Eating cheese daily can give you cancer

New research suggests that a daily helping of cheese could increase the risk of bladder cancer.

Eating more than 53g – roughly the same size as a small chocolate bar – raises the chance of the disease by 50 per cent.

On the other hand, a daily portion of olive oil, can more than halve the risk of getting the disease.

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Researchers set out to discover if saturated fats, such as those found in meat and dairy products, made cancer more likely and healthier fats, such as olive oil, offered some protection.

They studied the eating habits of 200 bladder cancer victims and compared them with 386 volunteers who had not developed tumours.



The results showed eating cheese had little effect unless the amount exceeded 53g a day. After that, the risk went up by more than half.

But the Dutch and Belgian researchers stressed the numbers of people in the study may be too small to conclude that cheese is a major health threat and called for further investigations to verify their findings.

Other foods, such as fish, chicken, eggs and margarine, appeared to have little effect.

"We found a potentially protective effect from a high intake of olive oil and a suggestive increased risk from high cheese consumption," the Daily Mail quoted the researchers as saying.

The study was published in the European Journal of Cancer.

Health benefits of coffee

There's nothing like waking up in the morning to a steaming cup of coffee, is there? For some, a cup ofcoffee along with the news paper is a mandatory morning ritual. Needless to say, millions of people around the world are hooked to coffee — whether it is the first thing that they have in the morning or the last thing that they do before going to bed. 

Contrary to popular belief, experts insist that coffee is indeed good for health. It is known to be a powerful stimulant and also helps to improve performance in physical and mental activities. It also serves as an energy booster. "I drink a lot of coffee as I study late into the night. This helps me concentrate on my work and keeps me awake, especially before an important exam," says student Uma S, a self-professed coffee freak. 


Skin deep 
Coffee can keep your skin healthy in many different ways. Other than preventing skin cancer and melanoma-related diseases, coffee has antioxidant ingredients that can help reduce the occurrence of skin problems and diseases in general. Coffee gets rid of free radicals in the skin — which reduces the onset of skin-related problems such as acne and eczema. It further acts as an effective sun block and prevents sunburn and wrinkles. It also helps in treating redness and inflammation of the skin, reduces the appearance of under-eye circles and also helps get rid of cellulite.

Organic speak 
Coffee can be cultivated using organic methods too. The coffee plant is grown in the shade with the help of natural soil organisms to sustain its growth. Thus, the valuable nutrients needed to preserve coffee beans are retained, adding to their health quotient. Additionally, organic coffee is produced without the use of pesticides and other chemicals.

Benefits galore 
Coffee made with organic beans contains numerous health benefits. In addition to working as a stimulant, it can be used to control diseases such as asthma. It has also been proved that coffee reduces the risk of colon cancer. Organic coffee is said to contain large amounts of antioxidants as well. "Using organic coffee beans is better than using the normal ones because they are healthier and do not contain any harmful chemicals. They also taste great, since they are high on flavour," says Unnamali Thiyagarajan, an expert on organic coffee.

All said and done, too much of a good thing can sometimes prove to be bad. Coffee can also react adversely, if consumed in excess. "One must drink only two to three cups of coffee a day. Too much of anything is not good for health," advises Unnamalai, on a parting note. TNN(Contributed by Monisha V)

Artificial sweeteners broaden waist size

Two new studies have suggested that taking diet sodas as healthy alternatives to control weight gain might be a self-defeating behaviour. 

Epidemiologists from the School of Medicine at The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio found that diet soft drink consumption was associated with increased waist circumference in humans, and a second study found aspartame raised fasting glucose (blood sugar) in diabetes-prone mice.

"Data from this and other prospective studies suggest that the promotion of diet sodas andartificial sweeteners as healthy alternatives may be ill-advised. They may be free of calories but not of consequences," said Helen P. Hazuda, Ph.D., professor and chief of the Division of Clinical Epidemiology in the School of Medicine.

To examine the relationship between diet soft drink consumption and long-term change in waist circumference, the Health Science Center team assessed data from 474 elderly Mexican Americans and European Americans. 


Diet soft drink users, as a group, experienced 70 per cent greater increases in waist circumference compared with non-users.

