GM mosquito fights dengue by killing its own

This May Help Raise Tweaked Bugs To Fight Insect-Borne Diseases And Control Pests     These mosquitoes are genetically engineered to kill — their own children. Researchers on Sunday reported initial signs of success from the first release into the environment of mosquitoes engineered to pass a lethal gene to their offspring, killing them before they reach adulthood.      The results, and other work elsewhere, could herald an age in which genetically modified insects will be used to help control agricultural pests and insect-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria. But the research is arousing concern about possible unintended effects on public health and environment, because once genetically modified insects are released, they cannot be recalled.      Authorities in the Florida Keys, which in 2009 experienced its first cases of dengue fever in decades, hope to conduct an open-air test of the modified mosquitoes as early as December, pending approval from the agriculture department.      "It's a more ecologically friendly way to control mosquitoes than spraying insecticides," said Coleen Fitzsimmons, a spokeswoman for the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District. The agriculture department, meanwhile, is looking at using genetic engineering to help control farm pests like the Mediterranean fruit fly, or medfly, and the cotton-munching pink bollworm, according to an environmental impact statement it published in 2008. Millions of genetically engineered bollworms have been released over cotton fields in Yuma County, Ariz. Yet even supporters of the research worry it could provoke a public reaction similar to the one that has limited the acceptance of genetically modified crops.      In particular, critics say that Oxitec, the British biotechnology company that developed the dengue-fighting mosquito, has rushed into field testing without sufficient review and public consultation, sometimes in countries with weak regulations.      "Even if harms don't materialize, this will undermine the credibility and legitimacy of the research enterprise," said Lawrence O Gostin, professor of international health law at Georgetown University. NYT NEWS SERVICE

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HEALTHY HABIT Spirituality helps cure illness

Washington: Saints and religious gurus have been saying this since ages, now a new study has reinforced their idea that spirituality improves health outcomes for both men and women facing chronic illnesses. 

    Researchers at the University of Missouri in the US found that being involved in religious or spiritual activities improves women's mental health, while men experience better physical health as well as improved mental health. "The new findings reinforce the idea that religion or spirituality may help buffer the negative consequences of chronic health conditions," study author Stephanie Reid-Arndt said. 
    Numerous previous studies have shown the positive effects of spirituality and religion on health. To delve deeper into the religion-health link, Reid-Arndt and her colleagues looked at the role of gender in using spirituality to cope with their chronic health conditions such as stroke, cancer, spinal cord injury or brain injury. For their study the researchers recruited 168 people, aged 18 and more, from an academic health center who had chronic health conditions. 
    After gauging each participant's level of religiousness or spirituality, the researchers measured their general mental and physical health by asking them to fill out questionnaires. Though women are stereotypically regarded as more religious than men, the researchers found no differences between two sexes in terms of self-reported levels of spiritual experiences, religious practices or congregational support. PTI

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Mumbai records 200-300 strokes daily

Mumbai: It's a mind-numbing statistic: the city records between 200 and 300 cases of stroke every day. But Indian Stroke Association officials say the bigger worry is that less than a fourth of these patients actually seek medical attention. Not surprisingly, the WorldHealth Organization lists stroke as the third leading killer in India, behind heart attacks and cancer. 

    "About 15 lakh strokes occur across the country every year, averaging between 3,000 and 4,000 a day,'' says Dr Shirish Hastak, a member of the Indian Stroke Association. 
    Of the 200-300 daily stroke victims in Mumbai, barely 50 reach treatment centers. "Of those, only seven get thrombolytic treatment within the golden period of six to seven hours,'' says Hastak. 
    Dr Sangeeta Ravat, head of KEM Hospital's neurology department, says that smoking, along with stress, is the biggest risk factor for stroke in India. "Three factors hamper stroke treatment in India: scarcity of dedicated stroke clinics, shortage of neurologists, and the failure of patients to reach treatment centers within six to seven hours," she says. Timely treatment can not only save lives but also prevent complications such as paralysis. Intravenous treatment within six hours of a stroke will leave little or no effect. Even for a patient who comes later—within eight to 12 hours — there is a new device that can be surgically put to remove the clot. 
    Despite having a few dedicated stroke units, Mumbai has another problem: improper distribution of patients as per the severity of their stroke. "The scale devised by the US-based National Institutes of Health needs to be used,'' Hastak says. Usually, a patient with a stroke score of less than four can be treated at nursing homes. "Those with a score of over 8 definitely need to be moved to a stroke clinic within six hours.''

