Calendula: An Ancient Remedy for Skin, Mouth, and Cancer Care Relief
An Ancient Remedy Backed by Modern Science
As early as ancient Roman times, the Greek physician Pedanius Dioscorides noted that calendula has cooling and astringent properties and that applying its seed pods to wounds aids healing, while internal use treats digestive tract disorders.
Hildegard von Bingen, a 12th-century mystic and herbalist, wrote in her natural history text 'Physica' that calendula has detoxifying effects and can be boiled in water or infused in wine in cases of food poisoning. It is also an effective remedy for skin conditions such as scabies, with calendula ointments applied to affected areas.
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Medscape
2 days ago
- Medscape
Here's How Greece Is Tackling Its Childhood Obesity Epidemic
The Mediterranean diet is rich in whole foods and healthy fats, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, fish, and olive oil. It has numerous health benefits largely centered around heart health, weight management, and cognitive function and is associated with a lower incidence of childhood obesity. Despite this, Greece now has one of Europe's highest rates of childhood obesity. In 2019, the Hellenic Statistical Authority found that 37.5% of children aged 2-14 years were overweight or obese. In 2022, the World Health Organization's (WHO's) European Regional Obesity Report ranked Greece among the top positions in Europe for childhood overweight and obesity: third among children younger than 5 years (1 in 8), second among those aged 5-9 years (38.5%), and first among those aged 10-19 years (32%). So what has gone wrong? Shifting Diet and Lifestyle Clinical dietician and nutritionist Eleni Pavlidou, PhD, who specializes in obesity and eating disorders, said that lifestyle and cultural shifts have ultimately led to the 'gradual loss of connection with the Mediterranean way of eating.' Eleni Pavlidou, PhD Her recent research found that more than 40% of 5188 preschool children had low compliance to the Mediterranean diet, with traditional diets increasingly replaced by ultraprocessed foods. Another recent study found that ultraprocessed foods accounted for 39.8% of the total daily calorie intake of 443 Greek children with an average age of 9 years. 'Children are increasingly consuming snacks high in sugar, saturated fat, and salt….Many families don't have the time or energy for traditional cooking, and convenience foods are everywhere, and they're heavily marketed to children,' she told Medscape Medical News . 'At the same time, economic pressures have made some families rely on cheaper processed foods that are energy-dense but nutrient-poor.' This, she said, was coupled with a major cultural shift: fewer shared family meals, less cooking at home, and less emphasis on seasonal, local ingredients. Greece's Alternative (Deputy) Minister of Health, Eirini Agapidaki, MSc, agreed. Eirini Agapidaki, MSc 'The community-centered everyday life that was the main societal model for decades in Greece has altered to a more parallel living model,' she told Medscape Medical News . 'Citizens live in the same building but have never met. Children coexist in the schoolroom but do not share a feeling of belonging to the school community. Healthy nutrition is not just about individual dietary choices but building social relationships.' Action Against Childhood Obesity In 2023, the Greek Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), launched a national action plan to reduce the childhood obesity rate to 24.5% by the end of 2025. It aimed to do this by implementing targeted interventions in schools, at health services, and in the wider community, while simultaneously trying to change the environment that leads to obesity. The initiative has included, among other interventions, integrating nutritional education programs into school curricula, healthy cooking lessons, and physical activity opportunities in the community. It has also involved free, early screening for obesity and online dietician sessions supported by psychologists, pediatricians, endocrinologists, and physical activity educators. 'A family can attend 12 online sessions over a period of 6 months, making this service fully accessible to people living in remote areas,' Agapidaki said. 'Families receive personalized guidance to improve their daily habits, as well as a tailored plan considering the needs of each child and family.' As part of this, UNICEF child protection specialist responsible for coordinating the initiative, Antigoni Angelaki, MA, explained that pediatricians have been guided on how best to support a family's nutrition. Resources have been developed in collaboration with experts on behaviors that help prevent childhood obesity. These are being disseminated through a network of universities set up across the country, she told Medscape Medical News . Greece has one of the highest child obesity rates in Europe, largely due to a shift away from the Mediterranean diet. But equally important to addressing what children eat is providing them ample opportunity to partake in physical activity, she added. 'It's not just the diet that children follow, but it's also about how much opportunity they have for physical activity,' she said. Angelaki explained that this is the first program at the European level that has looked at all the different drivers of obesity. 'This program is looking at how we can reform the reality on the ground. Perhaps we can increase the number of physical activity hours done at school or make schools accessible in the afternoons because many municipalities don't have spaces available for physical activity.' Pavlidou said this was crucial, as increased screen time, safety concerns, and a lack of public spaces have all contributed to the obesity epidemic. Changes to Legislation In 2010, the World Health Assembly adopted the WHO set of recommendations on the marketing of foods and nonalcoholic beverages to children, urging countries to reduce the impact of marketing of highly processed foods and beverages that are high in fat, sugar, and salt on kids. In 2022, the 'Greek Pledge,' a voluntary initiative where food and beverage companies commit to improving how they advertise to children younger than 13 years, was launched. It's unclear what impact this has had. Angelaki said UNICEF was reviewing current advertising legislation to identify gaps. One important step, Agapidaki said, is that Greece's National Nutrition Committee revised the legal framework on canteen guidelines to ensure they only provide nutritious snacks and meals. 