THE BEST WAY TO STORE DRINK !

THE SAFEST MATERIALS FOR STORING DRINKS ARE GLASS, PORCELAIN & STAINLESS STEEL. IF YOUR RINK BOTTLE IS LABELLED " BP-A-FREE", IT MAY STILL CONTAIN BPS, BPA'S  EVIL COUSIN, WHICH RESEARCH SUGGESTS IS EQUALLY TOXIC, 97% OF URINE SAMPLES TAKEN IN THE U.S.A. TESTED POSITIVE FOR BPS.

SMART PHONES COULD MAKE ONE VULNERABLE TO DISEASES

DUE TO OVER RELIANCE ON SMART PHONES, IT LEAVES USERS VULNERABLE TO DISEASE CAUSING BACTERIA.

ACCORDING TO DOCTORS, THE COMBINATION OF A CELL PHONE'S PROXIMITY TO THE EARS, NOSE & MOUTH WITH ITS BACTERIA-LOVING WARMTH, MEANS PEOPLE ARE EXPOSING THEMSELVES TO GERMS THAT ARE HARMFUL TO THEIR HEALTH.

TESTS HAVE FOUND THAT SMARTPHONES TYPICALLY CARRY AS MANY GERMS AS THE HANDLE OF A BATHROOM DOOR & COMMON ILLNESS THAT CAN BE CAUGHT INCLUDE FLU, DIARRHOEA & EYE INFECTIONS. THE STUDIES POINT TO A LACK OF PROPER HYGIENE & ADEQUATE HAND-WASHING BY SMARTPHONE USERS.

THE TYPE OF GERMS FOUND ON YOUR CELLPHONE CAN ALSO BE FOUND ON OTHER EVERYDAY DEVICES INCLUDING COMPUTERS, KEYS, PENS & LAND-LINE PHONES. HOWEVER, THE RISKS ARE GREATER FROM CELLPHONE USAGE BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE SO ATTACHED TO THEM & TAKE THEM EVERYWHERE INCLUDING THEIR BED, THE TREADMILL, THE GYM, RESTAURANT TABLES & RESTROOMS.

SMARTPHONES CARRY AN ABNORMALLY HIGH NUMBER OF COLIFORMS, A BACTERIA INDICATING FAECAL CONTAMINATION. IT WAS FOUND THAT THERE WERE BETWEEN 2,700- 4,200 UNITS OF COLIFORM BACTERIA WHEN TESTED IN MOST PHONES. IN DRINKING WATER, THE LIMIT IS LESS THAN ONE UNIT PER 100 ML OF WATER. FOR SOME OF THE BACTERIA, YOU NEED TO INGEST AS FEW AS 10 ORGANISMS TO GET SICK.

SO BETTER THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU TAKE YOUR SMARTPHONES TO VARIOUS PLACES, IF YOU DON'T WANT TO GET SICK.

PEPPERMINT TEA FOR FOOD POISONING ?

PEPPERMINT OIL IS SUPPOSED TO BE VERY SOOTHING & BENEFICIAL FOR THOSE HAVING STOMACH SPASMS DUE TO FOOD POISONING. ADD A FEW DROPS TO
YOUR TEA,  YOUR CRAMPS WILL VANISH IN A SHORT TIME ! 

FOOD POISONING, TRY APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, BEING ALKALINE IN NATURE, SOOTHES THE GASTRO-INTESTINAL LINING. IT MAKES THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE STOMACH INHOSPITABLE FOR THE BACTERIA TO THRIVE, WHICH HELPS TO RECOVER FASTER.

WATER AIDS TO RECOVER AFTER FOOD POISONONG

WATER IS VERY IMPORTANT TO KEEP YOU FULLY HYDRATED DURING FOOD POISONING, AS THE BODY TENDS TO LOSE MORE WATER DUE TO DIARRHOEA. ALSO KEEPING UP THE WATER CONTENT , QUICKLY FLUSHES OUT THE TOXINS & BACTERIA, WHICH ENHANCES YOUR RECOVERY TIME. 

