Why can Iodine Deficiency become Fatal for you?

Iodine is very important for our body, though we rarely value it. It plays a special role in thyroid hormone and digestive activities.

If there is a lack of iodine, it has a major effect on physical growth or structure.

But many of us do not know how much iodine we need or in what kind of food it can be found?

After research, Professor Margaret Rayman of Surrey University has found that there is a shortage of iodine in many modern healthy foods which can create serious health issues especially for pregnant women.

Why do we need iodine?

Thyroid hormone plays a key role in digestion and body growth and iodine is an important part of this hormone.

“The lack of iodine is the main cause of the lack of human intelligence or lack of learning, which can be prevented,” says Professor Rayman.

“If pregnant women do not get enough iodine, their children may be born with intellectual disabilities or hormonal problems.” She said.

Iodine problem lies in many neighborhoods near the Alps. There is also a large number of thyroid gland swelling in the neck. Large swelling thyroid glands are also seen in their throat.

Professor Rayman says, now we know it is a visible sample of iodine deficiency. Thyroid glands may swell excessively as it tries to store iodine from blood.

Healthy Food Risks

Among the foods all over the world, probably the main source of iodine is white fish and eggs.

Iodine is also mixed with food-salt in most countries.

In many countries like the UK, people get iodine directly from milk and dairy products, because iodine is added to the diet of cows.

But in industrialized countries too, iodine deficiency is seen among many people. There is a lack of iodine in food, that is not because of that. The main reason, they do not want to eat these foods.

The most vegetarians are in this group who do not have meat in their food menu. The number of these teams is increasing day by day.

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health has done a recent study on people of different ages, there were also pregnant women among them.

The organization has found that iodine acceptance rate among vegetarians is very low.

Professor Rayman has also found that vegetarians and those who do not eat meat, such pregnant women also have iodine problems in their children.

In the 1990s, Professor Rayman collected samples from more than 14,000 pregnant women. Then she kept observing the health and growth of them and their children.

Especially they closely monitored the power of children's education and their intellectual capacity. They analyzed their data.

They found that women who had iodine problems, their children received fewer marks in the oral intelligence test at the age of eight. At the age of nine too, they had less capacity for their studies. They have seen this test, the problems of the mother have affected their children.

But the most worrying thing is that those who had a little iodine deficiency, this problem was also strong among them.

Where is iodine available?

The world's largest source of iodine is the ocean.

Iodine comes into human body by consuming plants or animal meat which comes through food cycle from the sea to the sky, the environment, the rain etc.

But there is no sea-touched rain in landed areas at all times. Again, those who are dependent on locally produced food also do not get iodine in all foods. These events occur in the Alps, in remote areas of Pakistan or in mountainous areas of Italy, Russia and Central Africa.

Iodine deficiency is also seen in flood prone areas like Bangladesh. Because flood water washes away iodine from the soil.

How much iodine is needed every day?

Experts suggest that one woman should have 150 to 300 micrograms of iodine in their food per day. But iodine levels are different in each meal. So it is difficult to say how much iodine one can get in the amount of food one eats.

However, oily fish does not contain the same amount of iodine that white fish contains. There is more iodine in cold milk.

There is also considerable iodine in milk that is not organic. Due to the regulations what have to be fed to the farm cows, this milk becomes iodine-rich.

Best of all, eating different types of food. Do not completely remove the type of food like meat, unless the doctor has a restriction.

source of Info: bbc.com/bengali

Foods for Your Healthy Brain and Nerves

Is there really any food which is good for the brain? How do the foods work? Many types of research have been conducted on this matter. It has found from the research, as vitamins and minerals are necessary to keep your body strong and healthy, these foods are needed to keep your brain and nerves active. So, researchers have named these foods as ‘brain food’.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): For healthy brain and nerves, this vitamin is necessary. The best sources of vitamin b1 are enriched grain products, fortified breakfast cereals, and meatless soy products.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): It forms coenzyme which helps to transmit nerve stimulation. You can get this vitamin from meat, fish, whole food grains, beans, milk, vegetables, and fruits.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): This vitamin converts tryptophan into serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical component of the brain. Vitamin B6 enriched foods include: fortified breakfast cereals, beef, potatoes, bananas, turkey, pistachios etc.

Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin): This vitamin is necessary for the normal function of the brain and nervous system and the formation of red blood cells. You can get this vitamin from eggs, fish, meat, milk and dairy foods.

Folic Acid: This vitamin is necessary for the metabolism of fatty acid in the brain. Folic acid is essential for pregnant women. Because the risk of nerve-related problems of the wombed child increases if the amount of folic acid is low. You can get folic acid from whole-wheat products, peas, dried beans, oranges, liver, broccoli, beets, lentils, and spinach.

Some minerals play vital roles to conduct the activities of the nerves properly. Your whole body will be inactive if your nerves decay. So, to prevent nerve decay and to stimulate the nerves, you have to take the following minerals.

Magnesium: Good sources of magnesium include: Whole grains such as brown rice, Beans and nuts, Green leafy vegetables, and whole wheat bread.

Potassium: Potassium is present in all fruits, meat, fish, and vegetables. Potatoes and sweet potatoes, milk, all nuts, bananas, avocados, soybeans, chocolate are high in potassium.

Calcium: Foods rich in calcium include: Cheese, Yogurt, Sardines and canned salmon, Almonds, Beans and Lentils, Whey protein etc.

Eat foods to increase brain power: To keep your brain active, fuel is necessary. And for this, take a small amount of foods several times a day rather than taking a large amount of foods two to three times a day. Choose nutritious foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, chicken, and fish. Drink water a lot. Your brain needs sufficient water for its proper activity. Your brain becomes dehydrated by mental pressure. So drink water when you are tired, in anxiety, or in mental pressure. Do not take coffee and soft drinks much. Because these drinks contain caffeine that increases urine.

Eat different types of foods: Your body needs different kinds of nutrition. Nutrition is necessary for the daily activities of your nerves and brain. So to get nutrition, you have to take different types of foods. Foods are the best source of nutrition. Give foods the priority, not medicine. Take advice from doctors if necessary.

Do you know these Wonderful Health Benefits of Garlic?

Garlic adds a unique flavor to cooking. Garlic has been using in cooking in India for a long time. It is not less known in other countries too. Many people call garlic ‘Power House of Medicine and Flavor’. The reason is - raw and cooked garlic keeps the body fit. And eating garlic on a regular basis cure many diseases.

Garlic has been using to cure diseases in Indian subcontinent for a long time. In addition, garlic is also used in other purposes. Using garlic is quite common in many cultures. Our ancestors have used garlic to control insects. In middle age, Europeans have used it to control plague.

Garlic contains the compound allicin that cure diseases. According to a NDTV report, the use of garlic and its health benefits are informed below:

Keeps Blood Clean:

Two cloves of garlic with a glass of warm water has to be taken in the morning daily. And a lot of water has to be taken in the day. It will clean blood and keep the skin well. If you want to lose weight, add some lemon juice to the warm water.

Cure Cold and Fever:

Garlic could be a super medicine for those people who frequently experience cold and fever. To remove cold and fever, two to three cloves of raw garlic have to be taken. Besides this, garlic could be eaten cooked and with tea. If the smell of garlic is felt bad, add ginger and honey to it.

To avoid heart disease:

The levels of cholesterol remain less if some cloves of raw or semi-cooked garlic are taken daily. And to control blood pressure and to balance sugar levels in blood, garlic works well. The sulfur-based compound allicin have positive impact on health. Keep in mind, raw garlic is better in this regard.