Frequent users, who said they consumed two or more diet sodas a day, experienced waist circumference increases that were 500 per cent greater than those of non-users.

In the related project, Ganesh Halade, Ph.D., Gabriel Fernandes, Ph.D., the senior author and professor of rheumatology and clinical immunology, and Fowler studied the relationship between oral exposure to aspartame and fasting glucose and insulin levels in 40 diabetes-prone mice.

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener widely used in diet sodas and other products.

The mice in the aspartame group showed elevated fasting glucose levels but equal or diminished insulin levels, consistent with early declines in pancreatic beta-cell function.

"These results suggest that heavy aspartame exposure might potentially directly contribute to increased blood glucose levels, and thus contribute to the associations observed between diet soda consumption and the risk of diabetes in humans," noted Fernandes.

The study was presented June 25 at the American Diabetes Association's Scientific Sessions. 

Tips to relieve a dry scalp

Here are some simple ways to get rid of dry scalp

- Get rid of the soap. If you are still using soap to wash your hair, you could be doing it more harm than you realise. It is very harsh on the hair, and also strips the scalp of essential oils, resulting in itching.

- Choose a good shampoo. A pH-balanced shampoo is required to keep your scalp from drying out. Try a sample pack, before buying the whole bottle.

- Using olive oil helps. Massage some warm oil into your scalp and wait for 20 minutes before you shampoo it off.

 A mixture of equal parts of water and vinegar is also helpful. Rinse your hair in clear water and apply this mixture on to the scalp with cotton balls. Rinse with cool water.

- Making some changes in your diet can be beneficial. Increase your intake of essential fatty acids. Oily fish boasts of a naturally high oil content. Alternatively, you can take a supplement of evening primrose oil.

- Avoid using strong scented shampoos and conditioners as they may dry out your scalp. Some ingredients in shampoos as well as the product build-up left by conditioners can cause itchiness of the scalp. Try a gentle cleansing shampoo instead.

- If the problem persists, make an appointment with your dermatologist. They will be able to guide you and may prescribe a scalp relief ointment that will give you relief.

Perfect diet to prevent hair loss

If your receeding hairline and bald spot are giving you sleepless nights, here are a few dietary modifications to help keep your mane and its sheen

Men are as touchy about hair as women are about their backsides. It's a sensitive subject, one that raises many concerns and results in paranoid treatments and extreme measures. However, until the problem begins, there is little thought put into nourishing hair other than the lather and rinse routine. Before you start losing sleep over hair lossand book appointments with trichologists, take a closer look at what you're eating. Chances are that even slight modifications made to what you eat by incorporating ingredients that aid hair growth and health will have a drastic impact. While genes and lifestyle will always have the upper hand, here's what you could eat to help curb that receding hairline. 


Carrots
It's not just the eyes, Vitamin A-rich carrots provide excellent nourishment for the scalp. A healthy scalp ensures shiny, well-conditioned hair that is strengthened and moisturised. An overall balanceddiet of lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fatty fish like the Indian salmon and low-fat dairy are great boosters for healthy hair.

Prunes
If your hair suffers from dryness, thinning, stiffness, discolouration or hair fall, depleting reserves of iron might be the culprit. Prunes are known to be great sources of iron and greatly help improve the quality of hair. Also ensure you get plenty of green vegetables and beetroots in your diet in addition to prunes.

Green peas 
Although green peas are not rich in antioxidants or any specific vitamin or mineral, they contain a well-balanced amount of vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc and B group vitamins. These are essential for maintaining healthy hair.

Oats 
Not only are oats loaded with fiber that helps maintain a healthy heart and bowels, they also contain a high concentration of other essential nutrients such as zinc, iron and omega-6 fatty acids. Together, these are also knows as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Omega-6 fatty acids in particular are essential to maintain normal skin, hair growth and development. Since this essential ingredient is only obtained through the diet, make sure your breakfast includes a bowl of oatmealevery few days in the week.

