Thursday, June 21, 2012

Global weight gain more damaging than population growth


Global weight gain more damaging than population growth
Wed Jun 20, 2012 10:11 am (PDT)

Global weight gain more damaging than population growth
Increasing levels of fatness around the world could have the same impact on global resources as adding an extra billion people to the planet, say researchers. The team from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine estimated the total weight of people on the planet and found that North America had the highest average. Although only 6 percent of the global population live there, it is responsible for more than a third of the obesity. In their report, published in the journal BMC Public Health, the researchers calculated the weight of the global population at 287 million tonnes. They estimated that 15 million tonnes of this mass is due to people being overweight, and 3.5 million tonnes due to obesity. Using World Health Organization data from 2005, the scientists worked out that the average global body weight was 62kg (137lb). But there were huge regional differences. In North America, the average was 80.7kg (178lb), while in Asia it was 57.7kg (127lb). While Asia accounts for 61percent of the global population, it only accounts for 13 percent of the weight of the world due to obesity. "When people think about environmental sustainability, they immediately focus on population. Actually, when it comes down to it - it's not how many mouths there are to feed, it's how much flesh there is on the planet," said Prof Ian Roberts, one of the authors of the paper. The researchers argued that just focussing on obesity is divisive and unhelpful. "One of the problems with definitions of obesity is that it fosters a 'them and us' ideal. Actually, we're all getting fatter," Prof Roberts told BBC News. The scientists also compiled tables of the heaviest and lightest countries according to their estimates. The US, with its well documented problems with weight, is top of the list. If the rest of the world were to emulate the Americans, Prof Roberts says, it would have dramatic implications for the planet. "Japanese people have a low average BMI but high standards of living. "If every country in the world had the same level of fatness that we see in the USA, in weight terms that would be like an extra billion people of world average body mass," he explained. While countries like Eritrea, Vietnam and Ethiopia are at the other end of the scale from the US, the researchers argue it is not sufficient to say that being skinny is just a factor of poverty. The researchers point to a country like Japan which, according to Professor Roberts, could be a model for others. "The Japanese example is quite strong. Average BMI (Body Mass Index) in USA in 2005 was 28.7. In Japan, it was 22. You can be lean without being really poor, and Japan seems to have pulled that off," he sttaed. Kuwait, Croatia, Qatar and Egypt are also listed among other countries in the top 10 most weighty. Prof Roberts said that the high number of Arab countries is due to the impact of the automobile. "One of the most important determinants of average body mass index is motor vehicle gas consumption per capita. So, it is no surprise to see many of the Arab countries in the list - people eat but they move very little because they drive everywhere," he said. URL: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/global-weight-gain-more-damaging-than-population-growth/963889/0

Monday, June 18, 2012

Sunshine vitamin vital for health


'Sunshine' vitamin vital for health....Sumitra Deb Roy

Recent studies have rechristened Vitamin D from a mere 'sunshine' vitamin to a hormone with significant bearing on bones, heart, kidneys, among other organs. Efforts are now being made to understand the extent of its deficiency in the population and fight it.
Some experts believe Vitamin D deficiency is a pan-Indian phenomenon affecting people from all age-groups and sections of society, reasons for which range from lifestyle, atmospheric pollution, skin pigmentation, clothing to duration and time of exposure to sunlight daily. Endocrinologist Dr Sudhindra Kulkarni, who consults with Fortis Hospital, Mulund, said Vitamin D has been proved to play the role of regulators of cell growth. "Almost all tissues and cells in the body have receptors for it and need it," he said.
Dr Vipla Puri, consultant (radioimmunoassay), department of Lab-Medicine at PD Hinduja Hospital, said there is epidemiologic evidence now to show Vitamin D is required for more than strong bones. "It plays a role in preventing chronic diseases involving the immune and cardiovascular system later in life," she said. "More recently it has become a general health indicator because of its associations with major conditions like cancer. Doctors too are becoming more aware and asking for this test," she said.
Head of the orthopaedic department at Parel's KEM Hospital Dr Pradeep Bhonsale said Vitamin D deficiency in adults was astonishingly high and more cases are coming to fore given increased awareness. "Over 50% of patients we treat in our hospital have this deficiency. This can also shunt a child's growth and give rise to bone deformities," he said. He added Vitamin D deficiency was responsible for unexplained pain in the back and joint pain in children as well as adults.
While global studies have established the importance of Vitamin D as a health parameter, there is little consensus in India on how much is too much or too little for an individual. Pediatrician Dr Deepak Ugra said concentrated Vitamin D supplements provide much less than the requirement of 400 IU/ day. "Calcium tonics available in the market have only about 100ml of Vitamin D components," he said. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently updated its Vitamin D guidelines, recommending infants children and teens should take atleast 400 IU per day in supplement form.
Kulkarni said the time of exposure to sunlight is also a subject of debate. "Some studies say 20 minutes is fine while others say it has to be over 45 minutes. On the other hand, exposure to too much sunlight has also been linked to skin cancer so one has to exercise caution," he said. URL: http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIM/2012/06/15&PageLabel=7&EntityId=Ar00700&ViewMode=HTML

