Prevent Stroke, Anemia And Other Diseases With Regular Diet Of Plantain

Plantains, also known as plátanos, are closely related cultivars of fruit or dessert banana. In general, they are treated as vegetables in the kitchen much like fellow tropical produces such as potatoes, taro, breadfruit, yam, sweet potatoes, etc. Indeed, plátano are one of the staple sources of carbohydrates for larger populations. Plantain is so rich that it is consumed in almost every part of the world.

Plantain is quite different from dessert banana, being taller and larger and more drought tolerant. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that develops from the underground rhizome. Like bananas, it too flourishes well under tropical moisture-rich, humid low-lying farmlands. At maturity, the rhizome gives rise to flower (inflorescence) that is carried up along its smooth, elongated, un-branched stem, piercing through the center of pseudo-stem, finally emerging out at the top in between its leafy clusters.

Plantain relatively has more calories weight for weight than that in the table bananas. 100g plantain holds about 122 calories, while dessert banana has only 89 calories. Indeed, they are very reliable sources of starch and energy; ensuring food security for millions of inhabitants worldwide. It contains 2.3 g of dietary fiber per 100 g (6% of DRA per 100 g). Adequate amount of dietary-fiber in the food helps normal bowel movements, thereby reducing constipation problems.

Fresh plátanos have more vitamin C than bananas. 100g provide 18.4 mg or 31% of daily required levels of this vitamin. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful oxygen-free radicals. However, boiling and cooking destroys much of this vitamin in plantains. Plantains carry more vitamin A than bananas. 100 g fresh ripe plantains contain 1127 IU or 37.5% of daily required levels of this vitamin.

As in bananas, they too are rich sources of B-complex vitamins, particularly high in vitamin-B6 (pyridoxine). Pyridoxine is an important B-complex vitamin that has a beneficial role in the treatment of neuritis, anemia, and to decrease homocystine (one of the causative factors for coronary artery disease (CHD) and (stroke episodes) levels in the body. In addition, the fruit contains moderate levels of folates, niacin, riboflavin and thiamin.

They also provide adequate levels of minerals such as iron, magnesium, and phosphorous. Magnesium is essential for bone strengthening and has a cardiac-protective role as well. Fresh plantains have more potassium than bananas. 100 g fruit provides 499 mg of potassium (358 mg per 100 g for bananas). Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure, countering negative effects of sodium.

At maturity, plantains are generally harvested unripe and right away carried to the market for sale. Look for firm, mature, deep green, well-formed plantains that feel heavy in hand. Do not buy overripe, damaged, split fruits, as they stay poor. Once at home, store them open at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. Once ripen, plantains too, like bananas, are very fragile and show signs of decay in short time span.

Plantains are inedible raw and should be eaten only after cooked. To prepare, just wash the raw fruit in cold water and mop dry using paper cloth. Using a paring knife, trim either ends. Then, cut the fruit into short lengths, split the skin superficially along the ridge and peel the skin gently away from the flesh to get firm flesh inside. Oftentimes, the whole fruit may be barbequed with its skin. Otherwise, its peeled flesh may be cut into thin slices, grated, chunks treated much like potatoes in many traditional African and West-Indian cuisine.

Plantains make delicious savory recipes, used in place of potatoes in grills, mashed, bake, or fries. In South-Indian Kerala state, plantain chips (vaazhakka upperi) seasoned with salt and pepper, is a popular snack. Tostones (plátano, fried twice), prepared in a similar way are again a popular snacks in the Caribbean and Latin Americas. Its flower head (inflorescence) and interior icicle-white, tender stem (vazhai thandu in Malayalam) too are eaten in various kinds of recipes in South-Asian regions.

Sopa de plátano is a popular Caribbean soup preparation that used green platanos, garlic, cilantro, and cheese. Mashed plantain served with fried onions is a national breakfast dish of Dominican Republic. Mashed platanos are served with rice, eggs, beans, poultry, fish, etc., in these regions. In some African communities, plantain is pounded into a form in which it is eaten with stews or soups such as egusi soup or okro soup.

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Children Of Smokers Risk Low Sperm Counts

Scientists in Sweden said men whose fathers smoked at the time of pregnancy had 50 per cent lower count of sperms than those with non-smoking fathers. 

The findings of a new study published in the journal ‘PLOS ONE,’ showed that, independently of nicotine exposure from the mother, socioeconomic factors, and their own smoking, men with fathers who smoked had a 41 per cent lower sperm concentration and 51 per cent fewer sperm count than those with nonsmoking fathers. The study was conducted on 104 Swedish men aged between 17 and 20 years.

A semen analysis usually evaluates certain characteristics of a male’s semen and the sperm contained therein and it is done to help evaluate male fertility, whether for those seeking pregnancy or verifying the success of vasectomy. 

Normal sperm densities range from 15 million to greater than 200 million sperm per milliliter of semen. One is considered to have a low sperm count if he has fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter or less than 39 million sperm total per ejaculate. 