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Benefits of Turmeric ( Haldi)

Take 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric and 1/4 teaspoon of ginger powder add 1/2 teaspoon of pure honey in cup of warm water. Drink it 2 to 3 times a week. A real GURU.

Super Spice Secrets: Can This Miracle Spice Stop Cancer, Alzheimer's and Arthritis?

By Dr. Mercola

For more than 5,000 years, turmeric has been an important part of Eastern cultural traditions, including traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. Valued for its medicinal properties and warm, peppery flavor, this yellow-orange spice has more recently earned a name for itself in Western medicine as well. Turmeric comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, which is native to Indonesia and southern India, and is widely used as an ingredient in currydishes and yellow mustard. As research into this powerful spice has increased, it has emerged as one of nature's most powerful potential healers. Said Dr. David Frawely, founder and director of the American Institute for Vedic Studies in Santa Fe , New Mexico :

"If I had only one single herb to depend upon for all possible health and dietary needs, I would without much hesitation choose the Indian spice Turmeric. There is little it cannot do in the realm of healing and much that no other herb is able to accomplish. Turmeric has a broad spectrum of actions, mild but certain effects, and is beneficial for long term and daily usage. Though it is a common spice, few people, including herbalists know of its great value and are using it to the extent possible. It is an herb that one should get to know and live with."

Turmeric's Beneficial Effects in a Nutshell

Strengthens and improves digestion

Reduces gas and bloating

Assists in the digestion of protein and with rice and bean dishes

Improves your body's ability to digest fats

Promotes proper metabolism, correcting both excesses and deficiencies

Maintains and improves intestinal flora

Improves elimination of wastes and toxins

Supports healthy liver function and detox

Turmeric helps increase bile flow making it a liver cleanser that can rejuvenate your liver cells and recharge their capability to break down toxins
Helps to prevent alcohol and other toxins from being converted into compounds that may be harmful to your liver Supports formation of healthy tissue

Purifies your blood 

Stimulates formation of new blood tissue

Anti-inflammatory: Helps to reduce irritation to tissues characterized by pain, redness, swelling and heat

(1) Contains curcuminoids that fight cancer, arthritis, and Alzheimer's

Curcuminoids are potent phytonutrients (plant-based nutrients) that contain powerful antioxidant properties

Counteract the damaging effects of free radicals in your body

Relieve arthritis pain and stiffness, anti-inflammatory agent

Anti-carcinogenic: "Curcumin has been shown to prevent a large of number of cancers in animal studies. 

Laboratory data indicate that curcumin can inhibit tumor initiation, promotion, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis.

Supports treatment of Alzheimer's disease: "Because Alzheimer's disease is caused in part by amyloid-induced inflammation, curcumin has been 
shown to be effective against Alzheimer's. 

Clinical trials are in progress at UCLA with curcumin for Alzheimer's.

(2) Curcumin: Turmeric's Active Anti-Inflammatory "Ingredient"

Most notably turmeric is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which come from curcumin -- the pigment that gives turmeric its yellow-orange color, and which is thought to be responsible for many of its medicinal effects. There are an estimated three to five grams of curcumin in 100 grams of turmeric. Curcumin has been shown to influence more than 700 genes, and it can inhibit both the activity and the synthesis of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) and 5-lipooxygenase (5-LOX), as well as other enzymes that have been implicated in inflammation.