To prevent Bacteria and Bacterial diseases:

Garlic has been used to prevent bacteria and bacterial diseases for thousands of years. Studies have found that garlic extract works well to eliminate worms in children. Mouth wash could be made with garlic extract. The daily use of this mouth wash stops the spread of bacteria in the gums.

To prevent Cancer:

Stomach and colon cancer could be prevented by taking raw or cooked garlic daily. Many studies have claimed it. In addition, almost all types of cancer resistance is made in the body by daily consumption of garlic.

In skin and hair care:

The daily consumption of garlic makes the skin beautiful and remove the signs of aging. Besides, to protect the skin from the attack of bacteria and fungus, garlic has to be eaten regularly. Regular consumption of garlic stops hair fall and helps grow new hair.

Caution:

Patients who have asthma or shortness of breath should be careful in using garlic. In many cases, side effects are seen in these patients. Garlic consumption has to be stopped before operation. And not more than two to three cloves of garlic should be eaten without consulting a doctor.

Not these 9 Foods in an Empty Stomach

Eating healthy food is very important for the body. Eating at the right time is important as well. Recently, a study has proved that there are some foods that should not be eaten in an empty stomach any more. These foods create acids and cause intestinal problems. Popular lifestyle related website Boldsky has informed us the foods.

Soda:

Soda contains high amount of carbonated acid. If soda is taken in an empty stomach, carbonated acid causes nausea and health problems.

Tomatoes:

When tomato is taken in an empty stomach, its existing acid mix with gastrointestinal acids and makes one kind of insoluble gel. This gel could create stones in the stomach.

Medicine:

Some gastric medicines are recommended to take before meal. But, for most of the medicines, doctors advise to take after meal or when the stomach if full. When medicines are taken in empty stomach, they create unpleasant condition there.

Alcohol:

Drinking is harmful for the body. Drinking in empty stomach is more harmful. The elements of alcohol create burning in the intestine.

Spicy foods:

Many of us like to eat spicy foods. Eating spicy foods in empty stomach is not good anyhow. As a result of eating spicy foods in an empty stomach, acidic reaction creates burning there.

Coffee:

Drinking coffee in empty stomach is very harmful. Coffee contains caffeine that is not good for the stomach. So, if you need to drink coffee, take a glass of water first.

Tea:

Like coffee, tea should not be taken in an empty stomach. Tea contains high levels of acids which do harm the membranes of the stomach.

Banana:

Eating banana in an empty stomach increases the amount of magnesium in the body suddenly. As a result, the balance of magnesium and calcium in blood is destroyed. So, experts advise not to take banana in empty stomach.

Sweet Potato:

Do you know that sweet potato contains tannin and pectin? These elements release more acid that constrain the stomach wall. As a result, burning is created in the chest.

Lemon Water for 15 Reasons

Have you heard about lemon and weight loss? Yes, you must have. But maybe you did not know that there are many other benefits of lemon water besides weight loss. I am sure that you will add lemon water to your morning routine daily after reading this article!

Make a refreshing morning drink with a fresh lemon. It has plenty of benefits. You may be surprised to see some results. Let’s know all about it.

Lemon Detox:

Toxins are flashed out from our body by the help of lemon detox. Lemon contains citric acid. Citric acid flushes toxins from our liver, colon and gallbladder. Mix a teaspoon of honey in lemon water and drink in the morning. You will get a refreshing lemon cleanse.

Relieves Joint Pain:

Lemon water, full in vitamin C dissolves uric acid. It reduces inflammation in achy knees. Pain is reduced by this super drink. Arthritis patients are brought relief by this.

Fighting against Infection:

Lemon water stimulates body’s immune system. It keeps immune system running which fight against viral infection effectively.

Hydrated Body:

If you want to stay hydrated, drink lemon water. Citric acid of lemon water enhances mineral absorption. Minerals are very essential for keeping our organs running. Replenish the lost minerals and vitamins by adding a few slices of lemon in a glass of water.