A Specialist Physician at Lund University in Sweden Jonatan Axelsson said, “I was very surprised that regardless of the mother’s level of exposure to nicotine, the sperm count of men whose fathers smoked was so much lower. “We know there is a link between sperm count and chances of pregnancy, so that could affect the possibility for these men to have children in future.

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Study Links Shampoos and Make-ups To Early Puberty

Exposure to chemicals found in a wide array of personal care products including shampoo and beauty makeup products have been linked to early puberty among girls.

These are the findings of a new study published in the December 4 issue of the journal ‘Human Reproduction’. Puberty is the time in life when a boy or girl becomes sexually mature. It is a process that usually happens between ages 10 and 14 for girls and ages 12 and 16 for boys. It causes physical changes, and affects boys and girls differently.

The study which centers on specific chemicals, include phthalates, parabens and phenols, which are found in an array of products, including perfumes, soaps, shampoos, nail polish, cosmetics, toothpaste, lipstick, hairsprays, skin lotions, among others.

According to the study author Kim Harley who is Associate Director of the Center for Environmental Research and Children’s Health at the University of California, Berkeley in the United States (US), these chemicals “get into our bodies either by absorption through the skin, by being inhaled, or being ingested [like lipstick].” “Once they are in the body, they are quite quickly metabolised and [then] excreted in urine.”

 

As to how routine exposure to the chemicals might affect puberty, she said they’ve “been shown to mimic estrogen in certain laboratory conditions.” The team found that “the higher the levels of the chemicals in mothers’ or daughters’ bodies, the earlier the puberty” among girls. No such link was found for the timing of male puberty, however. Harley said, “We were a little surprised that the associations were only with girls and we didn’t see much with boys. “But since these tend to be estrogenic chemicals, it makes sense that they might impact girls.”

The researchers’ analyzed data collected in a study that enrolled pregnant women between 1999 and 2000. The women had blood tests twice throughout their pregnancy, and interviews were also conducted to gauge exposure to the chemicals in question.

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Energy Drinks could Damage Blood Vessels - New Findings

Researchers say caffeine - laden energy drinks may make the blood vessels of its consumers less efficient. Findings of a new study presented at a meeting of the American Heart Association (AHA) in Chicago on November 12, showed that energy drinks reduced the diameter of blood vessels and in effect, restricted blood flow and oxygen delivery to various parts of the body.

Therefore, people under 18 years, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, caffeine-sensitive individuals and those taking stimulants or caffeine-based drugs or those with heart disease should stay away from energy drinks, warned the lead researcher of the study, Dr. John Higgins, who is a professor of medicine at McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. Previous studies have showed that energy drinks have been linked to heart, nerve and stomach problems.

This negative effect on blood vessels may be related to ingredients in the energy drink, such as caffeine, taurine, sugar and other herbals, the researchers suggested.

Taurine is an amino acid touted as increasing energy and was originally extracted from bull semen — hence the name Red Bull, the researchers said.

Reacting to the development, lead researcher Dr. John Higgins who is a professor of medicine at McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Centre in Houston, lamented that a lot of young kids use energy drinks when they exercise, a time when arterial function is at its top. On the contrary, he said, “Exercise and sports require maximum blood flow so oxygen can get to cells quickly.

“It’s more work for the heart and less oxygen supply for the heart. This could explain why there have been cases where kids have had a cardiac arrest after an energy drink.” Plus, people often chug energy drinks so they get the full effect in one shot, and that might be dangerous, Higgins said.

Speaking further, Higgins warned, “These drinks are not intended for children. The study included 44 healthy, non-smoking medical students in their 20s.

The researchers tested the effect of a 24-ounce energy drink on cells lining blood vessels, called endothelial cells. The function of these cells was tested before and after the participants consumed the energy drink, and again 90 minutes later. The researchers looked at artery flow-mediated dilation — an ultrasound measurement that is an indicator of overall blood vessel health.

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Improve Your Brain Health With A Diet of Cucumber

Cucumbers belong to the same plant family as squash, pumpkin, and watermelon (the Cucurbitaceae family). Like watermelon, cucumbers are made up of mostly (95 percent) water, which means eating them on a hot day can help you stay hydrated. However, there's reason to eat cucumbers all year long. With vitamin K, B vitamins, copper, potassium, vitamin C, and manganese, cucumbers can help you to avoid nutrient deficiencies that are widespread among those eating typical diet.

Cucumbers contain an anti-inflammatory flavonol called fisetin that appears to play an important role in brain health. In addition to improving your memory and protecting your nerve cells from age-related decline, fisetin has been found to prevent progressive memory and learning impairments in mice with Alzheimer's disease. Cucumbers contain polyphenols called lignans (pinoresinol, lariciresinol, and secoisolariciresinol), which may help to lower your risk of breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate cancers.

