World Autism Awareness Day: Caring for a child with ASD

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the normal brain’s function. The condition makes a person hard to communicate with and relate to other people.

The disease is part of the autism spectrum and therefore is sometimes referred to as an autism spectrum disorder, or an ASD. It is believed that symptoms occur in the first two years of an individual’s life and the condition remains with the person for his/her whole life.

The disease affects children of all races, both boys and girls in all geographic regions, and is on the rise. In India, it is said that about 10 million people have been affected with autism.

In order to create awareness about the disease, World Autism Awareness Day is observed on 2 April every year since 2008. Since then, the Autism Day has been celebrated with specific fundraising and awareness-raising events every year.

Causes

It is not known what causes autism, however, many researchers believe genetics is 90% responsible of the risk of a child getting autism. Some cases are linked to chemical exposure during pregnancy.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include – impairments in social interaction, impairments in communication, restricted interests and repetitive behaviour. Symptoms and severity may also differ for each child in each of the affected areas.

Also, parents often observe that their child with autism avoids eye contact with others and prefers to play alone. It is found that majority of the children with autism have below-normal intelligence, and teenagers with the condition often suffer from depression and anxiety.

Also, some of the autistic kids develop seizure disorder like epilepsy as they enter their teens. Parents should seek timely medical help if their child develops symptoms similar to ASD. While the symptoms related to autism can also be linked with other developmental disorder, early treatment can make a big difference.

Coping and support

  • For parents, caring for a child with autism can be physically, emotionally challenging.
  • But, it is important for parents to learn about the disorder as this will help them better understand their child.
  • Talking to other families of children with ASD may provide useful tips and advice in caring for an autistic kid.
  • Also, apart for medical care, parents should keep themselves updated with latest technologies and therapies.

Prevention

Autism cannot be cured, but it can be treated and children can improve their language and social skills.

Since some cases are linked to chemical exposure during pregnancy, it is recommended to avoid alcoholic beverages, drugs during pregnancy. Also, getting immunized against German measles (rubella) prior to pregnancy can prevent rubella-associated autism.

Source: Zee news

Natural Ways to Clean Your Lungs

Everyone knows smokers are at a much higher risk of getting cancer, lung disease, and emphysema; which is why pretty much everyone tells you not to smoke cigarettes. However, they’ re extremely addicting and some people just cannot stop. If you’re one of those people that can’t put down the cig, at least try to reduce your risks!

ways to clear lungs naturally

There are several things that can help clear and expand your airways! However, these will not fully clear your lungs of all the crap you’ve ingested from cigarettes, but they will help rid your lungs of a majority of toxins, greatly reducing your risk for disease!

Corn
Corn contains beta-cryptoxanthin, which is a strong antioxidant that will help protect the lungs. Keep in mind, most packaged corn you find will be genetically modified, so try to find organic!

Selenium

Selenium is also a powerful antioxidant which can be found in various types of fish, such as:.

  • Tuna
    Cod
    Salmon

It can also be found in things like lamb, eggs, and cereal. We would recomend avoiding meat
however!

Garlic
Garlic has several anticancer properties! A study completed the Washington University found
that garlic is 100x stronger than the best pharmaceutical antibiotics on the market!

Ginger
Ginger is an extremely useful tool for clearing your body of toxins! You can drink it as a tea,
or use it to add flavor to any of your meals! Check out this guide to using ginger as a detox!

Oranges
Oranges are an amazing source of vitamins. Plus they contain cryptoxanthin, which been found to
be quite effective against lung cancer.

Nettle
This herb is loaded with iron and is a useful disinfectant and great at fighting infection.

Pine needle tea
This tea has been traditionally used to disinfect the mouth and throat, but can also be a
helpful aid in lung health!

Source: higher perspective

Heart Attack Risk may rise if you continuously skip break fast

Skipping breakfast may increase chances of a heart attack. A study of older men found who continuously skipped breakfast had a 27 percent higher risk of a heart attack than those who have a morning meal. There’s no reason why the results wouldn’t apply to other people, too, the Harvard researchers said.

