Name: FSSAI acts to make food packaging safer
Uploaded: 2018-12-29T15:26:48.0+05:30
Duration: T00M28S
Channel: editorji

A survey by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has shown that 80% of the food samples packed in coloured carry bags and 59% in black carry bags was found

FSSAI acts to make food packaging safer

 A survey by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has shown that 80% of the food samples packed in coloured carry bags and 59% in black carry bags was found to be chemically contaminated. The food regulator is set to notify new regulations for packaging. This will prohibit packaging materials like recycled plastics, newspaper with inks and dyes and other materials used for wrapping food articles. The aim is to protect food from contamination.

Proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly, the International Day of Friendship aims at creating friendships across borders, countries and cultures.

Proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly, the International Day of Friendship aims at creating friendships across borders, countries and cultures.&nbsp;India shall celebrate the spirit of camaraderie on the 1st of August.

International Day of Friendship: Celebrate the spirit of friendship and bonhomie!

Challenges and crises like the Covid-19 pandemic and the consequent lockdown have disoriented friendships and created distance amongst people the world over. This International Day of Friendship, let us confront the distance and help promote friendship and solidarity.
Proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly, the day aims at creating friendships across borders, countries and cultures. Even though the UN has designated 30th July as the International Day of Friendship, India observes this day on the first Sunday of August. This year India shall celebrate the spirit of camaraderie on the 1st of August.
The UN established this day in an attempt to encourage governments and organisations to hold events and activities in order to build bridges between communities and inspire peace. But recognising the sentiments of friendship can be difficult during a global pandemic and lockdown. So much so that even sharing a cup of tea with your neighbours is not possible due to the Covid&nbsp;safety restrictions.&nbsp;
What you can do on a personal level in order to weave a joyous net of friendship is conduct virtual reading sessions, tea parties, movie or game nights, order food for one another and even enjoy a drink together. And if you want to try something old school then you can always send letters.
Despite the current circumstances, make sure you take some time out to strengthen bonds of bonhomie!
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/what-are-friends-for-study-finds-female-friendships-reduce-stress-levels-for-a-lifetime-1626157309159" target="_blank">what are friends for study finds female friendships reduce&nbsp;stress levels for a&nbsp;lifetime</a>

Garlic may leave a bad odour but is a good source of magnesium, selenium, Vitamin C and Vitamin B6.

Garlic may leave a bad odour but is&nbsp;a&nbsp;good source of magnesium, selenium, Vitamin C and Vitamin B6. It is used not just for its flavour&nbsp;but also for its several health benefits.

Not only can it scare Vampires, Garlic has some other superpowers as well!

The bad odour that comes from garlic is a big reason why several people keep it out of their diets. The smell tends to seep into your mouth and might require a round or two of brushing and mouthwash to get rid of.
While these tiny cloves may come with a smell that can linger for hours, they also come with several noteworthy benefits which will go a long way in keeping you healthy. So, forget the pungent odour and focus on the benefits!
Garlic is known to be a good source of magnesium, selenium, calcium, Vitamin C and Vitamin B6. The presence of all these vital vitamins and minerals makes it beneficial for your health.
Garlic has anti-bacterial properties:
Apart from vitamins and minerals, garlic contains&nbsp;allicin, a sulphur-containing compound. This gives it a strong and pungent aroma but also makes it a fantastic antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial agent.
Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties:
As per an article by the Cleveland Clinic, garlic oil has anti-inflammatory properties. All you need to do is gently rub it over your sore and inflamed joints or muscles to reap the benefits.
Garlic is good for the heart:
As highlighted in a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, US (NCBI) there is literature that suggests that garlic consumption can help attain positive cardiovascular effects. Garlic can help lower blood pressure and reduce serum cholesterol and triglycerides.
Garlic helps get rid of pimples:
Yes, you have heard it right! As per the Cleveland Clinic, rubbing raw garlic over pimples can potentially help get rid of them. However, we do recommend consulting with a dermatologist&nbsp;before trying this remedy.&nbsp;
Knowing all these benefits might make you want to gulp down an entire bulb of garlic, but be wary as an excess of anything is not great. According to a study in the American Family Physician Journal, consuming garlic in excess can lead to flatulence and gastrointestinal issues. It is recommended that you take no more than 1-2 cloves of raw garlic and 7.2 grams of aged garlic extract per day.
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A survey by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has shown that 80% of the food samples packed in coloured carry bags and 59% in black carry bags was found to be chemically contaminated. The food regulator is set to notify new regulations for packaging. This will prohibit packaging materials like recycled plastics, newspaper with inks and dyes and other materials used for wrapping food articles. The aim is to protect food from contamination.