(3) Turmeric's Cancer-Fighting Properties

In India where turmeric is widely used, the prevalence of four common U.S. cancers -- colon, breast, prostate and lung -- is 10 times lower. In fact, 

prostate cancer, which is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in U.S. men, is rare in India and this is attributed, in part, to turmeric. Numerous studies 

have looked into this potential cancer-fighting link, with promising results. For instance, curcumin has been found to: 

Inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells

Inhibit the transformation of cells from normal to tumor

Help your body destroy mutated cancer cells so they cannot spread throughout your body

Decrease inflammation

Enhance liver function

Inhibit the synthesis of a protein thought to be instrumental in tumor formation

Prevent the development of additional blood supply necessary for cancer cell growth

As for the results of research studies, a study in Biochemical Pharmacology found that curcumin can slow the spread of breast cancer cells to

the lungs in mice. 

(4) "Curcumin acts against transcription factors, which are like a master switch," said lead researcher, Bharat Aggarwal. "Transcription factors regulate 

all the genes needed for tumors to form. When we turn them off, we shut down some genes that are involved in the growth and invasion of cancer cells.

" A second study in Biochemical Pharmacology also found that curcumin inhibits the activation of NF-kappaB, a regulatory molecule that signals genes to produce a slew of inflammatory molecules (including TNF, COX-2 and IL-6) that promote cancer cell growth.

(5) Turmeric's Essential Role for Your Liver

Your liver's primary role is to process and remove toxins carried in your bloodstream. When functioning at its peak, it can filter up to two liters of blood per minute and easily break apart toxic molecules to reduce their toxicity. Your liver is also a crucial part of vitamin, mineral, protein, fat, carbohydrate and

hormonal metabolism. However, poor diet, allergens, pollution and stress can cause your liver to become sluggish, and this can impair its vital functions. 

This is where turmeric can be a very useful part of your liver support system. Studies have shown that it: 

May increase important detoxification enzymes in your liver

Induces the formation of a primary liver detoxification enzyme, glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes

Turmeric is also a natural cholagogue, a medicinal agent that promotes the discharge of bile from your system. Increased bile flow is important to 

help your liver detoxify and to help your body digest fats.

(6) Turmeric for Your Heart, Brain and Overall Health

Turmeric inhibits free radical damage of fats, including cholesterol. When cholesterol is damaged in this way, or oxidized, it can then damage your 

blood vessels and lead to a heart attack or stroke. Therefore, research suggests that turmeric's ability to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol may be

beneficial for your heart. It's also rich in vitamin B6, high intakes of which are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. Meanwhile, turmeric 

appears to be highly protective against neurodegenerative diseases. In fact, in India levels of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's are very low, 

and studies have shown that curcumin can slow the progression of Alzheimer's in mice. The compound has also proven capable of blocking the 

progression of multiple sclerosis.  Further, Professor Moolky Nagabhushan from the Loyola University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, who has been 

studying turmeric for the last 20 years, believes that turmeric can protect against harmful environmental chemicals, and in so doing protect against 

childhood leukemia. 

(7) The research showed that curcumin in turmeric can:

Inhibit the toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (cancer-causing chemicals in the environment)

Inhibit radiation-induced chromosome damage

Prevent the formation of harmful heterocyclic amines and nitroso compounds, which may result in the body when eating certain 

(8) processed foods, such as processed meat products

Irreversibly inhibit the multiplication of leukemia cells in a cell culture

Turmeric's volatile oils also have external anti-bacterial action. As such, they may help prevent bacterial wound infections and accelerate wound 

healing. Johnson & Johnson even sells a curcumin-containing Band-Aid in India !  And the therapeutic potential of turmeric and curcumin do not end there. Evidence suggests the spice may also be beneficial for: 

Cystic fibrosis

Type 2 diabetes

Crohn's disease

Psoriasis

Rheumatoid arthritis

Cataracts

Gallstones

Muscle regeneration

Inflammatory bowel disease  

(9) Which Type of Turmeric is Best?