Other studies suggested a link between breakfast and obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and other health problems seen as symptoms to heart problems.

Why would skipping breakfast be a heart attack risk?

People who don’t take breakfast are hungrier later in the day and eat larger meals in the afternoon. This means the body gets a larger amount of calories in a shorter amount of time. By eating so the sugar levels in the blood will increase and perhaps clogged arteries.

But eating syrupy pancakes, eggs and bacon really better than eating nothing? “We don’t know whether it’s the timing or content of breakfast that’s important. It’s probably both,” said Andrew Odegaard, a University of Minnesota researcher who has studied a link between skipping breakfast and health problems like obesity and high blood pressure.

The new research was released Monday by the journal Circulation. It was an observational study, so it’s not designed to prove a cause and effect. But when done well, such studies can reveal important health risks.

The researchers surveyed nearly 27,000 men about their eating habits in 1992. About 13 percent of them said they regularly skipped breakfast. They all were educated health professionals — like dentists and veterinarians — and were at least 45.

Over the next 16 years, 1,527 suffered fatal or non-fatal heart attacks, including 171 who had said they regularly skipped breakfast.

In other words, over 7 percent of the men who skipped breakfast had heart attacks, compared to nearly 6 percent of those who ate breakfast.

The researchers calculated the increased risk at 27 percent, taking into account other factors like smoking, drinking, diet and health problems like high blood pressure and obesity.

18 percent of U.S. adults regularly skip breakfast, according to federal estimates. So the study could be important news for many, Rimm said.

“It’s a really simple message,” he said. “Breakfast is an important meal.”

Source: npr

20 Things You Should Throw Away for Better Health

When we talk about the steps you need to take to get healthier, they often involve buying new things: workout clothes, fitness equipment, ingredients for healthy recipes, and the list goes on. But becoming the healthiest version of yourself also means throwing away the stuff that’s holding you back—and we don’t only mean junk food. Get your recycling or garbage can ready!

20 Things You Should Throw Away for Better Health

Old plastic containers
Go through your collection of food-storage containers and toss anything made of clear, rigid plastic, and stamped with a 7 or “pc” (stands for polycarbonate). “These are the types of containers that may contain BPA,” says Sonya Lunder, MPH, a senior analyst at the Environmental Working Group, who also advises tossing warped or cracked containers. While manufacturers have take BPA out of many of the newer polycarbonate containers, old ones still probably have it. And multiple trips through the dishwasher can up leeching of the chemical. Lunder also cautions against heating any type of plastic in the microwave because of chemical-leeching concerns. “Glass is safer in general,” she says.

Air fresheners
Though some companies have recently announced they’re phasing out phthalates, which are used to help fragrance linger longer, many air fresheners (solids, sprays, and plug-ins) still contain this type of chemical, which in large doses may have harmful effects on reproduction or development. “These products are simply chemical perfumes that you put in the air,” says Lunder, who argues that it’s much healthier to take care of the root cause of a smell than mask it with chemicals.

Antibacterial soap
Antibacterial soap is no more effective at killing bacteria than the regular stuff—and they may not be safe, according to a 2014 FDA report. Triclosan, the active ingredient in antibacterial cleansers, has been shown to alter hormone regulation in animals, and there’s also concern that the chemical may contribute to antibiotic resistance.

When we talk about the steps you need to take to get healthier, they often involve buying new things: workout clothes, fitness equipment, ingredients for healthy recipes, and the list goes on. But becoming the healthiest version of yourself also means throwing away the stuff that’s holding you back—and we don’t only mean junk food. Get your recycling or garbage can ready!

When we talk about the steps you need to take to get healthier, they often involve buying new things: workout clothes, fitness equipment, ingredients for healthy recipes, and the list goes on. But becoming the healthiest version of yourself also means throwing away the stuff that’s holding you back—and we don’t only mean junk food. Get your recycling or garbage can ready!