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL AIDS FOOD POISONING RECOVERY

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL ABSORBS ALL THE UNWANTED GASES & SUBSTANCES THAT MAY BE HARMFUL TO THE DELICATE LINING OF THE STOMACH, THEREBY SPEEDING RECOVERY.

FOOD POISONING, HAVE LEMON JUICE !

THE ACIDITY OF LEMON JUICE KILLS MOST OF THE BACTERIA THAT CAUSE FOOD POISONING. SQUEEZE THE JUICE OF A LEMON & ADD A PINCH OF SUGAR TO IT. DRINK IT LIKE YOU'D ANY MEDICINE, OR ADD LEMON TO YOUR TEA & SIP IT.

FOOD POISONING, TRY APPLES !

APPLES ARE QUITE EFFECTIVE FOR FOOD POISONING, AS THEY REDUCE HEARTBURN & ACID REFLUX. APPLES ARE KNOWN TO HAVE ENZYMES THAT INHIBIT THE GROWTH OF BACTERIA THAT CAUSE DIARRHOEA  AND STOMACH ACHE. 

FOOD POISONING, HAVE BANANA !

BANANAS ARE A RICH SOURCE OF POTASSIUM. THEY HELP IN RECOVERY AND REDUCE THE EFFECT OF FOOD POISONING TO A GREAT EXTENT. MASH A COUPLE OF BANANAS & AN APPLE OR MAKE A QUICK SHAKE !

BASIL HELPS FOR STOMACH AND THROAT INFECTIONS

BASIL IS AN EXCELLENT REMEDY TO CURE INFECTIONS OF BOTH STOMACH & THROAT. STRAIN THE JUICE OF A FEW BASIL LEAVES, MIX IT WITH A TABLESPOON OF HONEY & WILL HELP TO GIVE YOU RELIEF IN A FEW HOURS.

CUMIN FOR STOMACH PROBLEMS

Cumin is a good way to soothe the inflammation in your stomach, it reduces tenderness & aids healing. Add a tablespoon of crushed cumin seeds to your soup to help you out.

DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS- HAVE GINGER WITH HONEY

1. ginger

   
   

   It adds flavour to your dishes, but is also an excellent home remedy for curing almost all types of digestive problems. Take a tablespoon of honey with a few drops of ginger juice to reduce inflammation and pain.

2. GINGET

   
   

HEALTHY DIET IS A MUST TO COMBAT STRESS

STRESS IS SOMETHING WHICH MOST PEOPLE FACE THESE DAYS, MAINLY AT WORK-PLACE. TO OVERCOME STRESS, MANY TRY YOGA, MASSAGE, VARIOUS THERAPIES, SELF-HYPNOSIS, MEDITATION, MUSIC THERAPY & SO ON. UNLESS YOUR DIET IS HEALTHY, NO MATTER WHAT YOU TRY, STRESS WILL TAKE A TOLL ON YOU.

DURING A PERIOD OF STRESS, WHEN ONE IS EXPECTED TO BE EMOTIONALLY, PHYSICALLY & INTELLECTUALLY RESILIENT, A HEALTHY PERSON IS IN A BETTER POSITION TO HANDLE THE SITUATION THAN AN UNHEALTHY & MALNOURISHED PERSON. A BALANCED DIET IS THE KEY TO ENSURE THAT OUR BODY GETS ALL THE NUTRIENTS WE MAY NEED TO FACE ANY SITUATION.

STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT THE BODY DEPLETES ITS STORE OF NUTRIENTS DURING STRESS, MAINLY CALLING UPON PROTEINS, VITAMINS A, B & C. CERTAIN FOODS & DRINKS ACT AS POWERFUL STIMULANTS & HENCE ARE DIRECT CAUSES OF STRESS. THIS SHORT TERM STIMULATION IS HARMFUL IN THE LONG RUN. CAFFEINE, FOUND IN COFFEE, TEA, CHOCOLATE, AERATED DRINKS, CAUSES THE RELEASE OF THE HORMONE ADRENALINE, THEREBY INCREASING STRESS LEVELS. CONSUMED IN MODERATION, IT CAN INCREASE ALERTNESS & ACTIVITY IN MUSCLES, NERVOUS SYSTEM & HEART.

