Friday, February 27, 2009
Have a sand blast
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Energy drinks are ‘the dangerous coffee of new generation
An increasing number of students are consuming energy drinks to boost their concentration as they study throughout the night, so much so, that such beverages have become coffee of the new generation. "Energy drinks are the coffee of a new generation. These drinks are made up of sugar and caffeine and can have a negative impact on health."
A 2008 report by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has revealed that 1.5 billion cans of Red Bull were sold in the United States in 2004, with a similar level of consumption reported in Canada and it is a growing trend for 18-to 24-year-olds. The market segment is broadening as younger children are beginning to consume these drinks before doing physical activity.
"Energy drinks don’t hydrate the body efficiently, because they have too much sugar. And caffeine doesn’t necessarily improve physical performance. In high quantities it can increase the risks of fatigue and dehydration."
Many studies have demonstrated that strong doses of caffeine can increase hypertension, cause heart palpitations, provoke irritability and anxiety as well as cause headaches and insomnia. Close to 50 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds claim to consume energy drinks mixed with alcohol. Vodka Red Bulls are in vogue despite warnings against the mix.
"Usually when someone consumes too much alcohol, their head spins and they feel tired. Energy drinks cancel out these warning signs. The person feels good and therefore keeps drinking without realizing they are drunk."
Reference: indianexpress
Sunday, February 15, 2009
New therapy 'can reverse Alzheimer's memory loss
Good morning friends. There is this new therapy that can reverse Alzheimer’s memory loss. This is a tough sickness which usually’s the target are older people. Everyone has the mentality that when you got this kind of disease, you will never be cured.
Scientists have developed a new therapy which they claim can prevent and even reverse memory loss in Alzheimer's patients.
It could repair some of the damage caused by the disease by treating patients with a naturally occurring protein in the body, called brain-derived neurotrophic factor.
"The effects of BDNF were potent. When we administered BDNF to memory circuits in the brain, we directly stimulated their activity and prevented cell death from the disease.
"We have shown that BDNF targets the cells themselves, preventing their death, stimulating their function, improving learning and memory. BDNF treatment can potentially provide long-lasting protection by slowing, or even stopping disease progression in the cortical regions that receive treatment." The scientist found BDNF treatment can slow or stop the progression of Alzheimer's in the animals.
And, compared to animals not treated with the protein they had significant improvement in their memory and learning skills.
It seems to show that another protein, BDNF, may protect and restore memory. This research offers insight into the way in which Alzheimer's progresses and alternative avenues of research."
Reference: indianexpress
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Red wine prevents heart disease
A study claims to have discovered a process inside the human body which gives those fond of this drink a valid reason to say cheers! "It has often been observed that the French do not develop heart disease despite bad eating habits. The consumption of red wine contains a chemical compound resveratrol which is beneficial for the heart and has anti-cancer properties."
"It has been baffling for scientists that under laboratory conditions, resveratrol is required in much higher amounts to show effects similar to what is observed under normal conditions".
"For example, the amount of resveratrol ingested through a glass of wine or a serving of red grapes, another important source of the compound, has not been sufficient to elicit health benefits in studies conducted under laboratory conditions."
"The key to this phenomenon may be found in an enzymatic system present in the red blood cells, known as Plasma Membrane Redox System (PMRS). The resveratrol that is ingested into the body through any source, donates electrons to the PMRS which is present in the red blood cells. These electrons are used by the PMRS to maintain the levels of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in the plasma."
"Vitamin C is essential to regenerate Vitamin E which plays a very important role in preventing atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which in turn gives rise to several diseases related to the heart."
"This phenomenon offers a possible explanation to the health-promoting effects of resveratrol, even when consumed in moderate concentrations. With this, people may also be rest assured that for health benefits, they need not consume large amounts of resveratrol-rich food like red wine, red grapes or pomegranate."
The rate of red blood cell PMRS increases during human aging. "It appears that the increase in PMRS activity is a defense mechanism of the human body to cope with increased oxidative stress during aging. Thus any compound which displays PMRS activating effect has a potential anti-aging effect."