Old plastic containers
Go through your collection of food-storage containers and toss anything made of clear, rigid plastic, and stamped with a 7 or “pc” (stands for polycarbonate). “These are the types of containers that may contain BPA,” says Sonya Lunder, MPH, a senior analyst at the Environmental Working Group, who also advises tossing warped or cracked containers. While manufacturers have take BPA out of many of the newer polycarbonate containers, old ones still probably have it. And multiple trips through the dishwasher can up leeching of the chemical. Lunder also cautions against heating any type of plastic in the microwave because of chemical-leeching concerns. “Glass is safer in general,” she says.

Air fresheners
Though some companies have recently announced they’re phasing out phthalates, which are used to help fragrance linger longer, many air fresheners (solids, sprays, and plug-ins) still contain this type of chemical, which in large doses may have harmful effects on reproduction or development. “These products are simply chemical perfumes that you put in the air,” says Lunder, who argues that it’s much healthier to take care of the root cause of a smell than mask it with chemicals.

Antibacterial soap
Antibacterial soap is no more effective at killing bacteria than the regular stuff—and they may not be safe, according to a 2014 FDA report. Triclosan, the active ingredient in antibacterial cleansers, has been shown to alter hormone regulation in animals, and there’s also concern that the chemical may contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Your stash of diet soda
If you haven’t already, you may want to reconsider your diet soda habit—especially if you’re trying to lose weight. A much-buzzed-about study published in the journal Nature found that non-caloric sweetenerssuch as saccharin (Sweet-n-Low), sucralose (Splenda), and aspartame (Equal) may mess with the gut bacteria that play a key role in healthy metabolism. Researchers found a link between these sweeteners, altered gut microbes, glucose intolerance and metabolic syndrome (both precursors to Type 2 diabetes) in mice and humans.

Worn-out running shoes
Most running shoes should be replaced every 300 to 400 miles, says Jason Karp, MD, exercise physiologist and author of Running for Women. For a runner who logs 30 miles a week, that’s about every three months. When shoes wear down, they lose their cushioning and are less capable of absorbing the impact of your foot landing with each step, so more force is transmitted to muscles, bones, and tendons, putting you at risk for injuries, he explains. If you’re not a runner, replace them about every six months, or as soon as you notice that the tread is looking worn out.

Frayed toothbrush
If you’re brushing in the morning and the evening like you’re supposed to, then your toothbrush bristles are probably becoming frayed and worn faster than you realize. “In my experience, bristles start to fray after about two months of use, so I recommend my patients replace their brushes every three months,” says American Dental Association spokesperson Ruchi Sahota, who is a practicing dentist in California. Worn-out brushes are less effective at cleaning teeth and fighting off decay.

Clutter
“In the end, we are what we think about, and what we think about is heavily influenced by what we keep around us,” says motivational speaker and life coach Gail Blanke, author of Throw Out Fifty Things. She calls the things that neither serve a specific purpose nor exist to make you feel good “life plaque”: “The more life plaque we pile around ourselves, the less we can focus on what we really care about,” she explains. Not sure where to start? Toss things that annoy you every time you see them, like socks that have lost their match, or your overflowing kitchen junk drawer. No matter what you decide to throw out (or donate), your goal is to whittle the physical objects down to only items that help you feel energized and accomplish your goals.

Clothes you don’t wear anymore
Take a peek in your closet. How many items have you not worn within the last year? Many people who’ve lost weight keep the bigger sizes around in case they regain it, while others hold onto the size 2 jeans they wore in high school, thinking maybe if they diet they’ll fit again. In either case, seeing these items every day can bring on anxiety. That’s not how anyone wants to feel when getting ready.

Leftovers lingering in the fridge
When it comes to highly perishable food that contains animal ingredients, the rule of thumb is to eat, toss, or freeze after three days, says Michael P. Doyle, PhD, director of the Center for Food Safety at the University of Georgia. “Listeria is linked to scary things like meningitis, miscarriages, and even death,” he says. “It can grow to millions at refrigerator temperatures in under a week.”

