An eggs-ellent source of protein, minerals and vitamins, eggs have been considered super food since ages. However, eggs have also faced criticism from time to time owing to their high cholesterol content being a risk factor for heart disease. So what does the latest research say and where do eggs stand in the nutritional guidelines?
Eggs are a rich source of sufficient quantity of high quality protein. Egg yolk is also a reservoir of plenty of essential minerals and vitamins such as Vitamins A, B2, B12 and folate, iron, and selenium etc. In fact eggs contain a little bit of everything that is required to make a complete balanced diet. They are not too high in calories, leave a feeling of fullness and help in weight loss.
Egg yolk contains about 186 mg of cholesterol. Multiple studies in the past have linked high cholesterol levels with cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Till recently the nutritional guidelines for Americans recommended consuming not more than 300 mg of cholesterol per day. So a serving of two whole eggs per day exceeded the recommended guidelines. However, cholesterol is also of various kinds and is not entirely bad. It is required for bodily functions including Vitamin D production, synthesis of steroid hormones such as estrogen, testosterone etc. In fact cholesterol is an essential component of every cell membrane, that is why our liver also produces cholesterol and in its absence we would all die.
A study published in the March 2019 Issue of Journal of American Medical Association studied whether consuming dietary cholesterol or eggs is associated with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality. 29615 adults from 6 separate studies were observed for a follow-up of median 17.5 years and the results clearly indicated that higher consumption of dietary cholesterol or eggs was significantly associated with higher risk of incident CVD and all-cause mortality in a dose-response manner.
The risk identified in the present research was linked to eating, over and above regular diet, additional three to four eggs per week, or 300 milligrams of dietary cholesterol a day.
This research should however not make anyone entirely shun the humble power food as previous studies including a large meta-analysis found no significant association between consuming one egg per day and heart disease. Cardiovascular problems including stroke have multiple causative factors and occur as a result of complex interplay between genetics, diet, exercise and other lifestyle factors. Consuming eggs in moderation might actually prove to be beneficial for heart health as was found in a 2018 study in over 400,000 Chinese adults where daily egg consumption was found to be associated with 18% decrease in death risk related to cardiovascular disease.
Italy's Emma Morano who celebrated her 117th birthday in 2016 as world's oldest woman, attributed her longevity to a lifetime of eating raw eggs! Doctors found her cholesterol levels to be perfectly normal.
Eggs are certainly healthy and a powerhouse of nutrients but like most things excess of everything is bad. As the proverb says — ‘Even nectar is poison if taken to excess'
If you have any queries or concerns regarding your health, disease or diet, Connect2MyDoctor is a convenient and affordable way to provide you solutions. Connect2MyDoctor is NOT a replacement for your regular visit to a doctor or a health professional but it lets you access top specialists with vast experience in their field for consults, second opinions via a simple online video call from anywhere across the world. To know more click here.
On an average, every man, woman and child in India and China is breathing air, so polluted it is equivalent to smoking 20 cigarettes every single day.
In a recent study published in the European Heart Journal in March 2019, researchers estimated that air pollution is responsible for 8.8 million deaths annually, about 1.5 million more deaths than tobacco. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates smoking kills about 7 million people a year globally. This study focused on the smallest pollution particles, PM2.5, supposed to be very harmful as they easily penetrate the lung and blood vessels.
It is hard to fathom the scale and extent of the hazardous situation with simple data points and statistics so comparing air pollution with cigarette smoking makes the risk more vivid and clear. For a person living in United States effects of air pollution are comparable to the harm done smoking 0.4 cigarettes per day, in Europe it is 7 cigarettes per day, while the harm reaches equivalent of a pack per day in India and China. Not only that pollution has a significant detrimental effect on life expectancy and the average life span would increase by 4.3 years if India meets the WHO guideline for air quality.
t is time to ponder what sort of world we are creating for us and our future generations. Governments, policy makers and individuals need to act collectively in an urgent way to prevent a catastrophic situation.
Why scientists feel air pollution is worse than smoking?
If you have any queries or concerns regarding your health, disease or diet, Connect2MyDoctor is a convenient and affordable way to provide you solutions. Connect2MyDoctor is NOT a replacement for your regular visit to a doctor or a health professional but it lets you access top specialists with vast experience in their field for consults, second opinions via a simple online video call from anywhere across the world. To know more click here.
On 30th March 2019 at 8.30 pm local time; cities, businesses and people, all over the world will switch off all lights for one hour in solidarity with global efforts to save our planet earth. For more than a decade now Earth Hour has become a huge movement to bring awareness regarding climate change, while promoting action to preserve the environment.