Sunscreens causing vitamin deficiency?.....Sumitra Deb Roy

Mumbai: The indiscriminate and widespread use of sunscreen lotions to block harsh ultraviolet rays could be compounding the problem of Vitamin D deficiency to a great extent. Some say its repeated use hampers the skin's ability to absorb the sun's rays.
A professor at the skin department of JJ Hospital said, "Some studies have found that by blocking ultraviolet rays, sunscreen lotions limit the amount of Vitamin D produced in the body. Of course, the extent of reduction is still a subject of debate," he said. He added that certain studies have pegged the loss at five-fold to 10-fold.
Yet, there are also studies and observations based on years of followups that concluded that sunscreens do affect the production of Vitamin D in the body, but not significantly. Physician Dr Pratik Samdani said, "Yes, sunscreens play their own role but it would be unfair to blame the deficiency only on them," he said. URL: http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIM/2012/06/15&PageLabel=7&EntityId=Ar00704&ViewMode=HTML

Kids hit hard by little exposure to sunlight....Sumitra Deb Roy

Mumbai: Kids and young adults in the city are not getting enough exposure to sunlight, resulting in high levels of Vitamin D deficiency, according to a recent study.
The study by PD Hinduja Hospital found that Mumbaikars are shunning even half an hour of exposure to the sun in a day, considered ideal worldwide. Vitamin D is secreted in the body when the skin is sufficiently exposed to sunlight.
Dr Vipla Puri, consultant (radioimmunoassay), at the hospital's department of lab-medicine said, "The decline in Vitamin D levels indicates that kids have sedentary lifestyles - watching television, playing indoor games or using computers." She said most children and young adults in the study belonged to the higher socio-economic strata. "Vitamin D deficiency has reached alarming proportions and parents must take steps to alter their kids' lifestyle if they want to protect them from serious diseases," said Puri.
Pediatrician Dr Deepak Urga, who consults with Lilavati Hospital, termed Vitamin D deficiency in children as an "alarming problem". "Children are increasingly getting used to a life without natural light," he said.
Blaming food habits, Ugra said the kind of food children in metros prefer are not rich sources of Vitamin D. "It gets tougher for vegetarians as Vitamin D sources are sparse," he said.
Studies show it affects the immune system in children. "Vitamin D deficiency causes allergies and respiratory infections in children," said Ugra. He added most vitamin supplements also fail to provide the quota of anything between 200-1000 IU/ day (international unit).
Physician Dr Pratik Samdani alsoblamed pollution. "Factorslike latitude, atmospheric pollution, duration and time of exposure to sunlight is also important for the skin to absorb and use it," he said. URL: http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIM/2012/06/15&PageLabel=7&EntityId=Ar00701&ViewMode=HTML