'According to the latest national data available, we see that our approach is already having meaningful changes in children's behaviors, especially when parents are engaged,' she said. She did not offer additional data on obesity rates. Applying Lessons Learned More Broadly There are now hopes that the program will be expanded to other parts of Europe. 'Greece is no longer just trying to address the main factors contributing to childhood obesity — we are generating public health solutions that are also meaningful and efficient for other countries,' Angelaki said. 'Several countries have reached out to request guidance on replicating our program. We've been invited to share our tools and frameworks, especially around digital early detection, school and community integration, and whole-system governance.' Pavlidou welcomed new approaches to tackle the epidemic but warned 'We need more.' 'We need stronger policies on marketing to children, better food labeling, nutrition education schools, and greater support for families to access healthy options,' she said. 'Despite the challenges, I remain optimistic. The Mediterranean diet is not just a way of eating — it's a cultural heritage rooted in balance, seasonality, and community. If we invest in educating families, empowering children, and building healthier environments, we can absolutely reverse these trends.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
8 Heart-Healthy Snacks to Satisfy Your Late-Night Cravings, According to Nutrition Experts
There's no better time than the present to reflect on ways to boost our heart health through lifestyle modifications like healthy eating, exercise, and stress management. When we support our heart health, we reduce the likelihood of a heart disease or heart health-related diagnosis down the line. 'There are several risk factors when it comes to heart disease. Some of these, such as genetics and age, you have no control over,' says Heidi McIndoo, MS, RD. 'I encourage people to focus on those you can control—such as what you eat and how active you are—and do the best you can to minimize your risk through those.' And when it comes to heart-healthy eating, snack time is when many of us don't make the best choices, especially late at night. We're here to help by sharing some delicious examples to get you started, plus tips on how to put together heart-healthy snacks. Popcorn 'Popcorn made with a little canola or olive oil and sprinkled with your favorite herb or spice is a delicious heart-healthy snack,' McIndoo says. This is thanks to the fiber found in popcorn, unsaturated fats in vegetable oils, and antioxidants in any herbs or spices you use. A small pinch of salt is totally warranted here as well—just be careful to not overdo it. Tinned Fish and Crackers Tinned fish—like salmon or tuna—are delicious options to curb those late-night salty cravings while getting a hefty dose of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, as well as fiber from any whole grain crackers or rice cakes you serve them on. 'The vast majority of canned salmon comes from Alaska, which means it's wild, sustainable, and packed full of heart-healthy omega-3s,' House says. Mix your canned fish with a spoonful of plain low-fat Greek yogurt and chopped celery or cucumber for added creaminess and fiber without excessive amounts of saturated fat and dietary cholesterol. Chocolate Yogurt and Fruit If your sweet tooth rears its head in the evening, a decadent yogurt dessert might be just the trick. 'Stir a tablespoon of cocoa powder (not hot chocolate mix) into ½ to ¾ cup of vanilla low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt, [topped] with fresh raspberries,' McIndoo says. 'Cocoa powder is a good source of heart-healthy flavanols that improve blood flow and lower blood pressure and raspberries are a great source of fiber.' If you want to further healthify this creative dessert, opt for plain yogurt and sweeten it with a little bit of honey—a natural sweetener full of antioxidant plant compounds and prebiotic fiber. 'A small drizzle of maple syrup (another nutrient-added sweetener) to sweeten the yogurt is still less sugar than pre-sweetened flavored yogurts,' House adds. Veggies and Hummus As a classic and easy-to-assemble snack, veggies and hummus bring the crunch that many people seek from less healthy options like chips or pretzels in the evening hours. You could dip whole grain crackers into your hummus, too, which offers cholesterol-lowering fiber just like veggies. 'Made with garbanzo beans and olive oil, hummus provides fiber and healthy fats to boost your heart health,' McIndoo says. Trail Mix Prepping a big batch of trail mix at the beginning of the week is an excellent way to ensure you have heart-healthy snacks ready for late-night cravings. 'For an on-the-go snack, mix a couple tablespoons of walnuts and your favorite dried fruit,' McIndoo suggests. 'Walnuts provide heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and dried fruit contains fiber, both of which can help lower LDL cholesterol levels.' Edamame 'Soy has been shown to reduce markers of heart disease such as total and LDL cholesterol, C-reactive protein, and triglycerides,' House explains. 'Try edamame steamed in the pods (they're fun to eat!).' You can sprinkle a bit of salt or tajín on your edamame for a boost of flavor, too. Dark Chocolate-Covered Fruit Dark chocolate is the perfect way to satisfy that evening hankering for chocolate without all the added sugar. Plus, it pairs perfectly with fruit, as options like bananas, berries, apples, or dried (unsweetened) apricots naturally sweeten the final dish. 