Evidence shows that the way we eat and produce food is damaging our health as well as the environment. Considering the rate of population explosion and climate change, an average person's diet will need to alter drastically if earth is to remain habitable for humans by 2050. According to a landmark study published in The Lancet — one of the world's most prestigious medical journals — since much of the world's population is inadequately nourished and many environmental systems pushed beyond safe boundaries by food production, a global transformation of the food system is urgently needed. A team of 37 renowned scientists from all across the world have revealed the planetary health diet which in simpler terms is a diet with potential to save the earth before it's too late.
It is a flexitarian diet which does not require one to give up meat completely but is predominantly plant based. The two most significant recommendations of the diet are -
Red meat intake should be cut to about half an ounce per day, with total meat consumption of no more than a single ounce per day.
The Planetary health Diet is not only good for the environment but is great for individual health too. This diet can drastically reduce chronic diseases like diabetes, heart diseases and stroke, potentially saving 11.6 million premature deaths./p>
Attaining the goals of planetary health diet are not simple but possible if everyone comes on board. There needs to be a major change in agricultural efforts and policies as well as a greater emphasis on controlling food wastage.
The planetary health diet aims to help people eat better without depleting the planet.
Personal health and environmental health are both exceedingly important. While movements like Earth Hour create awareness regarding nature and climate change, taking care of health is in our own hands. The burden of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases are rapidly increasing worldwide and are the leading cause of death and disability. Most of these are caused by bad food choices and lack of physical exercise. Early detection and proper management can significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with such diseases.
Connect2MyDoctor is an affordable, convenient way to manage your health better. Connect2MyDoctor facilitates secure video based consultations along with the additional provision to secure storage and share medical records, receive prescriptions and pathology requests from doctors across specialties. It removes the discomfort of travelling or waiting for hours in a doctor's clinic. To know more click here.
Infertility is spreading like a wild fire all over the world. According to WHO, 1 in every 4 couples in developing countries is affected by infertility. Times of India, a leading daily, reported that 'a whooping 46% of Indians, between the ages of 31 and 40, require medical intervention to conceive as one or both partners suffer from fertility problems.' Global data indicates that over 50 million couples worldwide suffer from infertility issues.
The medical causes for infertility can affect either or both the male and female partner; however, it is often not possible to pinpoint a specific cause. It may be like searching for a needle in a haystack and requires medical knowledge and expertise.
Unexplained Infertility. In about 20% of couples who have trouble conceiving, the exact causes are never identified.
The above are the documented medical causes but global fertility rates have halved since 1950 and people wanting fewer children is not the only cause. Waiting rooms at fertility clinics are overflowing with patients and most of us know at least one couple having trouble in conceiving.
Social, lifestyle and environmental factors all have a role to play here. Late marriages, increased maternal age, stress, long and erratic working hours, unhealthy eating habits and obesity, smoking, alcohol and other recreational drugs, and excessive exposure to radiations of electronic gadgets — all may have some role in the skyrocketing increase in incidence of infertility.
The air we breathe, water we drink and food we eat is all laden with pollutants or toxic chemicals. BPA, found commonly in household plastic goods is a kind of endocrine disrupting chemicals [EDC] which has been linked to causing infertility years after they are used.
While many of these factors are under our control, many are not. It is important to focus on following healthy lifestyle but at the same time not delaying much in seeking help. Age is a key factor in conception, not only for women but men as well.
Connect2MyDoctor is a platform which helps you connect with qualified and experienced doctors via secure online video consultation at the comfort and privacy of your home. Experts from a range of specialties such as gynecology, andrology, pathology and endocrinology are available as per the need.
Year after year, heart diseases feature in the list of leading health problems across the world. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] one in every 4 deaths can be attributed to cardiovascular diseases. While earlier considered to be a part of 'old mans' diseases’, the myth is now broken as more people in young age as well as across genders are getting affected. The meteoric rise in the incidence of medical issues including diabetes, high blood pressure as well as lifestyle conditions such as obesity, lack of physical activity, and stress all lead to a rise in disease prevalence.
While most people are aware of the basic steps needed to prevent cardiac problems — increased physical exercise, healthy diet and avoiding tobacco and alcohol — it is often not possible to follow everything on a daily basis. Long working hours, office commute and daily chores hardly leave any time to hit the gym or plan an elaborate healthy meal; in this scenario following surprisingly simple daily habits can have beneficial effects on heart function.
