Health Benefits of Spinach

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a vigorously growing dioecious, erect biennial herb of the family Amaranthaceae. Though the herb is a native of South west Asia, today it is widely cultivated in North America, Europe and Asia. Spinach has a high nutritional value and is extremely rich in antioxidants, especially when fresh, steamed, or quickly boiled. Its leaves are rich in carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fibres, magnesium, manganese, folate, copper, zinc, niacin, selenium, sodium, potassium, sulphur, phosphorus and omega-3 fatty acids. It is also a rich source of vitamins A, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin K. Recently, opioid peptides, called rubicolins have also been found in spinach. Spinach contains 4 times more of beta-carotene and 3 times more of lutein than broccoli.

Spinach is said to be a protective food against Cancer. Consuming spinach in meals is said to inhibit tumor growth and keeps body normal from undergoing mutation. It is also known to be beneficial for those suffering from diabetes. Having half a cup of spinach leaves juice before meals twice daily is helpful in controlling diabetes. Owing to high Vitamin A content, the herb is protective against eye diseases. Anemic patients must consume this herb in diet as spinach is a good source of iron, and thus, prevents anemia. Because iron is a component of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to all body cells, it is also beneficial as energy food.

In conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, migraine headaches and asthma, spinach is helpful in combating the ailments owing to its anti-inflammatory properties. Another of the benefits of spinach is that it's good for the heart. In addition, folate is good for a healthy cardiovascular system. Its antioxidant vitamins help reduce free radicals in the body & maintain healthy cholesterol levels in the blood. Magnesium, another mineral found in spinach helps to lower high blood pressure (Hypertension). Spinach has a laxative effect and is wonderful in Weight loss diets. The Kitchen Clinic: Health Benefits of Spinach

Read More........→June 11, 2026

Even in Your 80s, Adopting a Healthier Lifestyle Can Add Years to Your Life

By david Griffiths

Adopting a healthier lifestyle can add years to your life—even in your 80s, according to new research from Japan.

Reducing drinking, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and increasing sleep produce the biggest gains, say scientists.

They increased longevity by six years in healthy 40-year-olds. The benefits were even more prominent in those twice the age.

These gains applied also to individuals with life-threatening illnesses, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease.

The study from Osaka University shows it is never too late to give up bad habits and shed the pounds, from middle age onwards. It was based on almost 50,000 people in Japan who were tracked for up to 20 years.

“This is a particularly important finding given the prevalence of chronic disease has increased globally,” said Senior author Professor Hiroyasu Iso.

The team says taking ownership of your health is key to a pleasurable retirement.

“Idioms and proverbs about the importance of maintaining good health span the ages. Many emphasize how closely health is tied to happiness and the opportunity to live a fulfilling and enjoyable life.”

The study, published in Age and Aging, found that healthy behaviors adopted over time have a marked effect on lifespan.

The researchers found that adopting five or more healthy lifestyle behaviors increased life expectancy even for individuals over 80 years old, and importantly, including those with chronic conditions. They saw results that were dependent on socioeconomic status, policies such as assisted access to healthcare, and lifestyle factors.

30 years ago, participants in The Japan Collaborate Cohort (JACC) Study filled in surveys that included questions about diet and exercise, alcohol consumption, smoking status, sleep duration, and BMI (body mass index). They were also asked about any illnesses.

The aim was to increase knowledge about what factors contribute to death from cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Points were awarded for each healthy behavior and the impact of modifying them on projected lifespan was assessed.

The project continued until December 2009, by which time nearly 9,000 individuals had died.

It is one of the first studies to measure the impact of improvements to health behavior among older individuals in a country with a national life expectancy achieving almost 85 years.

“The finding that lifestyle improvements has a positive impact on health despite chronic health conditions and older age is an empowering one, especially given the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions and longer life,” said lead author Dr. Ryoto Sakaniwa.

Two years ago a study found women can gain ten and men seven years of life free of cancer, heart problems, and type-2 diabetes from a healthy lifestyle. That research was based on 111,000 Americans tracked for more than 20 years.

Lead author Dr Frank Hu, of Harvard School of Public Health, in Boston, described the findings as “a positive message for the public”.“They gain not just more years of life but good years through improved lifestyle choices.” Even in Your 80s, Adopting a Healthier Lifestyle Can Add Years to Your Life

Read More........→June 05, 2026

Mental health needs compassion, not judgement

Photo Courtesy: Image by Rosy/Bad Homburg/Germany from Pixabay | For representational purpose only

Niutoli Tuccu

Licensed Rehabilitation Psychologist RCI

Mental health problems are becoming increasingly common, yet many people still fail to recognise the early signs of emotional distress. Anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and emotional exhaustion are often ignored until they begin affecting daily life. Mental and emotional distress can also appear through physical symptoms. Constant stress and anxiety may lead to psychosomatic problems such as headaches, body pain, fatigue, stomach discomfort, and sleep difficulties. Early awareness and emotional support are more important than ever.

According to data shared by the Nagaland Health and Family Welfare Department during World Mental Health Day observance in 2022, nearly 20,000 people in the state were estimated to be living with severe mental illness, while around 2 lakh people experienced mild to moderate psychological conditions that often remained unnoticed. National studies by NIMHANS during 2015 to 2016 highlighted rising levels of anxiety, depression, panic disorders, and stress related conditions across India.

As a mental health professional, I have personally witnessed a sharp rise in people seeking therapy and psychological support in recent years. While this reflects growing awareness, it is deeply painful to see how many individuals still suffer emotional neglect within their own homes. Even today, depression, panic attacks, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion are dismissed as “laziness” or “attention seeking behaviour.” Such responses do not help people heal. They silently worsen the suffering.

In Dimapur, it is heartbreaking to see some individuals with untreated mental illness wandering the streets without care, support, or protection. Society is becoming emotionally distant. We speak about progress, yet many vulnerable people continue to suffer in silence around us. Mental illness is not only a medical issue. It is also a human and social responsibility.

