A ‘natural’ way to fight tooth cavities

Washington: A new discovery has brought natural anti­cavity products closer to reality.

The scientists from West China School of Stomatology and Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam figured out the main active ingredient of Galla Chinensis, a natural herb, and further improved its anti-caries efficacy.

To maintain a healthy mouth, the oral environment must be relatively neutral. When the environment in the mouth becomes more acidic, dental cavities or other disorders may develop. Galla Chinensis was revealed to inhibit the acid production of caries-associated bacteria as well as make teeth more resistant to acidic attack.

The research team tested hundreds of Chinese herbs and identified that Galla Chinensis has a strong potential to prevent dental caries due to its antibacterial capacity and tooth mineralization benefit. Galla Chinensis also possesses substantial antiviral, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antidiarrheal and antioxidant activities. However, the main active ingredient of Galla Chinensis is unknown, which restricts the application in dentistry.

In the present study, several Galla Chinensis extracts with different main ingredients were obtained and determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. The antibacterial capacity was determined using the polymicrobial biofilms model, which can generate reproducible plaque-like biofilms that occur in vivo. The effect of inhibiting tooth demineralization was tested using an in vitro pH-cycling regime, which mimicked the periodic pH change in mouth.

“Medium molecular weight gallotannins are the most active constituent in terms of caries prevention” concluded lead author Xuelian Huang.

In dental caries, significant reductions in caries prevalence and incidence have been made by the introduction of fluoride. It is not a total cure, however, and there is still a need to seek products complementary to fluoride. With these new findings, the research team is working with the industry to develop new oral care products.

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Smoking, alcohol consumption can make you look older than your age: Study

New Delhi: A study suggests that smoking and heavy drinking can make a person look older than his/her actual age.

Heavy drinking and smoking are linked to visible signs of physical ageing and the consequences reflect on a person's face, sooner or later.

Light to moderate drinking is not associated with looking older than one's years, the findings showed.

"This is the first prospective study to show that alcohol and smoking are associated with the development of visible age-related signs and thus generally looking older than one's actual age," said the researchers.

The findings are based on information from more than 11,500 adults in Denmark whose heart health and visible ageing signs were tracked for an average of 11.5 years as part of the Copenhagen City Heart Study.

Before each of the clinic visits, researchers quizzed the participants about their lifestyle and general health and asked to state how much they drank and smoked.

And they were checked for four signs of ageing that have previously been linked to a heightened risk of cardiovascular ill health and/or death.

These were: earlobe creases; a greyish opaque coloured ring or arc around the peripheral cornea of both eyes (arcus corneae); yellow-orange plaques on the eyelids (xanthelasmata); and male pattern baldness (receding hairline or a bald patch on the top of the head).

The average age of the participants was 51, but ranged from 21 to 86 among the women, and from 21 to 93 among the men.

Analysis of drinking and smoking patterns revealed a consistently heightened risk of looking older than one's true age and developing arcus corneae, earlobe creases, and yellow-orange plaques on the eyelids among those who smoked and drank heavily.

For example, compared with a weekly alcohol intake of up to 7 drinks, a tally of 28 or more was associated with a 33 per cent heightened risk of arcus coneae among the women, and a 35 per cent heightened risk among men who knocked back 35 or more drinks every week.

Similarly, compared with not smoking, smoking one pack of 20 cigarettes daily for between 15 and 30 years was associated with a 41 per cent heightened risk among women and a 12 per cent heightened risk among men.

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Reason why you must never go for packaged fruit juices

Are you also one of them who carries packaged juices in their office tiffin bag or over a glass of packaged juice to compliment your breakfast? If yes, we would like to advise you that please stop having these packaged juices and change your taste to fresh fruit juices. It might sound challenging for you and boring, but if you want to stay healthy and fit in life, you should create scope for the change. In several Indian families, these packaged juices are viewed as alternatives to “unhealthy” carbonated soft drinks, but the question is are these packaged fruit juices really healthy? Or is it just a myth? The packaged fruit juices are undisputedly unhealthy.

These juices can be classified as fruit drinks, juices, and nectar drinks. According to research fruit drinks carries about 20% of fruit, while fruit juices have 15-20% of fruits and last but not the least nectar drinks contain only 10% of the fruit. When we analysed the situation, we realised that the rising number of health-conscious consumers are having these juices thinking they are fulfilling their daily nutritional element with a packaged juice which is healthy. But unhappily, all this has happened in health diseases that we keep neglecting. For example, packaged juices lack satiety value i.e. you may not feel full even after drinking 3 glasses of juice. Whereas, if you drink one glass of pulpy fresh juice you will feel satisfied, or you can also opt for eating the fresh fruit directly. According to a research, the act of chewing and swallowing sends satisfaction signal to the brain. Here, we have tried to highlight such reasons that might force you to say no to the packaged juices today.

