Today, people all over the world are beginning to recognize the benefits of turmeric. This humble root is an essential part of Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines and medical systems. Turmeric’s active constituent is an organic chemical called curcumin.

What is turmeric?
Turmeric is a rhizome plant from the ginger family. The plant has its origins in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. In its present form, it’s a cultivar and doesn’t grow in the wild.

People in these countries use the rhizome root-stems as a spice for color and flavor in a variety of dishes. It is also used as a dye and cosmetic. It is also used for religious purposes in some countries.

The benefits of turmeric have been known for a long time in the traditional medicine systems of these countries. Turmeric’s active ingredient curcumin provides a wide range of health benefits.

Some parts of the harvest are used fresh, while the rest of it is boiled and dried in ovens. The dried roots are then ground into a fine powder. This powder consists of nearly 70% carbohydrates, almost 13% water, various proteins, fats, minerals, essential oils, and natural phenols or curcuminoids that give this ingredient a bright yellow-orange color.

Curcumin
The main constituent of turmeric is a phytochemical (plant-based chemical) called curcumin. In some traditional medicinal systems, turmeric is valued for its diverse properties. However, modern research was initiated only in the 19th century when curcumin was isolated from turmeric chemically. Its complete chemical structure was mapped only in the early 20th century.

The benefits of turmeric
Turmeric is an essential ingredient in Indian, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. It imparts an attractive color to food and gives it a rich, palatable appearance. Apart from this, its subtle yet slightly bitter, pepper-like aroma and sharp mustard-like flavor complement other spices in a variety of dishes. It is a part of almost every kitchen across these countries, and almost no food is prepared without a dash of turmeric. The leaf of the turmeric plant is used as a package for steaming, and its whole fresh roots are pickled.

Commercially, turmeric is used as a coloring agent in a variety of baked and canned goods, dairy products and beverages, cereals, and sauces.

Modern variations like turmeric latte and golden milk are also getting popular across the world.

Cosmetic uses
Other than the kitchen, one can also use turmeric in a variety of DIY face masks. Thus, by using it, one can get a natural glow. This anti-inflammatory ingredient also contains antioxidants. Some women rub a turmeric-and-water paste on their faces to reduce facial hair. It also acts as a barrier against microbes, UV rays, and pollution.

Medicinal uses
Turmeric is said to heal wounds, speed up scabbing in diseases like chickenpox, and treat hair loss and dandruff. Traditionally, it has been used to treat leprosy and other skin diseases. Turmeric paper is used as an indicator to test acidity/alkalinity. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it useful in controlling chronic inflammations. It neutralizes free radicals and slows down the aging process. Some studies show that curcumin, the active component of turmeric, could reverse and delay the onset of brain diseases like dementia. It can also lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and arthritis.

However, in clinical trials, and in the opinion of some medical professionals, these health benefits have not been conclusively proved. Research is ongoing in various parts of the world about the properties of curcumin.

Properties of turmeric and curcumin

• Powerful antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory agent
• Antiseptic
• Regulates blood glucose levels
• Helps to maintain skin health
• Blood-thinner
• Relieves joint pains
• Provides relief from a sore throat
• Maintains balanced cholesterol levels
• Beneficial for brain function and mental health
• May have anti-cancer properties

Curcumin supplements
The bioactive content of curcumin amounts to only about 3% of the total weight of compounds contained in turmeric. Hence, you cannot take advantage of all the health benefits of curcumin by using turmeric in your meals. You can consult a doctor and take supplements that have curcumin extracts.

Absorption
Curcumin is not very easy to absorb in our bloodstream. If taken as a food additive or spice, adding another spice like black pepper helps its bioavailability and ensures better absorption. It is a fat-soluble compound. So, taking it in the form of turmeric latte (in coconut milk) or in dishes which contain coconut oil or other good fats helps the intestines in better absorption. Pigment-rich berries and fruits as well as red wine help to deliver the benefits of curcumin.

Precautions
Turmeric is known as a miracle spice, but too much of it is harmful. Some people may have allergic reactions to the topical application of turmeric. Over-use of turmeric and curcumin supplements can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Since curcumin has the property of lowering blood glucose, it can cause hypoglycemia.
Being a blood-thinner, it increases the risk of bleeding and menstrual flow. It prevents the absorption of iron, so those with anemia should be careful. Some risks of reduced fertility have been noticed too. Pregnant women should avoid curcumin supplements because of the increased risk of contractions of the uterus.
People with gallbladder disease and kidney stones should also avoid curcumin supplements.