1. Exercise without knowing it.
There are plenty of ways one can increase the amount of physical activity on a daily basis. Take the stairs instead of elevator, or walk while taking on phone, mop and clean around the house, do some gardening or watch TV while sitting on the floor — not leaning against the sofa. All these activities burn some amount of calories.
2. Focus on your breathing.
Deep breathing can be practiced anytime anywhere, even while sitting in the car stuck in traffic. All it needs is inhaling and exhaling for 3–6 seconds each, for a duration of 5–10 minutes. Focused breathing has beneficial effects on heart as it increases the oxygenation, reduces heart workload as well as controls stress and anxiety.
3. Screen-free time before sleeping.
Cell phones, tabs, laptops and television, we are always surrounded by screens. Exposure to screens just before sleeping disturbs the sleep by altering body’s biological clock and some studies suggest that adults over 45 years of age who sleep less than 6 hours every night have an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Also, research shows that blue light of electronic gadgets may be linked with certain types of cancers, diabetes, heart diseases, and obesity. Cutting short screen time leads to reduced stress and elevated energy levels; both of which are again beneficial for heart.
4. Healthy time gap between dinner and sleeping.
Body metabolism slows down during sleep and all the excess calories consumed just before hitting the bed are stored in the body as fats. Avoiding a large high calorie meal just before bedtime improves the quality of sleep, reduces weight gain, and stabilizes morning blood sugar.
5. Brushing twice daily.
As per American Heart Association, brushing teeth twice daily for about two minutes reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Proper brushing maintains the health of gums as well as teeth. Bacteria that cause gum disease can increase cholesterol and inflammation in the heart and arteries, further increasing the risk of heart attack. Poor oral health can also lead to potentially fatal heart valve infections.
All the above points are mere suggestions to improve heart health. Any change in dietary habits or exercise regime should always be done after consultation with experts.
Connect2MyDoctor can help you get in touch with renowned cardiologists and expert nutritionists in case of any queries. Appointments can be taken online and consultations are done via convenient, secure, private video conferencing — anytime, anywhere. To know more click here
A recent study by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences on 3,500 women in India reported that more than 50% of women are unaware that they have PCOS. These results are certainly alarming! Commonly known as PCOS, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is an endocrinal system disorder that occurs in women of reproductive age.
It is characterized by the presence of cysts in the ovaries, high levels of male hormones and irregular or skipped periods. If left untreated, it can cause problems such as heart diseases, infertility, diabetes, liver disease, and endometrial cancer. PCOS impacts health as well as the appearance in women. Studies indicate that this hormonal disorder negatively impacts self-esteem in teenage girls as well as women and may cause anxiety, depression, and body-image issues. Hence, doctors recommend women with PCOS to practice stress management techniques such as breathing and relaxation exercises, mindfulness practices to reduce the level of anxiety and improve heart rate variability. .
Early signs of PCOS include common symptoms such as irregular and painful periods, rapid weight gain, thinning and growth of hair on the face and body. Experiencing these bodily symptoms can certainly cause extreme mood swings in women and may leave them angry, confused or dazzled. In times like these, it’s best to ask a doctor online or visit a gynecologist who could further investigate the problem and suggest treatment.
A large number of male hormones (androgens) are produced in women with PCOS. Not just that, the ovaries are typically enlarged and may even contain multiple small cysts. Though there is no cure for PCOS, the symptoms can be controlled or treated. If you are unsure about the signs and symptoms of PCOS, you can clarify your doubts by booking an online gynecologist consultation on Connect2MyDoctor. A certified gynecologist not just clarifies your doubts but can also suggest the right treatment plan for you. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can start feeling better.
Though women know that hormonal medication is available for PCOS, most women do not know that Homeopathy can help them to lead a healthy and stress-free life. Studies by researchers indicate that 68.9% of patients who were treated with modern medicine and remained unsuccessful were found to be successfully treated with Homeopathy.
Homeopathy includes a holistic approach that treats every patient on the basis of individualization. There are a number of factors taken into consideration before prescribing a treatment. A few of these factors include family history, health signs, and symptoms, causation, mental status, acne, hair fall, etc. When homeopathic treatment is coupled with an improved lifestyle and a balanced diet, it can help all aspects of this extremely common condition.
However, please note self-medication is never advisable to treat PCOS. If you are hard-pressed for time or have to travel long distances to meet a doctor, you can always book an always consult a homeopathic doctor online on Connect2MyDoctor as per your convenience. It is easily accessible, economical and stress-free.