Old mascara
Liquid makeup, including mascara, can harbor a lot of germs, says Thomas Steinemann, MD, an American Academy of Ophthalmology spokesperson who practices in Ohio. That’s why he recommends throwing tubes away two to three months after opening. “Each time you use mascara, you are brushing it and any germs onto your lashes,” he says. “You’re also contaminating the brush with even more bacteria present on your skin or eyelashes, then plunging it into a moist room-temperature environment, which encourages bacterial growth.” One of the primary functions of eyelashes is to keep debris and germs from entering your eye, so it’s important to keep the makeup you put on them as germ-free as possible, he adds.

Dirty contact lens case
“Using a dirty lens case is one of the primary risk factors for getting eye infections,” says Dr. Steinemann, who recommends replacing you lens case at least every three months, as well as cleaning, air-drying facedown, and using fresh solution daily. “Even if you care for your lens case fastidiously, a grimy biofilm builds up on the surface that’s a magnet for dirt and germs,” he explains. “If you don’t change it out for a new one, you’re putting yourself at risk for a potentially serious eye infection like a corneal ulcer that can become infected and—even when healed—result in a scar that could affect your vision,” he adds. Don’t mess with your eyes, people!

Stale spices
Spices that have been hanging out in your cabinets for years probably won’t make you sick—but they won’t add any flavor to your food, which is key when you’re trying to cook healthy meals that don’t go overboard on fat or calories. Fresh spices can mean the difference between bland meals that makes you consider giving up on your goals and ordering delivery, and amazingly flavorful food that’s good for you and satisfying.

Old sunscreen
When it comes to sunscreen, the expiration date really does matter, says Beth Lange, PhD, chief scientist at the Personal Care Products Council. The chemicals that block the sun break down over time, so no matter how much you slather on, it’s not going to protect your skin from aging or cancer risk.

Old lip gloss
Anything that’s used around your mouth collects a lot of bacteria quickly, and the longer the bacteria sits in a moist tube, the more it grows. This increases your chance of infection if it gets into a cut or crack on the delicate skin of your lips. For this reason, experts recommend that you throw out lip gloss or other lip makeup no more than six months after you open it and begin using it, or by the expiration date, whichever is sooner.

Musty, clogged air filters
If you have an air purifier at home, you get a gold star. “HEPA filtered air cleaning devices—the most efficient kind—are important because according to the EPA, indoor air quality is 25 to 100 times worse than outdoors,” says Philip Tierno, PhD, a microbiologist with New York University. In fact, the average 1,500 square foot house can accumulate 40 pounds of dust (40,000 dust mites per ounce). “One in five Americans suffer from allergies or asthma, which can be exacerbated by dust, mold, and bacteria in the air so a good filter system goes a long way,” he adds. Just don’t forget to replace the filter every so often or you could actually be growing mold and bacteria, and blowing contaminants back into your air. How often depends on what kind you have, so check with your manufacturer and use common sense. One telltale sign it needs to be tossed is a musty smell.

Your kitchen sponge
Studies show the kitchen sponge is the germiest thing in the average American household, says Tierno. While some experts recommend microwaving sponges daily to zap bacteria, Doyle recommends skipping them completely: “When you use a sponge to clean meat juices, which can contain harmful microbes like salmonella, and it stays moist at room temperature, they grow quickly and studies show even the dishwasher doesn’t kill them.” He advises using a washcloth to clean dishes instead, grabbing a clean one every few days, and throwing the dirty ones in with your laundry. “Because it’s thinner, a washcloth dries quicker than a sponge between washes, which helps significantly slow bacterial growth,” he explains.

Plastic cutting boards
Slicing and dicing on plastic cutting boards scores the surface (those lines you begin seeing after the first few times you use one). Once bacteria get into these tiny grooves and begin to grow, they can be very difficult to get rid of, says Doyle. He recommends switching to wooden cutting boards because wood contains resins that are naturally antimicrobial. Translation: when you score a wooden cutting board and bacteria seeps in, it dies instead of thrives.