The food items we eat greatly influence our health. In today’s food market, processed and junk food is quite high in consumption. This leads to a variety of diseases including high cholesterol. Cholesterol is a waxy substance in the lipids in your blood. While cholesterol is a necessity when it comes to building healthy cells, having high levels of cholesterol in the body increases your risk of the onset of heart diseases. Cholesterol level diagnosis is a necessity when it comes to determining the cholesterol levels in your blood. The only way to determine cholesterol levels in your blood is a blood test. High cholesterol in your blood may lead to the development of fatty deposits in your blood vessels. These deposits hamper the flow of blood through your arteries. Having a decreased flow of oxygen-rich blood increases your risk of heart disease and may lead to a stroke as well. We have covered the course of cholesterol level diagnosis and treatment.

Cholesterol level diagnosis

LDL cholesterol level diagnosis – Mentioned below is LDL cholesterol level diagnosis.

• Having cholesterol levels below 70 mg/dL is best suited for people suffering from diabetes or heart disease.
• Having cholesterol levels between 100 mg/dL and 129 mg/dL is near optimal if you are not suffering from heart disease, and high if you are.
• Having cholesterol levels between 130 mg/dL and 159 mg/dL is borderline high if you are not suffering from heart disease and high for those suffering from heart disease.
• If your LDL cholesterol levels are between 160 to 189 mg/dL, it is considered to be high. If you are suffering from heart disease, these levels are dangerous.
• If your cholesterol levels are above 190 mg/dL, they are very high. You should seek immediate treatment for the same.

HDL cholesterol level diagnosis – The lower the amount of LDL in your blood, the better it is for your health. Having high LDL levels increases your risk for several diseases. Similarly, having high levels of HDL in the blood is a necessity. Mentioned below is HDL cholesterol level diagnosis.

• For men, having HDL levels below 40 mg/dL is extremely poor.
• For women, having HDL levels below 50 mg/dL too is poor.
• Maintaining HDL levels between 50 mg/dL and 59 mg/dL is not recommended, but it may be good enough.
• Maintaining HDL levels above 60 mg/dL is best suited. Having high HDL levels can help prevent you from the risk of contracting several diseases.

High cholesterol treatment
The best course of treatment for high cholesterol is exercising for at least 150 minutes every week and maintaining a healthy diet. Avoid eating processed food and junk food and try to eat lots of fruits and vegetables. If you have lifestyle changes and are still suffering from high cholesterol levels in the blood, your doctor may recommend you to take medications. Your doctor may recommend medications based on your risk factors, your current health, possible side effects, and your age. Here are a few of the best options for high cholesterol treatment.

• Statins – Statins block one of the substances needed by the liver to make cholesterol. This causes the liver to start removing cholesterol from the body. They can have a reversing effect as well. They may reabsorb cholesterol from fatty deposits in your artery walls and potentially reverse coronary heart disease. There are several popular statins choices in the market so choose one that suits you best.
• Injectable medications – There are several injectable medications on the market that help the liver absorb higher amounts of LDL cholesterol. This helps regulate and lower the amount of cholesterol circulating in the blood. People suffering from a genetic condition causing high levels of LDL in the blood should use injectable medications. People who have an intolerance to statin or other cholesterol medications too should make use of these medications.

Bile acid binding resins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, fibrates, niacin and other medications may be used for high cholesterol treatment.

The two types of cholesterol suffice different purposes. While LDL is ‘bad cholesterol’, HDL is ‘good cholesterol’. Having lower amounts of LDL, and high amounts of HDL in the blood is the preferred option. While some people are at a higher risk of having higher cholesterol levels in the blood due to inheritance or through unhealthy lifestyle choices they practice, you can definitely do your bit to ensure that you are healthy. Practicing a healthy diet could go a long way in helping you reduce your cholesterol levels. While a couple of portions of alcohol per day is good for health, avoid consuming too much alcohol. You should also avoid smoking. Exercising on a daily basis and medications too can go a long way in helping you treat cholesterol. Keeping the aforementioned points in mind, seek cholesterol level diagnosis and get yourself treated today.

Non-small cell lung cancer or non-small cell lung carcinoma is the most prevalent type of lung cancer. There are mainly two types of lung cancers, which are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer. Lung carcinoma is a condition in which the lung cells become abnormal, as a result, grow out of control. These abnormal or cancer cells develop rapidly and spread to other parts of the body.

Prevalence and causes of non-small cell lung cancer
Among the lung cancer cases in the country, almost 80-85% are of non-small cell lung cancer type, and only about 10-15% is of the small lung cancer type. The symptoms and treatment for these two types of lung cancer vary. There are many subtypes of NSCLC, namely, adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and sarcomatoid carcinoma.