Disclaimer - The information above is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified and certified online homeopathy doctor on Connect2MyDoctor with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition. In case of an emergency, we recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
While many of these factors are under our control, many are not. It is important to focus on following healthy lifestyle but at the same time not delaying much in seeking help. Age is a key factor in conception, not only for women but men as well.
Most of us have experienced a stomach-ache from time-to-time. Isn't it? However, it is surprising to note from survivors of stomach cancer that pain isn't one of the early symptoms of stomach cancer. It is known to be a silent killer worldwide. Reports suggest that it is the 5th most common cancer that commonly occurs in people worldwide. In 2018, as per research by the World Cancer Research Fund, South Korea and Mongolia reported the highest number of stomach cancer cases. More than 60% of people who are diagnosed are reported to be in the age range of 60-84.
Raising awareness about the silent killer among our loved ones is one of the best ways to be knowledgeable to fight stomach cancer. The month of November marks the Stomach Cancer Awareness Month which aims to spread awareness among people about risk factors, prevention, and early detection. It also sparks a ray of hope in the lives of people battling stomach cancer by extending one's support to the cause or an effort to raise funds for stomach cancer research. .
Owing to busy, hectic and unhealthy lifestyles of people, early symptoms of stomach cancer can remain undetected for years. Hence it is recommended to screen early when one experiences subtle signs of stomach cancer. Connect2MyDoctor can help you connect with leading gastroenterologists from multi-specialty hospitals to book an online doctor consultation at your convenience. Studies by the American Cancer Society indicates that only 31% of the people detected with stomach cancer have survival of 5 years in the United States. Whether you or a loved one has dealt with stomach cancer, it's important to be aware of the symptoms in order to beat it.
Stomach cancer is commonly known as gastric cancer. It develops in the innermost tissue layer of the organ and grows as a big tumor over a course of time. The more people know about the subtle signs of stomach cancer, the better are the chances of fighting it.
Don't panic if you are experiencing a combination of these early signs and symptoms. Connect2MyDoctor can help you find certified and verified or book an online consultation with a gastroenterologist from leading hospitals. You can book a secure video appointment at your convenience. To know more, click here.
However, please note self-medication is never advisable to treat PCOS. If you are hard-pressed for time or have to travel long distances to meet a doctor, you can always book an always consult a homeopathic doctor online on Connect2MyDoctor as per your convenience. It is easily accessible, economical and stress-free.
Disclaimer - The information above is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only. In case of an emergency, we recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
Last evening, as my husband and me were walking through a park, we noticed a beautiful, happy family the baby was so cheerful, the parents looked like they have never been this happy before. The sight was a pure bliss. My husband and me shared a glance; it was a topic of discussion for the evening. For some time now, we have been planning to start a family, and yesterday we finally decided that it was the right time.
Though I was excited to enter this new phase of life, I was nervous. A train of thoughts made me doubt the decision I know the basics of pregnancy, but am I ready for this? Is my body prepared for a pregnancy? Will I be able to have a healthy lifestyle for 9 long months? Am I mentally ready for this change? How will I manage the emotional turmoil? Knowing about a process is one thing, and experiencing it is another. Immediately I sat down with my laptop and started browsing. After a few hours of thorough research, I found that it takes a few months to prepare for this journey; there are some measures that can help you prepare. Let me share some with you .
The first thing to do when you decide to get pregnant is - stop drinking alcohol and smoking. These habits do no good to you and your baby. Using some drugs, drinking and smoking can cause many problems during pregnancy, including birth defects, premature birth, and infant death. Thus, it is better to get these substances out of your body before pregnancy.
Stomach cancer is commonly known as gastric cancer. It develops in the innermost tissue layer of the organ and grows as a big tumor over a course of time. The more people know about the subtle signs of stomach cancer, the better are the chances of fighting it.
I was complaining to my husband about all the sacrifices I must make for more than a year. Then he said that he would also stop smoking and drink occasionally to support. This gesture assured me that we both are ready to be parents.
Any healthy couple will require at least a year to conceive. But if you or your partner have been diagnosed with any condition, it may take a little longer; also, you will need your doctor's assistance to guide you. Conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, hypertension, and other chronic diseases can have an impact on your fertility; hence, they should be under control. If you have been diagnosed with any sexually transmitted disease, make sure you get it treated first.
The genes inherited by your baby can have a major impact on the baby's health. If you, your partner or any of your family members have any genetic disorder, visit a genetic counsellor. These disorders include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Huntington's disease, thalassemia, and others..