Mental illness does not always appear in obvious ways. Many people continue their daily routines while struggling internally. Some common warning signs include:

1. Constant overthinking and excessive worry

2. Emotional numbness or persistent sadness

3. Irritability, panic attacks, or emotional exhaustion

4. Social withdrawal and avoiding people

5. Disturbed sleep and loss of motivation

6. Difficulty concentrating or managing stress

Simple ways to support your Mental Health:

1. Recognise early emotional changes and seek support early

2. Practice slow breathing and grounding techniques during anxiety or panic attacks

3. Avoid suppressing emotions or isolating yourself for long periods

4. Reduce overstimulation from excessive social media and negativity

5. Maintain proper sleep, food intake, hydration, and daily routines

6. Seek professional psychological help before symptoms become disabling

7. Create emotionally safe families and communities where people feel heard instead of judged

The 2026 Mental Health Awareness Month theme, “More Good Days, Together,” reminds us that healing becomes easier when people feel supported rather than judged. Mental health awareness should not remain limited to speeches, campaigns, or social media discussions alone. It should also be reflected in the way we listen, speak, and respond to one another in everyday life.Most importantly, asking for psychological support is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of self awareness, emotional strength, and courage. Many people around us are carrying silent psychological struggles, not drama. A little kindness and understanding can sometimes help more than we realise. Mental health needs compassion, not judgement | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Read More........→May 29, 2026

Is dark chocolate healthier than milk chocolate? 2 dietitians explain

 

Alexander Grey/Unsplash

Lauren Ball, The University of Queensland and Emily Burch, Southern Cross University

Easter chocolate is all over supermarket shelves. Some people reach straight for milk chocolate eggs while others pause at the darker varieties, assuming they’re healthier.

Dark chocolate has gained a reputation as the “better” choice because it usually contains more cocoa and less sugar than milk chocolate.

But is dark chocolate actually healthier?

Let’s see how the evidence stacks up.

How do they compare?

All chocolate begins with the cocoa (or cacao) bean. Cocoa beans are the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree, a tropical plant native to Central and South America.

Processing the bean gives you cocoa solids (the bitter part) and cocoa butter (the fat part that gives chocolate its smooth texture).

Chocolate is made from cocoa solids, cocoa butter and sugar. Milk chocolate also contains milk powder or condensed milk.

Dark chocolate typically contains a much higher proportion of cocoa solids, usually 50–90%.

Milk chocolate generally contains 20–30% cocoa solids, with the remaining bulk made up of milk ingredients and sugar.

How about nutritional benefits?

Because dark chocolate contains more cocoa solids than milk chocolate, it naturally provides slightly higher amounts of certain minerals.

This table shows the differences between milk chocolate (30% cocoa) and dark chocolate (more than 60% cocoa) per 20-gram serve. That’s about one row of a Lindt chocolate block.

As you can see, dark chocolate provides more minerals such as magnesium, iron and zinc. It also contains noticeably more caffeine (but far less than in a typical cup of coffee, which would contain about 100mg).

Milk chocolate offers significantly more calcium due to its milk solids, but it generally contains more added sugar.

Cocoa is naturally rich in plant compounds called polyphenols. These act as antioxidants in the body, helping to protect the body’s cells from damage.

Because dark chocolate contains more cocoa, it naturally contains higher levels of these compounds. In fact, dark chocolate contains roughly five times more flavanols (a type of polyphenol) than milk chocolate.

Compared to other foods often praised for their antioxidant content, cocoa contains around 17 times more catechins (another type of polyphenol) per serving than black tea. It also contains around three times more than red wine.

Does dark chocolate improve your health?

Research into cocoa and dark chocolate has produced some interesting findings, particularly about heart health.

Cocoa flavanols appear to help blood vessels relax and support better blood flow. Some clinical trials have reported small reductions in blood pressure and improvements in measures of blood vessel function after consuming cocoa products.

There is also broader evidence suggesting diets rich in flavanols may be linked with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease overall.

However, these findings come with important caveats.

Many of these trials use cocoa extracts containing high levels of flavanols. Others contain specially formulated chocolate rather than the typical chocolate bars or Easter eggs you’d find in supermarkets. The doses tested are also often far larger and far more concentrated than what people normally consume.

A large umbrella review (a review of reviews) involving more than one million participants did find links between eating chocolate and lower risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke and diabetes.

But the overall quality of evidence was rated as weak or very low, largely because many of the studies were observational. Observational studies can identify patterns, but they cannot prove chocolate itself caused those benefits.

The bottom line is that cocoa does contain beneficial plant compounds but the chocolate most of us enjoy is not a health supplement.

But I thought dark chocolate has less sugar?

Choosing dark chocolate doesn’t automatically make it the healthier option, especially where sugar is concerned. Some dark chocolate contains surprisingly high amounts.

Depending on the cocoa percentage and recipe, some dark chocolate products contain 40–50% sugar.

So a 150g dark chocolate Easter bunny containing 50% sugar, for example, can contain about 19 teaspoons of added sugar.

This applies to Easter eggs too. Some dark chocolate Easter eggs sold in supermarkets still list sugar as one of their first and main ingredients, ahead of cocoa butter. This means sugar makes up a significant chunk of what you’re eating.

So it’s always worth flipping the packet over and checking the ingredients list and nutritional panel to be sure.

What to choose this Easter?

Dark chocolate has a nutritional advantage over milk chocolate. But how much depends on the cocoa percentage and how it’s been made.

As a general rule, aim for 70% cocoa or more, and flip the packet over before you buy. In a higher-quality dark chocolate, cocoa should appear first in the ingredients list – not sugar.

A higher-quality dark chocolate might have its ingredients listed in this order: cocoa mass, cocoa powder, cocoa butter, sugar, vanilla.

A lower-quality dark chocolate might look like this: sugar, cocoa mass, cocoa butter, emulsifiers, flavour, milk solids.

If sugar is listed first, it’s the largest ingredient by weight.

Beyond that, choose chocolate you actually enjoy and watch your portion size. Remember that your overall diet matters far more than a few Easter eggs.

The real health benefit of Easter chocolate? The enjoyment of sharing it.

Lauren Ball, Professor of Community Health and Wellbeing, The University of Queensland and Emily Burch, Accredited Practising Dietitian and Lecturer, Southern Cross University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Read More........→May 27, 2026

Police Deputy Praised After 'Run-of-the-Mill' Call Turns into Emergency Baby Delivery

Rancho Cordova police deputies deliver baby (Released)

A call about suspicious activity saw a California police officer race to save a newborn’s life.

A woman was sitting between two bushes near a business in the Rancho Cordova, and Deputy Foster Tracy described the situation as “routine,” before it became anything but.

“It was zero to a hundred really fast. It was one of those calls you go to, run-of-the-mill,” Deputy Foster Tracy said. “This was definitely not something that I was prepared for at any part of the day.”

“‘Excuse me?'” Tracy remembers saying, as it didn’t really register, “‘you’re having a baby?'”

Indeed, the woman had been begging for help for “hours,” CBS News reported.

Calling for medical backup, Tracy got down on his knees and went to work as he realized there wasn’t time to waste: the baby’s head was already out.