Read below to know the downsides of packaged fruit juices.

- High on preservative
-No nutrition value
-Lack pulp or fibre content
-Lack satiety value

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Protect your skin from air pollution

The skin has defensive mechanisms that help fight free radicals that exist in polluted air by secreting fats and oils called lipids that act as a barrier against these pollutants. To strengthen this mechanism there are certain tips that one should follow to ward off skin diseases, say experts.

Cleansing the skin: With high acidic levels in the air, the skin tends to get dry making it vulnerable to penetration of harmful particulates that are free flowing in the air. The skin needs to be kept moist therefore, cleansing the skin is a good option. Use a cleanser that does not rob your skin of all the moisture.

Use a Toner: After cleansing the skin, it is essential to neutralize it with a good toner. A gentle, soothing toner helps remove oil and traces of dirt and grime on the skin, ensuring there are no acidic particles stuck to the skin.

Scrubbing: Once the toner has been applied evenly, treat your skin to mild scrubbing. The face scrub can be used on all the body parts that were exposed to air. Mild Scrubbing twice a day will ensure your skin is thoroughly cleansed of all the dirt.

Using facial oil: Instead of using a moisturizer, Facial oils prove to be more beneficial. It acts as a barrier which does not allow outside pollutants to penetrate the skin. Once you cleanse your face it is very important to apply a good facial oil that will moisten your skin and protect it from the harmful air pollutants.

Wear a sun block as shield not only against sun’s UV rays but also to protect against pollutants in air.

Cleanse your face using baby oil/ coconut oil on a cotton pad first followed by your face wash with cold water, this ensure deep cleansing from inside the pores pulling out even the most stubborn bacteria / pollutant settled onto your skin. Replenish with using a toner to tighten the pores and a nourishing moisturiser.

Supplement your diet with necessary anti-oxidants rich in Vitamin C & E which are excellent for skin texture. Brocolli, Spinach, Peanut butter being some rich sources.

Prepare a hydrating fluid for on the go skin care, cut few slices of watermelon, green apple etc and soak it your water bottle that you carry with you all day long and keep sipping the nourishment. This keeps your skin extra hydrated with the presence of fruits and detox water helps clear skin from within to reverse the effect from pollution.

Use a face mask at night to replenish lost nutrients. For example papaya mask is rich in vitamins, anti oxidants . Turmeric mask helps clear skin. Potato mask help reduce dark circles.

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Four ways to lose weight in this winter

For many of them, losing weight in the winter seems quite challenging. But surprisingly, the chilly winter weather can work wonders on your body without any efforts or even knock on the doors gym. In Many types of research shown that keeping cool can help the body burn fat. A 2014 study which is labelled as ‘Impact of Chronic Cold Exposure in Humans’ led by Australian scientist Dr Paul Lee, from Sydney’s Garvan Institute of Medical Research,revealed that sleeping in the cold effects in an increase in brown fat and speeds up metabolism.

That’s because of brown fat, also called good fat, can actually help you burn more calories and eradicate unhealthy white fat from the body. This good fat not only helps you lose weight but also reduces your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Hydrating foods
Concentrate on foods with high water content to lose weight fast and stay hydrated. Natural, whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, and soups are high in water and aid weight and volume without adding calories.

Protein

A lot of proof carries a higher protein intake for weight loss apart from other health benefits. Eating protein-rich foods can help you wipe those unwanted pounds and keep your belly full, while also maintaining fat-burning muscle. In addition, a study carried out by the University of Washington suggests that a high-protein diet appears to fool the brain into thinking you've eaten more than you have.

Water
One of the best, yet healthiest things you can do to lose weight is by drinking more water. But the problem is that several people tend to drink less in cold weather, although drinking water, particularly in winter, do your body good in a number of ways, including your weight. In fact, diligent water intake not only helps you stay hydrated and curb hunger but also prevents snacking for the wrong reasons and boosts energy.

Sunlight

You might be shocked to learn that exposure to sunlight is tied to weight loss. That’s because sunlight can stop dips in serotonin, a mood-boosting brain chemical that is also partly responsible for feelings of fullness. It’s been known that bright light, or even a heavy dose of artificial light in the morning, can help reduce appetite, food cravings as well as body weight. Lower levels of serotonin have been linked to depression, insomnia and weight gain.

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Brighten dark lips with these 5 amazing foods

Want an irresistible pout? Here's what you should be doing.Ladies, we all know the power of a smile. After all, it not only turns a frown upside down, but also makes you look beautiful. But you what can marr a gorgeous smile? Dark and dull lips. Ladies, there's no denying that pink lips not only look healthy, but also gives a certain freshness to the face. However, smoking, neglect, and sun exposure can ruin your pink pout.

