1.Palm oil is used widely in tropical countries as an alternative to butter and other vegetable oil. It is used not just for cooking but also in various processed foods and snacks. But is it healthy to use palm oil as a cooking medium and processed food, just because of its easy availability and cheap? The answer is no. Palm oil contains almost 50% and palm kernel oil (derived from palm seeds)contains nearly 85% of saturated fat which is damaging to health.
2. The saturated fat in Palm oil is hazardous to health because it is a high risk for heart health and inflammation. Saturated fat is known to increase LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which causes the risk of chronic ischaemic heart disease and chronic inflammation. WHO has indicated that regular use of a palm oil-rich diet can potentially increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and inflammatory diseases.
3.Palm oil contains 50% saturated fat, 40% mono-unsaturated fat and 10% polyunsaturated fat. Research says that daily palm oil consumption is associated with the deposition of atherosclerotic plaques in arteries in a higher percentage of people which is directly linked to heart disease. However, studies also show the unsaturated fat content in palm oil do have beneficial effect as it reduces the LDL cholesterol.
4.Another health risk is the presence of palmitic acid in palm oil which promotes inflammation. Studies have shown that chronic inflammation is the main source of cancers, autoimmune diseases and other chronic inflammatory diseases. Therefore, evidence shows that regular palm oil consumption can cause a high risk of certain cancers like colorectal, breast and prostate cancers. Further studies are still required on the occurrence of cancers.
5. Another health hazard linked to Palm oil is its method of cultivation. Palm oil cultivation requires huge areas of land so mass deforestation and soil degradation are involved. Slash-and-burn agriculture, also known as shifting cultivation involves cutting and burning of forests due to the clearing of land causes environmental issues like greenhouse emissions, water pollution and endangered species of animals, and birds. Therefore, such type of cultivation poses a high risk to animal species as well as mankind. Health issues like cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, eye and skin issues and child mortality are likely to increase.
Deforestation
6.Palm oil is processed in two forms like liquid form is palmolein and the solid form is palm stearin. The liquid palm oil is used as cooking oil, used in the preparation of many processed foods and snacks. The solid form is used to prepare margarine and vegetable ghee. Common food items found in supermarkets which most likely contain palm oil are bakery items, chips, confectionary fats, crackers, chocolate, ice creams, instant noodles, candies and a lot of other snacks. Also present in consumer products like soaps, deodorants, toothpaste and lipsticks.
Processed foods Toiletries
7. Palm oil is cheap and widely used as an alternative to vegetable fat, dairy ghee and butter. Though it has less saturated fat compared to butter and coconut oil, it is not considered a healthier choice due to its high risk of boosting LDL, ischaemic heart disease, cancer and inflammation. People who have high cholesterol, diabetes, certain medications like anticoagulant/ anti platelet drugs, or beta-carotene/ vitamin A should avoid palm oil completely.
8.The public opinion on the use of palm oil and its products tends to differ among various groups. However, recent studies and evidence highlight its harmful impacts on health as well as environmental hazards. While the decision to use palm oil as a cooking medium and consume products containing it, is ultimately a personal choice, but the associated risks of health issues and deforestation raise significant concerns.
1. Radon is a naturally radioactive gas released from soil, water, and rocks. It is invisible, tasteless, and odourless. According to WHO, this gas is a potential health risk to the human population.Studies show that this gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer, next to smoking. When radon decays, it produces radioactive dust, which, when inhaled for a long time, can damage lung tissues, causing lung cancer. Therefore, it is considered a human carcinogen.
2. Research shows other potential health risks related to inhalation of radon gas exposure are Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia. Radon gas poisoning is considered hazardous to human health. There is no specific threshold up to which level it can be considered a health risk. Even a small concentration of long-term exposure can cause lung cancer.
3. In Nature, radon is everywhere. But in some areas, radon is present in higher levels like near coal mines, limestone caverns and near surface of bedrock. Soil with high permeability, soil of a slope or hill, soil close to bedrock, mining plant, oil refineries are found to have higher concentration of radon.