The world was a sadder, angrier, more worried and more stressed-out place in 2020 than it has ever been in the last 15 years.

In a not-so-surprising revelation, a new global survey of emotions in 2020 says that the pandemic year&nbsp;was a record year for stress,&nbsp;worry, anger and sadness.&nbsp;Stress levels, in particular, skyrocketed in 2020 with 40 per cent of all adults surveyed reporting a significant rise.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The&nbsp;Gallup 2021 Global Emotions Index says that this is the highest in 15 years. But the worst of this brunt was faced by women who were&nbsp;caring for young children at home during the pandemic.
SEE MORE&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/burnout-breaks-a-company-s-new-way-to-help-workers-fight-stress-1626513174549">'Burnout Breaks': A new way to help workers fight stress</a>
The Gallup survey said that half of all the people who were working during the pandemic earned less money and 32% lost their jobs, all thanks to Covid-19.&nbsp;Overall, 80% of the people from the 116 countries surveyed said Covid-19 affected them in some way or the other.&nbsp;
In the span of a year, the percentage of people who said they smiled or laughed a lot the previous day also dropped from 75% to 70%, which is incidentally the lowest measure Gallup has ever recorded for this&nbsp;question.&nbsp;

Coffee can be consumed with or without milk. There are various benefits of consuming a moderate amount of coffee, but does adding milk to coffee make it harmful?

Coffee lovers mostly stand united against the army of chai fans, but they too are often divided over the type of coffee - should it be a dark black espresso or a frothy milky cappuccino? Should you add sugar to it or consume it as a bitter potion? And will adding milk to coffee prove harmful?
Let us try to find fair answers to all these questions. However, you must know that when consumed in moderate amounts, any type of coffee is not harmful to your health. Coffee can provide various health benefits like better cognitive functions and reduced risk of heart ailments, when consumed in small quantities.&nbsp;
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/benefits-of-caffeine-we-bet-you-didn-t-know-1625572439531">Benefits of caffeine we bet you didn't know!</a>
Does milk affect the value of coffee?
Scientists at Nestle&rsquo;s research centre in Switzerland&nbsp;examined the addition of milk or creamer in coffee to understand if it has any effect on the contents of coffee. During the study, the researchers discovered a compound known as polyphenols. Polyphenols are the antioxidants found in coffee. They&nbsp;are important as they protect the body cells against free radicals, thereby minimising cell damage. They also prevent&nbsp;cell breakdown during any kind of healing process after injury or infection.&nbsp;
At the end of the research, the outcome showed that the addition of milk to coffee does not have any effect on polyphenol. This proved that regardless of the type of coffee intake, polyphenols eventually will reach the bloodstream and act as antioxidants in the body.
So, which type of coffee is better?
While both black and milk coffee have the same effect on polyphenols, there are certain pros and cons of each. Let&rsquo;s take a look at some of them.&nbsp;
Black coffee
Pros
<ul>
<li>Negligible calorie content</li>
<li>Helps in improving metabolism</li>
<li>Lowers the risk of type-2 diabetes</li>
</ul>
Cons
<ul>
<li>Contains a higher amount of caffeine</li>
<li>Affects sleep quality if consumed after sunset</li>
<li>Very bitter, so it is an acquired taste&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Milk coffee
Pros
<ul>
<li>Reduces the risk of oesophageal&nbsp;reflux</li>
<li>Milk balances the pH level of coffee</li>
<li>Milk reduces the stimulating effect of caffeine</li>
</ul>
Cons
<ul>
<li>Higher calorie content</li>
<li>Whole milk can affect cholesterol&nbsp;levels&nbsp;</li>
<li>Pure coffee flavour is affected due to milk&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
So, the bottom line is, both milk and black coffee have their own share of pros and cons. As long as you are mindful of its quantity and sugar intake levels, a freshly brewed cup of coffee is a great way to start your day!
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On July 28, World Hepatitis Day is commemorated every year in order to increase the awareness of viral hepatitis.