Tracy’s partner arrived moments later and they both saw the problem as the umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby’s neck. “I was concerned the baby was deceased because it was purple and blue.”

Yet their persistence was rewarded with a healthy baby and a relieved mother, who were both taken to the hospital to recover from the ordeal.The deputies have been credited with a life-saving intervention, and were praised by the mom, the police chief, and the surprised shop owners whose call had inadvertently saved a life. Police Deputy Praised After 'Run-of-the-Mill' Call Turns into Emergency Baby Delivery

Read More........→May 27, 2026

Why do I wake up so tired after vivid dreams?

Yaqoot Fatima, University of the Sunshine Coast; Danielle Wilson, University of the Sunshine Coast, and Nisreen Aouira, University of the Sunshine Coast

Some mornings when you wake up, your head is fuzzy, your body is heavy, and you don’t feel rested. It felt like you were dreaming all night.

But did all that dreaming actually wear you out? Let’s look at what the science says.

We all dream, but not everyone remembers it

Most dreaming occurs during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which makes up 20–25% of our total sleep time.

We have four to six rounds of REM throughout the night, with each round growing longer as morning approaches. We all dream, and most of us dream multiple times a night, whether we remember it or not.

If you wake up during or just after a REM period, you are more likely to remember what you were dreaming.

Whether you remember a dream can also depend on the emotional intensity of the dream and whether you briefly wake up in the night, as well as differences in how individual brains store memories overnight.

People who regularly remember vivid, emotionally intense dreams tend to have lighter, more broken sleep.

What happens in your brain when you dream?

During REM sleep, your brain is running almost as hard as it does when you are awake, firing away, while your body lies completely still. Your muscles are essentially paralysed, which stops you acting out what’s happening in the dream.

At the same time, the parts of the brain that handle emotion – the amygdala, hippocampus and thalamus – are highly active. The prefrontal cortex, which normally keeps things rational and logical, is much less engaged.

So you get vivid, emotionally charged experiences that feel completely real but make no logical sense. That part is normal.

How long do dreams last? And are we any good at judging?

Most people assume dreams are brief, fragmented flashes.

In fact, the evidence suggests otherwise. REM sleep dreams appear to unfold roughly in real time.

When researchers have woken people from REM sleep and asked them to describe their dream, the length of their account closely matches the duration spent in the dreaming stage of sleep (REM episode). A dream that feels like 20 minutes was probably about that long in real life.

Where people go wrong is estimating how much of the whole night they spent dreaming. A stressful or vivid dream feels longer and stays with you. A dull one vanishes before you even open your eyes.

On top of that, we mostly remember dreams we actually woke up during.

Someone who was sure they dreamed all night probably had a completely normal night of REM sleep. They just happened to wake during the emotionally charged parts, and those are the ones that stuck.

So does dreaming itself actually tire you out?

During REM sleep, your brain isn’t resting in the way deep sleep allows. Even so, brain imaging studies suggest this energy use alone doesn’t account for the fatigue people feel after a heavy night of dreaming.

Dreaming on its own does not seem to impact your sleep quality unless it tips into nightmares.

The more straightforward explanation is this: if you remember a dream, you almost certainly woke up during it. Those wake-ups, even the ones you barely register, take time away from deep sleep.

These wake-ups also give the brain less opportunity to clear a waste product called adenosine. During the day, adenosine builds up in the brain. As it accumulates, the pressure to sleep grows. One of sleep’s main jobs is to flush this out, and it does that most effectively during deep sleep. Wake up before it’s done and you might find yourself more tired the next day.

Waking from REM sleep is also harder on the body than waking from lighter stages. It can produce sleep inertia, that thick, foggy state in which your brain refuses to come online. The tiredness is not a consequence of dreaming: it’s a consequence of when you woke up and what stage you were pulled from.

Consider the quality of your sleep

When sleep is cut short or is repeatedly broken, the brain makes up for lost REM time on subsequent nights, spending a higher proportion of sleep in that stage. This is called REM rebound.

REM rebound is a compensatory response rather than a problem in itself. The actual problem is whatever is causing the sleep disruption.

If you regularly remember most of your dreams, feel like the number of dreams you have has increased, or find yourself waking up tired most mornings, your fragmented sleep may mean the brain isn’t getting the deep, restorative stages it needs.

If this describes you, and it affects how you feel and function through the day, it’s worth having a conversation with your doctor.

Yaqoot Fatima, Professor of Sleep Health, University of the Sunshine Coast; Danielle Wilson, Research Fellow and Sleep Scientist at the Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, and Nisreen Aouira, Research Program Manager, Let's Yarn About Sleep, Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Read More........→May 26, 2026

Lifestyle changes, intake of ultra-processed foods driving obesity at alarming rate: Eco Survey

IANS Photo

New Delhi, (IANS): Obesity is rising at an alarming rate and is today a major public health challenge in India, said Economic Survey for 2025-26 on Thursday.

According to the Economic Survey, tabled in the Parliament by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the concerning trend was driven by unhealthy diets, lifestyle changes, including sedentary lifestyles, increased consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), and environmental factors.

“It is affecting people across all age groups and increasing the risk of NCDs such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, impacting both urban and rural populations,” the Survey said.

Citing data from the 2019-21 National Family Health Survey (NFHS), the Survey said that 24 per cent of Indian women and 23 per cent of Indian men are overweight or obese. Among women aged 15-49 years, 6.4 per cent are obese, and among men, 4.0 per cent are obese. The prevalence of excess weight among children under five has risen from 2.1 per cent in 2015-16 to 3.4 per cent in 2019-21.

As per estimates, more than 3.3 crore children in India were obese in 2020, and it is projected to reach 8.3 crore children by 2035.

The Economic Survey also flagged concern over the rising UPF market in the country, which is displacing long-established dietary patterns, worsening diet quality, and is associated with increased risk of multiple chronic diseases.

“India is one of the fastest-growing markets for UPF sales. It grew by more than 150 per cent from 2009 to 2023. Retail sales of UPFs in India surged from $0.9 billion in 2006 to nearly $38 billion in 2019, a 40-fold rise. It is during the same period that obesity has nearly doubled in both men and women. This mirrors the global rise of obesity, parallel to dietary shifts,” it said.

“The rising use of UPFs imposes a substantial economic cost through higher healthcare spending, lost productivity, and long-term fiscal strain,” it added.

The Survey also cited comprehensive, multi-pronged initiatives launched by the government to prevent, manage, and reduce obesity in the country.

