Month: August 2013

Eating whole fruit lowers risk of diabetes than its juices

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Eating whole fresh fruit, especially blueberries, grapes, apples and pears, will lower risk of type 2 diabetes, but drinking more fruit juice has the opposite effect

Eating more whole fresh fruit, especially blueberries, grapes, apples and pears, is linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, but drinking more fruit juice has the opposite effect, says a study.

British, US and Singaporean researchers pored over data from three big health investigations that took place in the United States, spanning a quarter of a century in all.

More than 187,000 nurses and other professional caregivers were enrolled.

Their health was monitored over the following years, and they regularly answered questionnaires on their eating habits, weight, smoking, physical activity and other pointers to lifestyle.

Around 6.5 percent of the volunteers developed diabetes during the studies.

People who ate at least two servings each week of certain whole fruits, especially blueberries, grapes and apples, reduced their risk of type 2 diabetes by as much as 23 percent compared to those who ate less than one serving per month.

“Our findings provide novel evidence suggesting certain fruits may be especially beneficial for lower diabetes risk,” said Qi Sun, an assistant professor of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health.

On the other hand, those who consumed one or more servings of fruit juice each day saw their risk of the disease increase by as much as 21 percent.

Swapping three servings of juice per week for whole fruits resulted in a seven-percent reduction in risk, although there was no such difference with strawberries and cantaloupe melon.

“Greater consumption of specific whole fruits, particularly blueberries, grapes, and apples, was significantly associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, whereas greater fruit juice consumption was associated with a higher risk,” the authors say in the paper.

The paper, published on Friday by the British Medical Journal (BMJ), says further work is needed to to explore this “significant” difference.

It speculates that, even if the nutritional values of whole fruit and fruit juice are similar, the difference lies with the fact that one food is a semi-solid and the other a liquid.

“Fluids pass through the stomach to the intestine more rapidly than solids even if nutritional content is similar,” says the paper.

“For example, fruit juices lead to more rapid and larger changes in serum [blood] levels of glucose and insulin than whole fruits.”

The study also points to evidence that some kinds of fruit have a beneficial effect for health.

Berries and grapes, for instance, have compounds called anthocyanins which have been found to lower the risk of heart attacks.

But, say the authors, how or even whether this also applies to diabetes risks is for now unclear.

The investigation looked at data from the Nurses` Health Study, which ran from 1984-2008; the Nurses` Health Study II (1991-2009); and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (1986-2008).

Ten kinds of fruit were used in the questionnaire: grapes or raisins; peach, plums or apricots; prunes; bananas; cantaloupe melon; apples or pears; oranges; grapefruit; strawberries; and blueberries.

The fruit juices identified in the questionnaire were apple, orange, grapefruit and “other.”

Source: http://zeenews.india.com/news/health/healthy-eating/whole-fruit-deters-diabetes-juice-boosts-risk-study_23641.html

Only 13% adults get good night’s sleep

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It was revealed that more women than men miss work due to sleepless nights.

A new study has suggested that one in five people nod-off at their work desk due to lack of a good night`s sleep.

It was found that lack of proper rest accounts for six million lost working days a year, the Daily Express reported.

The survey by bed firm Silent night found that only 13 per cent of men and women admitted they slept peacefully, while the rest said that the thought of having to get up early, money worries and stress kept them awake.

Nineteen percent of the respondents said that arguing with a loved one ruined their bedtime.

It was revealed that more women than men miss work due to sleepless nights.

About 17 percent catch up on sleep during the morning commute, while seven per cent doze off at their desk and four per cent during meetings.

Excessive use of internet ‘causing sleep problems’

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It was found that one in five said that they needed to check their Twitter, Facebook or email accounts because they have a “fear of missing out

A new survey has revealed that one out of 10 people do not sleep properly at night in order to stay in touch on the internet.

In the poll conducted by Nytol last December, more than 50 percent of 2000 people polled admitted that they went online while in bed trying to sleep, News.com.au reported.