For use in cooking, choose a pure turmeric powder, rather than a curry powder. At least one study has found that curry powders tend to contain very 

little curcumin, compared to turmeric powder. Turmeric is also available in supplement form and for many this is a more convenient method to obtain

these health benefits discussed above, especially if they are from a high-quality organic source and if one doesn't particularly enjoy the taste of curry.

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3 cups of coffee a day may keep skin cancer away

BREW THAT SAVES

Washington: Good news for the coffee buffs, especially women drinkers: Consuming copious amounts of the beverage daily may help reduce the risk of the most common type of skin cancer, a new study has claimed. 
    Researchers at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston found that women who drank over three cups of coffee daily were 20% less likely to develop basal cell carcinoma (BCC), a slowgrowing form of skin cancer, than those who drank less than one cup a month. 
    But, men who drank same amount of the beverage saw only a 9% reduction in the disease, found the study. BCC rarely spread to other parts of the body, and rarely return if they are promptly removed. 
    "Given the nearly one million new cases of BCC diagnosed each year in the US, daily dietary factors with even small protective effects may have great public health impact," study researcher Fengju Song said. 
    The study, presented at the American Association for Cancer Research meeting in Boston, found an association, not a direct cause-effect link. PTI 
Drinking water cuts bladder cancer risk 
    Downing more than four pints of the beverage daily can cut men's risk of bladder cancer by a quarter, say researchers. A new study of 48,000 men, carried out by Brown University, found that those who drank more than 2,531 ml of fluids a day — equal to almost four and a half pints — had a 24% lower risk or bladder cancer. This could be because the liquid flushes any cancer-causing agents out of the bladder before they are able to cause any harm, according to the researchers. PTI

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For your mind and body Yoga is effective in treating not only your body, but psychiatric disorders as well, says study

 Yoga, whose all-round benefits are increasingly being accepted across the world, has now been found useful in treating mental and psychiatric disorders, a number of scientific studies have found. "Some believe that yoga should be used only for prevention and health promotion and not as a therapy for illnesses," said B N Gangadhar, who heads the psychiatry department at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences and is also the director, of Advanced Centre for Yoga at NIMHANS. "The reality is that it is being increasingly used as a method for treating various disorders, either alone or as in addition to other therapies, including psychiatric ones," said Gangadhar. A study co-authored by Gangadhar and three associates examined the effect of yoga as a therapy supplementing medical treatment of schizophrenia, a severe mental condition, which registers failure rates as high as 50 to 60 per cent. The condition is ranked as the ninth leading cause of mental disability worldwide. Roughly half of 61 schizophrenia patients were randomly assigned to yoga therapy and the other half to physical exercise for four months. Ten from each group had dropped out during the therapy. The yoga therapy group showed significantly greater improvement in mental or behavioural disorders than those in the physical exercise group. The yoga group also performed better in social and occupational functioning. Some of the symptoms of schizophrenia are hallucinations (hearing voices), delusions (often bizarre) 

and disorganised thinking and speech, which render the patient's life chaotic and distressful. Another study led by Gangadhar found that Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) significantly lowered stress by bringing down high plasma cortisol levels among patients, which indicate stress or illness. SKY is a method of breath control pioneered by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Art of Living Foundation. Similarly, M Javanbakht, a psychiatrist at Iran's Islamic Azad University, and othersfound yoga eased mental conditions such as depression and anxiety in women. Participants in Iran were assigned to two groups: one that went through two yoga sessions of 90 minutes each every week for two months and another which did not do any yoga. Women in the yoga group registered a significant decrease in anxiety and depression 
levels. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), which includes yoga, is now being increasingly used for easing anxiety, stress and depression. 
    Some studies suggest that the percentage of patients availing themselves of CAM could be as high as 60 per cent, said Gangadhar. "A functional brain imaging study at NIMHANS demonstrated that chanting of Aum deactivated certain brain areas bearing on our emotions, particularly anger and fear, (and producing a calming effect)," said psychiatry associate professor Shivarama Varambally. "This indicates that Aum chanting may help in emotional control and reduce negative emotions," Varambally added. Johns Hopkins University's Arthritis Centre reports that scientific studies on the effect of yoga on rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are 'promising', with results showing "some improvement in joint health, physical functioning, and mental/emotional wellbeing." The centre suggests that such studies show yoga is a "safe and effective" way to increase muscle strength and improve flexibility, areas of core interests to arthritis sufferers. Besides, yoga can increase mental energy and help a patient develop positive feelings and help keep negative feelings in check. Yoga, derived from a Sanskrit word meaning 'yoke', is designed to integrate one's body, mind and soul so that the entire system functions harmoniously. "Many might argue that such a time-tested practice does not require any proof, but contemporary medicine can accept yoga only after thorough validation through scientific tests," Gangadhar concluded. 
    IANS