World Hepatitis Day is observed each year on 28 July to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes severe liver disease and hepatocellular cancer. This year's&nbsp;theme is &ldquo;Hepatitis can&rsquo;t wait,&rdquo;&nbsp;conveying the urgency of efforts needed to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/290-million-people-living-with-viral-hepatitis-unaware-1595918182758">290 million people living with viral hepatitis unaware!</a>
There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus - A, B, C, D and E. Hepatitis A and E are mostly caused by the intake of contaminated food and water. Hepatitis B, C and D usually occur after coming in contact with infected blood and body fluids.
The date of July 28 was chosen because it is the birthday of Nobel-prize winning scientist Dr. Baruch Blumberg.&nbsp;He&nbsp;discovered the hepatitis B virus and developed a diagnostic test and vaccine for it.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/hepatitis-b-dropped-to-below-1-in-2019-among-children-under-5-1595907986993">Hepatitis B dropped to below 1% in 2019 among children under 5&nbsp;</a>

Study associates consuming 3 servings of whole grains daily with smaller increases in waist size, blood pressure and blood sugar levels over time.

Adults who consume at least three servings of whole-grain in a day witness much smaller increases in waist size, blood pressure and blood sugar in comparison to people who eat less than half a serving per day, finds new research.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Published&nbsp;in the&nbsp;Journal of Nutrition, the study analysed the impact of eating&nbsp;whole and refined grains over time across five risk factors&nbsp;of heart disease. The factors included waist size, blood pressure, blood sugar, triglyceride, and HDL or good cholesterol.&nbsp;
The research defined one serving of whole grains as one slice of whole-grain bread, a half cup of rolled oats cereal, or a half-cup of brown rice.
SEE MORE&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/on-a-low-carb-diet-don-t-miss-these-grains-1598064073953">On a low-carb diet? Don&rsquo;t miss these grains!</a>
As per the grain consumption&nbsp;data&nbsp;of 3,100 people over a median of 18 years, the low whole-grain group&nbsp;witnessed a&nbsp;rise&nbsp;of 1 inch&nbsp;in their waist size&nbsp;on average whereas the increase was&nbsp;about&nbsp;half an inch for the higher intake group.&nbsp;&nbsp;
What&rsquo;s more, the average increase in blood&nbsp;sugar levels and systolic blood pressure was also lower in the high intake group, even after adjusting for waistline&nbsp;differences. The research team noted that eating whole-grain&nbsp;food as part of a healthy diet can be helpful in not just losing or maintaining weight as we age, but it may also protect against heart disease.&nbsp;
Elaborating on the importance of whole grains, the authors said that the dietary&nbsp;fibre&nbsp;in whole grains helps you feel full for longer&nbsp;and controls post-meal blood sugar spikes. While magnesium, potassium and antioxidants may contribute to lowering blood pressure.
Some great examples of whole grains include wheat, corn, brown rice, oats,&nbsp;amaranth,&nbsp;ragi,&nbsp;barley,&nbsp;quinoa&nbsp;and&nbsp;jowar.
SEE MORE&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/gluten-free-alternatives-grains-you-can-include-in-your-diet-1600142825168">Gluten-free alternatives: grains you can include in your diet</a>

Originally from the Mediterranean region, olive oil, as the name suggests, is the oil extracted from ripe green olives.

Originally from the Mediterranean region, olive oil, as the name suggests, is the oil extracted from ripe green olives. These juicy little flavour bombs are crushed and mixed together, and the oil is then separated from the pulp in a centrifuge.
There are different types of modifiers attached&nbsp;to&nbsp;olive oil such as, virgin, extra virgin, pure and light. These refer to the method by which manufacturers produce the oil, and since every process is different, these variants also differ in taste, texture and colour.
Which one should you pick?
While olive oil is considered a healthier alternative to regular cooking oil, some of the variants include chemicals and preservatives to prolong the shelf life. This strips away a lot of the oil&rsquo;s flavour along with some of its benefits.
Of them, extra virgin olive oil is considered the best option as it is the least processed version. It retains its natural antioxidants and vitamins, which are often lost during processing. Extra virgin olive oil also contains anti-inflammatory substances like oleic acid and oleocanthal. These are compounds that lend similar effects like the ones&nbsp;present in painkillers or fever reducers.
Extra virgin olive oil is also beneficial for heart diseases. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine says that regular consumption of extra virgin olive oil can help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes by 30%. This is because the oil has 70% monounsaturated fatty acid which helps to lower blood cholesterol levels, thereby reducing heart problems.
The benefits of consuming olive oil are aplenty. But if you really want to take it up a notch, pick the extra virgin variant to take advantage of all that healthy goodness!