The interventions include POSHAN Abhiyaan & Poshan 2.0, Fit India Movement, Khelo India, Eat Right India, Nationwide Awareness Campaign - ‘Aaj Se Thoda Kam’ and AAMs, the School Health Programme, and Yoga promotion.These aim to promote a holistic approach that integrates health, nutrition, physical activity, food safety, and lifestyle modifications and continue to advance the goal of a healthier, stronger, and obesity-free India. Lifestyle changes, intake of ultra-processed foods driving obesity at alarming rate: Eco Survey | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Read More........→April 27, 2026

‘Cuddle therapy’ sounds like what we all need right now. But will it actually help?

Glen Hosking, La Trobe University

Cuddle therapy is having a moment. The idea for this emerging therapy is for you to book in a specified time with a “professional cuddler”.

Websites promote cuddle therapists as specialists in platonic touch, offering a service to people who wish to cuddle for friendship, to relax or manage emotional challenges.

The aim is to find connection and improve your mental health and wellbeing.

But does it actually work?

Here’s what you need to think about before booking in.

What is cuddle therapy?

Cuddle therapists offer consensual, non-sexual cuddles in a structured and safe environment, designed to be free from criticism, bias, conflict and any behaviour or conversation that may feel unsafe or threatening.

Cuddle therapists are not official or regulated professionals. There do not appear to be any accredited training programs or professional bodies that oversee and regulate cuddle therapy.

However, there are numerous people who promote themselves as professional cuddlers, and whose services are said to offer a range of psychological and physiological benefits.

These include reductions in depression, anxiety and loneliness, improvements in social skills and immune functioning, lowered blood pressure and a decreased risk of heart disease.

Providers suggest cuddle therapy can also lessen symptoms of post‑traumatic stress disorder, enhance a person’s capacity to recover from experiences of sexual or physical abuse, and reduce cravings associated with substance use.

Comforting claims, sparse science

Despite such claims, there do not appear to be any published peer‑reviewed studies that directly examine the psychological or physiological effects of engaging a professional cuddler.

There is, however, a broader body of research exploring the benefits of non‑sexual physical touch, including hugging and gentle, sustained contact.

Such touch has been associated with reductions in daily stress and improvements in overall wellbeing. Physical touch has also been identified as a way of conveying empathy, social bonding, and care.

Most of this research focuses on touch in close relationships – such as with partners, parents or friends – rather than touch delivered by a practitioner as part of a paid service. So, we don’t know if these findings translate to cuddle therapy.

There are however, known impacts of physical touch, including prompting the release of the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin interacts with other neurochemicals, most notably dopamine, which supports feelings of comfort and connection.

Together, these neurochemical responses help explain why sustained touch can have a calming and soothing effect.

Professional cuddles need professional boundaries

Because cuddle therapy involves physical touch, emotional vulnerability and power dynamics between therapist and client, it raises a number of important ethical and professional issues.

1. Provide informed consent

If you’re thinking about cuddle therapy, ask what the service does and does not involve. Get a clear explanation about the boundaries of the service, where touch is and is not permitted, and the structure of the session.

You’ll need to provide explicit and informed consent before proceeding, and you can withdraw consent at any time.

2. Professional boundaries must be clear

A cuddle therapy relationship should remain professional at all times.

It is not OK for your cuddle therapist to express personal or romantic interest, or that the connection is becoming “special” or exclusive in ways that go beyond the agreed‑upon service.

Likewise, a practitioner should never pressure you to share personal information or disclose more than you are comfortable with.

Maintaining firm boundaries helps ensure the interaction remains safe, respectful and centred on your wellbeing rather than blurring into a personal relationship.

3. Watch you’re not becoming dependent

You may seek cuddle therapy because you are vulnerable, including but not limited to being lonely, depressed or in emotional pain. It is understandable that a touch‑based session may help you feel cared for, grounded or safe in the moment.

However, you should also watch for signs you are becoming dependent on a practitioner for emotional stability or comfort. This might include believing you can only feel calm, safe or OK after seeing that specific practitioner or wanting increasing contact or more cuddle therapy sessions.

4. It’s no cure for complex issues

Similarly, while cuddle therapy can offer temporary relief and a sense of connection, it is not designed to resolve underlying psychological issues or replace professional mental health care.

So cuddle therapy should be viewed as a supportive experience, but not a cure for broader or more complex emotional challenges.

Key takeaways

Taken together, cuddle therapy is an emerging practice centred on consensual, non‑sexual physical touch delivered in a structured environment. It’s promoted online as a way to reduce distress and enhance emotional wellbeing.

Cuddle therapy remains unregulated, with no formal training pathways or governing bodies overseeing professional standards. So service providers, rather than empirical evidence, largely shape public information about cuddle therapy.

Evidence suggests a range of benefits of physical touch. However, if you do pursue cuddle therapy you should ensure there are clear boundaries, you provide informed consent, and know you can withdraw that consent at any time.

Glen Hosking, Clinical Psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychology, La Trobe University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Read More........→April 01, 2026

Health Tips for Kids!

As parents, it is difficult to ensure that the children are having a balanced diet that they need. Instead of worrying much, just include the following foods in kid’s diet, and rest assured that the child is getting the much needed nutrients essential for his healthy growth. Also, take down some of these dietary tips to keep a check on their diet and health.

Whole grain cereals like cornflakes, brown bread, brown rice, popcorn, etc are nutritionally high in dietary fiber, antioxidants, protein, dietary minerals and vitamins. Starting your child’s day with whole grain products will keep him full and active for a long time. A variety of Vegetables should be included in the diet as these are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. These can be consumed raw, boiled, steamed or stir fried in little oil. Avoid French fries or any other deep fried vegetables.

Daily intake of Fruits is known to reduce risk factors of some serious diseases in the long term. Providing with adequate amount of fruits is the best thing you can do to ensure your child’s good health. Fruits are best eaten fresh, do not cut and store them in refrigerator for long! Also, sodas and other soft drinks can be replaced with fruit juice at home.

Milk is one of the most nutritious foods rich in vitamins A, B12, D, protein, phosphorous, riboflavin, potassium, calcium and niacin. Milk and milk products should be a significant part of your kid’s daily diet. Eggs are a rich source of proteins, vitamin A, calcium and iron. Including eggs into your child’s daily intake in several preparations would add variety to the daily meals.

HealthTips for Kids!