Smart devices
You don’t need to toss your iPhone or Android out completely (phew!), but you should definitely unplug from time to time. Mounting research indicates that information overload—what happens when you use smart devices constantly—is linked to depression and anxiety. Recent studies suggest that this is particularly true for people who are overly attached to their smartphones and tablets, and for those who use multiple devices at once (which experts call media multitasking). Power down and stow your devices in a drawer at least a few times per week to give your brain a break‚ ideally on a set schedule (for example, weekdays after 9 p.m. or weekend mornings before noon).

Your chair
Global studies show that the average person sits 7.7 hours a day, and some estimate people sit up to 15 hours a day, says Robert Emery, professor of occupational health at the University of Texas School of Public Health. Excessive sitting impacts the body’s metabolic system, and can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and depression. But it’s not as simple as putting in more time at the gym, which may not even reverse “sitting disease,” adds Emery. The American Medical Association recommends switching to a standing desk for work as an excellent way to combat the health issues associated with too much sitting

 Source: Health.com

World Cancer Day: Foods That Prevent Cancer

World Cancer Day’ is celebrated annually on 4th of February to deepen our understanding of this killer disease. There has been enough research to validate that food acts as the most promising ammunition to fight the battle against cancer.

world-cancer-day_4213

1) What is the most common cause of cancer?

Cancer is the abnormal growth of cells. There are around 100 types of cancer. The most common types of cancer are – Men: Lung, esophagus, stomach, oral and pharyngeal cancers. Women: Cervix and breast cancers.

Cancer has many possible causes, the prominent ones being –

Genetics: Certain cancers run in families. For example, certain mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes greatly increase a person’s risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.

Smoking: Cigarette smoking accounts for around 30% of all cancer deaths. It is linked with increased risk of these cancers – lungs, larynx, oral cavity, nose and sinuses, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, cervix, kidney, bladder, ovary, colon, rectum and acute myeloid leukemia. Chewing of tobacco, a carcinogen, is linked to dental caries, gingivitis, oral leukoplakia, and oral cancer.

Diet and Lifestyle: Research shows that a poor diet and not having an active lifestyle are the key factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing cancer.

Three things to keep in mind in order to stay cancer free:

  • – Get to and stay at a healthy weight throughout your life.
  • – Be physically active on a regular basis.
  • – Make healthy food choices with a focus on plant-based foods.

2) What are the foods that up the risk of developing cancer?

Some cancers like that of the stomach have a more direct relationship with food. Foods which should be consumed in moderation to avoid the incidence of cancer are –

  • Processed meats such as bacon, sausages, lunch meats and hot dogs.
  • Choose fish, poultry, or beans instead of red meat (beef, pork, and lamb).
  • If you eat red meat, choose lean cuts and eat smaller portions.
  • Prepare meat, poultry, and fish by baking, broiling, or poaching rather than by frying or charbroiling.

3) What are the preventive foods that guard against cancer?

In accordance with the most common types of cancers that our country suffers from, the following foods can help:

Oral Cancer: A diet rich in green and yellow vegetables and proper oral hygiene has been shown to offer protection against oral cancer.

Breast Cancer: Reduction of high calorie foods, increased intake of fruits and vegetables and regular physical activity is preventive.

Lung Cancer: Avoid tobacco and stay free from environmental pollutants. Increase intake of vegetables, fruits and beta carotene.

Stomach Cancer:Diets high in fruits and vegetables particularly raw vegetables, citrus fruits, and possibly allium vegetables (onions, leeks, garlic etc.), foods with high levels of carotenoid, high vitamin C intake and consumption of green tea helps prevent stomach cancers.

4) What foods help in healing cancer and how?

Good nutrition is a key to good health. Foods which are rich in Vitamin C, Beta-carotene and Lycopene are known to protect DNA from damages. Research proves that these foods help in healing cancer –

Apple: Apple contains quercetin, epicatechin, anthocyanins and triterpenoids which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to lower the risk of cancer specifically Colorectal cancers. The apple peel is the most nutritious as the majority of Quercetin (80%) is found in it. Other cancers in which apples are known to heal are lungs, breast and stomach.