YOGA IS AN ALL-ROUNDER: Complementary and alternative medicine, which includes yoga, is now being increasingly used for easing anxiety, stress and depression

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Urban Indians in 24-39 age group WORST HIT BY OBESITY

New Survey Shows That Every Second Woman In Mega Cities Like Mumbai Is Obese. Docs Blame Unhealthy Diet, Addiction To Gizmos And Lack Of Exercise

    For years, city doctors have been shouting themselves hoarse over the ever-increasing number of obese or overweight people. The seriousness of the obesity march in urban areas is best underlined when one considers the all-India obesity data. Consecutive National FamilyHealth surveys conducted between 2000 and 2006 pegged obesity in India between 8% and 15% of the general population. This data is reflected in a new 2011 survey of 46,000 urban Indians which showed that 49% were obese or had a body mass index (BMI) of 25. Another 24% of those surveyed had a BMI between 23 and 24.9, which puts them in the overweight category. 

    Incidentally, earlier this year, India had lowered the BMI cutoff for obesity. "Now, Indians with a BMI of over 23 are considered obese,'' said bariatric surgeon Dr Ramen Goel, who had studied rising obesity levels in Mumbai eight years ago. "The new survey suggests that we are now on par with other developed nations if we compare the percentage of population that is obese, at least as far as urban and affluent sections of our society are concerned,'' he said. 
    This unhealthy trend is limited to mega cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai. "When one takes into consideration underdeveloped states or the smaller cities and towns, the overweight figure seems lower,''said Dr Anoop Misra from Fortis Hospital in Delhi, adding that the new survey looked at a section that is urban, affluent, wired and low on physical exercise. 
    The survey, conducted by oil and fortified foods company Saffola, attributed this swell to the fact that urban Indians eat unhealthy food. In fact, 53% of those surveyed ate one or less serving of vegetables or salads in a day. The worst vegetable/salad eaters were in Ahmedabad, Chennai, Coimbatore and Hyderabad, said the survey. 
    The obesity march holds true for Delhi as well. Dr Misra said his soonto-be-published study showed that 40-70% of the capital's denizens were either overweight or obese. The survey shows that north Indian cities of Delhi and Chandigarh are the obesity capitals, with 53% of those surveyed being obese. A breakup shows that every second woman is obese and the worstaffected age group is the 24-39 bracket. 
    In his yet-to-be-published study Misra quantifies how poor health results from obesity that begins with childhood. "If one compares India's obesity problem with the US, we are not badly off. But if one considers how quickly and steeply the problem is rising, then there is cause for concern," he said. His study shows that obesity-related problems such as hypertension and diabetes in Delhi and Jaipur rose sharply in the 25-35 age group. The Saffola survey also shows that the 30-39 age group has higher lipid readings and higher BMIs. Mumbai-based nutritionist Shilpa Joshi expresses her concern for children's health. "Nowadays, children sit in front of computers or televisions and have easy access to packaged food,'' she said. This is in stark contrast to the scene a few decades ago. "When we were younger, we ate homecooked food that had low glycemic index. Such foods release calories slowly and not instantly like an aerated drink or packaged chips,'' she said. 
    On the eve of World Anti-Obesity Day, doctors wanted to underline a subtle difference. "The problem is not about being overweight; it is about controlling obesity-related diseases,'' said one doctor. Dr Goel said, "We could have people with 25 or even 28 BMI who are extremely fit and healthy.'' The problem, he said, begins when their obesity starts telling on their blood pressure or sugar levels.