• The diet of a child should be balanced and must meet his nutritional requirements. It should includes variety of nutritious foods offering plenty of proteins, vitamins and minerals and less of fat, sugar, cholesterol, sodium and calories. Make sure that diet of the child is light and easily digestible.
• It’s good to bake, roast or poach foods instead of cooking spicy, oily and fried foods for kids.
• Serve fruit and vegetable juices, vegetable soups and low fat milk instead of cold drinks, sweetened sodas and fruit-flavored drinks.
• Ice-cream and other desserts can be substituted with yogurt smoothies.
• For snacks in between meals, salads can be served with different delicious salad dressings.
• Drinking plenty of water keeps the body hydrated and healthy.
• Involve the child in activities like dancing, gardening and other sports of his interest.

Help the child to give up mental tension, anxiety, anger and fear so that they remain mentally as well as physically active. The Kitchen Clinic: Health Tips for Kids!

Read More........→April 01, 2026

Cure Skin Problems with Papaya!

In traditional medicine, papaya (Carica papaya) are considered to be anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic and analgesic, and are used to treat infections. Fruits are spherical or pear-shaped having yellow skin when ripe. The flesh is bright orange, with small black seeds clustered in the center. The ripe fruit is juice and sweet that makes it delicious and extremely enjoyable! Though papaya is believed to be native to Southern Mexico and Central America, today it is cultivated extensively all over the tropical regions.

The fruit is low in calories (39 calories/100 g) and contains no cholesterol; however, is a rich source of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids, the B vitamins, folate, pantothenic acid, minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and fiber. The milk like juice from unripe fruit called latex, contains the most concentration of an proteolytic enzyme called papain, other enzymes like peptides and chymopapain A and B that are useful in skin related problems. These nutrients also colon cancer, atherosclerosis, infections, colds and flu. The vitamin A, C and E content of papaya are said to offer protection against heart diseases.

Papaya has been proven natural remedy for various skin ailments. Pulp of ripe papaya fruit when applied topically over face helps get rid of acne as well as the ugly scars. Papaya fruit is not only beneficial in removing hyper-pigmentation, but its application is also found beneficial in removing tanning, sunburn and age spots. Topical application of a blend of papaya, yogurt and honey twice a week can give the desired results.

Owing to the high levels of alpha hydroxy acids and papain enzyme contained in the fruit, regular application of fruit pulp helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles off the skin. Eating ripe papaya regularly helps to have normal bowel movements, cures constipation and keeps a check on weight! This further improves the digestive system of our body and keeps skin glowing with health! The Kitchen Clinic: Cure Skin Problems with Papaya

Read More........→March 20, 2026

The ‘Miracle Berry’ Helps Chemo Patients Remove Metallic Taste So They Can Enjoy Food Again

A miracle berry plant – credit, Hamale Lyman, released to the public domain

A species of red berry native to Africa and now grown in Florida is helping cancer patients reclaim the ability to enjoy food thanks to the berry’s properties which bear a “miracle” moniker.

“Miracle berry” is known as àgbáyun in its West African home. Scientifically, it’s designated Synsepalum dulcificum, with ‘dulcificum’ referring to its unique ability to turn sour foods sweet.

So iconic and striking is the effect it has on those who consume it, the active ingredient inside the plant’s fruit is a glycoprotein that’s literally called miraculin.

Studies investigating this compound report that at low pH (resulting from ingestion of sour foods) miraculin binds proteins and becomes able to activate the sweet receptors, resulting in the immediate perception of sweet taste.

What does this have to do with cancer? Proper nutrition is important to any cancer battle, but this can often become difficult because of something called “chemo mouth.”

“What patients report with chemotherapy is that they may develop a bothersome taste that could be described as metallic, rotten food,” said Dr. Mike Cusnir, an oncologist at Mount Sinai Medical Center who has led several initial studies into using miracle berries to make food more palatable for chemotherapy patients.

Dr. Cusnir told CBS News Miami that the ‘miracle’ in miracle berries doesn’t have anything to do with cancer, nor any method of preventing the damage chemotherapy does to the body. What it can do is restore one of the great joys of life—eating—to those who’ve lost it to chemotherapy drugs.

Julie Ascen has been battling lymphoma for a year, and told CBS that she considers the miracle berry to be just that: a miracle.

“It is one of those miracles that, if you have this disease, you want to live your life and not have it control you. And this lets it not control me; I can control myself.”

The miraculin glycoprotein removes the chemo mouth sensation for 30-40 minutes, allowing patients to eat a meal and enjoy the flavors again.

Florida, says one miracle berry grower, is the only place in the US where this fruit grows well, as it enjoys the hot and humid conditions of the plant’s native West African forest home.Hardly reserved for cancer patients, miracle berry is typically sold in freeze dried form, as the miraculin degrades quickly after the fruit’s separation from the plant. You can even buy it on Amazon. It makes for a fantastic party trick—eat one, then eat a lemon, and watch as everyone uniformly agrees that it tastes like an orange. The ‘Miracle Berry’ Helps Chemo Patients Remove Metallic Taste So They Can Enjoy Food Again

Read More........→March 18, 2026

Wondering if you really need that dental treatment? Here’s what to ask and how to get a second opinion

Chanae Ihimaera, Auckland University of Technology

If the dental bill has ever made you gulp, you’re far from alone. Around three in ten Australian adults say they avoid or delay dental care due to costs. In Aotearoa New Zealand, almost half of adults overall have unmet dental needs due to cost.

Dental pain or symptoms of infection can be clear signs you might need a dental restoration such as a filling. But like tyres on a car or paint on a house, fillings and crowns wear over time and will eventually need to be replaced.

Let’s look at how long dental restorations usually last, what to ask your oral health practitioner if they’ve recommended these treatments, and how to get a second opinion if you’re still unsure.

How long are fillings, crowns and implants supposed to last?

How long they last depends on the material, how big the repair is, your oral habits, and even how well you care for your mouth at home.

Composite fillings are the most common type used today. They are made from a strong mix of resin and fine glass particles and are designed to blend in with your teeth and bond closely to the layers of teeth (enamel and dentine). Composites typically last 5–15 years. Their lifespan depends on your risk of dental decay, the force of your bite and the size of the cavity. Fillings most often fail when there is new decay or cracks in the surrounding tooth structure.

Crowns are used when a tooth needs more support than a filling can provide, for example after a root canal or when a tooth has large cracks. Most crowns last 10–15 years. Many last longer with regular check-ups and careful home care.

Dental implants are often described as the closest thing to a natural tooth replacement and with good care, can last decades. But they are not a “fit and forget” solution. Implants require long follow-up, not just the first year or two. This should include routine professional cleaning, checks for gum inflammation and monitoring that the implant and screws stay secure.