Shrimp 
While red meats are best avoided in excess, finding an appropriate substitute for proteins might be a little difficult for those looking to build muscle etc. Alternatively, of the wide variety of sea food available, shrimps are a great substitute. They not only go excellently well in a number of curries and pastas, their potent concentration of Vitamin B12, iron, zinc contain all the necessary nourishment to prevent hair loss.

Walnuts 
Not to be outdone by the oats, walnuts are one of the most hairfriendly nuts in the category. Not only do walnuts have more omega-6 fatty acids than any other food, but they're also full of zinc, iron, B vitamins (B1, B6 and B9), and plenty of protein. However, a word of caution, walnuts also contain a small trace of selenium, a mineral known to cause hair loss in people who are selenium-deficient or have way too much in their system. So a handful of nuts over the week should tide you over without much trouble.

Eggs
For a head full of healthy hair, the egg is probably one of your best friends. It's loaded with essential nutrients such as proteins, Vitamin B12, iron, zinc and Omega 6 fatty acids in large amounts. Being deficient in any of these vitamins and minerals is known to result in poor quality of hair. In addition it's also a good source for biotin (Vitamin B7) which is a great aid to fight hair loss.

Low fat dairy products 
Low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt are great sources of calcium, an important mineral for hair growth. They also contain whey and casein, two high-quality protein sources. Add a cup of yogurt or cottage cheese to your snack list and to help prevent hair loss, stir in a few tablespoons of flaxseed or walnuts for your required dose of omega 3 fatty acids and zinc.

Hairy mistakes 
Here are a few common mistakes that severely damage hair
- Excessive stress and some medication are conclusively known to retard hair growth and promote hair loss.
- Cut down on the use of hair spray, hair gels, and styling creams that contain harsh chemical ingredients, which can dry out the scalp and cause the formation of flakes. Also harsh treatments such as perms, colours, relaxers etc take a toll on the health of your hair.
- Avoid changing your shampoo and conditioner constantly. Stick to one good mild cleansing shampoo for six months before changing.
- Excessive exposure to the sun, pollution, rain water and dust without proper protection makes the hair dry, brittle and limp. Use a live in conditioner during the rains to protect it from the humidity and wash and oil it regularly to maintain a healthy scalp. 

Tips to make your skin glow

For skin that feels like rose petals, here are some quick care tips. 

- Boil cabbage in water. Strain it and use the water to wash your face to make your skin look radiant.

- Mix yoghurt with cucumber water. Apply on your face and wash it off.

- Coconut milk is excellent for skin care, especially in winter. Take half a cup of coconut milk. Use half of it to apply it over the face and body. Mix the rest with red sandalwood powder, apply the paste on the face. It can also be applied all over the body. It exfoliates your skin. 


- Is your skin looking dull and lifeless? Mix coconut water and thick pineapple juice. Add multani mitti and apply it over your face and body. Do not scrub vigorously; wash it off with ice cubes or cold water.

- Here's a way to refresh tired skin: Mix one teaspoon vinegar with one teaspoon rosewater. Apply on skin and leave for 10 minutes. Wash it off with ordinary water.

- Mix one teaspoon honey with one teaspoon tomato juice. Leave it on the face or body for 10 minutes and wash it off with ordinary water.

Best time to exercise

There are many reasons why you should exercisein the morning and not late in the evenings as some people may be doing... 

- Early mornings are one of the best times to workout. Though it may seem tough at first, once you start, you'll feel exhilarated.

- Getting done with your workout first thing in the morning means you are less likely to use job or family obligations as an excuse to skip it.

- It's proven that working out bright and early boosts metabolism and gives additional energy, making one more productive throughout the day.

To motivate yourself... 
- Change is the name of the game. Ensure that your workout is a little different every morning. Vary your walking route or the pace of your exercise. Don't let boredom be an option. 


- Schedule your workout to coincide with the sun rising. It will help make your morning workout fulfilling, psychologically as well as physically.

- Give yourself a reward. Have a special treat planned upon your return from your workout session like a cup of your favourite coffee or tea. After all, nothing motivates like rewards.

- One of the best ways to motivate yourself is to lay out your exercise clothes and shoes the night before. You'll be less likely to change your mind about heading for your workout when you see everything ready to go.