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1 in 5 kids has mental illness, 1 in 50 treated

Health Worker Crunch Hits Developing Nations: Study

Kounteya Sinha TNN 

New Delhi: One in 5 children in developing countries like India has a mental health problem. Globally, mental health problems affect 10–20% of children and adolescents. However, while 1 in 3 people with a mental health problem in wealthy nations receive treatment, in developing countries, it is as few as 1 in 50. 
    One of the main reasons for this is that there is an overall shortage of 2.39 lakh mentalhealth workers (17.3 workers per one lakh population in low-income countries and 14.9 per lakh population in middle-income countries). For young people, neuropsychiatric disorders are a leading cause of health-related burden, accounting for 15–30% of the disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) lost during the first three decades of life. Children and adolescents constitute almost a third (2.2 billion individuals) of the world's population and almost 90% live in low-income and middleincome countries (LMIC), where they form up to 50% of the population. These are some of the findings of the four studies on mental health published in the Lancet on Monday. Only 10% of trials of mental health interventions come from LMIC, and most of these are for drug-based interventions not psychosocial strategies. 
    Dr Vikram Patel, lead editor of the Lancet series and professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, told TOI, "The main problem in countries like India is that services for mental health are fragmented and are being provided by different organizations. There is no real connection between the services. Shortage of skilled human resources particularly specialists besides lack of good leadership is a major problem." 
    According to Dr Patel, despite their relevance as a leading cause of health-related disability in the age group and their long-lasting effects throughout life, the mental health needs of kids and adolescents are neglected, especially in low-income and middle-income countries.

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Ways to increase positivity at home

Advanced Feng Shui and Pyravastu consultant Dr Snehal S Deshpande lists some Vastu tips

In the present complex scenario, we do not find time for ourselves to analyse the various reasons that lead us to the failures in the aspects of health, wealth or relationship problems in our life. Most of these problems are connected to major Vastu and Feng Shui Defects. 
    Here are the 17 commandments which may help you to increase positive energy in your home. 
    Always stand in the center of your house with a compass in your hand to find out the directions of your house. 
    The main entrance is the mouth of a house which brings in main energy. Avoid a property which has a door facing south-west, as it is the entry of the devil energy and brings in struggle and misfortunes. If your house already has one, fix two Hanumanji's tiles outside the door and see the difference. 
    Mandir or altar is the king of all Vastu rules — Place it in the north-east and rest of the things will automatically start falling in place. Face east while praying. 
    Kitchen is the symbol of prosperity — and should be ideally placed in the south-east. Kitchen in the North or north-east may bring financial and health problems. In this case hang three bronze bowls up side down on the ceiling but do not hang over the stove. 
    Master bedroom is the key to enter the door of stability — and it must be in the southwest. You should sleep with your head in the south or west. But a bread winner must never sleep in the north -east . 
    Bath rooms and toilets have the energy of 'hell' — which are best in west or south. But should never be in north and north-east or they bring financial, health and educational problems. Center is the nose of your house — from where your house breathes. It must be open and clutter free. A wall here gives stomach and financial problems so fix a zero watt blue bulb on this wall and keep it on 24x7 . Cuts in any direction make a house paralysed — mainly cuts in south-west, north, north-east and south-east give serious problems. There are many mysteries and secrets regarding the cuts and their cures. An evil energy resides in the deep holes in the south-west — underground water tank or a well here is the threatening defect. Water placement (only underground) is good in north, north-east (not on the axis). Water streams, air cavities which are present 200 meters down the earth create a stress line and weaken the EMF of the earth and give birth to Geopathic stress. Sleeping on severe Geopathic stress is the main reason of major and recurring illnesses. 
NOW, A RAPID-FIRE ROUND OF CURES 
Never use too much of bright colours such as red, purple, for decorating your house or they may enhance sickness energy in the house if any. Do not keep water picture or a fountain, in your bedroom or it will affect you. Do not keep your mandir / temple under any beam or cupboard or you will be always under stress. Do not keep heavy objects in the North East and North of or it may block your finances. Do not keep bonsais in the house or they will hamper the growth in the respective area of your life. Mopping the floor twice a week with sea salt water will help you clean your house of negative energy. If 'arguments' are the main ruling energy in your house, play a musical CD four-five times in a day and experience the calmness in the house.

