A father's stress can change his sperm

Children of stressed fathers are at greater risk of developing PTSD and depression, according to a new study.

Researchers found life's pressures can change the DNA of a man's sperm - leading to brain development changes in his yet unborn baby, a media reports.

It's widely known that a mother's environment during pregnancy, including factors such as poor diet, stress and infection, can negatively impact the offspring.

Learning how a father's behaviour and environment can impact his child's development could lead to the detection and prevention of many mental health disorders.

"Researchers have known for years that stress can increase the risk of mental disorders," a Professor of neuroscience told an online media. "What's interesting here is that we are finding inter-generational effects."

Researchers conducted a mice experiment to examine how a father's lifestyle impacts his children.

Previously, the team has found male mice experiencing chronic periods of mild stress passed down genetic coding for a less effective hormonal response to stress in children.

Three major hormones are released by the nervous system when the body is under stress. These are adrenaline, cortisol and norepinephrine. Collectively, these hormones send our bodies into 'fight or flight' mode, which is important to the body's ability to cope with the effects of stress.

Stress resulted in changes in sperms genetic material known as microRNA, which plays a key role in which genes become functional proteins.

These changes in stress reactivity have been linked to some mental disorders, including depression and PTSD.

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The ‘milk’ factor- how it affects sperrm quality

In today’s newspapers there was an article, that doctors in the US have advised that men who want children should freeze their sperm before they are 25, as one in six men become infertile very quickly. In a previous article, scientist had discussed the studies that prove animal fats are related to decline in semen quantity and quality. While this may have seemed like enough reason for men to stay away from meat and dairy, there are still more compelling factors.

Fat-soluble oestrogen— the primary female sex hormone — is present in very high concentration in dairy and other animal products like eggs. In fact, milk and dairy products are the largest source of dietary oestrogen for humans. They account for 60-70 per cent of the estrogen consumed. This has a ‘feminising’ effect on men. Studies have shown that men who consume more milk and dairy products have higher levels of estradiol, a ‘female’ hormone. This can lower the body’s production of testosterone — the primary male sex hormone — with the effect of raising voice pitches, increasing male breasts and erectile dysfunction.

Modern dairy farming practice is even worse for men. Over 75 per cent of commercial milk originates from pregnant cows — a time when their oestrogen levels are markedly high. With years of genetic tampering, cows and buffaloes now give milk throughout their pregnancy. Further, most milk producers make their animals pregnant within a couple of days of their giving birth, to maximise production. The cow is thus pretty much always pregnant, producing oestrogen high milk through the year.

There was a time when three litres of milk in a native cow was considered excellent. Now, the cow/buffalo owner aims for up to 15 litres a day while abroad this goes up to 24 litres per day. This is far from natural.

The whey of milk from non-pregnant cows has about 30 pg/mL of estrone sulphate – a natural steroid found in oestrogen. This increases to 151 pg/mL during early pregnancy and goes up to 1000 pg/mL at the last stages of the pregnancy. Milk particularly holds high levels of steroids from oestrogen, twice as much as is found even in the plasma of the animal (which means her milk is worse than her meat for men).

The average range of healthy estradiol levels in men are usually between 10 to 40 pg/mL. Estradiol is a steroid, an oestrogen, and the primary female sex hormone. It is used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, and vaginal dryness, burning and irritation.

The increased oestrogen levels in pregnant cows are essential to sustain the new life in their wombs and when they are young. However, most calves of dairy cows are separated from the mothers soon after their birth and bottle fed with powdered milk, or the milk that is considered unfit for humans. The milk, along with its high oestrogen content intended for the growth of the baby in the womb and the baby calf, is diverted to humans instead.

Meat is another major source of oestrogen in our diet. This is more prominent in modern animal farming practice, where it is common to give cattle food, injections or subcutaneous implants of oestrogen, often in combination with other hormones. This encourages early maturity of animals, increases their weight faster so that slaughterhouses can kill them sooner, thus increasing production and profits.

Xenoestrogens — chemicals with demasculinising, or feminising effects, are found in animal fat and cannot be removed by washing and cooking. Through consumption, these accumulate in human fat.
A study  in 2010 shows that dairy food intake has also been related to decreased secretion of LH, FSH and testosterone in men. LH and FSH work together to regulate the development of the sex glands and sperm production. Both together stimulate the production of testosterone.

A Japanese study conducted with men and pre-pubertal boys, found that drinking cow’s milk resulted in increased serum oestrogen and progesterone levels. This increase suppressed GnRH secretion from the brain, in turn resulting in lowered testosterone secretion in the men and boys.

The study found the intake of milk, and other dairy products, is associated with higher levels of estrone, estriol and pregnanediol in boys. Excess oestrogen can delay attainment of puberty in the case of boys, and speed it up for girls.

In 2013, the researchers conducted a study with young, physically active men as subjects. It was found that the more these men consumed dairy food, the lesser the number of their sperm and the lower was this sperm’s activity. A study done in 2014 by the team came to the same conclusion.