It was found that one in five said that they needed to check their Twitter, Facebook or email accounts because they have a “fear of missing out”, while just one in 10 described their quality of sleep as “good”.

The survey suggested that while almost half of the respondents went straight from the couch to bed, less than 15 minutes after switching off the TV, two in five checked emails or social media accounts straight before bed, and one in four thought they were addicted to checking emails and social media in bed.

Source: http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/wellness/excessive-use-of-internet-causing-sleep-problems_141798.htm

 

Glass of wine a day may lower depression risk

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Those who drank moderate amounts of wine each week were less likely to suffer from depression.

Drinking wine in moderation may be associated with a lower risk of developing depression, a new study has claimed.

Moderate amounts of alcohol consumed may have similar protective effects on depression to those that have been observed for coronary heart disease, researchers said.

Few studies have looked at the relationship between mental health and moderate alcohol intake.

Researchers report on a cohort study that followed over 5,500 light-to-moderate drinkers for up to seven years. The results show an inverse relationship between alcohol intake and incidence of depression.
The study participants were aged between 55 and 80 years old, and had never suffered from depression or had alcohol-related problems when the study started.

Their alcohol consumption, mental health and lifestyles were followed for up to seven years through yearly visits, repeated medical exams, interviews with dietitians and questionnaires.

The main alcoholic beverage drunk by the study participants was wine. When analysed, it was shown that those who drank moderate amounts of wine each week were less likely to suffer from depression.

The lowest rates of depression were seen in the group of individuals who drank two to seven small glasses of wine per week. These results remained significant even when the group adjusted them for lifestyle and social factors, such as smoking, diet and marital status.

“Lower amounts of alcohol intake might exert protection in a similar way to what has been observed for coronary heart disease. In fact, it is believed that depression and coronary heart disease share some common disease mechanisms,” Professor Miguel A Martinez-Gonzalez, from the University of Navarra (Spain), senior author of the paper, said.

Previous studies have indicated that non-alcoholic compounds in the wine, such as resveratrol and other phenolic compounds may have protective effects on certain areas of the brain.

The study was published in the journal BMC Medicine.

 

Chinese Meditation helps to avoid tobacco by prevent 60%

Smokers can cut down on their tobacco use by using a type of meditation

Smokers can cut down on their tobacco use by using a type of meditation developed in China, a new study suggests.

The Texas Tech University and the University of Oregon study, which looked at the effect of the mindfulness meditation known as Integrative Body-Mind Training (IBMT) on the pathways in the brain related to addiction and self-control, discovered that by practicing the meditation exercise, smokers curtailed their habit by 60 percent.
The control group that received a relaxation regimen instead showed no reduction in their smoking.

“We found that participants who received IBMT training also experienced a significant decrease in their craving for cigarettes,” Yi-Yuan Tang, a co-author and director of Texas Tech`s Neuro imaging Institute, said.
“Because mindfulness meditation promotes personal control and has been shown to positively affect attention and openness to internal and external experiences, we believe that meditation may be helpful for coping with symptoms of addiction,” the researcher said.

IBMT, which involves whole-body relaxation, mental imagery and mindfulness training led by a qualified coach, has long been practiced in China.

It differs from other forms of meditation because it depends heavily on the inducement of a high degree of awareness and balance of the body, mind and environment.

The meditation state is facilitated through training and trainer-group dynamics, harmony and resonance.

Tang has studied the meditation practice for its potential impacts on a variety of stresses and related changes in the brain, including function and structure.

The findings are published in the Early Edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Source: http://zeenews.india.com/ayurveda/chinese-meditation-helps-cut-tobacco-intake-by-60_1417.html

Top six health benefits of Raspberry

several health benefits of raspberry

The vibrant red-coloured, exquisite and delicate raspberry is a powerhouse of innumerable health benefits. The fruit which is a rich source of nutrients, minerals and vitamins, when included in your daily diet can help lower risk of cancer, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and even enhance fertility.
Here is a look at the many health benefits of the exotic berries:

Helps lose weight: Raspberries are low in fat and calories and high in fiber content, which makes them an excellent fruit to be included in your diet plan. The low-energy-density food helps provide larger portions for fewer calories. Raspberries make you feel fuller for long as high-fiber foods take more time to get digested. The insoluble fiber helps keep the body regular and the soluble fiber is known to lower blood cholesterol, which also promotes weight loss.