Friday, June 8, 2012

4 Dangerously Doctored Foods You MUST Avoid to Stay Healthy and Lean


4 Dangerously Doctored Foods You MUST Avoid to Stay Healthy and Lean

While it seems we don’t hear a lot about them, genetically modified foods have quietly made their way into our food supply in a big way. So far, there have been no official scientific studies done on GMO’s and humans, but some reports about negative effects these foods have had on animals is downright scary. One type of genetically modified corn brought onto the market in the late 1990's has had a gene inserted into it which produces a toxin called Bt toxin. This toxin actually causes the stomachs of certain insects to break open when it is ingested, and the insect then dies. The biotech firm that produces this genetically modified product insists that Bt toxin does not harm the digestive system in mammals. However, according to Dr. Joseph Mercola, there are peer reviewed studies showing that Bt-toxin does bind with mouse small intestines and with intestinal tissue from rhesus monkeys. What about humans? Nobody knows. Hmm, maybe you should think twice about that next drink sweetened with corn syrup, or that next basket of tortilla chips made with corn. According to Dr. Mercola, it was reported that doctors in a hospital in Quebec (Canada) actually found Bt toxin in the blood of 93% of pregnant women tested, 80% of their babies, and almost 70% of non-pregnant women. If this toxin can cause the stomachs of insects to rupture, what does it do to humans? At the very least, it seems it could cause more digestive problems, allergies, autoimmune reactions, and other health issues. And the American Academy of Environmental Medicine states that several animal studies showed serious health risks from eating genetically modified foods including: “…infertility, immune dysfunction, accelerated aging, irregular DNA, insulin instability, and changes in liver, kidney, spleen and the gastrointestinal system.” And the AAEM also goes on to state that there is a definite association between genetically modified foods and disease confirmed by several animal studies. The recommendation of the AAEM is that physicians advise patients to avoid all GM foods, and to consider that GM foods could potentially be connected to certain health issues in patients and that GM foods need further testing to be considered safe for human consumption. Genetically modified foods now contain new and unknown toxic substances that have NEVER been present in nature before. We have no way of knowing what kinds of long term effects they will produce in humans, but they certainly seem to have negative effects on animals based on some studies. And because genetically modified foods contain some scientifically modified proteins, they tend to cause more allergies in people. When GM soy was introduced in the UK, allergic reactions to soy reportedly increased 50% or more. And food allergies seem to be increasing in the US as well. Could this be from GM foods? Do you want to eat dangerously doctored food? I sure don’t! There is no way of knowing for sure what kinds of health issues genetically modified foods can produce because no long-term studies have ever been done. This means we need to protect our own health and avoid becoming a biological experiment ourselves.

The most common genetically modified foods are: a.. Soy b.. Corn c.. Cottonseed Oil d.. Canola Oil According to Natural News, 90 percent of all canola, 88 percent of all corn, 90 percent of all cotton, and 94 percent of all soy grown in the U.S. today are of genetically-modified origin. Just keep in mind that you very well might be eating GM foods the next time you're chowing down some corn chips, corn flakes or other corn cereals, soy milk or any soy products like tofu, soy protein, anything sweetened with high fructose corn syrup (which is almost ALL processed foods) or any foods fried in soybean oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, or canola oil, which is virtually anything that's fried at a typical restaurant. Nutritionally, there's no valid reason to eat these foods anyway, as they offer nothing nutritionally, while only causing health problems.

The list of genetically modified foods can also include:
Sugar from sugar beets, Hawaiian papaya, some types of zucchini, and crookneck squash... but these are very minimal compared to the massive amounts of soy, corn, cottonseed or canola that are in our food supply. Conventionally raised meat, dairy products, farmed fish and commercial eggs are also fed with GM feed frequently, mostly from corn and soy. Scientists are still uncertain whether eating animals that fed on GM crops can have health consequences for humans. I'd rather not be part of the experiment. Always buy organic meats, wild caught fish, or 100% grass-fed meat (and grass-finished) to avoid this. Aspartame, or NutraSweet have also been created with GMO’s. Artificial sweeteners are extremely unhealthy anyway, but here is just one more reason to avoid them! Besides the health issues that have surfaced so far, genetically modified foods are a big unknown. These new forms of food could potentially lead to serious health issues, cancer or even some new diseases that modern medicine has never seen before. As one biotech scientist in an article published in the International Journal of Biological Science said, “For the first time in the world, we’ve proven that GMO’s are neither sufficiently healthy nor proper to be commercialized.” How do we avoid the potential negative health issues from GM foods? It’s very easy if you eat a natural, healthy diet of real, whole, organic foods. Avoid eating packaged, processed foods, especially those containing soy, corn, and vegetable oils or corn syrup sweeteners. The chances that you are eating genetically modified foods are very high if it contains any of these foods as ingredients. And remember that canola oil is likely to be genetically modified too, and despite heavy marketing claiming that canola oil is healthy, there is nothing even remotely healthy about canola oil as that article shows. It’s estimated that there are approximately 30,000 products on grocery store shelves that may be genetically modified.