The NSCLC type is a serious condition that cannot be reversed but prevented from getting worse. Majority of those affected by this type of lung cancer are smokers or have been exposed to smoke. Exposure to radon, asbestos, air pollution, metal or mineral dust, or radiation is likely to cause this disease.

Symptoms of non-small cell lung cancer
It is difficult to detect this disease during the early stages because the symptoms are not easily detectable. Often, the symptoms are confused with those of other illnesses like pneumonia or collapsed lung. However, common symptoms of NSCLC are as follows:

• A cough that worsens or a persistent cough: Continuous bouts of a cough or coughing symptoms that worsen with time may be a symptom of NSCLC. This type of cough may not be associated with a recent spell of cold or flu or other infections.
• Chest pain: Another classic symptom that is often confused with other diseases. Chest pain due to NSCLC may increase with cough or when one takes deep breaths. However, people suffering from pneumonia or asthma or bronchitis also experience similar symptoms.
• Changes in voice: The voice may suddenly turn raspy or hoarse due to NSCLC. People often mistake these symptoms like that of a sore throat. Changes in voice may or may not be associated with pain.
• Breathing difficulty: Since cancer affects the lungs, one may experience pain or discomfort while breathing. One’s breathing may become heavy and require tremendous effort.
• Noisy breathing: Sharp, raspy sounds may be produced while breathing due to the damage to the lungs.
• Wheezing: Wheezing is caused due to constriction of bronchioles of the lungs. The cancer cell growth damages the lungs causing wheezing and other breathing problems. Shortness of breath is also another symptom to watch out for in NSCLC.
• Loss of appetite: People affected by NSCLC may experience a sudden loss of appetite.
• Sudden weight loss: Sudden, unexplained weight loss is another symptom of NSCLC.
• Fatigue and weakness: Due to damage to the lungs, breathing requires a lot of effort. This often leaves people fatigued and weak. Even routine activities may be very difficult to perform.
• Prolonged lung diseases like pneumonia or bronchitis: Lung diseases like pneumonia or bronchitis may take a very long time to heal for people affected with NSCLC. Despite medication, these diseases may not heal when a person is affected by lung cancer.

When cancer spreads to other parts of the body, one may experience other symptoms like a headache, bone pain, dizziness, yellow skin or eyes, and numbness of limbs.

Diagnosis and treatment
Routine diagnosis of NSCLC includes physical evaluation, evaluation of medical and family history, and evaluation of symptoms. Imaging tests like X-Rays, MRI, CT, and PET Scans help in gauging the extent to which cancer has spread. Sputum cytology is a conclusive diagnostic test that checks for the presence of cancer cells in the sputum one coughs up. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is a method that takes a sample of abnormal growth in the lungs. There are other invasive diagnostic tests that confirm the stage of non-small cell lung cancer and the extent to which it has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment for NSCLC is a two-pronged approach; first is to target the cancer cells, the second is to address the symptoms. The line of treatment depends on the stage of cancer and the extent to which it has spread. Surgery is performed to remove cancerous cells in early stages of cancer. Radiation and chemotherapy kill the cancer cells that cannot be removed through surgery. Other methods like targeted therapy and laser photodynamic therapy are other methods for destroying cancer cells at targeted locations.

Since common symptoms of non-small cell lung cancer can be confused with other lung diseases, it is important to be vigilant in observing symptoms and reporting them to the physician.

Are you or someone you know suffering from urinary tract infection? Well, first, do not panic! This infection is common and curable. In some cases, just simple home remedies can treat it. Sometimes, medical attention is necessary to prevent further complications. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or a healthcare professional for the best treatment for UTI.

A UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) is a bacterial infection of the urinary tract that is composed of urethra, kidneys, ureters, and bladder. This entire system is responsible for the process of urine formation and urine expulsion from the body. Hence, any infection in this system is bound to cause some physical uneasiness. The E. Coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria is the main reason behind most of the UTI cases. However, this infection is not contagious.

Few causes of UTI

• The bacteria may reach the urinary tract while having sex.
• Also, using an unhygienic bathroom may cause this bacterial infection.
• Any person having kidney stones can suffer from this infection if the stones block the urinary tract.
• There is a high chance that people with diabetes get this infection as they do not have a strong immune system.
• If a person is going through medical treatments like urinary catheter, chemotherapy etc., UTI may occur.
• If someone keeps holding the urine for too long, chances of occurring UTI increase.
• Parkinson’s disease, injuries in the spinal cord, or any structural abnormalities in the genitourinary tract.

The best treatment for UTI is only possible when it is diagnosed properly. According to various medical research reports, women get urinary tract infection more than men. It is because women’s urethra is shorter in size and it is located closer to the rectum.