Blueberries :Blueberries have great antioxidant power, due to the presence of many phytochemicals and flavonoids like Anthocyanins, Ellagic acid and Urolithin. These are known to decrease free radical damage to DNA that leads to cancer. They also decrease the growth and stimulate self-destruction of mouth, breast, colon and prostate cancer cells.

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Green Cabbage, Cauliflower, White Turnip, Kale, Green Collard: The Glucosinolates is converted into isothiocyanates and indoles on consumption, which decreases inflammation, one of the risk factors of cancer. Beta-carotene promotes cell communication that helps control abnormal cell growth.

Cherries: Both sweet and tart cherries are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. The dark red color comes from anthocyanins, which are antioxidants.

Cranberries: They are high on dietary fiber and vitamin C. They’re very high in antioxidant power, most of which comes from phytochemicals like anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins and flavonols, ursolic acid, benzoic acid and hydroxycinnamic acid. Proanthocyanidins and ursolic acid decrease growth and increase self-destruction of several types of cancer in cell studies.

Grapefruit: An 18th century hybrid of the pummelo and sweet orange. It is grown mainly in the Americas. Its name derives from the fruit’s appearance as it grows: grape-like clusters on trees. Grapefruit contains these naringenin and other flavonoids like limonin and other limonoids, beta-carotene and lycopene (pink and red varieties). Foods containing lycopene lower the risk of prostate cancer.

Green Tea: Since ancient times, tea has been used as both beverage and medicine. Both black and green teas contain numerous active ingredients, including polyphenols and flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants. One class of flavonoids called catechins has recently become the focus of widespread study for their anti-cancer potential. Tea is the best source of catechins in the human diet, and green tea contains about three times the quantity of catechins found in black tea. In laboratory studies, green tea has been shown to slow or completely prevent cancer development in colon, liver, breast and prostate cells. Other studies involving green tea have shown similar protective effects in tissues of the lung, skin and digestive tract.

Winter Squash/Pumpkins: They contain Alpha and Beta carotene which is converted to Vitamin A inside the body. The yellow pigmented lutein, zeaxanthin helps to filter high energy ultra violet rays that can damage our eye’s lens and retina. Lab studies suggest that dietary intake decreases the chances of skin cancer related to exposure from sun.

Walnuts: The major actives found in walnut are – Elligtannins, Gamma-tocopherol, Alpha-linolenic acid, phytosterols and Melatonin. Laboratory studies show that consuming walnuts helps in breast cancer, colon tumor and prostate cancer. The studies also show decreased damage to DNA by regular consumption of walnut.

Source: NDTV

Top 10 reasons to eat radish or mooli

Radishes, popularly known as mooli in India, might not top the list of your favourite vegetables but when it comes to nutrition and health benefits they definitely secure a top rank among all other vegetables. Eat them raw or add them to your healthy vegetable recipe, these nutrition-loaded root vegetables have numerous benefits to offer. Here are top 10 benefits you’ll be surprised to know.

1# Lowers cancer risk: Radish contains phytochemicals and anthocyanins that have anti-carcinogenic properties. Additionally, they have vitamin C that acts as a powerful antioxidant to prevent free radical damage to the DNA inside the cells, thus helping cancer prevention. A study published by Plants Foods for Human Nutrition offers strong evidence that radish root extract induces cell death by triggering the apoptotic pathways due to the presence of several isothiocyanates (ITCs).

2# Regulates blood pressure: Radish has anti-hypertensive properties that help regulate control high blood pressure. Radish is rich in potassium that helps maintain the sodium-potassium balance in the body, keeping blood pressure under control. A study published in Nutrition Research and Practice found that radish leaves’ lowered blood pressure extract participants having hypertension from 214 mmHg to 166 mmHg and was significantly lower than that of the normotensive and hypertensive controls.

3# Good for diabetics: Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas is responsible in the absorption of glucose. Diabetics are either unable to absorb the insulin their body produces or unable to produce insulin at all. Because of this, they cannot eat sugary or starchy foods. High in fibre, and with a low glycemic index, diabetics can enjoy radish as it doesn’t cause blood sugar levels to rise.