4. How does radon exposure affect human life on a day-to-day basis? Buildings which are homes, offices, and educational institutions like schools, colleges, and shopping malls, where we spend most of our hours cause the exposure to this harmful gas. Radon gas is trapped in cracks of walls, floors, in the basement, crawl spaces, in the drainage system like pipes, wires that are not sealed properly. Bulding materials like concrete, granite also emit radon but in low levels.
Cracks on walls
5. Radioactive particles are released when radon gas decays, which are inhaled in the lungs when breathed. The particles get deposited in the lung tissues over a period causing damage to lung tissues. The onset of the disease and the period of exposure can be many years. Many risk factors can influence like:
• Age and duration of exposure.
• Concentration of exposure.
• Climate-like exposure is higher in winter than in summer.
• Water sources.
• Smoking.
6. Children are more vulnerable to radon exposure as they breathe faster than an adult. Young children’s lungs are different in shape and size as compared to adult lungs. These factors make them at greater risk of high level of radon exposure than average adult. But there are not yet, any concrete studies to prove that children have higher risk of lung cancer than adult due to radon exposure.
Reservoir
7. Radon is present in water of the reservoirs, lakes, rivers and underground sources. So, home water supply coming from a treatment facility is much safer than coming directly from underground sources and wells. People working in underground work like coal mines, other metal mining businesses, fertilizer factories, oil refineries are more vulnerable to radon exposure.
Lake
8. Safety measures to reduce radon gas exposures at homes are like :
• Proper ventilation and airflow inside the house by opening windows, using fans and air conditioning.
• Using safe treatment water supply.
• Sealing cracks in floors, walls, and pipes with materials recommended for these purposes.
• Prevent smoking inside the house as well as outside.
• Using radon-resistant techniques while in the construction phase of the building rather than later.
9. Testing: If the radon level is never tested at your house, it is important to contact a Professional use a Test Kit or install a radon reduction system. However, every Country has their safety standards, but usually radon level of 4 pCi/L or above is not safe. Below 2pCi/L is considered safe.A radon reduction system is usually important to install in such homes. While buying a property, renovating, and repairing, the radon levels need to be measured before and after.
10. As already mentioned, radon present everywhere in the environment is not a health risk factor to the human population. Trouble occurs when radon exposure reaches inside homes or the buildings that people live or visit daily like schools and offices. So, it is important to have general awareness, using regular radon testing kits, installing radon reduction system if necessary, safety measures to reduce exposures and safe water supply. Homes and buildings below 2pCi/L is recommended and safe for human dwelling.
1.Glossodynia, also known as Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS), is a fairly common condition. It’s an intermittent burning sensation in the mouth, especially in the tongue, lips, or other areas of the mouth, that is not accompanied by a specific reason. It feels as though the tongue is injured by a very hot liquid. The syndrome may be gradual or sudden in onset. There is no observable physical sign seen either in the tongue or in the mouth while having an episode. The specific cause of BMS is difficult to determine.
2. Most causes of burning mouth syndrome are unknown or idiopathic. Research suggests that it can be related to nerves which carry sensations of taste and pain. The causes are broadly divided into primary and secondary. Primary burning mouth syndrome is uncommon and mainly idiopathic.
3, Secondary burning mouth syndrome is quite common and causes can be related to :
* Vitamin deficiency like Vitamin B complex, lack of iron, zinc ,folate.
* Oral infections like oral thrush, oral lichen planus.
* Allergies following food additives, flavouring substances, mouth care products.
* Acidic drinks, extreme hot liquids, irritating foods like highly spiced foods.
* Dental materials, ill-fitted dentures.
* Dry mouth due to some medicines like anti hypertensives, anti cancer treatments.
* Reflux or Gastro esophageal reflux.
* Endocrine issues like diabetes, hypothyroidism.
* Anxiety, stress, depression.
Hot spicy food
4. Burning mouth syndrome, (BMS) can occur in any individual irrespective of age and gender. But the common risk factors are seen mostly:
* Females.
* More common over the age of 50.