Also, if you or your partner has a family history of a birth defect, chromosomal disorder, or cancer, you must consult an expert. If you had two or more pregnancy losses, a stillbirth, or are 35 years or older, your child is at risk of developing genetic disorders.
Folic acid is an essential vitamin required for a human body to perform various functions; it is utmost important for pregnant women to have folic acid levels in check. If a woman's body has enough folic acid at least 1 month before getting pregnant, it helps to lower the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine, such as spina bifida. If your test results indicate that the folic acid levels are low, take 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid supplements every day, only after consulting your doctor.
Your doctor might also prescribe other vitamin and mineral supplements to prepare you for the prenatal period. Take these supplements regularly.
Planning for pregnancy can have a long list of do' and don'ts, which was given by your mom, your sister, or your well-wisher. Before implementing anything, make sure you get it checked with your doctor.
Ask your doctor how to stay healthy and avoid flu or other illnesses while preparing for the journey. In case your workplace has a lot of chemical products, or you are exposed to any radiations, or any other health hazards at work or home, inquire what you can do.
Your doctor will recommend you regarding the vaccinations and the diagnostic tests to be performed before or during your pregnancy. You and your partner may also be asked to undergo tests to detect any sexually transmitted diseases.
You need to prepare yourself for pregnancy in every aspect physically, mentally and financially. Your body may need at least 3 months to get ready for pregnancy. You and your partner should make several changes in your lifestyle; eating healthy, exercising regularly, maintaining healthy body weight, dealing with emotions, and managing your condition (if any), should be your priority.
Once you conceive, follow all your healthy habits throughout pregnancy and post-pregnancy period as well. Visit your doctor regularly for prenatal care.
Best wishes for this beautiful phase of your life! May you give birth to a healthy baby!
Fruits and vegetables on your plate could be immigrants from other parts of the world! Mr. Mango may have had a long-haul flight before reaching your plate and could be easing from a jet lag!
The world is globalizing and so is your food. The food from a farm near you may be sold in another part of the world, whereas the produce from faraway places may be reaching your grocery store. .
Before diving into the topic, let us know what is local and global food? The word 'LOCAVORE' coined by Jessica Prentice, explains what exactly is "eating local". Locavores usually refers to the people who eat food grown within 100 miles of radius from their homes. Some locavores in remote areas may also include the foods within a 250-mile radius.
In contrast, global food comes from much farther distances, probably shipped from a different continent. Similarly, a product from your home town may contain ingredients from different parts of the world.
Local food..
The local economy is benefitted by choosing food that is grown locally. It is better in taste when compared to food that contains preservatives and shipped from long distances.
To keep fruits fresh until it reaches the grocery store, they are often picked up before ripening, but in the process, it may lose its nutritional values. Local food supporters argue that they have the advantage to eat the fruit that has ripen on the tree with higher nutritional value as well as better taste compared to fruits grown out of season and transported raw.
Did you know?
On an average, food can be transported up to 1500 miles before reaching the consumer
Another advantage is that people are aware of the pest control techniques used by local farms such as the use of natural and organic pest repellents. One the other hand, one may not be aware of the pesticides used for the produce. Thus, local foods a priority for most individuals.
Eating local tags, you eco-friendly..
Eating local, protects small farms lands, which might otherwise be used for industrial or commercial purposes. Additionally, farmland attracts other types of biodiversity and provides animals, insects and birds a place to live and thrive. Local food activists also ascertain that local food practices also benefit the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions resulting from transportation. The farther the food is transported the greater is the consumption of fossil fuels.
Did you know that fruits might sometimes travel to other place and return back to just have an 'OK' tag!
In the past 40 years, the value of international trade for food has increased three-folds, and the tonnage of food shipped between nations has grown four-folds.
Both local and global eating have their advantages and disadvantages. People are increasingly becoming conscious about choosing their food, let it be home farming, organic or sustainable products. However, the dependency on global eating is also increasing in people living in urban and other areas where cultivation is difficult. In this modern age, it is difficult to stick to a local diet as we are increasingly accepting foods from different parts of the world.
With the global population expected to hit 9 billion people by 2050, industrial farming may be a necessity to keep the world fed. The more quickly produce is consumed after harvest, the more healthy and tasty it will be.
At the end of the day, it's up to you to decide, what will fill your plate and how you satisfy your palate..
For more professional advice on nutrition, you can always speak to advice from a nutritionist from the comfort of your home. Click to see the list of nutritionists on Connect2MyDoctor.