'Melt dark chocolate (the higher cacao percentage, the better) and dip fresh strawberries or banana slices in it,' McIndoo says. 'Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that benefit heart health, whereas berries contain fiber and phytonutrients that can help lower LDL cholesterol and inflammation.' Chia Pudding Our final heart-healthy late-night snack suggestion is chia pudding! 'Chia seeds may decrease cardiovascular disease risk by decreasing triglycerides and cholesterol,' House says. Plus, these tiny seeds offer a satisfying texture to your pudding, making late-night snacking a sensory experience. You can make this pudding by combining chia seeds, low-fat milk of your choice, a dash of honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, and nut butter for a high-fiber and antioxidant-rich evening treat. What to Include in a Heart-Healthy Snack There are a few hallmark nutrients to include at snack time when heart health is top priority—namely heart-healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. 'Unsaturated fats do double duty in promoting heart health,' McIndoo says. 'They can help raise levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein or 'healthy' cholesterol) in the bloodstream and lower levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein or 'unhealthy' cholesterol).' Plus, unsaturated fats also help reduce bodily inflammation—key for keeping heart disease at bay. Generally, unsaturated fats are found in fatty fish, nuts, seeds, avocados, olives, and the oils of any of these options. Omega-3 fatty acids are also included under this umbrella as they carry out many of the same functions and are particularly concentrated in walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseed, seaweed, leafy greens, and fatty fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, trout, and anchovies. 'Fiber, especially soluble fiber that is in fruits, veggies, seeds, and whole grains, helps grab cholesterol in your digestive system so it can be removed from your body instead of being absorbed into your bloodstream,' McIndoo adds. Fiber can also be found in other plant-based foods like nuts and legumes including beans, peas, and lentils. What to Avoid in a Heart-Healthy Snack On the other side of the coin, there are a few nutrients that we want to steer clear of when assembling a heart-healthy late-night snack. These include trans fat, saturated fat, dietary cholesterol, sodium, added sugars, and alcohol. 'Saturated fats, usually solid at room temperature, tend to raise your blood levels of LDL cholesterol,' McIndoo says. 'Trans fats do as well, but they also lower levels of HDL cholesterol.' Dietary cholesterol may also increase blood cholesterol levels. However, both dietary cholesterol and saturated fats have been found in certain studies to not be as correlated to heart disease as once thought. That said, it's still a good idea to use caution around them when focusing on heart health, as they have been found in some circumstances to increase cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels over long periods of time can contribute to atherosclerosis (or plaque build-up on veins and arteries) development—a hallmark feature of many heart diseases. 'Consistent high-sodium intake can increase your blood pressure,' McIndoo says. 'This excessive force can stretch and damage your blood vessel walls and increase the build-up of the waxy, sticky plaque that can lead to clogged vessels (atherosclerosis) which can lead to strokes and heart attacks.' High levels of sodium can be found in ultra-processed foods, condiments, processed meats, and canned foods. Meanwhile, added sugars and alcohol promote inflammation in the body, which can contribute to chronic disease development—including heart disease. Desserts, ultra-processed foods, candy, and soda are notorious sources of added sugar, and alcohol can be found in boozy beverages like beer, wine, and cocktails. Read the original article on Real Simple
Fox News
3 days ago
- Fox News
Former Premier League player George Baldock's cause of death revealed as drowning accident
Officials have released the cause of death of former English Premier League player George Baldock, who was found dead in a swimming pool at his home in Greece in October. The Milton Keynes Coroners Court revealed at an inquest hearing on Wednesday that the 31-year-old soccer player had died as a result of drowning. A post-mortem examination found no traces of drugs or alcohol in his system at the time of his death. According to the record of inquest reviewed by Fox News Digital, officials discovered that Baldock "had a very large heart that would have meant that he was susceptible to heart arrhythmias." The Mayo Clinic describes heart arrhythmias as an irregular heartbeat, either too fast or too slow. While heart arrhythmias can be harmless for some, in other cases, they can cause "life-threatening symptoms." Baldock's death was ruled an accident. Bladock, who had played for the Greek national team, was discovered in the swimming pool of his residence in Attica, Greece, on Oct. 9. First responders attempted to resuscitate him but were unsuccessful. Bladock was born in England and played for Sheffield United for seven seasons – three in the Premier League. He signed with Panathinaikos Football Club, a member of the Super League Greece, in 2024, making an appearance for the club just three days before his death. He appeared in 12 matches with Greece's national team and last appeared in a game in March in a match against Georgia in the Euro 2024 playoffs. "There are no words to describe the human pain caused by the news of the untimely loss of one of our young people," the Greek Soccer Federation said in a statement at the time. "This moment calls for silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family. Goodbye."