Signs and symptoms of UTI
Here are some symptoms that will help you understand if you are suffering from the infection or not, and you can then consult a doctor to get the proper urinary tract infection treatment.

• Feeling pain or burning sensation while urinating
• Bladder spasm: An urge to urinate suddenly
• Frequent urination
• A sense or feeling of bladder emptying incompletely
• Smelly urine
• A feeling of pain or pressure in the pelvis or lower abdomen
• Blood in the urine or cloudy, milky, dark or reddish colored urine
• Feeling pain while having sexual intercourse
• Chills or fever or fatigue

How to cure urinary tract infection?
For urinary tract infection treatment, usually, antibiotics are used. However, the duration of the antibiotic course varies depending on the infected parts of the urinary tract, medical history, and particular symptoms. For the best results, it is advisable to complete the entire antibiotic course prescribed by the doctor even if you start feeling better and fit after taking a few doses.

While consulting a healthcare professional is necessary and always advisable, a few home remedies can effectively help to treat this infection. If you are wondering how to cure urinary tract infection without having antibiotics, read on!

• Drinking fluids – The more you drink water, the more it will help you to flush the bacteria out of your body. However, you need to keep in mind that excessive drinking can be dangerous as well, especially if an individual has pre-existing kidney diseases. Hence, you must not ignore medical advice.
• Using heat pad – Well, first, applying a heating pad will not help you to recover from the infection but it will help you to ease the discomfort or pain temporarily caused by the infection. You should not apply the heat pad directly to the skin. Apply it for short periods and be careful to not burn the skin using excessive heat!
• Diet – Any spicy and hot, caffeinated, fizzy and alcoholic food and drink can worsen the symptoms of UTI. Hence, avoiding these kinds of foods would be better. Try to consume essential nutrients and food having high fiber. Such foods will help the affected person to recover faster.
• Urinate whenever necessary – An individual having UTI feels the urge of urinating frequently even if there is no urine to release. Drinking more water will help you to urinate more and there is a chance that the bacteria causing UTI will get expelled with urine.
• Clothing – You should wear clean and loose fitting clothes to avoid moisture that might worsen the infection. Also, keep the pubic area dry and clean to prevent bacterial growth.

The above-mentioned home remedies are effective but for the best treatment for UTI, you should consult your doctor. Moreover, any pre-existing medication or medical history needs to be considered and this is only possible when you take advice directly from a healthcare professional.

Gone are the days when yogurts used to be pretty simple and available in unpretentious small containers. Today, the shelves are flooded with overt varieties of Greek yogurts, shakes, and smoothies, spurted into fancy-looking cups and pouches, all set to make you drool. Besides, the ice cream aisles also feature a variety of frozen yogurts and popsicles to choose from.

It is important to mention that some of these yogurts serve as excellent sources of probiotics and offer a range of health benefits, whereas the others only serve as dessert. So, with so many choices, how do you choose the best one?

Before we understand how to select the best probiotic yogurts, let’s discuss some important benefits of eating a yogurt.

Yogurt and your health
Yogurts are made by the bacterial fermentation of milk. The bacteria which are used for preparing yogurts are called yogurt cultures. These ferment the natural sugar present in milk to produce lactic acid. There are two specific types of bacteria that should be present in order to consider a yogurt healthy – Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus.

Now, we will look at some science-based health benefits of eating the best probiotic yogurts.

• It’s rich in nutrients
  Yogurt is a storehouse of nutrients, such as protein, vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium as well as some essential fatty acids. All these nutrients are beneficial in maintaining a good health.
• It’s high in protein
  Yogurt contains an impressive amount of protein, i.e. 10 g/100grams.
  Protein improves overall body metabolism by increasing the number of calories you burn throughout the day. Also, it helps in regulating the appetite as it enhances the hormone production that signals fullness. This helps in cutting down on the calories consumed, thus helping you to manage your weight in an effective way.
• It improves digestive health
  Some of the best probiotic yogurts contain active live cultures that significantly improve digestive health. They reduce the symptoms of IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome and help in improving bloating and stool frequency. Also, they protect against conditions such as constipation and diarrhea.
• It strengthens the immune system
  Probiotic yogurts are known for reducing inflammation, associated with various health conditions such as viral infections or gut disorders. Also, the presence of nutrients such as selenium, magnesium, and zinc are typically advantageous in improving the strength of the immune system.
• It improves the functionality of the heart
  Yogurt is beneficial in reducing high blood pressure that is associated with major heart problems. Also, many studies point out that consuming saturated fats from whole-milk products like yogurt increases the “good” cholesterol that protects heart health. This decreases the occurrence of heart conditions in the first place.
• It prevents osteoporosis
  Yogurt is rich in nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D that help in keeping the bones strong. This prevents osteoporosis, a condition which involves the weakening of the bones.