New research has now busted one major side effect that is commonly associated with coffee consumption.

As much as we love our morning cuppa, the science on coffee&rsquo;s health benefits or lack thereof can be quite confusing.&nbsp;New research&nbsp;has&nbsp;now&nbsp;busted one major side effect that is commonly associated with the drink!&nbsp;
ALSO WATCH <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/drinking-coffee-every-day-could-lower-risk-of-heart-disease-study-says-1612945558832">Drinking coffee every day could lower risk of heart disease, study says</a>
While some studies stand firmly against its consumption, other&nbsp;experts swear by a controlled coffee intake and blame the milk, cream and sugar for all the adverse correlations.&nbsp;One such side-effect&nbsp;long linked to coffee is that drinking it can make your heart &lsquo;race&rsquo; or&nbsp;cause heart palpitations,&nbsp;which is called&nbsp;cardiac arrhythmia&nbsp;in medical terms.&nbsp;
But a study&nbsp;in JAMA Internal Medicine,&nbsp;analysing consumption patterns of over&nbsp;386,000 people over a three-year period,&nbsp;claims&nbsp;that&nbsp;drinking coffee regularly may, in fact,&nbsp;lower the risk of developing an arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation in which the heart flutters in the chest.&nbsp;
The research team from the University of California San Francisco explained that the belief that coffee makes you jittery&nbsp;was born from older, small studies, including one&nbsp;based&nbsp;on&nbsp;only&nbsp;male physicians.&nbsp;The lead author added that a moderate intake of coffee&nbsp;is&nbsp;more beneficial than harmful to health, as per a&nbsp;review of 201 meta-analyses.&nbsp;
Emerging evidence&nbsp;supports&nbsp;the claim&nbsp;that coffee may&nbsp;even&nbsp;play a role in reducing&nbsp;cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular&nbsp;and liver&nbsp;disease&nbsp;and overall mortality.
WATCH MORE&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/drinking-coffee-associated-with-reduced-risk-of-chronic-liver-disease-study-1625058085741">Drinking coffee associated with reduced risk of chronic liver disease: Study</a>

Building big muscles and looking buff is far from the only benefit of strength training, which should either way be an integral part of anyone’s overall fitness program

Some people believe that strength training is only for building big muscles&nbsp;and looking buff. But that&rsquo;s far from the only benefit of strength training, which should, either way, be an integral part of anyone&rsquo;s overall fitness program.
What is strength training?&nbsp;Strength, also called&nbsp;weight&nbsp;or resistance training refers to&nbsp;physical exercises which are designed to improve strength and endurance.&nbsp;
How does strength training work?&nbsp;By building muscle mass, this training improves your body's power to resist muscle failure. When your&nbsp;muscles are strong, they can transfer energy more effectively across your body which in turn improves movement and coordination.
What are some hidden benefits of strength training?&nbsp;
Strong Bones:&nbsp;As we get older, the body starts losing 3 to 5 per cent of lean muscle mass per decade. But&nbsp;a 2017 study in the&nbsp;<a href="https://asbmr.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jbmr.3284">Journal of Bone and Mineral </a><a href="https://asbmr.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jbmr.3284">Research</a>, shows that&nbsp;just 30 minutes of high-intensity resistance and impact training twice a week can improve bone density, structure and strength. It also reduces the risk of fractures.
Weight Control:&nbsp;Think cardio is the only way to lose weight? Think again! Strength work can help you manage and lose weight as&nbsp;building muscle helps your body burn calories more quickly and may even boost your metabolism.&nbsp;
Better Balance:&nbsp;If you want to maximise your quality of life for a long time, start weight training today.&nbsp;Strength training can help keep your joints flexible. It improves your balance, coordination and posture which enhances your ability to perform everyday tasks&nbsp;with ease, according to a study published in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3634155/">Rejuvenation Research</a>.
Energetic Mood:&nbsp;All exercise&nbsp;has&nbsp;a mood-boosting effect thanks to the release of endorphins. But a&nbsp;meta-analysis of 33 clinical trials published in&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/2680311">JAMA Psychiatry</a>&nbsp;in 2018 revealed that strength training may be used&nbsp;as&nbsp;a treatment option to alleviate symptoms of depression.&nbsp;It may also improve sleep quality leading to overall better mental health.
ALSO WATCH&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/battling-moderate-hypertension-exercise-should-be-the-first-line-of-defence-1623301359859">Battling moderate hypertension? Exercise should be the first line of defence</a>
If you don&rsquo;t have access to a gym, you can even do&nbsp;strength training at home with free weights like barbells and hand dumbbells or with no equipment at all!&nbsp;Some great examples of bodyweight exercises for resistance include:
<ul>
<li>Crunches&nbsp;</li>
<li>Lunges&nbsp;</li>
<li>Pushups&nbsp;</li>
<li>Pullups&nbsp;</li>
<li>Squats&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Step exercises&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Whether you&rsquo;re looking to burn fat or just look and feel stronger, a few sessions of strength training every week can take you a long way!
While any&nbsp;exercise is great for everybody but if you are someone with a medical condition or are older than 40 years, it may be best to consult your doctor before starting a new fitness regimen.
WATCH MORE&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/fitness-apps-smart-trackers-do-boost-physical-activity-levels-study-1609057437986">Fitness apps, smart trackers do boost physical activity levels: study</a>