Reduces cancer risk: Raspberries contain about 10 times more antioxidants than tomatoes. The high levels of antioxidants in raspberries make it a great cancer fighting fruit, as antioxidants help protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Raspberries also contain ellagic acid that is said to be an anti-carcinogenic compound.

Maintains cardiovascular health: The potassium content in the berries help maintain the heart beat and blood pressure. Raspberries also contain good amount of other minerals like, manganese, copper and iron. Copper is essential for production of red blood cells and iron and folate helps reduce anemia risk.

Enhances fertility: According to a latest research eating raspberries can even help enhance fertility in both men and women. The high levels of Vitamin C and magnesium are very much essential for male and female fertility. The antioxidants help protect sperm, promote conception and reduce the risk of miscarriage.

Slows ageing process: The antioxidants in raspberries slow the ageing process by neutralising free radicals in the body. Anthocyanins, the flavonoids that give red raspberries their colour, can also help your skin glow. They also stimulate collagen production thus giving you a beautiful complexion. Anthocyanins also helps fight against fungi and bacteria.

Helps fight depression and other mood disorders: The fruit is a rich source of Vitamin B and folic acid. A handful of raspberries can give your mood an instant lift.

The nutrient dense fruit also helps improve vision, eases inflammation of stomach and aids digestion.

Source: http://zeenews.india.com/news/health/healthy-eating/top-six-health-benefits-of-raspberry_23593.html

Diabetes: 5 healthy lifestyle tips that can save you

following simple healthy lifestyle habits, one can easily stay away from the fangs of the killer Diabetes

The emergence of diabetes is turning out to be debilitating day-by-day. It has become a common disease these days just like any other whacky flu or cough and cold. The disease is mainly a result of modern erratic lifestyle, lack of physical activity, obesity, stress and consumption of junk and fast foods.

According to the World Health Organization, there are about 346 million people worldwide with diabetes, with more than 80% of deaths occurring in developing countries. India has nearly 63 million diabetic patients, with the situation becoming grimmer mainly because of the sedentary lifestyle prevailing across key metros and big cities aggravating the situation. Studies show that a major chunk of Indian population suffers from Type 2 diabetes which is closely associated with obesity and consuming junk and fatty foods.

In order to put a check on diabetes in India, the Government of India has initiated a National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) in 100 selected districts in 21 States. This effort, however, is yet to show any major changes in the spread of the disease in the country.

But don’t worry, as by following simple healthy lifestyle habits, one can easily stay away from the fangs of the killer Diabetes.

–Be physically active: Yes, exercise is the key to say no to diabetes. It not just helps reduce weight, but also regulates blood sugar levels. Half-hour of exercise whether aerobic exercise, or activities like dancing, playing tennis, brisk walking etc. reduces risk of Type 2 diabetes by 30%. Also, while one is in office, a fifteen minute walk after each meal helps in regulating blood sugar levels thereby reducing the risk of developing the disease.

– Healthy diet: Consuming a healthy diet is a must to keep diabetes at bay. Eating foods that are rich in fibre helps to naturally balance sugar levels in the body. Avoid the habit of overeating and instead divide your meals into 5-6 including snacks, juices etc. to stay healthy. Also, don’t do emotional eating as it leads to weight gain and eventually diabetes. Junk food is a strict no-no as they are a major reason of obesity and diabetes.

–Take proper sleep: Sleeping for at least 7-8 hours in a day is a must as proper sleep will make one feel energetic, put a check on cravings for high-calorie food and hence save one from being a victim of obesity and eventually diabetes.

