Latest news with #NutritionReviews
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Forget about the dentist appointment: THIS vitamin can prevent tooth decay by 50%
A recent review of historical clinical trials reveals a significant link between vitamin D and a reduced incidence of tooth decay, showing a potential 50% reduction in dental caries. The research, analyzing studies from the 1920s to 1980s, highlights vitamin D's crucial role in dental health, particularly for children. Getting a dentist appointment these days is not easy, let alone the money you have to spend to fix issues. Tooth decay is one of the most common dental problems that affects children and adults alike. But the treatment does not have to cost you an arm and a leg. What if tooth decay could be prevented with a simple, affordable nutrient? A study has found a link between tooth decay and vitamin deficiency. A review of historical clinical trials found that a certain vitamin lowers the rate of tooth decay. The study is published in Nutrition Reviews . Link between tooth decay and vitamin D The review found that vitamin D was linked with a 50 percent reduction in the incidence of dental caries. To understand the link between vitamin D and tooth decay, the researchers reviewed 24 controlled clinical trials, spanning the 1920s to the 1980s, on approximately 3,000 children in several countries. These trials pointed out that vitamin D was associated with an approximately 50 percent reduction in the incidence of tooth decay. "My main goal was to summarize the clinical trial database so that we could take a fresh look at this vitamin D question," Dr. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Philippe Hujoel of the University of Washington, who conducted the review, said. What is vitamin D Vitamin D, also known as the 'sunshine vitamin,' is an essential nutrient. It is a fat-soluble nutrient that plays a crucial role in the body. From maintaining bone health, immune function, and mood regulation, vitamin D helps in many vital functions. Our body can naturally produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, it naturally makes vitamin D from cholesterol. The sun's ultraviolet B (UVB) rays interact with the cholesterol in skin cells and trigger the process of vitamin D synthesis. You can also get this nutrient from foods such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), egg yolks, and fortified foods (milk, orange juice). Vitamin D's role in preventing caries (Pic courtesy: iStock) Though vitamin D's role in supporting bone health has not been disputed, there has been a significant disagreement over its role in preventing caries, Hujoel noted. In 1950, the American Medical Association and the US National Research Council concluded that vitamin D was beneficial in managing dental caries. Later in 1989, the National Research Council, despite new evidence supporting vitamin D's caries-fighting benefits, called the issue 'unresolved. ' "Such inconsistent conclusions by different organizations do not make much sense from an evidence-based perspective," Hujoel said. The trials the team reviewed had increased vitamin D levels in children through UV radiation or by diet (cod liver oil or other products containing the vitamin). The trials they reviewed were conducted in the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Austria, New Zealand, and Sweden, and were held in institutional settings, schools, medical and dental practices, or hospitals. The participants were children or young adults between the ages of 2 and 16 years, with a weighted mean age of 10 years. 'Pretty Little Baby' Singer Connie Francis Hospitalised, Family Gives Health Update The findings from the University of Washington reaffirm the importance of vitamin D for dental health. Children who are vitamin D deficient have poor and delayed teeth eruption and are prone to dental caries,' Dr. Michael Hollick, professor of medicine at the Boston University Medical Center said. Studies have also found that Vitamin D deficiency is linked to dental caries in young children. "Whether this is more than just a coincidence is open to debate. In the meantime, pregnant women or young mothers can do little harm by realizing that vitamin D is essential to their offspring's health. Vitamin D does lead to teeth and bones that are better mineralized," Hujoel said. "One has to be careful with the interpretation of this systematic review. The trials had weaknesses which could have biased the result, and most of the trial participants lived in an era that differs profoundly from today's environment,' Hujoel added.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
These 5 oils are backed by science for Indian cooking
Indian cuisine is loved for its delightful taste, enticing flavours and textures, which is achieved by cooking the delicacies with a rich base of spices, herbs and oils. Interestingly, Indian food gets a rich flavour and taste depending on the cooking oil, which adds on to the taste and texture, Traditionally, ghee and mustard oil were extensively used in cooking indian delicacies, but you will be amazed to know that there are several healthy cooking oils that have been backed by science and studies as they are loaded with nutrients that are great for health and well being. Why is choosing the right cooking oil important? Choosing the right cooking oil for Indian-style cooking is important as it directly impacts your health. Indian style cooking involves high-heat cooking methods, the use of right oil should have a high smoke point to prevent the release of harmful compounds, a balanced fatty acid profile to support heart health, and ideally, antioxidants to reduce inflammation. Using unhealthy or overheated oils can contribute to chronic issues like heart disease, high cholesterol, and oxidative stress, making oil selection a key part of a healthy diet. Here are some healthy oil options for Indian cooking. Mustard Oil Mustard oil has been traditionally used across Eastern and Northern India and is now recognized for its heart-healthy properties. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that mustard oil, rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Its natural presence of allyl isothiocyanate gives it antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The oil's high smoke point (~250°C) also makes it suitable for frying and sautéing in Indian cooking. Ghee Once misunderstood due to its saturated fat content, ghee is now regaining scientific favor. Rich in butyric acid, ghee supports digestion and gut health. It also contains antioxidants like vitamin A and E. According to the nutritional review by Shankar P, Ahuja S. "Ghee and heart health: myth or fact?" Nutrition Reviews, 2012 it was mentioned that traditional fats like ghee, when consumed in moderation, are not linked to heart disease and may even support metabolic health. Virgin Coconut Oil Coconut oil, especially the virgin cold-pressed variety, contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) like lauric acid, which exhibit antimicrobial properties. A 2016 study in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism highlighted its potential role in increasing HDL (good cholesterol) and supporting metabolic function. This makes it a great oil for Indian curries, especially in southern cuisine. As per the study by Cardoso DA, Moreira AS, et al. "Effects of coconut oil on human health." J Nutr Metab. 