As males grow older, there is a reduction in the amount of testosterone produced by the testes, while estradiol levels continue to remain high. While a certain level of estradiol is necessary for vascular health, excess levels can have a negative impact. Excess oestrogen can manifest itself in symptoms such as developing breasts, excess abdominal weight, tiredness, loss of muscles mass and emotional disturbances.

In a study conducted in the USA with approx. 40,000 men visiting a sperm lab, it was found that an increase in semen quality was associated with a decrease in mortality, pointing to the fact that semen quality may therefore be an important marker of overall male health. This is not to be taken lightly. Apart from the “feminising” effect that dairy and meat can have on men, they also increase the chances of testicular and other kinds of cancer, due to increased levels of oestrogen.

Studies show that high level of oestrogen can increase the risk of heart disease. Conversely, there are numerous studies indicating that higher testosterone levels can drastically reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease among men.

If you are worried that giving up milk will affect calcium intake, think again. Green leafy vegetables not only contain more calcium than milk, this calcium is also absorbed much more easily into our bodies through vegetable consumption.

So, if you find that your body looks less and less like that of a male, and you have a problem sexually, stop consuming extra oestrogen. This means cutting out animal fats, such as milk, milk products, eggs and meat, from the diet. Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, contain indole-3-carbinole, which is effective in reducing the oestrogen levels in the body.

Other effective foods are mushrooms, pomegranate, red grapes, seeds (flax, sesame etc.), whole grains (wheat, oats, millet, barley, rice etc.) and green tea.

So go on. Make the change.

PS: Scientists have found that the pesticide atrazine can turn male frogs into females. The atrazine levels experimented with were what the frogs would experience in environments where the pesticide is used, and below levels that are considered safe for drinking water.

Scientists compared this atrazine-exposed group with male frogs reared in atrazine-free water. At the end of the experiment, all frogs in the atrazine-free group remained male, while 10 percent of the frogs exposed to atrazine were completely feminised — they had female anatomy, including ovaries. Frogs exposed to atrazine also had reduced testosterone levels, decreased fertility, and showed less mating behaviour.

Atrazine is used commonly in India, specially on corn (bhutta). It is banned in Europe. Since atrazine interferes with the production of the sex hormone oestrogen, present in people and frogs, the findings could have implications for humans as well.

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Health Benefits Of Pumpkin

Most people have a very poor opinion of pumpkin, considered as a cheap vegetable. In U.S. and in some countries, during Halloween and Thanksgiving, pumpkin is held high, as contests are held for pumpkin carving and for the biggest and the heaviest pumpkin grown !
A number of festival delicacies are prepared, such as pumpkin pies, bread and soup.
Is it all that is there to a pumpkin? No! Pumpkin is a highly nutritious plant and can make a brilliant addition to any meal. Cooked pumpkin proves to be a rich source of potassium and beta-carotene (vitamin A). Moist and sweet like a yummy squash, they are a good way to soothe your phlegm. It also helps maintain bladder health. As per the science, the food we eat acts as medicine for our body and certain foods are considered exceptional as they offer numerous health benefits, and one among them is Pumpkin.

Here are some of the most important benefits that pumpkins offer when you eat them regularly.
1. It offers health-boosting antioxidants-Pumpkins are packed with carotenoids, helping to protect your cells against free radical damage. Like carrots, this orange fruit is rich in beta-carotene, as well as alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin. After consuming beta-carotene, for instance, your body converts it into vitamin A, all while boosting overall immune function.
Based on the antioxidant content of pumpkins, many companies are now utilizing its properties to make skin care products. Yes, that’s right — pumpkin can be applied topically, helping to increase cell turnover, resulting in smoother, healthier-looking skin. Of course, due to various antioxidants, pumpkin can also address signs of aging.
Vitamin A is necessary to maintain your eye health. Also, it will help you in maintaining your skin health, bones and teeth.

 2. It has a high dose of fiber: A bowl of mashed pumpkin contains 3 grams of dietary fiber while a handful of pumpkin seeds can give you 1.3 grams of this nutrient. Therefore, pumpkin serves you the required amount of dietary fiber as per our recommended daily requirement. We all know fiber supports a healthy digestive system. It can also support your weight loss. When consuming a fiber-rich diet, you will curb hunger and avoid overeating .

3.  Pumpkin can give you a good night’s sleep: Pumpkin seeds contain Tryptophan which is an amino acid that promotes better sleep while also improving your mood.

4. Good for your heart health: The fiber content of pumpkin also protects your heart from a wide range of coronary diseases. It is also helpful in maintaining a healthy blood pressure level owing to the presence of phytoestrogens in it. side from beneficial antioxidants and fiber, which both contribute to positive heart health, pumpkin seeds are packed with essential fats, phytosterols, magnesium and zinc.
Within one study, researchers studied the effects of pumpkin seed oil on hypertension. Researchers induced high arterial blood pressure in rats before treating them with pumpkin seed oil. Researchers concluded that pumpkin seed oil treatment not only normalized blood pressure levels but also protected the heart and aorta.

  5. Cools the system: Pumpkin also has a cooling effect on the body system which makes it very beneficial for people who suffer from heartburn and burning sensations in the hands, feet, and stomach. It helps in cooling the digestive systems which, in turn, reduces the impact of stomach infection, acid reflux, enlargement of liver and constipation.