- And here's the best one, sleep well. Try to get at least seven hours of good and deep sleep if you'll be working out in the morning. Once you're well rested, you'll be more motivated to follow through with your morning workout routine.

Low-calorie diet cures diabetes in 8 weeks

A successful trial has led scientists to believe that a 2-month low-calorie diet could free nearly 2.5 million Britons of the 'type two' diabetes. 

The diabetics, by consuming just 600 calories a day for eight-weeks, (the same amount many people would eat at lunch alone), were able to throw away their tablets.

Even after 18 months, some of them are still free of the disease, which is linked to obesity and usually attacks in middle age, reports the Daily Mail .

Researchers from the Newcastle University have described the results as remarkable, proving that the condition need not be a life sentence. 


"To have people free of diabetes after years with the condition is remarkable and all because of an eight week diet. For many years it has been assumed that Type 2 diabetes is a life sentence. It's chronic, it's progressive, people need more and more tablets, and eventually they need insulin. It's a downhill slope. However, we have been able to show that it is in fact reversible," Prof Roy Taylor, of Newcastle University, told the Daily Express .

According to the researchers, the trial also paves the way for new treatments for those who cannot stick to the drastic diet.

In 'type two' diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin – a hormone key in the conversion of sugar into energy, and the insulin that is made does not work properly.

The condition is often controlled initially with a stringent diet and exercise regime. But many sufferers see their health worsen and eventually have to depend on tablets or insulin injections.

"What is really important and very new is the changes in the body that go along with this. Specifically, the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas have gone to sleep in Type 2 diabetes, they are not really doing very much.

As the level of fat in the pancreas has reduced, we have seen these insulin-producing cells come completely back to normal, and that is truly remarkable," Taylor added.

Your bodies resist weight loss efforts

If you've been trying to lose weight and suspect your body is working against you, you may indeed be right.  "When obese people reduce their food intake too drastically, their bodies appear to resist their weight lossefforts," said Gregory G. Freund, professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. 

"They may have to work harder and go slower in order to outsmart their brain chemistry," added Freund, who led the study. 

He particularly cautioned against beginning a diet with a fast or cleansing day, which appears to trigger significant alterations in the immune system that work against weight loss. 

"Take smaller steps to start your weight loss and keep it going," he said, the journal Obesity reports.

In the study, the scientist compared the effects of a short-term fast on two groups of mice. For 12 weeks, one group consumed a low-fat diet (10 percent fat); the other group was fed a high-fat diet (60 percent fat) and had become obese, according to an Illinois statement. 

The mice were then made to fast for 24 hours. In that time, the leaner mice lost 18 percent of their body weight compared to five percent for the obese mice.

Beginning a weight loss programme in a depressed frame of mind and with decreased motivation doesn't bode well for the diet's success, Freund noted.--IANS.

Tips for better sleep

Hectic schedules, stress and excess workload have made sound sleep a luxury for many. But a few lifestyle changes can make for a restful night, say experts.

Helpful wind-down routines include a bath, a hot milky drink, switching off the television and computer, getting clothes ready for the morning, listening to soothing music and planning the next day's schedule, help in relaxing minds which leads to sound sleep, reports express.co.uk.

Experts say the surroundings could be rearranged to create an atmosphere more suited to sleep. Sleeping with the television on should be avoided as the waves disrupt sleep patterns.

To sleep well, there needs to be a fractional temperature difference between our body and our brain, a warm body and a cool head.

If a person prepares for sleep well before midnight (between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.), he stands a much better chance of getting a good sleep.

Vital deep sleep occurs an hour or so after a person drops off. So one can optimise the quality of this initial stage by going to bed at a reasonable hour.

Experts also say that one should have breakfast within half-an-hour of waking. This not only stimulates body metabolism, but when one eats a healthy breakfast, the person starts to create the perfect internal chemistry for optimal sleep.

It is always good to keep a gap of 90 minutes between eating dinner and going to bed. A heavy meal late in the evening disrupts sleep pattern.

Consuming two-to-three litres of fluid throughout the day will help keep the body hydrated and improve the quality of sleep. However, caffeine should be avoided as it dehydrates the body.