* Post menopausal or perimenopausal women leading to low estrogen levels affecting taste buds.
* Smoking.
5. When a person experience BMS, there is no visible symptoms like discolouration of tongue or bumps. The symptoms found are :
* Altered taste, or metallic taste or loss of taste.
* Tongue and mouth feels like scalding, burning or tingling.
* Dryness of tongue, lips, gums.
* Numbness in the mouth.
Sipping cold water
6. BMS treatment and diagnosis are individual specific depending upon the symptoms. Diagnosis can be done by a saliva or oral swab tests. As far as treatment are concerned, there is no approved drugs. Remedies are there to ease the symptoms like :
* Mild mouth rinses.
* Saliva substitue like Biotene.
* Getting enough vitamin B complex, iron and folate.
* Pain relievers if necessary.
* Sipping cold water or ice chips.
* Sugar free gums chewing to encourage saliva production.
Hot beverages
7. Though it is not always possible to prevent BMS. But,if we are prone to BMS or have been affected in the past, it is important to avoids certain things :
* Very hot liquids, hot bevereges or drinks like highly acidic ones.
* Hot or spicy food.
* Alcohol
* Mouthwash containing alcohol.
* Smoking.
8.Feeling fire, irritations, and a burning sensation in the mouth, you can be sure to have Burning Mouth Syndrome, which is frustrating and irritating. But, once you have acquired it, it takes a while to go away. You can take the above-mentioned remedies and precautions till it heals. But, if there are flare-ups or hasn’t gone for long, you should surely visit your Physician or Dentist.
Flavonoids are naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds in various deep-coloured fruits and vegetables. There are 6 different varieties of flavonoids, all of which have antioxidant properties and can help the human body to get rid of different toxins and stress. Therefore, including flavonoids in your routine diet can help to get rid of many chronic health conditions.
Dietary Flavonoids are of 6 subtypes : Flavanols , Flavones, Flavan-3-ols, Flavanones, Isoflavones, Anthocyanins. Coloured fruits, vegetables, and plants are all rich in flavonoids. Naturally, they are found in apples,purple and red grapes, berries, peaches, oranges, cocoa, chocolate, green tea, black tea, chamomile tea, vegetables like broccoli, lettuce, tomatoes, scallions, red peppers and onions. Flavonoids are dark-coloured pigments so they act as natural pesticides and protect the plants from harmful UV rays, bacteria, viruses and harmful insects.
3. Main functions of flavonoids: •Powerful antioxidants •Fights inflammation •Free radical damage and prevent oxidative stress.
•Anti-haemorrhagic and vasodilatory effects. •Certain flavonoids, due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties prevent cancer cells from multiplying and decrease the risk of some cancers.
4.Research shows that oxidative stress can lead to cellular damage and disease development. So, oxidative stress can cause many disease conditions like cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases like hypertension, atherosclerosis, chronic inflammatory diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Flavonoids play an important role in reducing this oxidative stress and free radical damage, thereby preventing cellular damage.
Cocoa (Dark Chocolate)
5.Numerous studies have shown that cancers develop due to oxidative stress, genetic mutations,hypoxia and reduced apoptotic function. Apoptosis, in simple terms, is a normal cellular activity whereby the body tries to eliminate unwanted cells. Flavonoids play an integral part in promoting apoptotic cellular pathways and preventing cancer cells from proliferating and multiplying.
6.Research shows that flavonoids protect the different organs including the liver and brain from free radical damage. Studies show that flavonoids have protective effects of various liver injuries caused by drug and alcohol usage. Since, they are anti-inflammatory, and antitumor, they protect the hepatocytes from inflammation and fibrosis.
7.Flavonoids are a polyphenol group of compounds that can improve and reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Clinical studies in the past have shown that dietary intake of flavonoids can lower the risk of depression. However, further studies are still anticipated to make substantial proof.
