The invaluable benefits of animal experimentation are evident with the many breakthroughs in science and medicine. But the issue may always be contentious, especially from the stand and activities of animal rights activists. On moral grounds, animal rights activists strongly … Continue reading
We hear the taunting all the time. The comments just roll off tongues – ” You maniac”, “You’re really mad you know”. They may seem like innocent and harmless words, but they carry a lot of weight, especially for the … Continue reading
Have you heard of the cuddle hormone oxytocin? It’s supposed to work wonders and put the dazzle back in troubled relationships. Some marriage counsellors say a good shot of oxytocin or the love drug can reconnect couples going through a … Continue reading
A rich source of high quality protein; packed with nutrients; relatively low in calories and easy to obtain. These are just a few positive reasons why eggs should be part of a healthy, balanced diet. Unfortunately, when it comes to cholesterol, eggs often get bad press.
High blood cholesterol levels contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality. It is now known that saturated fats play a major role in blood cholesterol levels. And cholesterol containing foods such as eggs and prawns have little overall effect.
So rather, if you want to lower your cholesterol levels, cut back on foods containing saturated fats such as fatty meats, sausages, pastries, cakes, butter and the like.
Many of us are vitamin D deficient, which is important for healthy bones and teeth. Even though our bodies produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, eggs are one of the few foods rich in this vitamin. Eggs are also a good source of B vitamins. These are needed for forming red blood cells, maintaining the nervous system and for general growth. Lack of this, can lead to anaemia. Vitamin B helps the body absorb iron and is important for healthy skin, nails and hair.
The detailed study of eggs shows they are brain food, aiding brain development and function. Importantly, it boosts the brain development of the unborn child and helps prevent birth defects. Lastly, egg yolks contain chemicals which reduce the risk of loss of sight. So go ahead and include eggs in your diet. They contain all the essential amino acids and help you feel full for longer than other foods. Not only are they low in calories, but most of the fats in eggs are the healthier mono-saturated kinds.
Got a sweet tooth? Are you unable to resist almost any and every sweet thing? Take a moment to digest this. A warning finger is being wagged about drinking too many sugary beverages. A research into this says it increases the risk of high blood pressure.
The study suggests that blood pressure goes up significantly for every extra can of sugary drink consumed on a daily basis. The balance is upset by drinking more than 350ml of sugar-sweetened fruit juice or carbonated drink daily. Even though the exact mechanism behind the link is not clear, scientists say too much sugar in the blood, disrupts the tone of blood vessels and salt levels in the body. The tilt however is strongly towards non-sugar sweetened diet drinks because they do not carry the same risk.
In this research, participants recorded what they had eaten in the preceding 24 hours on different occasions. They were then asked to give urine samples. Their blood pressure was also measured. It emerged that sugar intake was highest in those consuming more than one daily sugar-sweetened beverage. Also, individuals consuming more than one serving per day of sugar-sweetened drinks consumed more calories than those who didn’t consume sugary drinks. According to the researchers, the people who take a lot of sugar-sweetened beverages, appeared to also have less healthy diets and were more likely to be overweight.
But irrespective of this, the link with blood pressure was still significant even after adjusting factors of weight and height. So, you just might want to take it easy on those tempting sugary drinks. Don’t let your sweet tooth get the better of you…
Do you know that if you don’t believe a drug’s efficacy, it actually won’t work? And here’s why. Researchers say pessimism has a role to play in whether you get better or not when you’re on medication. They say it … Continue reading
A research team from the US says it might not be necessary to treat mild asthma every day. A part of many asthma sufferers daily routine is the use of a “preventer” inhaler. But the researchers say without the daily … Continue reading
We are teased with all sorts of finger-licking meals in every high street and it’s so hard to resist. Then we give in to temptation and give it a try. When we are reminded about the mounds of saturated fat … Continue reading
If like me the thought of going for a routine medical check-up or seeing a dentist causes you discomfort, just read this. It’s worse when you fall sick and definitely need an injection. Many times we’ve postponed the inevitable. But we’re assured there’s nothing to worry about. Some have been able to get over the phobia over the years with a lot of effort. We’re told by the nurse or lab technician, ” it’s only a tiny shot, you won’t feel any pain “. Others tell us to shut our eyes or think of something pleasant. All this to dull the pain from the injection. Well here’s another trick worth trying.
Researchers say rather than look away, fix a steady gaze on your body. This is supposed to lessen the pain. In a trial by University College London and the University of Milan-Bicocca volunteers were deliberately subjected to painful heat applied to their hands with probes. According to the scientists, the pain was lessened because they could see their bodies. The volunteers were able to bear the temperatures of up to 3C higher than they normally would. And this, scientists say, was because they were looking at their bodies as opposed to looking away.
So, next time you’re going for an injection, you just may try looking at your body to numb the pain.
Just 3 days to go for the national breast cancer awareness month to end… Here’s some good news : a groundbreaking new research for women who are concerned about their breasts.
A professor from the University of Manchester has come up with a portable scanner that identifies the presence of a breast cancer tumor instantly. Now having to wait on end for medical results can be nail-biting, but this device surely brings in results quickly. It will enable women to seek treatment early and have a more fulfilling life.
Read more about it from the BMJ….
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