Half an hour of gentle exercise every day boosts the production of hormones that makes a person feel relaxed, such as endorphins and serotonin, as well as helping to shift excess weight and improve breathing and energy levels.

To relax one's mind at bedtime, a person should think about something he or she really enjoys doing, like an activity or the memory of a perfect day. The person should run it through in the mind like a film and slow it right down. This exercise will make a person relaxed, peaceful and ultimately sleepy.IANS

Prevent Swimmer's Ear

Swimmer's ear occurs when water builds up in the ear, causing an infection of the outer ear canal. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, redness and draining pus.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests how to help prevent swimmer's ear:

• Keep water out of your ears while swimming by using ear plugs or a bathing cap.
• Thoroughly dry your ears when you're finished swimming. Tilt your head in each direction, pull gently on your earlobe and pat dry with a towel.
• Never insert anything (such as a finger or cotton swab) into the ear.
• Use a blow-dryer on its lowest setting to completely dry your ears.
• Don't try to remove any ear wax yourself. Seek the help of a physician.

Prevent Heat-Related Illness

As the weather heats up, illnesses ranging from heat exhaustion to heatstroke become more common.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests how to help prevent heat-related medical emergencies:

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
• If working outdoors, take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors.
• When weather is particularly hot or humid, avoid heavy exercise or physical activity.
• Increase your fluid intake.
• Avoid becoming overheated, especially if you're elderly, overweight or taking a medication that affects your body's heat regulation.
• Let your car cool down before you get inside.

Energy Drink-Vodka Combo Nearly Kills Teen

The near death of a German teenager who consumed huge amounts of energy drinks mixed with vodka highlights the largely unrecognized danger of such beverage combinations, researchers report.

The 17-year-old boy suffered acute kidney failure and was hospitalized for 10 days following the incident, when he drank one liter of vodka combined with three liters of energy drinks. He told authorities he was trying to improve the outcome of two 100-meter races he ran at school, after which he experienced vomiting and dizziness and was rushed by ambulance to the hospital.

The case study is published in the July print issue of Pediatrics.

"This is another classic case of teenage binge drinking and another warning for parents that . . . it can go to extremes and be fatal or near-fatal," said Cecile Marczinski, whose similar research on alcohol's interaction with energy drinks is published online and in the July 2011 print issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research. "You have no idea how intoxicated you really are, so you drink far more than you would ever consume had you not combined them. This case is a perfect example of that."

Study author Dr. Isabelle Schoffl said the boy ingested 380 grams of alcohol, 780 milligrams of caffeine and 4,600 milligrams of taurine in the four-liter combination. Taurine is an amino acid that helps regulate water and mineral salt levels in the blood. The taurine seemed to overwhelm the patient's kidneys, necessitating temporary dialysis treatments.

The fact that he was able to buy one-liter bottles of energy drinks -- which are normally sold in smaller cans in Europe and the United States -- suggested there was no harm to drinking such large amounts, she wrote in the study.

The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a statement last month that children and teens should avoid energy drinks, the hazards of which are being increasingly scrutinized. Ready-made alcoholic beverages with added caffeine were banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in November 2010 after a year-long review of scientific literature.

Marczinski noted that energy drink containers are becoming larger, with the popular Red Bull brand now available in a nearly 17-ounce can, about twice its original size. The German boy probably did not realize he was also consuming about 22 shots' worth of vodka, Marczinski said, which she calculated a one-liter bottle contains.

"I don't think he would have done 22 shots of vodka without the [influence of] the energy drinks," said Marczinski, also an assistant professor in the psychology department at Northern Kentucky University.

Bruce Goldman, director of substance abuse services at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, N.Y., said he thinks the boy's massive alcohol consumption posed greater risk than the energy drinks, but the combination is doubly dangerous.

"Bottom line, anything that makes it easier for kids or young people to consume large quantities of alcohol is very dangerous," Goldman said. "To me, the danger is in the alcohol. The kids don't realize they're putting themselves at grave risk."

Home Remedies of Apple Cider Vinegar

Natural healing Apple cider vinegar kills germs and nourishes the body at the same time, so have a look at some of the many different ways people have been benefiting from the external and internal application of this folk medicine.