Running is incredibly beneficial to the body, mind and spirit. Even short runs can leave you feeling more energised and focused.

Running is a popular form of physical activity. It doesn&rsquo;t need much equipment and you can do it just about anywhere or at anytime that is convenient for you. It's also an activity that spans across ages as it's never too late to take up running.
Running is one of the most effective ways to burn calories and build cardiovascular endurance. It helps to increase your mental strength and if you run outdoors, you benefit from exposure to nature. It can also reduce stress, relieve anxiety and boost your mood. A beginner to exercise should start with brisk walking, progress to jogging and work up to running.
Whether it's your favorite part of the day or something you have to push yourself through, the benefits are undeniable. Here are some amazing benefits of running, as suggested by the US, National Institute of Health (NIH).
Better long term health
Running even five to 10 minutes a day, at slow speeds is associated with a drastically reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, according to a study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Runners enjoy an overall improved quality of life. A consistent running habit can add extra time on the clock for you and save you from heart diseases as well.
Improves Immunity
The pulmonary benefits of running are incredible, each stride of our run forces our lungs to clear out most airborne bacteria. Running elevates body temperature while also improving the overall circulation in our bodies, thus helping build a robust immune system.
Better sleep
Quality sleep is essential for your health. Your body repairs itself when you're asleep, which is why you wake up feeling refreshed. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine has found that regular exercise can improve the quality of your sleep and help you sleep through the night. But try to avoid running too late in the day. This can interfere with how well you sleep at night.
Strengthens knees
No, running doesn&rsquo;t wreck your knees, it does the exact opposite. Research from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory shows that running decreases the risk of arthritis. That may be because it increases the flow of nutrients to the cartilage in your knee while also strengthening the ligaments around the joint.
Improves memory
If you find that you have problems with your memory, start running. It affects your brain in the short and long term. Aerobic exercise gets your heart rate up and makes you sweat. This can boost the size of your hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning.

According to a new study, just one night of sleeplessness can affect your well-being.

If you are under the impression that your weekly sleep requirement can be covered up over the&nbsp;weekend, then here&rsquo;s a study to prove you wrong. According to researchers at Annals of Behavioral Medicine, it takes only one night of sleep loss to affect your physical and mental health. The study included 2000 middle-aged adults who were relatively healthy and well educated.&nbsp;Researchers observed the result of sleeping less than six hours for eight consecutive nights.
Soomi Lee, Assistant Professor at University of Florida and lead author of the paper said that as per the results, one night of sleep loss significantly impairs daily functioning. When observed further, by day three, mental and physical problems steadily peaked and by day six, participants reported that the severity of physical symptoms was at its worst. There was reportedly, a pile-up of anger, nervousness, loneliness, irritability and frustrating feelings as a result of sleep loss. They also experienced more physical symptoms, such as upper respiratory issues, aches and gastrointestinal problems.
In order to avoid these, Lee said that&nbsp;the best way to maintain a strong daily performance is to set aside more than six hours to sleep every night.

A new study by researchers shows that antibody levels remain high nine months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic.