So your oral health practitioner has recommended treatment? What to ask

If your oral health practitioner recommends treatment, especially if it’s expensive or invasive, consider asking the following questions to get a better sense of your options:

• can you explain what the problem is in plain language?
• what are my options, including the least invasive?
• what happens if I wait or choose not to treat this right now?
• are there lower-cost options that would still work well?
• are there habits or risk factors that could shorten this option’s lifespan?
• can you give me a written treatment plan with itemised fees?
• is there anything else I should know before deciding?

Your oral health practitioner should talk through what the treatment involves, why they’re recommending it, the alternatives (including choosing to do nothing), likely outcomes, costs and give you space to ask questions.

Treatment shouldn’t go ahead until you understand everything and feel comfortable agreeing.

If you want to explore your options, seek a second opinion. This is not a sign of distrust – it’s good self-advocacy and ensures your treatment choices align with your values, budget and long-term wellbeing.

So how do you get a second opinion? What might change?

Getting a second opinion can be simple as booking in with a second oral health practitioner and let them know you’re seeking their advice. You can ask your usual clinic to email your notes or X-rays if you want to take them to a second provider.

A second opinion means asking another oral health practitioner for their view on your diagnosis or recommended treatment. People usually seek a second opinion when:

• the issue is complex
• the treatment is major or expensive
• they want to explore less invasive or more cost-effective options
• they want to clarify before committing.

This advice can make it easier to decide what course of action aligns with your values, such as whether you favour low intervention or would rather avoid the risks of delaying treatment.

While the evidence is limited in oral health, a study of medical care found 37% of patients received a different treatment recommendation when they sought a second opinion.

Second opinions in medicine often lead to meaningful changes in diagnosis or treatment. Individual studies found changes in as few as 10% or as many as 62% of second opinion cases.

Most patients across the study and review reported high satisfaction with the process.

What are your rights as a patient?

Under Aotearoa New Zealand’s Privacy Act and the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights, you’re entitled to information about all the treatment options and the risks and benefits, clear explanations and enough details to give truly informed consent.

Australian patients have the right to access their dental records under Australian privacy laws. Clinics must keep accurate information about the patient’s care and provide it when asked.

Australia also has clear consumer protections around dental over-servicing. If treatment recommendations seem unnecessary, unsafe, or financially excessive, the Dental Board and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency can investigate.

Knowing these safeguards exist can make it easier to compare advice and feel confident you’re making the best decision for your mouth and your wallet.

Chanae Ihimaera, Senior Lecturer/Kaiwhakaako Oral Health, Auckland University of Technology

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Read More........→March 17, 2026

Weight loss with Kitchen Herbs

Losing weight can be a lot easier if you spice up your food. Spices not only make your food taste good, they are also known to aid fat burning, boost metabolism, help you stay healthy and fight off other health risks. Spices help stabilize blood sugar by controlling insulin levels in the body. When blood sugar is stable, you are more likely to burn fat and not store calories as excess weight. 

Spices are the best antioxidants and have powerful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. For all the good reasons for health, why not add these top five fat-burning spices to our diet and ramp up weight loss as well. In the following post, learn about the spices that have been known to help in weight loss and get you to your goal in a healthy and happy way.

Chillies: Eating chillies can make you lose weight by stimulating the metabolism, improving circulation and warming the body. Chillies in moderate quantities induce 'Thermogenesis' that promote sweating, which is a cooling mechanism of the body to combat heat.

Capsaicin, a component found in chillies, is responsible for this effect as it stimulates certain receptors in the central nervous system to create the heat producing effect. Additionally, chillies help relieve nerve pain and boost energy levels as well.

Cloves: Cloves are another one of the spices that have been appreciated for their help in speeding up metabolism and increasing weight loss. Clove consumption is said to increase glucose metabolism, thus lowering blood glucose levels, helping the body regulate insulin levels & in turn keeps diabetes at bay. Also, cloves have antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties.

The active compounds in cloves, eugenol and isoeugenol, possess both anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant properties. Furthermore, cloves help maintain cardiovascular health, improve blood circulation, relieves flatulence and indigestion. These are also known to boost energy level and relieve stress.

Cinnamon: This ancient spice has one of the highest antioxidant levels of any spice. A study published in Diabetes care (2003) showed that 1/4th tsp to 1 tsp daily of cinnamon helps metabolize sugar up to 20 times better than without cinnamon, hence boosting the body’s weight loss ability as well as controlling diabetes! Because cinnamon balances blood sugar levels it has the added advantage of stabilizing mood and energy levels as well as lowering LDL and triglyceride levels. (but remember, cinnamin contains coumarin, a chemical which can lead to liver damage if consumed in large amounts).

Turmeric: Turmeric is one of the popular spices of the Indian kitchens. It contains beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps protect liver from free radical damage, while helping body metabolize fats by decreasing the fat storage rate in liver cells. Studies suggest that Curcumin, a yellow-orange pigment found in turmeric, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps protect the brain against damage, slows down the development of Alzheimer and Parkinson’s disease and prevents heart diseases.

Ginger: Research studies suggest that ginger has fat burning and metabolism accelerating properties which can burn the body fat. Also, this fat burning spice has been found to contain satiating properties that helps keep a check on over-eating! Ginger tends to increase the pH value of stomach acids, thus reducing the rates of gastric secretions and accelerating the activity of the enzymes necessary for digestion. Furthermore, ginger reduces triglyceride and cholesterol levels and thus helps in improving cardiovascular health. It elevates the levels of high density lipoproteins and lowers the risks of stroke and heart attack by improving the blood circulation.

Black pepper: The main component of black pepper, piperine, is said to boost fat metabolism by inhibiting differentiation of fat cells in the body. studies suggest that piperine has anti-obese properties and reduces triglyceride, total cholesterol, VLDL and LDL levels, and increases HDL cholerterol. These results also show that piperine can help in weight loss and management. This kitchen ingredient is also beneficial in diseases like cholera, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems. The Kitchen Clinic: Weight loss with Kitchen Herbs

Read More........→March 16, 2026

Fussy Girl Overcomes Vegetable Phobia and Now Loves Brussels Sprouts Thanks to Eating Disorder Specialist

Emie Williams at home -SWNS

A fussy five-year-old girl has overcome her phobia of vegetables and now loves Brussels sprouts–just in time for her mother’s Christmas dinner.

Emie Williams would scream and cry if her mom, Hayley, tried to give her anything except crackers, french fries, or other beige-colored foods.

It meant family meals were fraught with conflict—Emie wanting different food and refusing to even taste hot dinners.

“She’d just refuse to eat any vegetable or any meat. We took her for check ups and health visits for advice but they just said give her what she wants because it’s probably a phase.”

But Hayley suspected that she may have ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), believing she had “all the signs”.