THERE ARE CERTAIN FOODS THAT HELP TO REDUCE STRESS & ANXIETY. THESE  INCLUDE ALMONDS, BANANA, BROCCOLI, COTTAGE CHEESE, GINSENG,GREEN TEA, LIME JUICE, MILK, BLUEBERRIES, ORANGES, OATS, WHOLE-GRAIN RICE & SPINACH. NORMALLY PEOPLE USE VITAMIN-C TO BOOST THEIR IMMUNE SYSTEM OR TO REDUCE ALLERGIES. A NEW STUDY HAS SHOWN THAT VITAMIN-C IS BENEFICIAL IN STRESS MANAGEMENT TOO. DRINK PLENTY OF FRESH LIME JUICE TO ENSURE THAT YOU GET ENOUGH OF VITAMIN-C.

BANANAS CONTAIN A TYPE OF PROTEIN THAT IS CONVERTED INTO SEROTONIN, WHICH HELPS A PERSON TO RELAX, IMPROVES THE MOOD & MAKES ONE FEEL HAPPIER. IT IS ALSO A GOOD SOURCE OF MAGNESIUM, WHICH IS ANTI-STRESS MINERAL, BECAUSE OF ITS CALMING EFFECT. 

MILK IS RICH IN ANTI-OXIDANTS, VITAMIN-B 2 & B-12, ALSO A GOOD SOURCE OF PROTEIN & CALCIUM. FOODS CONTAINING CALCIUM ARE VALUABLE BECAUSE OF THEIR CALMING EFFECT ON MUSCLES.

SO, WHEN STRESSED OUT, BETTER TO GO FOR MILK, BANANAS, BROCCOLI, COTTAGE CHEESE ETC THAN CAFFEINE RICH FOODS.

GOODNESS OF MUSTARD

MUSTARD, THE SMALL BLACK SEEDS, WHICH IS SUCH A COMMON INGREDIENT IN ALL THE HOUSEHOLDS IS PACKED WITH MANY GOODNESS. IT IS RICH IN ANTI-OXIDANTS & SELENIUM, WHICH IS KNOWN TO HAVE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES. ONE TEASPOON OF MUSTARD SEED IS PACKED WITH OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS, OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS, POTASSIUM, PHOSPHOROUS, MAGNESIUM & CALCIUM. THESE SPEED UP METABOLISM, LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE & PREVENT ATHEROSCLEROSIS, WHICH MEANS YOUR ARTERIES GETTING CLOGGED.

MUSTARD SEEDS HAVE ANTI-SEPTIC AS WELL AS ANTI-FUNGAL PROPERTIES. THIS MAKES THEN VERY USEFUL FOR PURGING THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM & STRENGTHENING THE BODY'S NATURAL DEFENCE SYSTEM. 

MUSTARD SEEDS CONSUMED ON A REGULAR BASIS HAVE BEEN FOUND TO BE BENEFICIAL FOR REDUCING THE FREQUENCY OF MIGRAINES.

VITAMIN F? F IS FOR FRIENDS

Why do I have a variety of friends who are all so different in 

character? How can I get along with them all? I think that each 

one helps to bring out a "different" part of me.With one of them I 

am polite. With another I joke. I sit down and talk about serious 

matters with one. With another I laugh a lot. I listen to one 

friend's problems. Then I listen to another one's advice for me.

My friends are like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. When completed, 

they form a treasure box. A treasure of friends! They are my 

friends who understand me better than I understand myself.

They're friends who support me through good days and bad.

Real Age doctors tell us that friends are good for our health.

