits of low sodium diet:
- A low sodium diet for kidney patients is necessary to prevent fluid retention.
- A low sodium diet helps to reduce blood pressure.
- A low sodium diet is good for people who are at the risk of heart diseases.
- It helps in management of hypertension.
Tips to follow a low sodium diet:
- Choose the foods which are naturally low in sodium.
- Don’t add too much of salt to you food.
- While you shop , read the nutrition fact labels so that one can determine sodium content in the food.
- Avoid fat free dressings as these contain lot of sodium.
- Avoid eating pickles.
- Avoid foods containing preservatives especially in canned foods and processed foods as they have high sodium content.
- Limit use of condiments that are high in sodium.
- In the market salt substitutes are available such as potassium chloride and magnesium chlorine. However some people may not tolerate the salt substitute so one should be careful in adding those to their dishes. Use unless a healthcare provider prescribes.
- Frozen prepared food items should be avoided.
- Avoid soups as they are high in salt.
- Salad dressing and dip contain high in salt should be avoided.
- French fries, potato chips , papads should be avoided as they contain salt.
Low Sodium Foods:
Fruit drinks, Apple, Banana, Blackberries, Broccoli, Cherries, Black Berries, Coffee, Chick Pea, Walnuts, Straw berries, Peaches, Prunes, Rice, Cucumber, Watermelon, Wheat, Honey, Barley, Jam, Pop corn unsalted, Nuts unsalted, Puffed rice.
Medium Sodium Foods:
- Egg limit 1 per day
- Limit one choice per day should be around ½ serving. celery, carrots, Mustar greens,Frozenpeas, Turnip.
- Low fat milk limits 2 cups per day.
High Sodium content foods:
Buttermilk, Olives, Pickles, Canned vegetable juices, salted butter, salted margarine, sauces, Marinades, Salt biscuits, Potato chips, cheese, Instant pudding, Soft drinks, Fish ,oysters.
Here we are discussing how to take care of hair extension, so that you can enjoy pleasure of having long hair for long time.
• Do not go for extensions that are more than twice the length of your natural hair, It is necessary to wash extension made of human hair at least twice a week whereas synthetic extensions can be washed once a week, If you don’t wash them your hair become greasy ,moreover dirt and sweat build up can entangle hair.
• Wet your hair little by little to prevent dry hair from swelling and getting entangled and try to remove all tangles and knots from hair with the help of comb before shampooing.
• Do not pile up all the hair on top of the head and scrub. Gently massage the shampoo into the extensions and rinse completely. Use alcohol free conditioners as alcohol tends to dry hair.
• Do not rub hair vigorously to dry it as it will be very bad for your wet extensions. Let your extension air dry. Do not comb also when they are wet as wet extensions leads to breakage.
• Before going to bed, ensure that wet hair extensions are completely dried up and tied them up in loose ponytail.
• Comb hair at least once or thrice a day, First try to remove tangles and knots from hair with fingers and then with wide toothed comb.
• Avoid exposing your extensions to chlorine and other chemicals while swimming as chemicals can damage them.
• Be gentle and do not pull and tug at hair while combing in a downward direction as extensions are more brittle and fragile than your natural hair.
• Hydrate your extensions by regularly applying moisturizer to give them natural look.
At the base of the lash, wriggle the mascara wand left to right. And place the mascara in near the roots and then slowly take it to the tip of eye lash. Now close the eyes and from base of the lash pull the mascara wand.
• The wriggling movement is the key to keep the lashes separate from each other.
• You can either throw away the wand or clean it using an eye make–up remover and then with soap to reuse it.
• Black eye mascara will suit most of them but for light skinned blonds go for brown/black by day and black for night. A blue eye looks best with blue mascara and brown eye with purple mascara.
• Curly lashes gives a great look, for this using a blow-dryer shoot warm air to the lashes then using the mascara curler curls the lashes.
• Blink to the mascara wand so that the ends get an extra coat.
Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery to change the appearance of the person’s external ears. Otoplasty can be done for various reasons like
• Bringing the ears closer to the head (ear pinning)
• Reducing the size of very big ears
• Reshaping various bends of the ear cartilage.
Otoplasty surgery involves a combination of moving, reshaping, adding or removing structural ear components. This procedure is usually preformed by either an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, plastic surgeon or an ENT surgeon.