Dr Snehal S Deshpande

The main entrance of a house brings in energy

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17 food facts set straight

Clinical nutritionist Dr Nupur Krishnan debunks some common myths regarding everyday diet

 For all those times you wondered about nutrition facts but weren't sure who to ask, here's something that will clear your doubts... 
Myth: Water is fattening. Truth: Water has no calories and so cannot be fattening. 
Myth: Toast is less fattening. 
Truth: Bread has exactly the same number of calories whether toasted or not — it does not alter its caloric value. 
Myth: Honey is less fattening than sugar. 
Truth: Honey is a concentrated food. One teaspoon of honey contains 21 calories. 
Myth: Fruit juices are not fattening. 
Truth: Most fruit juices are high in calories and usually have added sugar. 
Myth: Heart diseases make weight reduction dangerous. 
Truth: Weight reduction is essential to heart patients who are obese. 
Myth: 'Everything turns to fat' for some. 
Truth: An obese person may not eat more than a slim one but is usually less active. Frequent snacking and large proteins are often overlooked as contributory factors to excess weight. 
Myth: Skipping meals is a good way to lose weight. 
Truth: A dieter usually eats more at other meals when a meal is skipped. 
Myth: Rice and dals should be washed until the water used for washing them appears clear. 
Truth: Wash with minimum wsater. If washed too many times, considerable quantity of minerals and vitamins are leached away. 
Myth: Vegetables must be cut into small pieces to facilitate cooking. Truth: No. Nutrients are lost when they are cut into smaller pieces. 
Myth: Water used for cooking vegetables, dals and rice must be thrown. 
Truth: No. This water is rich in minerals and vitamins, so scan be used in soups, dals or curries. 
Myth: Citrus fruits can aggravate common cold. 
Truth: Citrus fruits contain a high content of vitamin C, which is known to have a beneficial effect in the treatment of common cold. 
Myth: Preferably consume the day's quota of fat at any one meal and avoid consumption of fat at all other meals thereafter. 
Truth: Small amounts of fat consumed several times a day are not as harmful as a larger amount of fat consumed at one sitting. 
Myth: Slim is a sign of good health 
Truth: This the biggest misconception about health. Very lean and slim persons carry as muchhealth risk as an obese person. Eating less than your body re q u i re m e n t s deprives vital organs of nutrients, which may lead to complications in the future. 
Myth: To lose weight I will eat less 
Truth: Without reducing the quantity of food you can still lose almost five kgs a month. With regular exercise you can lose upto nine kg per month. 
Myth: I can follow standard diet plans available in newspapers and Internet. 
Truth: Avoid that. One person's food is other person's poison. Your diet plan should be according to your body metabolism and body requirements. Random diet plans might lead to many irreversible health disorders. 
Myth: Fat is dangerous to health. 
Truth: Fat is essential for proper functioning of the body and to absorb certain vitamins. 
Myth: Drinking too much of water is good for health 
Truth: No. Though water is essential, you should drink only according to your body requirements. Too much water will put pressure on your kidneys and other organs to extract excess water from your body, which can lead to complications.

A LEAN LOOK: Eating right can help you get a lean athletic body

Dr Nupur Krishnan

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