A new study led by researchers at Imperial College London and the University of Padua shows that antibody levels remain high nine months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, whether the person was symptomatic or asymptomatic. The results of the study were published in the journal Nature Communications.
For the study, the team tested more than 85 percent of the 3,000 residents of Vo' in Italy in February/March 2020 for infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. They then tested them again in May and November 2020 for antibodies against the virus. Antibody levels were tracked using three assays; tests that detect different types of antibodies which respond to different parts of the virus.
As per the findings, 98.8 percent of people infected in February/March showed detectable levels of antibodies in November. The results also showed that there was no difference between people who had suffered symptoms of COVID-19 and those that had been symptom-free.
The team also investigated the infection status of household members, to estimate how likely an infected member is to pass on the infection within the household. Their modelling suggests that there was a probability of about 1 in 4 that a person infected with SARS-CoV-2 passes the infection to a family member and that most transmission is caused by 20 percent of infections.

Paleo Diet aims to include unprocessed animal and plant-based foods with enough physical activity for a healthier lifestyle.

If the food is made in a factory and is full of preservatives, do not eat it! This is the basic principle of the paleo diet which is designed to resemble what humans must have eaten in the Paleolithic&nbsp;era or during the stone-age. Paleo diet aims to include unprocessed animal and plant-based foods along with propagating enough&nbsp;physical activity in order to lead a healthier life. According to a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, paleo diet reduces systolic blood pressure, lowers insulin sensitivity and improves cholesterol balance.
What to eat?
Modern-day food is heavily processed and modified using preservatives and other chemicals. In paleo diet, the essential premise is to eat simple, unprocessed and fresh food. All kinds of plant and animal based whole foods like meat, fish, eggs, nuts, fruits, healthy fats and oils can be consumed. While water should be the main source of hydration, beverages like black tea and coffee are not entirely prohibited. And for some cheat day indulgence, small amounts of red wine and dark chocolate are also allowed from time to time.
What to avoid?&nbsp;
All things processed or preserved must be avoided at all costs. Packaged food, soft drinks, artificial sweeteners, processed dairy products like cheese and butter, legumes and vegetable oils must also be avoided in the paleo diet.
While there is no specific way to follow the paleo diet, the main idea is to avoid processed foods and focus on healthy, whole foods to live a longer and fuller life. It is also advisable to consult a professional dietician&nbsp;before making any dietary changes.&nbsp;
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/flexitarian-diet-all-you-need-to-know-about-this-new-diet-trend-1624607482560">Flexitarian Diet: All you need to know about this new diet trend</a>
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/high-blood-pressure-got-you-worried-try-dash-diet-1625299060537">High blood pressure got you worried? Try Dash Diet!</a>

Stanford researchers have revealed that fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi and cottage cheese can reduce chronic inflammation in the body

A new study by researchers at Stanford School of Medicine says that fermented foods in the diet can help lower inflammation in the body. Fermented foods improve overall microbial diversity, thereby lowering inflammation.
Inflammation is a natural healing process in the body. Whenever there is physical stress like infection or injury to the body, the immune system releases antibodies and proteins as a biological response. Blood flow also naturally increases around the area to help in the healing process.
However, there are times when the body mistakenly perceives its own cells or tissues as harmful. This causes collateral damage and can lead to auto-immune diseases. And while inflammation is a natural response, chronic inflammation can increase the risk of various diseases, like type 2 diabetes, asthma and tuberculosis.
In the study, 36 healthy adults were observed for a period of 10 days. Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir&nbsp;(a fermented milk-based drink), kimchi and cottage cheese were incorporated into their diet. Alcoholic drinks were not included in the diet plan for the subjects. After 10 days, four types of immune cells showed less activation in the subjects. This proved that fermented foods decreased the activation of immune cells that are involved in chronic inflammation. Larger servings of these foods showed stronger effects.

Detox Diets that are known to detoxify, remove waste, improve digestion and regulate body weight may not be as beneficial.

With so many diets taking the rounds, it is but natural to get confused about which one to follow. Amongst the several known diets, there is the infamous Detox diet.
Detox Diets are short-term diets that can vary from one day to almost a month. According to the British Dietetic Association, these diets may include, fasting for short periods of time, consuming only fruits and vegetables, cutting out wheat and dairy foods, consuming a limited range of foods, or avoiding caffeine and alcohol. This diet is known to detoxify, remove waste, improve digestion and regulate body weight.
But is this diet worth your time and effort? As per experts and dieticians from BDA, the Detox diet is not as beneficial as people think it to be. They highlighted that the human body has its own &ldquo;built-in ability&rdquo; to help detoxify and remove waste, and thus people&nbsp;need not be dependant on a specific diet to do so.&nbsp;
A lot of people who follow this diet claim to feel a lot better when they follow a focused eating or fasting plan. They don&rsquo;t realise that eating less or fasting more can leave you feeling more weak than healthy. People also forget that it is actually the elimination of unhealthy food items like alcohol and other processed food that makes you feel better and not the diet in itself.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/detox-water-facts-and-myths-1598924450763" target="_blank">Detox water: facts and myths</a>

Coconut water has many health benefits. Coconut water contains natural enzymes, nutrients and minerals, making it an important summer refreshment.