Dr. Oz calls them Vitamin F (for Friends) and counts the 

benefits of friends as essential to our well being. Research 

shows that people in strong social circles have less risk of 

depression and terminal strokes.

If you enjoy Vitamin F constantly you can be up to 30 years 

younger than your real age. The warmth of friendship stops 

stress and even in your most intense moments, it decreases 

the chance of a cardiac arrest or stroke by 50%.

I'm so happy that I have a stock of Vitamin F!

In summary, we should value our friends and keep in touch with 

them. We should try to see the funny side of things and laugh 

together and pray for each other.

In the tough moments.

Some of my friends are friends on line.

I know I am part of theirs because their names appear on my 

computer screen every day and I feel blessed that they care as 

much for me as I care for them.

If ever you don't see my name on your screen please 

remember that it is not because I have forgotten you but 

because something has happened to me.

I know as we age we can not be on line forever but we are 

making the best of it while we still can. While there is breath in 

me I will always keep in touch, as often as I can, and will not 

forsake you Ever. 

Thank you for being one of my Vitamins!

TEXTING THUMB SYNDROME

EVERY YEAR MORE THAN 3 MILLION PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING OF INJURIES RESULTING FROM TEXTING MESSAGES ! PEOPLE TEND TO HOLD THE DEVICES IN THEIR FINGERS & PRESS THE TINY KEYS WITH THEIR THUMBS, LEADING TO NUMB FINGERS & ACHING WRISTS. THIS IS THE SIGNAL TO STOP. AT FIRST, YOU'LL FEEL A SLIGHT DISCOMFORT AROUND YOUR THUMB. IGNORING THIS WILL LEAD TO THE DIGIT SWELLING.

SOME TIPS TO GET RELIEF, BUT IF THE PAIN PERSISTS, SEE A SPECIALIST.

1) THUMB BENDING- BEND YOUR THUMB OUTWARDS APPLYING RESISTANCE UNTIL YOU FEEL THE STRETCH OR PULL.

2) THUMB ROTATION- ROTATE YOUR THUMB IN BOTH CLOCKWISE & ANTI-CLOCKWISE DIRECTIONS TO LOOSEN THE JOINT & RELIEVE PAIN.

3) HOT FOMENTATION- TREAT YOUR ACHING THUMB TO HOT WATER FOMENTATION TO INCREASE BLOOD CIRCULATION & HELP THE JOINT MUSCLES TO RELAX. ADD 1 TEASPOON OF EPSOM SALTS IN A SMALL VESSEL OF HOT WATER, SOAK A TOWEL IN THE SALINE WATER, SQUEEZE  OUT EXCESS WATER & PLACE THE TOWEL ON AFFECTED AREA. REPEAT 5 TIMES.

4) SAFETY WRAP- TO AVOID ANY PRESSURE ON OUR ACHING THUMB, WRAP IT IN A BED OF SOFT COTTON AT NIGHT.

5) TAKE A BREAK- STOP DOING WHAT MAKES YOUR THUMB HURT. TAKE TIME OFF FROM YOUR DAILY ROUTINE OF TEXTING. THIS IMPORTANT PAUSE WILL ALLOW THE THUMB TO START HEALING. OTHERWISE SURGERY MAY BE REQUIRED & THAT DOESN'T GUARANTEE A CURE FOR THE PROBLEM EITHER.

HORSE GRAM SOUP

INGREDIENTS

horse gram 1 1/2 tbsp wash well, soak in water for 30 minutes
tomato  1 big
sambar onion preferably 6-8 or onion 1 small
pepper pdr 1/2- 1 tsp
cumin 1 tsp
salt to taste
garlic pearls  3-4
oil 1 tsp
curry leaves few
coriander leaves chopped 1 tbsp
water 3-4 cups
hing little
turmeric pdr 1/4 tsp

METHOD

grind together horse gram, onion, tomato, garlic to a fine paste.
heat a heavy pan, heat oil, add cumin, once it crackles, add hing, turmeric pdr, curry leaves finely chopped
then add ground paste, fry well on low flame, add salt & water, let it boil well, then simmer for 10-15 minutes, if too thick, add some more water to make it as a thin soup consistency, adding chopped coriander leaves.

drink this as hot as possible 3 times a day, your cough will get better in a day ! I tried it so can vouch for it, without taking any cough syrup.

