Cherries are small, sweet and tart reddish to maroon-coloured edible fruits that belong to the genus Prunus and family Rosaceae. It is a delicious & nutritious fruit consumed by all people across the globe irrespective of their age. Cherries provide numerous health benefits due to their antioxidant potential
Cherries are part of various cuisines including salads, desserts, salads etc. There are various species of cherries. Commercially cherries are produced worldwide and they include both sour cherries (Prunus cerasus) and sweet cherries (P. avium). Sour cherries can be frozen or canned and used in the preparation of sauces and pastries, while sweet cherries are eaten afresh or preserved.
The cherries are fruits with a fleshy drupe (stone fruit) that is generally heart-shaped to nearly globular, measures about 2 cm (1 inch) in diameter, and varies in colour from yellow through red to nearly black.
Drupe is a fruit having thin skin, a fleshy body, a hard stone, and an inner seed. Therefore, cherry drupes are often referred to as “stone fruits” due to the presence of a hard stone in the middle.
Major commercial production of cherries occur in Europe and countries of Mediterranean region. It is also produced in America and Australia too.
Historyof the origin of cherries
According to historical data the Greeks were the first Europeans to start cultivating cherries and later the Romans continued to expand its production to far-flung regions.
It is believed that sweet cherries were cultivated during the ancient times in Asia Minor[ Turkey] between the Black and Caspian seas and it spread to Europe through migratory birds consuming the fruits.
It is an amazing fact that the stones of wild cherries have been found in deposits at bronze age settlements of entire Europe. It was Persians and the Romans who brought cherries into Britain many years before the 1st century AD. In Britain, cherry cultivation was promoted by the royals in the sixteenth century, particularly by Henry VIII.
In the American subcontinent, Massachusetts colonists planted the first sour cherry, ‘Kentish Red’, when they migrated to the region.
Nutritional value of cherries
Cherries are nutritious fruits packed with several kinds of nutrients vital to the body.
Sweet cherries contain 82% water, 16% carbohydrates, 1% protein, and negligible amount of fat. It is also enriched with vitamin C. Sour cherries contain more vitamin C and beta carotenes having antioxidant properties. They are good source of fibers also.
Health benefits of cherries
Fruits with low calories
The cherries are highly recommended fruits with relatively low caloric content and can be consumed even by obese people in moderate doses.
Rich source of antioxidants
Cherries contain polyphenols and vitamin C having anti-oxidant properties. Chiefly sweet cherries, are enriched with anthocyanins, quercetin, hydroxycinnamates, potassium, fiber, vitamin C & carotenoids.
Cherries prevent cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, inflammatory diseases, and Alzheimer’s disease most probably due to their high antioxidant activity.
Cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidine-3-rutinoside are the major anthocyanins in cherries.
Improves mental health & brain health
Cherries are abundant source of tryphtophan amino acid & neurotransmitter precursors for brain health. The cherries contain tryptophan, serotonin, and melatonin. Tryptophan is the precursor for neurotransmitters controlling mood.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Cherries may reduce the risk of several chronic inflammatory diseases including, arthritis. Polyphenols, melatonin, carotenoids, and vitamins E and C all contribute to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of cherries.
Helps to achieve sound sleep
Insomnia or sleeplessness is a common problem in this digital era. Research studies state that consumption of cherries may help to improve sleep.
Cherries may improve cognitive function
Some animal and cell culture studies show that cherries improve cognitive function. Further studies are required to confirm the potential to enhance the cognitive function and mental abilities in humans.
Reduces muscle pains
Muscle aches are common after strenuous exercise. Exercise-induced muscle damage may lead to reduced muscle function from mechanical and immune stressors. This stress is mainly due to inflammation and increased oxidative stress. Studies point out that daily consumption of cherries may attenuate inflammatory and oxidative responses to exercise induced muscle damage.
Reduces hypertension
Cherries can also reduce high blood pressure.
Safety &caution
The cherry kernels are toxic as they contain the compound amygdalin. One can reach the the inner kernal part of cherries while chewing or breaking the hard-shelled cherry pits, which contain amygdalin. It is a chemical that releases the toxic compound hydrogen cyanide when ingested.
How to include cherries in your diet?
Cherries are delicious fruits that could be included as part of various types of desserts, salads and smoothies.
The Himalayas are the majestic mountain ranges spreading over territories of six countries. The mountain ranges are the determinants of the climate and ecosystems of Indian subcontinent. Himalayas are intricately linked with myths of the land & has been a revered zone of divinity for various religions since antiquity.
The Himalayas extends over territories of six countries including India, China, Nepal. Bhutan, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The mountain range is involved in dispute related to sovereignty in Kashmir region among India, China and Pakistan.
Geographical borders of Himalayan ranges
The Himalayan range is bordered on the northwest by the Karakoram and Hindu Kush ranges, on the north by the Tibetan Plateau, and on the south by the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
The mountain ranges contain some of the Earth’s highest peaks. The Mount Everest, more than 100 peaks exceeding elevations of 7,200 m (23,600 ft) above sea level lie in the Himalayas.
The word ‘Himalayas’ hails from the Sanskrit words hima and aalaya which means” abode of snow”.