–Manage stress: Stress is the major reason of why people fall prey to diabetes. Stress can actually play havoc on one’s health. As a result, the stressed out person tends to resort to unhealthy food habits like eating junk food, eating after long gaps, emotional eating etc. Also one might start smoking, consuming alcohol etc. Besides that, stress hormones may alter blood glucose levels directly increasing the risk of the diabetes. So it is important to keep a check on one’s stress levels by adapting to yoga, meditation, exercising, listening music or anything that makes you happy and stress free.

–Regular check-ups: It is highly recommended for people above 45 years of age to go for blood glucose screening. But if you have known risk factors (like high blood pressure or obesity), discuss them with your doctor.

Source: http://zeenews.india.com/news/health/diseases/diabetes-5-healthy-lifestyle-tips-that-can-save-you_23621.html

 

Overuse of painkillers leads to more headaches

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Overuse of painkillers leads to more headaches

Health experts have warned that taking too many painkillers and other treatments for migraine attacks can lead to more headaches.

According to Professor Gillian Leng , from medicines watchdog the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), headaches and migraine can have a very significant, negative impact on sufferers, therefore people should understand that different headaches require different treatments, the Daily Express reported.

Leng said that overusing some types of medication for treating tension-type headaches or migraines can actually make things worse, thus causing further pain.

Meanwhile, a consultant neurologist said that the effective management of headaches, which depends on making a correct diagnosis and agreeing on an appropriate treatment plan, should be taken into consideration.

Source: http://zeenews.india.com/news/health/health-news/overuse-of-painkillers-leads-to-more-headaches_23611.html

Milk samples fail to conform to standards

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Azad said penal action is taken against offenders in case the samples are found to be not conforming to the provisions of the food safety act.

More than 68 percent of milk samples tested across the country by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) failed to conform to recommended standards, parliament has been informed.
The FSSAI conducted a national survey to ascertain the quality of milk throughout the country, in which 68.4 percent samples were found to be non-conforming to food safety and standards regulations, 2011, Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said Tuesday in reply to a written question in the Rajya Sabha.

The FSSAI is the nodal agency which regulates manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food items.
The implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, rests with state governments.

Random samples of food items, including milk, are taken by the state food safety officers and sent to the designated laboratories for analysis.

Azad said penal action is taken against offenders in case the samples are found to be not conforming to the provisions of the food safety act.

The 12th five year plan has made an outlay of Rs.1, 500 crore to strengthen the food regulatory system at the state level.

Source: http://zeenews.india.com/news/health/health-news/milk-samples-fail-to-conform-to-standards_23614.html

Why some obese people don’t get metabolic diseases

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Why some obese people don’t get metabolic diseases

A new research has revealed that reduced levels of inflammation may explain how some obese people are able to remain metabolically healthy.

Some people, who are obese, do not develop high blood pressure and unfavorable cholesterol profiles – factors that increase the risk of metabolic diseases. This phenomenon is described as metabolically healthy obesity.

In the study by Catherine Phillips, BSc, PhD, of University College Cork in Ireland, researchers found that metabolically healthy people – both obese and non-obese – had lower levels of a range of inflammatory markers.

“Regardless of their body mass index, people with favorable inflammatory profiles also tended to have healthy metabolic profiles,” Phillips said.

The cross-sectional study was conducted between 2010 and 2011 at a large primary care center in Mitchelstown, County Cork, Ireland. Researchers analyzed data from 2,040 participants in the Cork and Kerry Diabetes and Heart Disease Study (Phase II).

Participants, who were between the ages of 50 and 69, completed lifestyle questionnaires, physical and clinical assessments, and underwent blood testing so their body mass index (BMI), metabolic profiles and inflammatory markers could be determined.

Researchers found that people who were metabolically healthy had reduced counts of white blood cells and acute-phase response proteins, which proliferate when inflammation occurs. Metabolically healthy people also had higher levels of adiponectin, a hormone that has an anti-inflammatory effect, compared to their metabolically unhealthy counterparts. Researchers found this inflammatory profile in both obese and lean people who were metabolically healthy.

The study was published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.