8.Flavonoids are best when naturally consumed as all dark-coloured fruits, vegetables, and green tea contain abundant polyphenolic compounds. It should be included in the routine diet for overall well-being. However, many flavonoid supplements are out in the market. The best supplements are Cucurmin (Tumeric), Green tea, grape seed extract, Resveratrol, Quercetin, hesperidin and Rutin.
9. Toxicity: Intake of natural flavonoids on a daily diet is usually enough. Sometimes, flavonoids supplements are clinically recommended. However, the risk of flavanoid toxicity exists, if someone takes a huge amount of highly potent supplements. It may affect anaemic and elderly patients as flavonoids may bind with non-heme iron. Flavanoid toxicity may cause liver failure, hemolytic anaemia and male reproductive issues. Recommended daily dose of consumption should be around 400-600mg/day.
10.A healthy routine diet rich in flavonoids will provide all the necessary support to the human body to maintain biological activity, provide anti-oxidant effects, reduce oxidative stress and prevent chronic diseases, maintain cardiovascular health and prevent infectious diseases. The key point is that the food readily available to us contains the most effective flavonoids and antioxidants that fortify our health and immune system, making expensive supplements unnecessary
MTHFR, Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, is an enzyme found in human chromosome 1,located exactly in the short arm. It plays a significant role in folate and homocysteine (amino acid) metabolism. Studies have shown that individuals with MTHFR deficiencies can have hyperhomocysteinemia with homocystinuria.
Research in the past decades has shown that this enzyme plays a key role in homocysteine metabolism. The deficiency of this enzyme is an inborn error of folate metabolism, which is quite rare. Yet, several studies have identified this variant as the most common cause of hyperhomocysteinemia and a risk factor for many disorders connected to defective homocysteine metabolism.
3.Genetic deficiency of MTHFR is rare, but around 50 cases have already been identified worldwide. Symptoms in such individuals are seizures, developmental delay, neurological impairment, gait dysfunction, and a very high level of homocysteine in urine and plasma. Genetic testing of the gene mutation can be done on a saliva swab and blood sample.
4.Genetic mutations are inherited and acquired from the parents. There are 2 forms of mutations that can occur on the MTHFR gene – C677T and A1298C. If one such variant is present, one is less likely to have health issues but if both variants are present, then the individual is likely to have serious health problems.
Depression
5.Health issues associated with people who have two variants of the MTHFR gene are : Homocystinuria Alopecia areata Spina bifida High blood pressure Depression or bipolar disorder certain cancers Miscarriages
Pregnancy
6.MTHFR affects pregnancy: Research has shown a link between MTHFR gene variants related to repeated miscarriages. It is important to test for MTHFR gene mutation in women who have suffered unexplained recurrent miscarriages or delivered babies with neural tube defects. Extra folate supplementation and blood thinning administration can be useful to prevent such miscarriages.
7.Diagnosis of MTHFR variant cases is done by testing blood samples and saliva swabs in individuals with a very high level of homocysteine in urine and plasma and vitamin deficiencies of folate, choline, vitamin B12, B6 and riboflavin. MTHFR mutation variant people may not have health issues and can be treated by preventive measures of supplementation of folate and vitamin B and lifestyle changes like a nutritious balanced diet, sleep, exercise and avoiding smoking.
Down’s syndrome
8.Babies and children born with MTHFR mutation variants may present with symptoms within the first year of birth. Such children may have ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), autism, impairment of sleep, mood disorder, hyperhomocysteinemia, vitamin, folate deficiency, pediatric stroke, spina bifida and Down’s syndrome.
9.Having gene variants is common in the human population. This particular MTHFR variant gene is common in some ethnicities like in Hispanic individuals. Hispanic races have commonly the MTHFR C677T variant. People with such variants are able to process all types of folate. Research shows that 400mcg of folic acid daily can raise the blood folate level irrespective of whether you are MTHFR genotype.
10.Folate and vitamin B are naturally found in many food sources which should definitely be part of the daily diet. Legumes, leafy greens, citrus fruits, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bananas, avocados and nuts are rich in folate and should be consumed regularly to have normal levels of folate and promote healthy cell division irrespective of gene mutations.
3H:health,happiness,healing 