Thanks to my maid for this recipe, I made slight variation from what she said, but it worked. 

If you incorporate horse gram daily in your diet, you'll lose weight, have a nice shiny skin & be strong like a horse ! For other health benefits see my previous post.

horse gram, soup, onion, pepper pdr., salt, cumin, Garlic, curry leaves, fresh coriander leaves, water, hing, Turmeric (haldi), Coughs, Health Tip, 

HORSE GRAM OR KOLLU IN TAMIL, COW PEA IN ENGLISH, KULTI IN HINDI

What is horse gram?

It is a dark brown lentil which round and flattened in shape. 

Horse gram is known to have many therapeutic effects but not 

scientifically proven though it has been recommended in 

ayurvedic  medicine to treat renal stones, piles, edema etc. It 

is rich in iron, calcium molybdenum, polyphenols which have 

high antioxidant capacity, and hemagluttinin which is a 

substance found in antibodies and autoimmune functions.


Horse gram is known by different names all over the world, it 

is called, Kollu in South India, Cowpea in English, Kulti in 

Hindi, Habbul Kulth in Arabic, Kulatha Kalai in Sanskrit, 

Bian Dou in Chinese, Bonnavista Bean and alsoHyacinth 

Bean.  


HEALTH BENEFITS OF HORSE GRAM

• It is known for its excellent diuretic and astringent .
• Ayurveda uses horse gram to treat a variety of conditions 
• ranging from rheumatism to worm removal, treating 
• Conjuctivitis and piles.

• Another great benefit of horse gram is its use in extracting 
• phlegm. When suffering with cough, phlegm is a hard thing 
• to get rid of. Taking horse gram water can eliminate the 
• phlegm and give relief.
• Taking horse gram powder  in a little bit of water regularly, 
• helps in treating and controlling skin rashes and boils.
• Horse gram liquid is also used to regulate fever.
• It has phenols which helps in reducing weight
• Horse gram also helps in lowering cholesterol levels
• Lipids extracted from horse gram have shown to help with 
• peptic ulcer in an study related rats.
• It also helps in reducing flatulence

Its use in the diet is good for women as their menstruation is 

purified.

Drinking the semi liquid mixture of powdered horse gram and 

powdered black pepper cures sore throat.

The use of horse gram in the diet relieves the pain of dry piles.

Medicinal uses

1. Drinking semi liquid solution of horse gram powder cures 

flatulation.

2. If horse beans mixed with powdered dry ginger, asafoetida 

and "veed salt" is taken it cures the pain of the stomach.

3. If it is used in food it cures disease of the stomach.

4. If the water in which horse gram had been soaked for the 

whole night (and is mashed in the same water in the morning) 

is taken daily, taken twice then it cures "stones".

5. The use of horse gram in the diet relieves the pain of dry 

piles.

6. Drinking the semi liquid mixture of powdered horse gram 

and powdered black pepper cures sore throat.

7. Its use in the diet is good for women as their menstruation is 

purified.

EXCELLENT FOR MENSTRUAL  PROBLEM

 Horse gram is considered to have curative properties in 

helping with menstruation problems. Specially women with 

irregular periods and excess bleeding can benefit by taking 

horse gram water regularly or adding horse gram soup or 

sprouts to your daily diet. It is recommended in stopping heavy 

bleeding after pregnancy. In Ayurvedic medicine, women are 

recommended to take 1 teaspoon of horse gram powder every 

morning.