4# Beats cold and cough: If you’re prone to constant cough and cold, it might be a good idea to include radish in your diet. The vegetable has anti-congestive properties which helps in clearing the mucus formed in your throat. Additionally, radish also improves your immunity which keeps infections that lead to cold and cough at bay! Here are 7 things you should avoid while suffering from cough.

5# Helps you recover from jaundice: Radish is powerful when it comes to eliminating toxins. This helps keep your liver and stomach in mint condition. What makes radish effective in controlling jaundice is that it helps regulate the amount of bilirubin in the blood and increases the oxygen supply within the body. This helps keep a check on the destruction of red blood cells caused by jaundice.

6# Fights constipation: Most people will have battled constipation in their life and it is definitely not a pleasant condition to be in. Radish has a high fibre content which helps clear the food stuck in your colon. Additionally, it helps facilitate the secretion of digestive juices and bile which again is good for your digestive system. Also try these home remedies to relieve constipation.

7# Helps with weight loss: Radish is extremely low in calories, and the fibre content in it promotes satiety. A single 100g serving of raw radish contains just 16 calories, radish can be a part of any weight loss diet.

8# Good for asthma patients: Radish has anti congestive properties that make them extremely beneficial for asthmatic patients. It also fights allergies of the respiratory system and protects the respiratory linings against infections.

9# Keeps you looking younger: Containing vitamin C and antioxidants, radish can be eaten to prevent your skin from free-radical damage. You can even apply crushed, raw radish on your skin as it has cleansing properties.

10# Keeps the kidneys healthy: The natural diurectic property of radishes makes them extremely good for improving kidney health. They help elimination of toxins from the body, acting as a natural cleanser.

All these properties make radish a must-buy next time you go grocery shopping.

Woman Gives Birth An Hour After Learning She’s Pregnant

Katherine Kropas had no idea she was pregnant with a 10-pound baby until an hour before she gave birth.

Kropas, 23, started her day off Tuesday with intense back pain, but at first, doctors couldn’t find anything wrong with her. Then, they did an ultrasound.

“They took one look, and they rushed me off into labor,” she told ABC’s Boston station WCVB. “I found out that I was having a baby at 10:15. She was born at 11:06 p.m.”

She gave birth to a baby girl, Ellie, who weighed 10 pounds and 2 ounces. Kropas told WCVB she felt that she’d put on some weight, but figured maybe it was just typical holiday weight gain.

Ellie’s grandmother, Karen Kropas, told WCVB she’s heard of this happening, but never thought she would see it firsthand.

“You laugh and you say that’s ridiculous,” she told the station. “And then it happens to you, and you’re like, ‘This really does happen.'”

South Shore Hospital in Massachusetts told WCVB that it happens about once or twice a year there. In a Berlin study of 29,462 births published in the British Medical Journal in 2002, researchers determined that a one in 475 women did not realize they were pregnant until about 20 weeks gestation and one in 2,455 didn’t realize it until they went into labor.

Dr. Jennifer Ashton, a senior medical contributor for ABC News and practicing OB/GYN, said she’s seen cases like Kropas’s in her career.

“It tends to happen in women who are overweight or obese to start, may have irregular periods and are less aware of their bodies,” Ashton said. “For most women who have been pregnant, they are aware of multiple physical signs and symptoms, and those signs and symptoms are not subtle.”

She said though this case is incredible, it’s far from desirable.

“It represents a missed opportunity for prenatal care for the baby, which is definitely not ideal,” she said.

Source: abc news

Greater whole grains intake linked with lower mortality

A new research has demonstrated that eating more whole grains seems to be linked with reduced mortality, especially deaths due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), but not cancer deaths.

Hongyu Wu, Ph.D., of the Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, and coauthors examined the association between eating whole grains and the risk of death using data from two large studies: 74,341 women from the Nurses’ Health Study (1984-2010) and 43,744 men from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (1986-2010). All the participants were free of cancer and CVD when the studies began.