Emie’s energy levels dipped, and she would get really tired at the end of the day.

“I explained (to doctors) that if I don’t give her what she wanted then she wouldn’t eat.”

Last month, Emie had a routine health check-up and a blood test revealed she had erratic sugar levels, so Hayley and her husband took their daughter to the hospital where doctors warned them Emie was in danger of developing diabetes unless she changed her diet.

In desperation, Hayley decided to take drastic action and contacted David Kilmurry, who specializes in obsessive eating conditions.

“We were pretty desperate when we contacted David but the results have been amazing,” the mother-of-3 from Coventry, England, told the SWNS news agency.

After a series of two-hour sessions, Emie now counts 30 foods that she willingly eats. Her favorite is Brussel sprouts, which she even enjoys raw.

Emie Williams eating her new favorite food, Brussel sprouts – SWNS

Due to her age, Emie was not hypnotized, but David, a cognitive behavioral hypnotherapist, sat with the youngster and gradually encouraged her to try different foods.

Hayley attended all the sessions and just watched Kilmurry at work.

“He’d do magic tricks and talk to Emie to gain her trust, and then brought out different foods.

“Slowly, she tried more and more until she was really enjoying apples and oranges.

“She’s really taken with Brussel sprouts, especially eating them raw. I can’t wait to see her enjoying her first ever Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.”

David, who runs practices in Coventry and London, said: “ARFID isn’t taken seriously enough.“It doesn’t just go away.” Fussy Girl Overcomes Vegetable Phobia and Now Loves Brussels Sprouts Thanks to Eating Disorder Specialist

Read More........→March 13, 2026

Which nut butter is healthiest – peanut, almond or cashew?

Lauren Ball, The University of Queensland and Emily Burch, Southern Cross University

Once, the only nut butter on the supermarket shelf was peanut butter. Now you can also buy almond, cashew, hazelnut and macadamia nut butters, or blends.

So which is the healthiest nut butter to spread on your toast?

As we’ll see, the healthiest is not just about the actual nut. It’s also about what else goes in the jar.

What do they all have in common?

All nut butters are made from ground nuts that provide healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, plant-based protein, fibre. They also provide essential minerals, such as magnesium, potassium, zinc and iron.

Across decades of research, regularly eating nuts is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and premature death. That benefit appears whether the nut is peanut, almond or cashew or any other type of nut.

But many commercial products contain vegetable oils, palm oil, salt, sugar, or stabilisers to improve texture and shelf life. These added ingredients dilute the nutritional quality and increase salt or kilojoules without providing any health benefits.

Choosing a nut butter made only from nuts (or nuts with minimal salt) means you get the full nutritional value.

How do I choose a nut butter?

Check the ingredients list. The healthiest options contain just one ingredient – nuts. Some added salt is fine, if minimal. But avoid products with seed oils (such as canola oil), palm oil, fillers or added sugars.

Looking at the nutrients in each nut butter per serve (a tablespoon, about 16 grams) can highlight how they differ. The numbers vary slightly by brand. But when the product contains 100% nuts, the numbers don’t generally change dramatically between nuts.

To keep things simple, we’ve focused on peanut, almond and cashew butters:

• protein: peanut butter wins slightly for protein content, at 3.84g per tablespoon, making it a solid choice for post-workout snacks or adding extra protein to your day. However, almond (3.36g) and cashew butters (2.82g) aren’t far behind. So they still contribute meaningful protein to your diet

• fat: almond butter takes the top spot for healthy fats (8.88g per tablespoon), followed closely by peanut (7.98g) and cashew butter (7.9g). The fats in nuts are mainly heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which have been associated with improved cholesterol levels and reduced inflammation

• carbohydrates: cashew butter contains the most carbohydrates (4.42g per tablespoon), which might be important if you’re looking for quick energy before a workout or if you have type 1 diabetes and are adjusting your medication based on your carbohydrate intake. Then comes peanut butter (3.49g), followed by almond butter (3.01g)

• fibre: almond butter takes the lead for fibre (1.65g per tablespoon) followed by peanut butter (1.06g). Cashew butter lags significantly behind (0.32g), about one-fifth of the almond butter’s content. This makes cashew butter the weakest option if you’re relying on nut butter to contribute to your daily fibre intake

• calcium: almond butter dramatically outperforms the others for calcium, with 55.5 milligrams per tablespoon. This offers about eight times more than peanut butter (6.56mg) and cashew butter (6.88mg). This makes almond butter an excellent choice for bone health, especially if you avoid dairy

• potassium: both peanut and almond butter tie for potassium content (120mg per tablespoon). This makes them useful for supporting healthy blood pressure and muscle function. Cashew butter contains 87.4mg

• iron: cashew butter leads the pack for iron (0.805mg for tablespoon), followed by almond butter (0.558mg) and peanut butter (0.304mg). This is particularly relevant for people with higher iron needs, such as those menstruating, pregnant or breastfeeding, or people following plant-based diets. But overall, nut butters are not a meaningful source of iron

• zinc: cashew butter (0.826mg per tablespoon) offers nearly twice the zinc of peanut butter (0.445mg). Almond butter’s zinc content is in the middle (0.526mg). This makes cashew butter valuable for immune function and wound healing

• selenium: cashew butter provides the most selenium (1.84 micrograms per tablespoon), an important antioxidant mineral that supports thyroid function. Peanut butter comes in second (1.2µg), while almond butter contains notably less (0.384µg)

• magnesium: almond butter leads for magnesium (44.6mg per tablespoon). Close behind is cashew butter (41.3mg), then peanut butter (25.4mg). This mineral is crucial for muscle relaxation, sleep quality and energy production.

In a nutshell

Each nut butter has distinct nutritional advantages:

• peanut butter leads in protein and ties with almond butter for potassium, making it ideal for muscle support and feeling full

• almond butter is the standout for calcium, and is also higher in fibre, magnesium and heart-healthy fats. This makes it an excellent choice for bone health, digestion and cardiovascular support

• cashew butter is naturally sweet and is the strongest source of minerals such as iron, zinc and selenium. These are essential for immune function, energy production and thyroid health. However, it is the lowest in both protein and fibre. So while it contributes valuable micronutrients, it’s better suited as an occasional option rather than a primary protein source.

Any concerns?

Often, almond and cashew butters are processed on equipment that’s been used to process peanuts or other nuts. So traces of one nut may appear in another nut butter, which is stated on the label. So if you have a specific nut allergy, check labels carefully.

The cost also varies. Almond and cashew butters are usually slightly more expensive (at around A$2.40 per 100g) compared with about $1.82 per 100g for peanut butter.