6.Pumpkin can also help in eliminating the risk of diabetes, it can even help in controlling it for patients living with diabetes. The juice of petha or pumpkin is also useful for the health in a variety of ways - it can cure bleeding from any part of the body such as gums and nose. It can also control bleeding in case of piles. Bleeding, generally occurs due to a considerable rise in the body temperature and pumpkin with its cooling properties can easily maintain the temperature of your body. So, now that you are aware of the various benefits of pumpkin, it's time you start including it in your daily meals. 

7. It improves sperm quality- Whether you’re a male or a wife hoping to start your adorable little family, pumpkin seeds may help improve sperm quality. Infertility has been linked to low zinc levels, but luckily pumpkin seeds are rich in this mineral. They may also support healthy testosterone levels and in turn, this combined effect benefits fertility.
To ensure you’re eating enough pumpkin seeds, make your own trail mix. This is a great snack to bring to work, helping to fuel both your body and mind. You can also incorporate pumpkin seeds into your favorite bread or muffin recipe with ease. 

8. It’s great for pregnant mothers-Pumpkin and its seeds can both be highly beneficial when expecting, protecting both the mother and fetus.
Rich in protein, zinc, vitamin A, folate and other key vitamins, pumpkin meat and seeds can support both you and your growing baby’s needs. Being high in fiber, pumpkin will also help reduce one of the more common symptoms of pregnancy: dreaded constipation.

9. It reduces inflammation-Offering anti-inflammatory benefits, pumpkin can help improve symptoms of arthritis. As reported in one animal study published in Pharmacological Research, researchers found pumpkin seed oil to be equally effective when compared to the pharmaceutical drug indomethacin, without the associated side effects. Whether you have a toothache or an inflamed throat, adding pumpkin to your regular diet can help reduce painful symptoms.

10. It boosts your magnesium consumption-It is estimated that up to 80 percent of Americans are not getting enough magnesium, a mineral that is used by every organ in your body. Although magnesium plays an essential role in bone and heart health, it is also found in more than 300 different enzymes. From producing energy to activating nerves and muscles, magnesium is essential.
When consuming just one ounce of pumpkin seeds, you benefit from nearly 40 percent of your daily recommended intake, just like that. Considering a deficiency can lead to anything from anxiety disorders to osteoporosis, pumpkin seeds are an easy and effective way to ensure you’re getting enough.

11.It protects your prostate-Using pumpkin seeds to treat an enlarged prostate and urinary tract complaints is an old remedy — one that is making a comeback. Considering over half of American men over the age of 50 suffer from issues related to an enlarged prostate, it’s important to protect yourself when you’re young.
Based on their high concentration of phytosterols, it’s believed that these compounds can shrink the prostate. Pumpkin seeds also offer chemicals which prevent the transformation of testosterone into DHT, a hormone that is often associated with an enlarged prostate, as well as male pattern baldness.

12.It offers a source of healthy fats- Fats are not the enemy. I repeat, fats are not the enemy. We’re living in a society where low- and zero-fat foods have taken over the supermarket shelves, leading to increased health issues. Your body and brain need fat in order to function. And when consuming pumpkin seeds, you benefit from the good kind — plant-based omega-3 fatty acids.

It is a very versatile vegetable, which can be made into soups, spicy dish, pies, muffins, pancakes, halwa, barfi !

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HEALTH BENEFITS OF CAROM SEEDS / AJWAIN

Carom seeds or else known as ajwain, is a common ingredients found in all the sub-continent homes. It aids digestion, reduces gas and some more.
1) Stomach problems- Carom seeds have mild alcoholic properties, which is used to treat stomach problems and indigestion. About 1/2 teaspoon of carom seeds, little salt, mixed in a glass of water and sipped is effective in providing relief from indigestion , flatulence( gas) and other stomach problems.
2) Acidity- These seeds have anti-acidity properties. A pinch of salt, mixed with 1/2 tsp of carom seeds and lukewarm water, when drank early morning or after meal on a regular basis,gives great relief.
3) Cold and headache-Inhaling the ground seeds is effective in providing relief from constant headache, cold and migraine.
4) Asthma- Smoke of carom seeds acts as a bronchodilator, which eases the breathing problem. Regular consumption of carom seeds mixed with equal quantity of carom seeds will provide a lot of relief from discomforts suffered by asthma patients.
5) Menstrual cramps-  Consuming carom seeds in some form will give a lot of relief for those suffering from menstrual cramps, as they act as nerve tonic and reduce the intensity of menstrual cramps.
6) Sperm count- For sexual dysfunction, these seeds come as a great relief, as it increases the sperm count. Roast a mixture or tamarind kernel, carom seeds, mix with ghee, a tsp of honey to a glass of milk, when had regularly gives speedy results !
7) Diabetes- Consuming a solution of a tsp of neem powder, 1/2 tsp of cumin( jeera) powder and carom seeds , when consumed with a glass of hot milk on a regular basis, helps to manage your blood sugar levels.

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