Yogurt Checklist
Now that you are aware of all the potential benefits of yogurt, let’s get on to discussing how to pick up the best probiotic yogurts from the sea of choices available in the market. In such a case, you should concentrate and filter your product based on 5 essential ingredients.

• Sugar
  Pick up a product that contains less than 10 grams of sugar. Most commercial brands contain a generous amount of sugar and added flavors to enhance the taste. Those yogurts are simply a treat and not healthy.
• Protein
  Yogurts are generally rich in protein. This high amount of protein helps in keeping a person full for protracted hours. Consequently, such yogurts can help in weight management. So, look for yogurts that contain at least 5 grams of protein per cup. Also, you can find some Greek yogurts in the market that contain almost 16 grams of protein per serving.
• Live and active cultures
  As discussed above, a yogurt can only be regarded official, if it contains the following two cultures- Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. So, check the label before picking up any product.
  Some of the brands come with a “Live and Active Cultures” seal. This seal is offered by the National Yogurt Association (NYA) which authenticates the presence of as many as 100 million cultures per gram in the yogurt.
• Taste
  This is important because if you don’t like its taste, you will not eat it again. So, look for a yogurt that also tastes well besides offering all the nutrition.
• Simple ingredients
  Go for a yogurt that includes simple and less ingredients. In most cases, this proves to be healthy.

Following aforementioned steps can help you in finding best probiotic yogurts. This might call for a little extra effort, but considering the health benefits it offers, it is definitely worth the effort.

Everyone wants beautiful hair, as good hair adds charm to one’s personality. Hair care is an important regime to be followed by both men and women. Having shiny and strong hair makes one look confident and presentable. Taking proper care of health makes them last longer and reflects a person’s personality. Some essential hair care tips for healthy hair growth are as follows:

• Avoid washing hair daily
• Pat dry your
• Use a good conditioner
• Minimize the use of styling products
• Make sure you use heat protectants before styling

A regular hair care regimen helps in keeping healthy hair but healthy food habits help in promoting healthy growth of hair. It also helps in keeping the hair strong and shiny.

Apart from caring for the hair, a proper diet also plays an important role in keeping the hair healthy. Read on to know more about what are the best foods for healthy hair growth.

• Proteins

A protein-rich diet not only helps in promoting healthy growth of hair, but it also strengthens the hair, making it look silky and shiny look. Whole eggs, almonds, lean beef, tuna, peanuts, milk are rich in protein nutrients which can be easily added to one’s diet. Protein supplements are also available.

• Iron

One of the main causes of hair loss is iron deficiency. Due to a lack of sufficient iron nutrients to the hair roots, the problem of hair thinning and hair fall begins. So it is very important to eat foods that are rich in iron like dark leafy vegetables, fish, chickpeas, soybeans.

• Omega-3 and fatty acids

As the body cannot produce these healthy fatty acids one needs to get its nutrients from foods containing omega-3. The nutrients in these fatty acids provide volume and nourishment to the hair. Some foods rich in Omega 3 are walnuts, salmon, canola oil, chia seeds, flaxseeds.

• Vitamin C

Foods rich in vitamin C are rich in antioxidants which help in protecting the hair follicles against damage. Regular intake of foods with vitamin C properties helps in controlling hair fall and strengthening of hair. Lemon, guava, mandarin, strawberries are some examples of foods that are healthy for hair growth.

• Biotin

One of the 12 vitamins in vitamin B, biotin helps in repairing damaged hair and improving the texture and strengthening of hair. Daily intake of foods like mushrooms, eggs, peanut butter, cauliflower, bananas, walnuts helps in keeping the hair healthy and beautiful. One can also apply hair oil containing biotin for providing nourishment to the hair roots.

• Vitamin A

Egg yolk, sweet potatoes, carrots, mangoes are some foods that contain vitamin A, which promotes cell growth and produces natural oil on the scalp, giving the hair a shiny look. Regular consumption of foods containing vitamin A promotes hair growth and adds volume to hair.

• Vitamin E

Containing antioxidant, vitamin E helps in keeping the hair moist and protects it from drying and looking pale. A rich source of vitamin E can be obtained from fish, sunflower seeds, peanuts, avocado. It’s properties also help in maintaining healthy blood circulation.

Making lifestyle changes, taking care of your hair and adding the above-mentioned foods to the diet can go a long way in promoting healthy hair growth.