For Weight Loss:

Taking 8 glasses of water everyday helps to boost our metabolism. Adding lemon to the water can add some perks to it. Lemon contains pectin. Pectin suppresses appetite and relieve hunger pangs. You will feel full for longer if you drink lemon water.

Improves Vision:

Lemon water is very effective on our eyesight. It improves our vision and prevents our eye related problems like cataract and macular degeneration.

Freshen Breath:

To get breath smelling fresh, drink lemon water. Toothaches and gum diseases are relieved by lemons. But keep in mind, too much citric acid erode tooth enamel.

Fresh Skin:

Lemon contains antioxidant properties. These properties help to reduce wrinkles and prevent signs of aging. Skin becomes fresh and glows from within. Drinking lemon water also kill those bacteria that cause acne.

To Ease Sore Throat:

Lemon contains antibacterial properties. So, lemon water can prevent sore throats. It also prevent other throat related problems.

Keeping Heart Healthy:

Heart related ailments are prevented by lemon. It prevents irregular heartbeat. It also prevent high blood pressure and high cholesterol. To keep blood pressure normal we should drink lemon water.

Preventing UTIs:

Drink lemon water a lot if you suffer from UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections). Lemon water flushes out toxins and boost the healing process. It cleanses the urinary tract. It stimulates a healthy production of urine. The antiseptic properties of lemon water keep the bad bacteria away.

Preventing Constipation:

The cleansing properties of lemon water help to prevent and treat constipation. Lemon water lubricates the digestive system. It improves bowel movement by flushing out undigested waste.

Keeping Cancer at Bay:

Pectin of lemon water protect the intestine from cancer. Lemon water contains anti-carcinogenic properties which remain longer in the body than other natural anti-cancer compounds. Drink just two tablespoon of lemon juice with honey in eight oz. of warm water. It is good for killing cancer cells.

Balancing PH Level:

Lemons are acidic so they alkalize foods for the body. To drink lemon water regularly helps to reduce acidity in the body. Our body becomes weak and more susceptible to illness and diseases if there is too much acidity.

Boosting Potassium:

Lemon is high in potassium. A lemon contains 80 milligrams of potassium. Potassium enhances muscle and nerve function. It is also good for our heart.

Magical Power of Beetroot Juice for Elderly

A new study suggested that Beetroot juice has significant power in improving blood pressure and exercise endurance in those elderly patients who are suffering from heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) syndrome. NDTV reported on Feb 12, 2016.

A daily beetroot juice intake improved aerobic endurance by 24 percent. 5-10 mmHg blood pressure was decreased by it.

This primary study suggests that taking beetroot juice daily a week could be a effective therapeutic option in improving aerobic endurance with HFPEF patients. One of the researchers professor Dalane Kitzman at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, North Carolina, said.

HFPEF is a strong form of heart failure which occurs initially in elderly women reflects how the heart's left ventricle pumps with every beat.

Tiredness and shortness of breath are the primary symptoms of HFPEF. Some non-cardiac factors which decrease oxygen delivery to skeletal muscles are responsible for it.

The journal of the American College of Cardiology Heart Failure published details of the findings.

19 people were enrolled in the study. It was a randomized safety study for determining the better way to improve exercise intolerance. The researchers gave the patients a single dose or a daily dose of the juice over several days.

Firstly, the researchers measured blood pressure and aerobic endurance. After that, they gave the patients either a single dose of beetroot juice or a placebo.

The dose of the beetroot juice was equivalent to 2.4 ounces which contains approximately six millimoles of inorganic nitrate. More studies need to be conducted.

Beet is a wonderful root vegetable and beetroot juice has plenty of benefits. Traditionally, it has been used to cure people for a long time. According to Wikipedia, beetroot was used by ancient Romans to treat fever and constipation. Beetroot contains high amount of folic acid and manganese. Traditionally, people drink or use beetroot juice to treat anemia, tiredness and skin problems.