Coconut water is a refreshing tropical drink that many fitness enthusiasts swear by! Its natural electrolytes make it a great energy drink that can be safely consumed on the regular. Coconut water is the juice found in the centre of a young, green coconut. As the coconut ripens and its&nbsp;colour changes to dark brown, some of the&nbsp;coconut water solidifies to form the soft white coconut meat.&nbsp;
The tropical drink contains many natural enzymes, nutrients and minerals like potassium and magnesium, making it a lot healthier than aerated energy drinks. Apart from quenching your thirst during the hot summer months, coconut water additionally comes with a plethora of health benefits.
Helps prevent kidney stones
Kidney stones form when calcium,&nbsp;oxalate and other compounds combine to form crystals in the urine. Researchers at National Center for Biotechnology Institute in the United States suggest that coconut water&nbsp;may prevent kidney stones by reducing crystal formation.
Improves digestion
Coconut water is rich in fibre and magnesium content, both of which are essential for bowel movement. Fibre in the diet is crucial for healthy digestion as it aids the movement of water through the system. And magnesium relaxes the body muscles to relieve constipation.
Antioxidant properties
Coconut water contains antioxidants that protect the cells of the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are the atoms in the body&rsquo;s cells that are unstable and share electrons with other atoms. When there are too many free radicals, the body enters a state of oxidative stress, which can damage your cells and increase disease risk.
Benefits against diabetes
Researchers at the National Center for Biotechnology Institute of the United States of America&nbsp;conducted a study on diabetic rats by giving them coconut water. This study suggested that coconut water may help to improve blood sugar levels as the subjects showed long-term blood sugar control. It is also a good source of magnesium which can increase insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels. &nbsp;
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A study published in The Lancet Oncology journal reveals that alcohol consumption was linked to 62,100 or 5% of all newly diagnosed cancer cases in India in 2020.

Here&rsquo;s another reason to think harder before pouring your next drink!&nbsp;A large-scale study published in The Lancet Oncology journal has revealed that alcohol consumption was linked to 62,100 or five per cent of all newly diagnosed&nbsp;cancer&nbsp;cases in India&nbsp;in 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Globally, 740,000 or four per cent of new&nbsp;cancer cases&nbsp;in 2020 were attributed to alcohol by the research team. Of this, men accounted for 77&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of the alcohol-associated cancer cases compared to women at 23 per&nbsp;cent.
WATCH MORE&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/trying-to-get-pregnant-but-no-luck-alcohol-might-be-to-blame-1625640668352">Trying to get pregnant, but no luck? Alcohol might be to blame&nbsp;</a>
Even relatively low levels of drinking contributed to DNA damage&nbsp;and caused hormonal imbalances in people.&nbsp;Alcohol even&nbsp;worsens the cancer-causing effects of other substances, such as tobacco, noted the team.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Cancers of the oesophagus, liver and breast accounted for the largest number of cases.&nbsp;These cancers have well-established causal links to alcohol consumption, and the estimates of the direct associations with alcohol in the recent peer-reviewed study are the first of their kind for 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The study also demonstrates how alcohol consumption is decreasing in many European nations but is steadily rising&nbsp;in Asian countries like China and India, and in sub-Saharan Africa.&nbsp;The&nbsp;International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) also says that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused a spike in drinking rates in some countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;
While the study highlights the rise in alcohol-linked&nbsp;cancer rates, it also suggests that even small changes&nbsp;to public drinking behaviour may improve the situation. Suggestions included&nbsp;reduced alcohol availability, labelling alcohol products with a health warning, and marketing bans to reduce the rates of alcohol-driven cancer.&nbsp;
ALSO WATCH&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/why-overweight-people-should-be-extra-cautious-with-alcohol-1623063527211">Why overweight people should be extra cautious with alcohol</a>

Meditation is a process of training the mind to focus and lower stress. If you feel sleepy while meditating, your tired body and lack of sleep is the reason behind it.