Typically Otoplasty surgery takes about two hours. The dressing over the operated ears can extend for few weeks as protection and the patient can experience mild discomfort. Headbands may be prescribed for night time wears.
Saccharin is a synthetic, white crystalline powder; benzoic sulfinide has effectively no food energy and is much sweeter than sucrose. It is 350 times sweeter than sugar, but has an unpleasant bitter aftertaste. It is not easily digested by the body. Trade name is symcal. Used in soft drinks, chewing gums, jams, jellies, sauces, gelatin and salad dressings. Commercially available in three forms as a sodium salt, as a calcium salt and in the acid form.
Cyclamate is the sodium or calcium salt of cyclamic acid. It is 30–50 times sweeter than sugar. Available in three forms cyclamic acid, calcium cyclamate and sodium cyclamate. It is not suitable for diabetes. Used in caramels, chewing gums and hard candies.
Aspartame is the methyl ester of a phenylalanine/aspartic acid dipeptide. It is 200 times sweeter than sugar and 70 percent of all aspartame is used in sodas. It has flavour enhancing properties. When taken in less it is metabolized. Trade name is neutral sweet. Used for carbonated beverages, puddings, frozen fruit, juice, RTE products.
Alitame is similar to Aspartame in that it is made from amino acids, namely L-aspartic acid and D-alanine. It is 2000 times sweeter than sucrose.
Neotame is a white crystalline powder manufactured from two amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid. It is 7,000 to 13,000 times sweeter than sugar, so very little of it is needed to sweeten foods.
Acesulfame-K is 200 times sweeter than sugar and the body can't break it down, so it's excreted from the body unchanged. It is freely soluble in water. It is not metabolized in the body. Used for imitation dairy products, pickles, beverages, marinated fish etc.
Sucralose is similar in structure to regular sugar and contains maltodextrin and it is 600 times sweeter than sugar. Your body absorbs very little of this artificial sweetener. No after taste. It can be used in all products.
Stevia is made from rebaudioside A, one of the components of the Stevia rebaudiana. It is 250 times sweeter than sugar. Many people who want to avoid sugar and calories use stevia in the form of a non-nutritive sweetener or as an extract.
Aspartin It provides same number of calories as sugar but the quantity is small, so calories added are less by giving less quantity.
Sugar alcohols
Manitol: Manitol is converted into fructose. It is not metabolized and provides 2 kcals / Gm. It has laxative effect, when consumed in large quantity. It is less desirable in diabetic patients. Used in hard candies, cough drops chewing gums, jams and jellies.
Sorbitol: It is a common sweetener. In liver it is converted into fructose, it is metabolized independently of insulin. Used in chewing gums, cough drops, jellies, baked products, baking mixes, frozen dairy desserts.
Xylitol: Present in many fruits and vegetables. Metabolized directly in liver or indirectly by fermentation of bacteria in intestine. It is as sweet as sucrose.
Maltitol: Produced by hydrogenation of maltose. Enzymatic hydrolysis of corn starch.
Atherosclerosis (Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease) is a condition in which wall of artery thickens due to build up off fatty materials like cholesterol, calcium and other waste products called plaque. Formation of these plaques results in the reduction of blood flow through an artery. These plaques become fragile and sometimes rupture to form blood clot and leads to damage to artery. Then blood clots formed results in obstruction of blood flow off and travel to another part of the body. If this happens to heart it leads to heart attack and if it happens to brain it leads to stroke.
Causes:-
The exact cause for Atherosclerosis is unknown. But some of the researchers say it is due to,
• Damage of endothelium (an inner laying of the artery)
• Accumulation of plaques, which results in hardening or narrowing of arteries and leading to damage of arteries.
• Rupture of fatty deposits by entering into blood stream which results in formation of blood clot , damage to the organs and blocks the blood flow.