Always Take Breakfast to Remain Active

Do you neglect eating breakfast? Many people often do it. Maybe, they do not know or ignore it willingly. The truth is, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It is very beneficial for health. It gives energy which is essential for starting a long day. So, to be physically active all day long and to reduce food intake, never skip your breakfast. A study conducted by University of Bath in Britain has found it. Times of India published a report on the study on Feb 13, 2016.

Researchers have found scientific evidence how breakfast changes our health. Though the study result highlights the impact of breakfast, it still depends on personal goals of the individual, one of the researchers said.

The researchers divided some obese people aged 21-60 into two groups. One group was fasting and another group was breakfasting. They studied the people for six weeks. Researchers asked the breakfasting group to eat almost 700 calories before 11 am. The group consumed the asked quantity of meal within two hours of their waking up. Researchers allowed the fasting group water only.

If you think about weight loss, researchers have little suggestions for you. But if you think about a healthy lifestyle, researchers have suggestions for you relating eating breakfast. On the other hand, different people respond to food differently and they do not take equal breakfast.

A registered dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association, Chole Miles also acknowledged the importance of breakfast. Techtimes.com mentioned it in one of their articles on Jan 27, 2016. Studies have shown that more than 60 percent Americans do not take breakfast. They argue that their busy schedule is the main cause behind it. But it has been proved unhealthy for them.

So, we should take breakfast considering the following matters:

1. Breakfast is important for brain. Students who take breakfast regularly can make good results in their test.

2. After a long fasting night, our body want energy. Foods rich in fiber, vitamin C and D, and glucose give us the required energy.

3. Researchers have found that skipping breakfast increases the risk of being more obese.

4. A study in Japan found that people who skip breakfast can increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

Food and Nutrition In World Media

We can live without medicine but we cannot live without food. We work for food, we fight for food. Food security gets the most priority in the world. Thousands of people around the world still go to bed without taking any diner. On the other hand, foods are at the risk of contamination. Unhealthy foods are also taken by man. As a result, food borne diseases are on the rise. You will not get any media where food issues are not discussed. So, we want to visit the world media to find out what kind of food we can eat, what kind of foods pose what kinds of risks etc...

Have you ever heard that man collect food from dustbin. Yes, you have heard and experienced. Poor people often do it. But this time a global network has taken a initiative of collecting wasted food to create delicious and healthy food for the poor. According to UN's FAO, the world lose or waste 1.3b tonnes of food every year. Although no complaint has been received yet, the UK's Food Standard Agency discourages people not to take food taken from waste bin because of contamination concern. To feed millions of hungry people, diverting unwanted food may play a significant role. But people's health safety has to be considered first. Al Jazeera published a report on this on Jan 29, 2016. On the report, they discussed two more important related topics: "Why are so many people still hungry?" and "Thirty percent of world's food wasted".

HTV is very active about the news and discussion of food related issue. They present articles where they have discuss the impact of different kinds of foods on our body and mind. They also give important tips such as the tips to pregnant women to eat certain foods to improve their baby's brain etc. Just look below what kinds important things they discuss about food and nutrition:

A new American research suggests young and adolescent women to take fruits and vegetables much because they have found that high fiber intake reduce the risk of premenopausal breast cancer by 24%. This new study followed more than 90,000 women aged between 27 to 44 in 1991. According to the study, taking only 10g extra fiber reduce the risk of breast cancer by 13%. HTV reported the study on Feb 06, 2016.

Vitamin D is important for better bone health and lower risk of many chronic diseases in children. So, give your children milk with vitamin D supplements. Along with that give them chances of physical activities. University of Eastern Finland suggests this. NDTV published a report on the study on Feb 06, 2016.

Now it is clear that food and nutrition is the most important thing for a healthy mind and body. Taking proper kinds of foods in proper proportion can keep many diseases away. We must visit the websites where we get food and nutrition related correct information for better living.