Remember these three things to avoid eating GM foods:
1. Eat organic--any food labeled “Organic” or “Certified Organic” cannot be genetically modified in any way. 2. Look for “Non-GMO” on the label, or “Made without genetically modified ingredients.” Although it is not required yet by law in the US, many companies voluntarily label their foods as non-GMO. We need to fight to force the government to mandate labeling of GM foods! 3. Especially avoid any food or food additives that contain: soy, corn, cottonseed oil, or canola oil... even if these ingredients are organic, there's really nothing healthy about eating these foods anyway. Corn, soy, cottonseed, and canola were never a big part of the ancestral human diet. Also beware of commercially raised meat, fish, eggs or dairy that have been fed these GM foods as long term health effects to humans are not yet known. Genetically modified foods look exactly like any other foods, so you cannot tell by just by looking at them. Please note: Many people have confused this topic, but new types of produce such as tangelos, seedless watermelons, seedless cucumbers and other new varieties of fruit and vegetables are created by natural breeding, not genetic modification, so these foods are fine to eat. The bottom line is that genetically modified foods have not been tested enough in humans and scientists don’t really know whether these foods are safe or not. Avoiding unnatural genetically modified foods is just one more reason why paying close attention to the foods you eat, and eating a diet of real, whole, organic foods is so extremely important. Don't be like so many people out there that just mindlessly eat foods without thinking about what they are putting in their body. Obviously, we are at an important time in history where diabetes, cancer, heart disease and obesity are at all time highs (to the point of a crisis), so it is time that people take responsibility for their health. Don't let yourself be a guinea pig as part of a giant uncontrolled experiment on GM "frankenfoods"... only you can control what you choose to eat and to avoid GM foods fully. Please share this article with all of your friends and family to protect their health.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Benefits of vegetables available in the monsoon


All about monsoon vegetables
Some of the season vegetables found in monsoons include Brinjal, bottle gourd and risge gourd.
a.. Brinjal a.. Brinjal effectively treats enlarged spleen caused due to malaria, a disease which becomes widespread dring monsoon. b.. It has a beneficial impact on people suffering from hypertension, diabetes and cancer. b.. Bottle gourd a.. The cooked vegetable is cooling, diuretic, sedative and anti bilious. It gives a feeling of relaxation after eating it. However, bottle gourd should not be eaten in a raw state as it may prove harmful for stomach and intestines. b.. It is good for people suffering fro blood pressure. c.. Ridge gourd a.. Ridge gourd is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, high in dietary fibre, vitamin C, riboflavin, zinc, thiamin, iron, magnesium and manganese. b.. The nutritional value of gourd makes it suitable for maintaining optimum health, weight lose. c.. It has excellent cooling properties. Herbs for rainy seasons The high humidity during the monsoon (rainy season) isver cpnducive to infectious bacteria and viruses that could result in fevers, throat infections, skin infections etc. But there are some herbs and spices easily available in the kitchen to help prevent infections in the body
a.. Indian Lilac (Neem) -- The neem tree decreases the presence of malaria and cholera infections in the immediate vicinity. a.. In malaria, an infusion of neem leaves in water taken daily cures the fever rapidly due to the action (on the infection) in the liver. b.. The leaves applied externally are very beneficial for (infective) skin problems. c.. For many tooth and gum infections, gargling and rinsing the mouth with neem water will greatly improve the oral condition. b.. Basil (Tulsi): The basil plant leaves are like an antidote for many fevers which occur in the rainy season. a.. Tulsi leaves decoction prepared along with powdered cardamom (elaichi) is helpful in bringing down the fever. b.. Sore throat can be prevented by gargling with tulsi leaves water. **Tulsi water comes in handy for respiratory problems. c.. Kidney stones (small) can be treated with regular consumption of tulsi. d.. It is also good to reduce blood cholesterol. e.. A decoction of the leaves given in gout (high uric acid) can yield good results. Besides, it is also beneficial dental problems and worms in the stomach (specially children). c.. Bitter Gourd (Karela): The bitter gourd or karela has excellent medicinal properties and is used as a medicine for diabetes (with good results). a.. Bitter gourd is also called plant insulin as it normalizes the sugar levels. One must take 2-3 karela and juice them and mix it with water and this should be taken twice a day. b.. It is also rich in vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin C. c.. Karela juice is also effective in piles. d.. In the monsoons, karela juice is very good for preventing/treating boils, itching, ringworm, fungal diseases. It is beneficial for liver disorders (specially induced by alcohol). People with respiratory troubles can also benefit from this vegetable. d.. Turmeric (Haldi): Turmeric is a very good antiseptic as it can act both internally (used for worm infestations) and externally for skin infections. For many years, the only antiseptic available in rural India was haldi, so it used for a variety of reasons like: a.. To enhance complexion (used with chandan (sandalwood)). b.. To expel worms in kids and adults. c.. To treat skin infections.