The authors documented 26,920 deaths. After the data were adjusted for potential confounding factors including age, smoking and body mass index, the study found that eating more whole grains was associated with lower total mortality and lower CVD mortality but not cancer deaths. The authors further estimated that every serving (28 grams/per day) of whole grains was associated with 5 percent lower total mortality or 9 percent lower CVD mortality.

The study concluded that these findings further support current dietary guidelines that recommend increasing whole grain consumption to facilitate primary and secondary prevention of chronic disease and also provide promising evidence that suggests a diet enriched with whole grains may confer benefits toward extended life expectancy.

The study is published online by JAMA Internal Medicine.

Source: zee news

Natural Beauty Tip — Fade stretch marks away with egg white

Stretch marks are those whitish-bluish lines on our skin which often are a result of sudden growth, weight loss or stretching of the skin. Most people have stretch marks on their body, especially around the buttocks, arms and thigh area. After pregnancy, many women also have these marks around their belly region. Though you cannot completely do away with stretch marks, one way to lighten them is by applying egg white.

Egg white helps in fading away those ugly lines as it is rich in protein. Our skin too is made up of protein and when nourished with it, it goes back to its healthy state. Here’s how to use it.

  • Steps:
    Get the white of two eggs (you can take more depending on the areas you wish to apply it on).
    Whip them properly to get a thick paste.
    Now apply it on the stretch marks, make sure it is a thick layer.
    Leave it to dry.
    Later, wash the area with lukewarm water.
    You need to keep the area well-moisturised, so apply olive oil or a good moisturiser.
    Use this paste once a week to see visible results.

Remember, your skin takes time to heal, so do not discontinue it after a week or two. You will start seeing results within a month for sure. If you are not too fond of using egg whites, here are some more home remedies to fade them away. You may also like to read a few myths about stretch marks and these cosmetic options to treat them.

Source: The health site

Winter hair care: Natural oils and remedies to reduce hairfall problem

Do you often face one of those mornings where your bathe drain is blocked because of all the hair you’re shedding? It is true that losing hair is really heart breaking and the sight of seeing yourself going bald during your heydays is really a nightmare.

Hair fall is a common problem that people face these days. Now, hair loss can be due to various reasons. Our hectic schedules do not spare us ample time to maintain a beauty regime. Further, our unhealthy lifestyle and bad food habits add to the problem. Don’t worry much as we bring to you some herbal oils that you can use daily and weekly to reduce hair fall.

Olive oil: Rubbing hot olive oil into your scalp for at least one or two hours can help retain the moisture of your tresses as this will replenish hair roots and provide them intense nourishment

Almond oil: Almond oil is an essential source of vitamins D and E and acts as a natural moisturizer for your hair by preventing them from turning dry, dull and frizzy. Massaging your hair a night before hair wash can actually leave you with healthy, thick and strong hair.

Coconut oil: One can directly apply coconut oil to the roots of your hair by using your fingertips. It actually helps in repairing damaged hair and split ends. Applying warm coconut oil into scalp can effectively improve blood circulation and deliver essential oxygen to your hair.

Castor oil: Castor oil is the answer for almost all of your hair queries. Applying castor oil regularly into your scalp boosts blood circulation and provides necessary oxygen, thereby leading to hair growth. Also, it is a rich source of vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids that help retain hair moisture and prevent split ends and breakage.

Rosemary with coconut oil: Rosemary can stimulate hair growth. Rosemary herb extractions, when mixed with coconut oil and applied over the scalp, are known to stimulate hair-bulbs and help prevent premature baldness.

Aloe vera gel with coconut oil: Aloe vera contains antibacterial and antifungal properties which help a lot in keeping a check on dandruff. Mix some aloe vera gel in coconut oil and apply it into your scalp for around 30 minutes and later wash it off. It helps in blood circulation and also fights against alopecia.

Amla with coconut oil: Amla works as a hair tonic and is an essential ingredient for hair care. Applying a paste of amla powder mixed with some coconut oil does not just help in strengthening roots of hair but also enrich hair growth. It also prevents dandruff and premature greying of hair.

So, go on, make the most of these tips and banish dry hair and hairfall troubles during winters.

Source: zee news