What now?

No single nut butter reigns supreme as each brings different nutritional strengths.

The smartest approach would be to keep more than one on hand, choose versions made from 100% nuts, and let your taste preferences and nutritional goals guide you.

Lauren Ball, Professor of Community Health and Wellbeing, The University of Queensland and Emily Burch, Accredited Practising Dietitian and Lecturer, Southern Cross University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Read More........→March 13, 2026

Hair care for Summer: Best Home Remedies for Your Hair

Hair care for Summer

The summers, apart from the incessant heat bring in its wake a host of hair problems. Heat from the sun degrades the protective protein in hair which oxidizes the color to a brassy hue, wipes out shine, and leaves hair brittle. On top of that, Ultra violet rays, dry wind and sweat can worsen the condition! But don't worry! We have some natural home made solutions for you!

Find in this post, some summer hair care remedies using all natural ingredients that would effectively defend hair in the hot weather. These home remedies would also help combat all the hair plights, provide protection from UV rays and make your hair look fabulous!

Home Remedies for Hair Care:

• Soak fuller’s earth in water overnight. Add 2 tablespoonful of curd to it to make a paste. Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair. Wash with water after an hour to attain soft, shiny and healthy hair.
• For keeping your hair moisturized and protected from sun rays, combine equal parts of aloe vera gel and olive oil. Apply the mixture gently to the scalp and hair. Leave it for up to 30 minutes and rinse it out.
• Take a ripe papaya and blend it in the mixer. Mix a cup of yogurt to it and apply thoroughly through scalp and hair. Wash after half an hour with water.
• Take equal proportions of powdered Amla, Reetha and Henna and add water to make a paste. Leave this mixture overnight. Next morning, mix 2 tablespoon curd to the paste and apply over scalp and hair. Leave it on for an hour. Rinse hair with a mild shampoo afterwards. This is one of the best conditioner for heat affected hair.
• Take egg yolk in a bowl and whip it well. Add honey and stir it well to make a thick liquid. Apply the mixture onto your scalp and hair and let it sit for up to 30 minutes. This remedy would make your hair soft and bouncy.
• Almond oil can also be used to treat dry and damaged hair. Take some almond oil in a bowl and heat it gently. Massage the lukewarm oil to the scalp and hair. Leave it for 30 minutes and then rinse normally with shampoo.
• Mash a ripe banana and mix a tablespoon of honey to make a paste. This is one of the beneficial remedies to treat sun affected hair.
• Soak fenugreek (methi) seeds overnight and grind the same next morning. Mix a spoonful of curd to make a paste. Massage this paste gently on scalp and hair. Rinse with a mild shampoo after 20-30 minutes.

Hair Care Tips for Summer:

• The most effective remedy for health hair is eating healthy diet including green vegetables and fresh fruits.
• As hair is made of protein, your diet should include plenty of natural meat, fish, and dairy products.
• Drink plenty of water (3-4 liters/ day) to keep your hair and skin hydrated.
• When you go out in the sun, remember to wear a hat, cap or scarf, slightly loose enough to allow scalp circulation, to protect your hair against the damaging effects of the sun.
• Avoid maximum ray damage by minimizing bare head exposure to the sun between 10 am - 3 pm, when the sun's rays are the strongest.
• Avoid hot water hair wash, as the heat can damage your hair. Use cool water instead.
• Avoid using blow-dryer or hot rollers, instead allow your hair to dry by itself. These artificial techniques make hair brittle and dry. If you have no time to let your hair air dry, then use blow-dryer sparingly and make sure you use a warm setting instead of a hot setting.
• Try using mild and moisturizing shampoo during summer, rather than the normal shampoo that you use during other times, as former is much gentle on your hair. 

Herbal Beautyholics: Hair care for Summer: Best Home Remedies for Your ...:

Read More........→March 10, 2026

Yo-Yo Dieting May Actually be Good for You, Suggests New Study

Credit: Getty Images for Unsplash+

A new study indicates that yo-yo dieting might actually be good for you.

Also known as weight cycling, repeatedly losing weight through dieting, only to regain it again—and often more pounds over time—has been criticized in previous research showing it could increase the risk of a heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and higher blood pressure.

But a new study, published in the journal BMC Medicine, shows yo-yo dieting confers long-term health benefits by reducing levels of harmful abdominal fat, also known as visceral fat.

Being called “the largest long-term MRI-based repeated weight-loss trial”, the research demonstrates that every weight loss attempt has the potential to improve overall well-being.

Study principal investigator Professor Iris Shai says the research challenges the traditional focus on weight loss as a simple “numbers game”.

“Persistent commitment to a healthy dietary change creates cardio-metabolic memory in the body.

“Repeated participation in a lifestyle program aimed at weight loss, even after an apparent ‘failure’ in which an individual regains all the weight lost in a previous diet, may lead to significant and sustainable health benefits over the years, particularly through the reduction of harmful visceral fat.”

Body weight alone does not capture changes in visceral fat or metabolic biomarkers, explained the lead author, Hadar Klein, a doctoral student at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

“Even when weight is regained, cardio-metabolic health may remain improved, and success should not be defined solely by the number on the scale.”

Credit: ColinRose (via CC license)

“Importantly, even when weight loss is attenuated during a second attempt, the cumulative benefits for abdominal fat and metabolic health are substantial.”

For the study, researchers conducted a follow-up after five and 10 years with participants from two consecutive randomized controlled dietary trials lasting 18 months each, including around 300 participants.

The trials analyzed participants undertaking a Mediterranean diet–based intervention with physical activity, and compared them with control diets, using detailed MRI scans performed before and after each intervention.

Surprisingly, the study found that, although participants entered the second intervention at a body weight similar to that at the start of the first one—indicating full weight regain—their abdominal fat profile and metabolic markers were more favorable.

They showed improvements of around 15% to 25% compared with their initial levels, including enhanced insulin sensitivity and a more favorable lipid profile.

The researchers say their findings point to the existence of a positive “cardiometabolic memory” from prior intervention that persists, even after weight is regained.

The study also showed that, although participants who rejoined the weight-loss program lost less weight during the second intervention, they maintained better long-term health outcomes.

“Five years after completing the second intervention, these participants showed less weight regain and less accumulation of abdominal fat compared with participants who had engaged in a weight-loss program only once,” said Prof. Shai.The team collaborated with researchers from Harvard’s Department of Nutrition, the University Hospital Leipzig in Germany, and the School of Public Health at Tulane University in New Orleans. Yo-Yo Dieting May Actually be Good for You, Suggests New Study

Read More........→March 10, 2026