Risk factors:
• Age (45 or >45 years for men; 55 or >55 years for women)
• Cigarette smoking
• Diabetes
• Having close relatives with heart disease at an younger age
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Not doing exercises regularly
• Obesity
Treatment:-
Various types of treatment are used for Atherosclerosis. These include:
Medical treatment - in this type drugs are used to treat Atherosclerosis but medication treatment is unsatisfactory as damage has already done. The following types of drugs are used:
• HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors - these are used to lower the lipid content present in the body. These include: Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Fluvastatin (Lescol), Lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor), Pravastatin (Pravachol), Pitavastatin (Livalo), Simvastatin (Zocor), Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
• Fibric acid derivatives - these are used to reduce the hepatic VLDL very low-density proteins or triglyceride levels. These include: Gemfibrozil (Lopid), Fenofibrate (Tricor)
• Bile acid sequestrants - these are used to increase the fecal loss of cholesterol and decrease in intrahepatic levels of cholesterol. These include: Cholestyramine (Questran, LoCholest, Prevalite), Colestipol (Colestid)
• Antioxidants - these are used to reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, inhibit lipid accumulation of arterial wall and to improve endothelial function. These include: Vitamin E (Vita-Plus E, Softgels, Aquasol E), C, E
• Nicotinic acid derivatives - these are used to reduce the LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These include: Niacin (Niaspan, Niacor, Slo-Niacin)
• Anti-platelets - these are used to reduce the formation of blood clots and blockages. These include: Aspirin
• Anticoagulants - these are used to prevent the formation of blood clots. These include: Coumadin
Surgery:
• Angioplasty - in this a long thin tube called catheter is inserted into the narrowed part of artery and then a wire with deflated balloon is passed and then is inflated compressing the deposits along the artery walls and a stent (mesh tube) is placed in artery to keep artery open.
• Bypass surgery - in this graft bypass is created using a vessel from another part of the body. It helps in blood flow around the blocked or narrowed artery.
• Endarterectomy - in this fatty deposits present across the walls of narrowed artery are surgically removed
A food additive is defined as a substance or a mixture of substances, other than basic food stuff, which is present in food as a result of any aspect of production, processing, storage or packaging. Food additives are added in order to improve texture, flavor, color and appearance. Food additives are classified as antioxidants, Preservatives, Food colors, food Flavors, Emulsifiers and stabilizers, anti caking agents, acids, bases and buffers, sweeteners, enzymes, leavening agents, anti foaming agents.
Antioxidants: A substance when added to food prevents oxidative deterioration . Some of the anti oxidants added in different foods are gallic acid, resin guiace, citric acid, tartaric acid, octyl gallate, dodecyl gallate, propyl gallate, ethyl gallate, butytlated hydroxyanisole and tertiary butyl hydro quinone.
Preservatives: These are substances when added to food inhibit, retard or arrest the activity of microorganisms such as fermentation, acidification and decomposition of foods. Some of the preservatives are common salt, dextrose, honey, spices, sugar, vinegar, edible vegetable oils, glucose syrup, nisin, sodium diacetate, nitrates, nitrites, lactic acid, sorbic acid, acid calcium phosphate.
Food colours: These food colours are used to enhance colors that occur naturally but at levels weaker than usually associated with a given food. There are natural and synthetic food colours. The natural sources are turmeric, saffron, caramel, beta carotene. The artificial colours are Red, yellow, blue and green.
Flavorings agents: Flavorings agents add flavor to foods. There are natural and artificial flavours.
Emulsifying agents: Substances which are capable of facilitating a uniform dispersion of oils and fats in aqueous media.
Anticaking agents: Substances that pick up moisture without themselves becoming wet. These are added to products such as table salt and dry mixes to a maximum level of 2%.
Anti foaming agents: The anti foaming agents are added to retard decorative changes and foaming height during heating of edible oils and fats.
Buffering agents: These are agents used to counter acidic and alkaline changes during storage or processing of the food, thus improving the flavour and increasing the stability of foods.
» Take warm lime water early in the morning. It prevents constipation and keeps the body and mind fresh.
» The simple remedy to treat constipation is to drink a glass of lemon juice in water with a pinch of salt in it.
» Take 2-3 seeds each of sunflower, almonds, sesame and linseed or flax seeds. Grind it and make a thin powder. use this herbal powder (1 tablespoon) for a week either with fruit juice or salads. It will give good relief from constipation.
» Oranges are also beneficial for constipation.Daily take a glass of orange juice it will relieve constipation
» Spinach (palak) taken in raw or cooked form is very beneficial in clearing constipation.
» Figs are very useful home remedy for constipation. Soak dry figs in the water and keep it overnight then take this early in the morning. It prevents constipation.