Meditation is a process of training the mind to focus, redirect thoughts and lower stress and anxiety. It induces a sense of well-being and also improves memory, according to Neurobiologists at UCLA, Los Angeles, United States.
But do you have an urge to pass a yawn or feel sleepy while meditating? Well, there is a reason behind it. According to Neuropsychiatrist Jon Lieff from Harvard Medical School, getting enough sleep is the only way to not feel sleepy while meditating.
During meditation, the high alert and problem-solving brain waves decrease, while relaxing brain waves increase. The brain is right on the edge between focus and relaxation, wakefulness and sleep. In this situation, if the body is already exhausted due to a lack of sleep, drifting towards the 'sleep' direction is more likely while meditating.
So, getting a healthy 8-hour sleep at night is the key to meditate without feeling drowsy. Another important factor is the time when you meditate. It is better to meditate early in the morning with a fresh mind rather than at the end of the day. Also, remember to start small by meditating for about 5 minutes a day and then slowly increasing the duration. This will help your mind and body to acclimatize to meditation.

Senior Oncologist, Dr. Manish Singhal explains the relation between high BP, Cholesterol, and Cancer.

Senior Oncologist, Dr. Manish&nbsp;Singhal&nbsp;explains the relation between high BP, Cholesterol, and Cancer.

To prevent a “collective breakdown” and fight work-related stress companies are giving their working staff a paid week off, known as “burnout breaks.”

Stress and anxiety experienced at work can very often lead to&nbsp;extreme&nbsp;pressure, to a point that workers may begin to feel worn out, empty and exhausted.&nbsp;To tackle exhaustion and to prevent burnout, companies like LinkedIn and Bumble have taken a step towards finding a supposed solution.
In an attempt to avoid a &ldquo;collective breakdown&rdquo; and to fight work-related stress, these organisations have given their working staff a paid week off, known as a &ldquo;burnout break&rdquo;.&nbsp; This break comes as an opportunity to cut off from work and recover from the anxieties and frustration that comes with it. &nbsp;
But will burnout breaks be enough? While some feel that burnout breaks are a decent enough solution, others feel that it is a temporary fix. Because once the break has ended, everything will go back to square one and the endless cycle will begin all over again.&nbsp;
According to Fehmidah Munir, Professor of Health Psychology at Loughborough University, there is a need to come up with a more "systematic and comprehensive approach." The aim is to do away with the problems of extra workload, organise support for the ones who are suffering and also provide rehabilitation for those on long-term leave.
Companies need to look at the bigger and complete picture which includes not just policies but also a comfortable work culture that looks after the well-being of both the employers and the employees.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/toxic-workplaces-can-increase-risk-of-depression-by-300-study-1624964807452" target="_blank">Toxic workplaces can increase risk of depression by 300%: Study</a>

Breastfeeding mothers worry about the side effects of the pills they take. But studies say that most antibiotics are safe for babies.

Breastfeeding mothers&nbsp;often fret about popping pills when they&rsquo;re sick. Will the medicine pass on to the breast milk? Does it have any adverse effects on the baby? These are natural questions that new mothers commonly stress about. So if you are also worried about the same, keep watching to get all the answers!
How medications generally work when you&rsquo;re breastfeeding?
Mayo Clinic, a medicinal research institute in Minnesota, USA explained that if antibiotics are present in the mother&rsquo;s bloodstream, they will also be present in her breast milk. But, its presence is much lower in the milk than in the bloodstream, so most medications pose no real risk to infants.
National Center for Biotechnology Institute of the United States says that common pills like paracetamol&nbsp;and&nbsp;low-dose aspirin are considered compatible with breastfeeding. But it is important to remember that the dose of these antibiotics must be on the lower side.
Are there any alternatives?
Ointments instead of oral medicines
If there is an ointment or lotion available which will also sooth your headache, then avoid the aspirin. By doing so, passing on the medicinal effect to your baby can be avoided.
Maintain gaps
Take the pill right after feeding your child. And try to pump and store some extra for the next feeding session. This way, the medicinal effect in your body will be a lot lower by the time your baby needs food again.
Seek professional advice
Taking advice from doctors, lactation consultants and discussing with breastfeeding peer counselors is always a smart way to clear all your doubts.
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FSSAI acts to make food packaging safer

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