Cucumbers may help to "cool" the inflammatory response in your body. And animal studies suggest that cucumber extract helps reduce unwanted inflammation, in part by inhibiting the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes (including cyclo-oxygenase 2, or COX-2). Cucumbers contain numerous antioxidants, including the well-known vitamin C and beta-carotene. They also contain antioxidant flavonoids, such as quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, and kaempferol, which provide additional benefits.  

Placing a cucumber slice on the roof of your mouth may help to rid your mouth of odor-causing bacteria. According to the principles of Ayurveda, eating cucumbers may also help to release excess heat in your stomach, which is said to be a primary cause of bad breath. Cucumbers contain multiple B vitamins, including vitamin B1, vitamin B5, and vitamin B7 (biotin). B vitamins are known to help ease feelings of anxiety and buffer some of the damaging effects of stress. 

Cucumbers are rich in two of the most basic elements needed for healthy digestion: water and fiber. If you struggle with acid reflux, you should know that drinking water can help suppress acute symptoms of acid reflux by temporarily raising stomach pH; it's possible that water-rich cucumbers may have a similar effect. Cucumber skins contain insoluble fiber, which helps add bulk to your stool. This helps food to move through your digestive tract more quickly for healthy elimination. 

Cucumbers are very low in calories, yet they make a filling snack (one cup of sliced cucumber contains just 16 calories). The soluble fiber in cucumbers dissolves into a gel-like texture in your gut, helping to slow down your digestion. This helps you to feel full longer and is one reason why fiber-rich foods may help with weight control. 

Cucumbers contain potassium, which is associated with lower blood pressure levels. A proper balance of potassium both inside and outside your cells is crucial for your body to function properly. As an electrolyte, potassium is a positive charged ion that must maintain a certain concentration (about 30 times higher inside than outside your cells) in order to carry out its functions, which includes interacting with sodium to help control nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and heart function.   

There are many ways to enjoy cucumbers, such as fermented or raw in vinegar-based salads. If you're looking for something different, cucumbers make an ideal base for your vegetable juice due to their mild flavor and high water content. In fact, a simple juice of cucumber and celery is ideal for those new to juicing. From there you can work your way up to red leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, spinach, and escarole, along with parsley and cilantro. Juicing is actually an ideal way to consume cucumbers.

When you drink fresh-made green juice, it is almost like receiving an intravenous infusion of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes because they go straight into your system without having to be broken down. When your body has an abundance of the nutrients it needs, and your pH is optimally balanced, you will feel energized and your immune system will get a boost. 

If you're wondering whether you should choose organic cucumbers over conventionally grown varieties, It is suggested that you choose organic. Cucumbers were ranked the 12th most contaminated food and the second in cancer risk due to their pesticide content, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Further, cucumbers are often waxed after harvest to withstand the long journey to market unscarred and to protect against the many hands that touch them. Therefore, it is better to chose organic Cucumbers than these other varieties.

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Crash Diets Raise Risk Of Belly Fat

Experts in the United States (US) have raised the alarm over the negative health impact of crash diets, saying they cause short-term changes in the body that may lead to long-term health consequences, including more abdominal fat. The new study, which was conducted by researchers at Georgetown University in Washington DC, was released by the American Physiological Society.

Crash diets are those diets by which individuals try to lose weight rapidly in a short span of time. According to the American Acedemy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the fad and crash diets promise significant weight loss, often in a short period of time. These diets might drastically change the way a consumer eats, restricting certain food groups or only allowing the fellow to eat the same foods repeatedly.

They might also involve cleanses like the Lemonade Diet, where the consumer can only drink “lemonade” made from lemon juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper for 10 days. Going by the new study, the researchers fed female rats with a diet that contained 60 per cent fewer calories than their normal diet — the human equivalent of going from 2,000 calories a day to an 800-calorie diet. Consequently, the diet quickly caused a decrease in body weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and kidney function, but all returned to normal when the rats resumed their typical eating patterns, the ‘Newsmax’ reported.

However, three months after the diet ended, the rats had accumulated more abdominal fat and less muscle than the control animals, and a hormone that increases blood pressure (angiotension II) was more potent. The researchers believe that the body changes might lead to long-term health risks for people who go on crash diets. The study’s authors noted that women are more likely than men to go on crash diets, and that’s why they used female rats. Offering other insights into why crash diets may not be the way to go, Lori Noble, MD, a physician at the The University of Pennsylvania Health System in Philadelphia said crash diets just don’t work.

She said, “Cleanses and fad diets are very temporary,” Dr. Noble said. “They’re not going to help you burn calories or fat in the long run. You may see a decrease in the number on the scale, but it won’t improve your overall health outcomes.” Weight lost during a crash diet is likely from lean muscle and water, not body fat, according to the AAFP. “I don’t like to tell patients to 'diet',” Dr. Noble said, adding, “There is no quick fix to lose weight quickly; so, planning is so important.”

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