HELPFUL FOR KIDNEY STONES

Kidney stones are a painful condition and caused due to 

deposits of Oxalates. Taking a diet with low amounts of 

calcium and phosphorus is recommended if you have kidney 

stones. Horse gram is recommended for treating kidney stones 

in India.  Soak about 4 teaspoons of Horse gram in 

approximately 1.5 cups of water overnight and drink the water 

in the water on an empty stomach the next morning. You can 

add the same amount of water to the  horse gram again and let 

it soak and can drink the water in the afternoon and repeat this 

and drink in the evening as well.  Taking horse gram water this 

way for 2-3 months will help in completely eliminating the 

kidney stones. The horse gram water has diuretic properties  

and  dissolves the kidney stones. Diuretics increase the 

elimination of water from the body. 

How to grow Horse Gram Sprouts?

One way to eat Horse gram is in the form of Sprouts. You can 

add the Horse gram sprouts to salads or eat the sprouts by 

themselves by adding a little salt, cumin, lemon, finely minced 

onions and cilantro. It is fairly easy to grow sprouts from any 

legumes. Soak the desired amount of Horse gram in a wide 

bowl completely submerged in water. Once the Horse gram is 

soft when you bite on the legume, drain the water, rinse and put 

them in a very thin cotton cloth, a cheese cloth works the best. 

Keep the cloth damp and put it away in a dark place overnight. 

Usually by the end of the second day you will see small sprouts 

coming up. You can grow the sprouts to whatever length you 

desire and then add to them any dish. Make sure the seeds are 

soaked well and have enough air if you are putting them in a 

jar(keep the lid a slightly open). Don't let the seeds ferment bu 

soaking them too long. Sprouts are high in Vitamin A, 

Thiamine, vitamin C, iron and potassium. Sprouting them also 

helps in reducing the production of gas which helps in digesting 

them much better than the dried horse gram.

SIDE-EFFECTS OF HORSE GRAM

• Horse gram can cause an excess of bile production 
• 
  
• It should not be eaten by pregnant women.
• 
  
• People suffering with tuberculosis and plethora should avoid 
• horse gram

SPIRITUALITY BOOSTS MENTAL HEALTH

Despite differences in rituals and beliefs among the world's major religions, spirituality often enhances individuals' health, according to  researchers. 

The researchers believe that health care providers could take advantage of this correlation between health - particularly mental health - and spirituality by tailoring treatments and rehabilitation programs to accommodate an individual's spiritual inclinations. 

In many ways, the results of the study support the idea that spirituality functions as a personality trait.

With increased spirituality people reduce their sense of self and feel a greater sense of oneness and connectedness with the rest of the universe. What was interesting was that frequency of participation in religious activities or the perceived degree of congregational support was not found to be significant in the relationships between personality, spirituality, religion and health. 

The  study used the results of three surveys to determine if correlations existed among participants' self-reported mental and physical health, personality factors, and spirituality in Buddhists, Muslims, Jews, Catholics and Protestants. 

Across all five faiths, a greater degree of spirituality was related to better mental health, specifically lower levels of neuroticism and greater extraversion. Forgiveness was the only spiritual trait predictive of mental health after personality variables were considered. 

Our prior research shows that the mental health of people recovering from different medical conditions, such as cancer, stroke, spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury, appears to be related significantly to positive spiritual beliefs and especially congregational support and spiritual interventions. 

Spiritual beliefs may be a coping device to help individuals deal emotionally with stress. 

It is believed that spirituality may help people's mental health by reducing their self-centeredness and developing their sense of belonging to a larger whole. 

The researchers feel that, spiritual interventions such as religious-based counselling  meditation, and forgiveness protocols may enhance spiritually-based beliefs, practices, and coping strategies in positive ways. 

MAGNETS COULD HELP TO REDUCE ALZHEIMER'S PAIN

Using a magnetic coil to stimulate the parts of the brain involved in memory and learning could help delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease, according to researchers.

The researchers believe that used early in the course of the disease, it would give patients precious extra months of independent living, as well as time with their loved ones before their physical and mental health deteriorates.