2016. Okay, this one might hurt some feelings. Coconut oil and ghee have had a major glow-up in recent years—especially among those who follow keto, paleo, or Ayurvedic diets. They're natural, unprocessed, and packed with rich flavor. But here's the thing: they're also loaded with saturated your body needs some saturated fat. But when you start adding spoonfuls of coconut oil to your smoothies, frying in ghee daily, and spreading both on toast thinking 'it's healthy fat, so it's fine'—you're overdoing studies still link excess saturated fat with an increase in LDL cholesterol (aka the 'bad' cholesterol). Coconut oil, for example, can raise both LDL and HDL. But in people already dealing with cholesterol issues, it may push things in the wrong key here is balance. Don't demonize these fats—but don't turn them into health halos either. Rotate your fats: include olive oil, avocado oil, and fatty fish. Your heart will thank you. Groundnut (Peanut) Oil Groundnut oil contains about 50% monounsaturated fats, which are known to improve heart health. It also has a decent amount of vitamin E, a natural antioxidant. A study in Lipids in Health and Disease found that diets using peanut oil helped reduce LDL cholesterol levels while preserving HDL cholesterol. Its high smoke point (~225°C) and neutral flavor make it suitable for deep frying, a common method in Indian cuisine. Rice Bran Oil Rice bran oil is extracted from the outer layer of rice and is rich in gamma-oryzanol, a plant sterol that can reduce LDL cholesterol and increase HDL. A 2016 clinical trial published in Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition found that rice bran oil supplementation significantly reduced cholesterol in mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects. With a high smoke point (~254°C) and light flavor, it's ideal for stir-frying, tadkas, and even baking. How to check purity of cooking oils at home The easiest way to check the purity of cooking oils at home, there are some simple tests that can help detect adulteration. For instance, the easiest way to check the purity of mustard seeds, then add in a few drops of nitric acid and shake, if it turns reddish-brown, it may contain argemone oil. In fact, to check purity of coconut oil, refrigerate a small sample; add pure coconut oil solidifies uniformly, while adulterated versions may separate. When these simple oils are added to mineral oils, and mixed with equal parts alcohol and shaked, if there's cloudiness on the surface, then it indicates impurity. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Chia seed consumption has positive effects on blood pressure: Study
Chia seeds have officially made it big in the health world—and honestly, it's well-deserved. These tiny guys may look unassuming, but they pack a serious nutritional punch. People have been munching on them for centuries (we're talking ancient Aztecs and Mayans), and now modern research is giving us even more reasons to toss a spoonful into everything. A recent deep-dive published in Nutrition Reviews looked into exactly what chia seeds do for our bodies—especially when it comes to blood pressure , weight, and blood sugar levels. And the results? Pretty impressive. They come from a plant called Salvia hispanica—and back in the day, warriors relied on them for energy and stamina. Fast forward to today, they're all the rage among health-conscious folks, plant-based eaters, gym-goers, and basically anyone trying to level up their meals. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Why? Because chia seeds are loaded with omega-3s (the good-for-your-heart fats), fiber, protein, and antioxidants. And the best part? You don't have to be a master chef to use them. They go with everything. What the new study says This study (long name alert: The Effect of Chia Seed on Blood Pressure, Body Composition, and Glycemic Control) pulled together a bunch of clinical trials to figure out how chia seeds actually affect our health. Turns out, adding chia seeds to your diet might help with: Lowering blood pressure One of the big wins from the research was chia seeds' impact on blood pressure. They're rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 that helps fight inflammation and support heart health. People who regularly ate chia seeds saw modest—but meaningful—drops in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Chia seeds can help keep your heart in check, especially if high BP runs in the family. Supporting healthy body weight If you've been trying to drop a few inches around the waist, chia seeds might become your new BFF. Thanks to their high fiber and protein content, they help keep you full longer, which naturally leads to eating less overall. The study found that people who added chia to their meals saw reductions in body weight and waist circumference over time. No crash diets, just smart eating. Better blood sugar control (Steady energy, fewer crashes) For anyone keeping an eye on their blood sugar—especially folks with diabetes or insulin resistance—chia seeds can be a helpful addition. The study found that chia can help lower fasting blood sugar and HbA1c (which tracks your average blood sugar over a few months). That's probably thanks to the soluble fiber in chia, which slows down how fast your body absorbs carbs. So instead of a post-meal sugar spike, you get more stable energy. Easy ways to add chia seeds to your day You don't need a complicated recipe or a trip to a fancy store to start enjoying chia seeds. Here are a few easy ideas: Overnight chia pudding – Mix a few tablespoons of chia seeds with milk (or plant milk), let it sit overnight, and boom: pudding for breakfast. Smoothie boost – Toss a spoonful into your morning smoothie for some extra fiber and protein. Baking buddy – Add chia to your muffin or pancake batter. It blends right in. Sprinkle magic – Over yogurt, salads, or oatmeal, for a bit of crunch and nutrition. Thickener – Chia absorbs liquid, so it's great for thickening soups or making homemade jams. Chia seeds aren't just another 'superfood' trend—they've got solid science behind them. Whether you're trying to manage blood pressure, trim your waistline, or keep your blood sugar steady, chia seeds can give your health a natural boost without any drama. Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