If you are one of those unlucky few who are perturbed by their dark lips, let us tell you that there's nothing to worry about. And no we are not talking about those lip scrubs and other products, but foods that can make your lips pink again.

Here are five foods that can brighten your lips and your smile.

Apply Honey To Make Your Lips Glow

The benefits of honey are aplenty. Whether you consume it or wash your face with it, this natural product will benefit you either way. And it's the same case when it comes to your lips. You can take a spoonful of honey, slather on your lips, and leave it overnight. Wash your lips the next morning with cold water and you'll see a world of difference in the colour of your lips. Honey is rich in antioxidants and minerals such as magnesium, which can prevent discolouration of the lips.

Green Tea Can Brighten Your Lips Too

You may have been consuming green tea for weight loss. But did you know that it can brighten your lips too? You read that right. The polyphenols present in this magic brew fight the free radicals and protect your delicate lips from the harmful effects of pollution. So what you do you need to do? After making yourself a cup of green tea, set aside the tea bag to cool down a bit. After it comes down to room temperature, apply the tea bag on your lips. It can also cure dry and chapped lips.

Make Your Lips Pink Again With Tomatoes

Yes ladies, your favourite salad ingredient can protect your lips from damage. In fact, red tomatoes are rich in a powerful antioxidant called selenium that can protect you against skin damage. You can include this fruit into your diet and also make a paste of it to apply on your lips.

Coconut Oil Is the Magic Oil You Need For That Pink Pout

Coconut has proven to have skin benefits that are unparalleled. Not only it moisturizes your skin, but also makes it soft and supple. You can apply coconut oil on your lips every night before going to bed and your lips will become soft and bright.

Squeeze Some Lemon On Your Pout

There's no denying that lemon adds flavour into your food. After all, who doesn't like a bit of tanginess on their plate. But this particular fruit can give you the skin of your dreams--and lips too.

You see, toxic components in your body such as acids and strong alkalis can cause discolouration. Drinking lemon juice with warm water can help flush out these toxins. Lemon is also known to be a strong bleaching agent. You can rub it on your lip along with sugar granules to notice visible changes.

No Diet, No Exercise: Just Consume This Daily to Get a Perfect Body

The UK National Health Service claims that the normal daily consumption of pineapple is 2 rings or 12 chunks. Due to its unique structure, pineapple can help keep you healthy and prevent a lot of diseases.

10. It will help you lose weight if combined with physical training.

  

The bromelain contained in pineapple stimulates the digestive functions and can help to get rid of cellulitis by speeding up the process of protein digestion.

Pineapple cannot magically dissolve fat. However, if you combine pineapple consumption with physical training and do not exceed the daily norm of calories, it will help you to improve your results.

9. You will get rid of inflammation.

8. Your heart will become a better shape.

Pineapple contains bromelain, which helps your body fight inflammation. It will help to reduce swelling, relieve pain, and heal wounds faster. In addition, bromelain helps your body remove damaged cells.

It is also believed that it can speed up the renewal of connective tissue, and so it is widely used when treating sporting injuries: bruises, blisters, and sprains.

The vitamin C contained in pineapple will prevent problems with blood vessels and help to produce collagen inside your bones, cartilage, muscles, and blood vessels.

7. You will keep the same level of vision.

Pineapple contains vitamin A, which helps keep your vision sharp. Beta-carotene strengthens its action. Everyday consumption of pineapples can reduce the risk of macular degeneration.

6. Your bones will be stronger.

The calcium and magnesium contained in pineapple can make your bones stronger. 1 glass of pineapple juice is enough to receive more than 70% of the daily norm of manganese.

5. It will prevent a blood stroke.

Pineapple contains a lot of potassium, which helps to decrease blood pressure and prevent a blood stroke. It can also help to avoid myocardial infarction by removing deposits inside the blood vessels.

4. You will be young for longer.

There is a lot of manganese inside pineapple, and it protects your body from free radicals. These radicals can ruin your cells and speed up the aging process inside your skin and organs.

3. Your digestion system will return to normal.

Pineapple pulp, as well as its juice, can help the process of digestion by fighting abdominal distention and constipation. It can also help with ulcerative colitis or stomach ulcers, but only as a supportive remedy and after a doctor’s prescription.

However, since pineapple juice can increase stomach acidity, you have to be very careful if you have gastritis or a gastroduodenal ulcer.

2. Blood sugar levels will decrease.

Pineapple fiber can slow down the speed of sugar digestion, thus decreasing blood sugar levels.

1. It will elevate fertility.

Bromelain has also proved itself by improving blood circulation inside the womb and as a preventive care against miscarriages