Note: If you take ACV between meals or before going to bed, always rinse your mouth to avoid any prolonged vinegar contact with the enamel on your teeth.
Any acid food or drink however, such as citrus fruit, soda pop, and apple cider vinegar can erode tooth enamel if it is allowed to stay in contact with the teeth for long periods of time.


ACNE BLEMISHES
Apply a solution of apple cider vinegar and water (three tablespoons to one four ounce glass of water) with a cotton ball several times a day. This will help reduce infection and dry out inflammation.
Another natural healing home cure calls for the every day application of apple cider vinegar which has been infused with horseradish.
Prepare the solution by adding cups of ACV to pound of grated horseradish. Let it sit for weeks, then strain.

AGE SPOTS
Apply every day, to these darkened areas of the skin, a solution containing three teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon of onion juice. According to this home cure, the spots ought to start to fade within three weeks.


ARTHRITIS HELP
Message the sore joints with a embrocation made up of three egg whites, ½ cup (125 ml) apple cider vinegar, and ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil. Also, basically taking the apple cider vinegar tonic (three or three teaspoons to 8 ounces of water) before each meal has been an effective natural healing home cure for plenty of people.
ASTHMA
Some people have found relief from mild asthma by taking the apple cider vinegar tonic along with applying a vinegar-soaked compress to the inside of the wrists.

BLEEDING NOSE
Soak a cotton ball in pure apple cider vinegar, have the person lay his head back and then place it in the bleeding nostril. This home cure will help cease the bleeding faster.

ATHLETE'S FOOT
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection which is difficult to get rid of. of the best home cures involves soaking the feet three times a day in a 50/50 mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. Or, you can apply pure apple cider vinegar to the affected areas several times a day and before bedtime.

BLOOD PRESSURE
Take one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and one tablespoon of honey in a glass of water three times a day to help lower blood pressure. The high potassium values in both natural healing substances helps to balance out sodium levels in the body, which aids in maintaining blood pressure within healthy limits. Apple cider vinegar and honey also contain magnesium, a mineral that works to relax blood vessel walls and thus lower hypertension. To maximize the benefit of this and other home cures, take the holistic approach, and couple this with dietary modifications such as a reduced fat and salt intake, increased fiber intake, moderate coffee and alcohol, no smoking, and every day exercise.

BODY ODOR
Use apple cider vinegar as a natural body deodorant and eliminate the bacteria causing offensive body odor. For example, check out these related home cures:
Underarms can be kept free of odor causing bacteria by wiping them three times a day with undiluted apple cider vinegar whereas foot odor can be greatly minimized by soaking the feet or times every week in a pan of warm water mixed with 1/3 cup (75 ml) of ACV.

BRUISES
Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in ½ cup (125 ml) of warm apple cider vinegar and apply it to the bruise as a compress.

BONE HEALTH
Due to its mineral content, Apple cider vinegar helps to maintain bone mass and fight against osteoporosis. The important minerals involved include manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and silicon.
Take the general apple cider vinegar tonic (three or three teaspoons to 8 ounces of water) to boost the body's supply of these minerals. Click here to find more about the mineral content of apple cider vinegar.

CANCER PREVENTION
Apples and apple cider vinegar contain numerous substances that protect against plenty of types of cancer. They contain beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant, and phytochemicals such as flavonoids and polyphenols that are also protective against cancer formation.
And they both contain pectin, a soluble fiber , which binds positive cancer causing compounds in the colon and speeds up their elimination from the body.
So eat an apple a day and take the general apple cider vinegar tonic home cure (three or three teaspoons to 8 ounces of water) to maximize these benefits.

BURNS
Apply pure apple cider vinegar to the burn, whether it is from the sun or a hot surface, to reduce the pain, to disinfect, and to supply nutrient necessary for healing.

CHOLESTEROL REDUCTION
It is thought that the water soluble fiber pectin, present in apple cider vinegar, absorbs fats and cholesterol and eliminates them from the body. And simultaneously, the amino acids present in apple cider vinegar neutralize a number of the harmful oxidized LDL cholesterol.