Ayurveda prescription for the perfect monsoon diet


http://www.indiadivine.org/audarya/ayurveda-health-wellbeing/907757-ayurvedic-monsoon-menu.html
The Ayurvedic Monsoon Menu
According to ayurveda all food is, in a way, medicine. To stay healthy during the monsoon, watch what you eat.
The appetite-robbing days of summer are gone, and the monsoon cool tempts you to gorge on bhajiyas, sweets, and ever-larger helpings at mealtimes. After all, you have to make up for lost time! But temper that hearty appetite with a dose of caution - the monsoon is the time when diseases, particularly of the digestive system, are rampant. While you must take regular precautions like boiling water and scruplously avoiding street food or food prepared in bulk, ayurveda has some very specific guidelines about eating and body care during the rains. In the ayurvedic system, all food is, in a way, medicine. So food prepared according to ayurvedic principles can help prevent disease. The cardinal rule about eating during the monsoon, says ayurveda practitioner Dr Jyoti Shirodkar, is that you should never eat when you aren't hungry. You can eat something in the winter just because you find it appetising. Doing this in the monsoon is an invitation to indigestion and accompanying illnesses.
So, here's a list of monsoon dos and don'ts, based on ayurveda.

What you should do
Eat moderate quantities of food - while the cool weather may tempt you to eat more, the body finds it harder to digest food during the monsoon Go in for a very light breakfast - you can eat moong-dal laddoo or rava upma with ginger in it or lai-pith (popped and powdered jowar, available in traditional stores) Chaklis or rajgira chikki make good snacks Drink warm beverages; add mint or ginger or dry ginger powder to tea Include naturally sour food (not fermented) like tamarind, tomato, lime, thin buttermilk and kokum in your diet -- in soups, saars, dals and vegetables Lunch could be jeera rice, jowar bhakris, or wheat phulkas with a dash of ghee Vegetables recommended during the rains: bhindi, dudhi, parwal, suran, roasted baingan and karela. Moong dal is easy to digest, especially watery dal Garlic, pepper, ginger, asafoetida, sunth, turmeric, coriander and jeera enhance your body's digestive power and improve immunity Pomegranates, chikoos, bananas and strawberries are ideal for the monsoon. Eat a couple of dates every day for your iron and energy requirements Non-vegetarians should go in for lighter meat preparations like soups and stews rather than heavy curries Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly, particularly leafy ones and cauliflower, which not only contain larvae and worms but also collect dirt from the streets Overall, astringent, mildly bitter and mildly pungent foods work best in the monsoon Drink only boiled and filtered water A weekly oil massage is highly recommended Keep your feet warm if you work in air-conditioned places Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty. Surprisingly, dehydration is a possibility during the monsoon

What you shouldn't do
Avoid eating food straight out of the fridge. Fresh foods are the best, but if you like to store cooked food in the fridge, heat it gradually and thoroughly before eating Chilled drinks, especially milk shakes, are a no-no Avoid fermented foods like idlis, dosas and dhoklas. They create flatulence and gastric discomfort Go easy on the sweets and starchy food like sabudana, potato and sweet potato. Fried foods are tempting, but restrict these to a once-a-week indulgence Avoid heavy grains like nachni (ragi) and bajra. Give spinach the skip Cut out the raw veggies altogether. The monsoon is not a good time for salads Cut down on the heavy pulses like rajma, channa and urad. Eat sprouted pulses too only once in a while Restrict the intake of food containing besan (channa flour) Non-vegetarians should avoid heavy curries and meat-heavy dishes like steaks. Avoid dried fish too. Avoid melons, cucumber and jackfruit. Go easy on the mangoes now that the rains are here Sleeping in the day during the monsoon interferes with the digestive processes. Avoid if possible Heavy exercising is contraindicated. Ayurveda believes that the body needs only light walks and simple yogasanas during this time Very hot baths feel good, but are avoidable. Moderately warm water is the best Avoid late nights that include alcohol intake, and eating late. Dr Jyoti Shirodkar suggests eating and drinking early, and then stepping out, if you have social obligations that involve going out at night If your weekends involve fairly hectic socialising and erratic eating, observe a fast on Mondays, and ensure that your body recovers quickly and is all set for the rest of the week