The technology, known as trans-cranial magnetic stimulation , had already been tried on Alzheimer's patients, with promising results.

In a new test being conducted in Manchester, six patients in the early stages of the disease will be having a magnetic coil held over their scalp while they answer questions, identify shapes and solve puzzles.

It is hoped that as the magnetic field passes into key brain areas it will strengthen vital connections between cells.

In tests on mice, the technique also boosted the growth of cells in the hippocampus, the brain's memory hub and one of the first areas to be destroyed by Alzheimer's.

Brain scans at Manchester University will aim to find out more about how it works.

In a small-scale trial in Israel, it proved to be both safe and effective, with significant improvements in some, but not all, tests of memory.

The results showed marked reversal of disease progression with patients improving to a state comparable to two years before treatment initiation, according the the researches.

"Trials also indicated that improvement is maintained for at least six months post-treatment," it added.

"We are not offering a cure but a way to help patients stay independent and have a better quality of life for longer," according to researchers. 

A NEW TEST TO DETECT CANCER, HIV AT THE EARLIEST FOUND

Scientists have developed a new ten times cheaper ultra-sensitive sensor test to detect the early stages of several cancers and viruses, including HIV, with the naked eye.

Researchers from the Imperial College London claim that their visual sensor technology is ten times more sensitive than the current gold standard methods for measuring bio-markers.

These indicate the onset of diseases such as prostate cancer and infection by viruses including HIV. The colour of a liquid changes to give either a positive or negative result.

Researchers say their sensor would benefit countries where sophisticated detection equipment is scarce, enabling cheaper and simpler detection and treatments for patients.

The team tested the effectiveness of the sensor by detecting a biomarker called p24 in blood samples, which indicates HIV infection.

The new approach affords for improved sensitivity, does not require sophisticated instrumentation and it is ten times cheaper, which could allow more tests to be performed for better screening of many diseases.

Researchers also tested samples for the bio-marker called Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), which is an early indicator for Prostate Cancer. The team say the sensor can also be reconfigured for other viruses and diseases where the specific bio-marker is known.

The sensor works by analysing serum, derived from blood, in a disposable container. If the result is positive for p24 or PSA, there is a reaction that generates irregular clumps of nanoparticles, which give off a distinctive blue hue in a solution inside the container.
If the results are negative the nanoparticles separate into ball-like shapes, creating a reddish hue. Both reactions can be easily seen by the naked eye.

The team also said that the sensor was so sensitive that it was able to detect minute levels of p24 in samples where patients had low viral loads, which could not be diagnosed using existing tests such as the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test and the gold standard nucleic acid based test.

The researchers have developed a test that we hope will enable previously undetectable HIV infections and indicators of cancer to be picked up, which would mean people could be treated sooner.

HOW HEPATITIS C GETS TRANSMITTED

THE HEPATITIS C VIRUS CAUSES CHRONIC LIVER DISEASES. MOST PEOPLE ARE UNAWARE  THAT THEY'RE INFECTED. HEPATITIS C, TAKES ITS TIME IN CHIPPING AWAY AT THE LIVER & DECADES PASS WITHOUT ANY NOTICEABLE SYMPTOMS. DURING THAT TIME, AN INFECTED PERSON MAY UNKNOWINGLY  PASS THE INFECTION TO OTHERS THROUGH CONTACT WITH INFECTED BLOOD ( SHARING A NEEDLE, TOOTH-BRUSH OR RAZOR) OR SEXUAL ACTIVITY. THE NEWLY INFECTED PERSON MAY THEN UNKNOWINGLY PASS IT ALONG. AND THAT CAN REPEAT AGAIN AND AGAIN. HEPATITIS-C CAUSES LIVER DISEASE & CAN TRIGGER CIRRHOSIS OR LIVER CANCER.

BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT WITH TREATMENT, 75% OF CASES CAN BE CURED. sO, GO TO THE DOCTOR FOR A SIMPLE ONE-TIME BLOOD TEST. IT CHECKS FOR ANTI-BODIES TO THE HEPATITIS-C VIRUS. IF YOU'VE GOT THE BUT, YOU NEED TO KNOW WHAT SUBTYPE OF THE INFECTION YOU'VE; IT CHANGES TREATMENT CHOICES & EFFECTIVENESS.

PISTACHIOS GOOD FOR THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

A NEW STUDY HAS REVEALED THAT PISTAS ARE GOOD FOR THE DIGESTIVE TRACT AS THEY PROMOTE THE GROWTH OF BENEFICIAL BACTERIA ( PRO-BIOTICS).

THE NUT IS PACKED WITH DIETARY FIBRE & VITAMIN B-6, THIAMINE  MANGANESE & COPPER. BACTERIA IN OUR GUTS, WHICH WE NEED FOR HEALTHY DIGESTIVE & IMMUNE SYSTEM, DINE HAPPILY ON THAT MIXTURE. GUT BACTERIA ARE A HUNGRY LOT- BETWEEN 500-1,000 SPECIES OF BACTERIA LIVE IN OUR INTESTINES & THEY'RE ABOUT 60% OF THE SOLID MATTER IN OUR FAECES. THAT IS WHY YOU NEED TO CONSTANTLY REPLENISH & NURTURE YOUR INTESTINAL FLORA !

SO, WHEN HUNGRY, INSTEAD OF CHIPS OR FRIED SNACKS, HAVE A HANDFUL OR ONE OUNCE OF PISTACHIOS, WHICH EQUALS 160 CALORIES AND THAT WILL KEEP YOU HEALTHY.

A HANDFUL OF WALNUTS EATEN 30 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR MEAL CAN HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT.

HEALTHY FOODS FOR OVER 40 YEARS- TOMATOES, ALMONDS, OATS, CHERRIES, CHICKEN

 Tomatoes, oats, almonds and fish are among the essential 

food items that can slash the risk of heart diseases and 

diabetes in those over 40, experts say.

The risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes can become 

a concern after the age of 40 and an unhealthy lifestyle can 

lead to rise in cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Experts advise that stocking up on certain food items can help 

ward off the risks.

Researchers say that eating just 3g of oats daily is enough to 

reduce total cholesterol by five to ten per cent.

Oats contain beta-glucans, a soluble fibre that can help lower 

the unwanted form of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), 

It is estimated that the risk of developing heart disease drops 

by two per cent for every one per cent reduction in total 

cholesterol.

Tomatoes are also a 'wonder-food' for the 40-plus as they are 

an excellent source of the antioxidant lycopene. They offer a 

degree of protection against the formation and spread of 

cancer cells as well as protecting arteries from atherosclerosis.

Research has shown that drinking 150ml of tomato juice after 

20 minutes of exercise offers protection against prostate, lung 

and stomach cancers and heart disease.

In another study, researchers found that 20 adults eating 60g of 

almonds daily for four weeks showed a nine per cent reduction 

in blood-sugar, suggesting almonds could offer protection 

against cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Experts also believe that Omega 3 fats in oily fish can help 

lower heart rate and blood pressure, and reduce the risk of 

irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).

Isoflavones in soy beans have been linked to lowering 

cholesterol, increasing bone density in post-menopausal 

women and improving male fertility.

Cherries are useful in combating several conditions common in 

middle age, including gout and arthritis. They are a rich source 

of the antioxidant anthocyanin.

Full-fat milk can help combat the reduction in muscle mass 

associated with getting older, especially after the age of 50, 

experts say.

A 2006 study found that drinking full-fat milk after exercise 

helped ensure that muscle mass was enhanced.

Chicken which is a great source of protein can help combat 

common cold, experts believe.

Highlighting the benefits of chicken, a study in 2010 showed 

that a 'moderate increase in protein' resulted in maintenance of 

weight loss compared with higher-carbohydrate diets.