Himalayas give origin to many rivers and its tributaries. The Indus, the Ganges, and the Tsangpo–Brahmaputra, rise in the vicinity of the Himalayas.
Himalayas through the veil of mythology
India has a unique culture and heritage which extends beyond its borders and profoundly shaped the cultures of South Asia and Tibet.
Rivers are the cradle of civilizations everywhere on the globe since prehistoric times. Mountains and rivers with their tributaries nourish and nurture life in their vicinity. Landforms and river banks have played a significant role in shaping the cultural heritage and beliefs of the subcontinent. The livelihoods of populations living along the riverbanks are dependent on the availability of water, crops, cultivation, aquatic life forms, etc.
Ancient tribes believed that mountains provided them security from invasions and sudden attacks; moreover, they believed that rain and river water originated from the mountain tops. Consequently, the ancient people who inhabited the subcontinent started worshipping mountains and rivers.
Many Indian hamlets still revere the local landforms, water bodies, and trees as gods and goddesses. This deep connection with nature transforms mountains and rivers into divine, personified figures.
This sacred linking can be traced in the texts and inscriptions of the entire subcontinent. Mountains were considered as holy as rivers, and ancient people believed that gods resided on mountain tops. Even today, most temples in India are built on mountains and in their valleys. Rivers have also been personified as goddesses. The story of the Himalayas, with its rich mythological connections, is phenomenal.
The word “Himalaya” is mentioned in ancient epics and purana texts as “Himavaan ” as a personified king and the goddess Devi Parvathi is regarded as the daughter of Himavan. Therefore, Himalaya mountain ranges have significant role in Indian mythology as sacred mountains in Hinduism and Buddhism.
Themount Kailash is regarded as the abode of Hindu god Shiva and his consort goddess Devi Parvati with their children. This mountain range is visited by millions of pilgrim tourists every year. The pilgrimage generally involves trekking towards Lake Manasarovar and a circumambulation of Mount Kailash. Hindus take a ritual bath in the Manasarovar lake before doing circumambulation.
Pilgrims believe that doing a circumambulation of Mount Kailash is spiritually uplifting towards salvation or liberation cleansing the impurities of minds.
Mount Kailash is located in Ngari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The peak of Mount Kailash is located at an elevation of 6,638 m (21,778 ft), near the western trijunction between China, India and Nepal.
Mount Kailash is situated close to Manasarovar and Rakshastal lakes. The sources of four rivers: Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Ghaghara lie in the vicinity of the region. Mount Kailash is sacred in Bon, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
Hindu text Skanda Purana offers an interesting narrative about mount Kailash as follows:
“There are no mountains like the Himalaya, for in them are Kailas and Manasarovar. As the dew is dried up by the morning Sun, so are the sins of mankind dried up by the sight of the Himalaya.”
Kailash and Manasarovar are mentioned in the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
According to Jain scriptures, Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankar of Jainism attained moksha (liberation) on Mount Kailash.
However, due to the beliefs of different faiths that revere Mount Kailash, setting foot on its slopes or attempting to climb it is forbidden by law.
Indian subcontinent has several such sacred linking with its geography. The rivers originating from Himalayas such as Indus, Ganges along with their tributaries are considered holy and this sacred linking is evident in Shiv purana.
The river Ganges is considered as goddess Ganga, a consort of lord Shiva and it is believed that Ganga is residing in the locks of Shivas hair and flows from there to earth. ‘The descend of Ganga ‘is a celebrated festival in Himalayan states of India and the mythology related to the descend of Ganga is intricately connected with Lord Shiva.
Geography of Himalayan mountain ranges
The Himalayas were uplifted after the collision of the Indian tectonic plate with the Eurasian plate. It is an ongoing collision which began approximately 50-55 million years ago. This intense continental convergence, following the closure of the Tethys Ocean, causes the crust to buckle and thicken, driving the rapid, continuous uplift of the mountain range at rates exceeding 1 cm/year.
The Himalayan mountain range extends west-northwest to east-southeast in an arc 2,400 km.
Its western anchor, Nanga Parbat, lies just south of the northernmost bend of the Indus river. Its eastern anchor, Namcha Barwa, lies immediately west of the great bend of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. The Indus-Yarlung suture zone, along which the headwaters of these two rivers flow, separates the Himalayas from the Tibetan plateau.
The rivers also separate the Himalayas from the Karakorams, the Hindu Kush, and the Transhimalaya ranges
The range varies in width from 350 km in the west to 151 km in the east
Mountain ranges of Himalayas -south to north
The Himalayas include four parallel mountain ranges from south to north:
The Sivalik Hills on the south; the Lower Himalayan Range; the Great Himalayas, which is the highest and central range; and the Tibetan Himalayas on the north. The Karakoram ranges are regarded as separate ranges from the Himalayas.
In the middle of the great curve of the Himalayan mountains lie the 8,000 m (26,000 ft) peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna in Nepal, separated by the Kali Gandaki Gorge. The gorge splits the Himalayas into Western and Eastern sections, both ecologically and orographically – the pass at the head of the Kali Gandaki, the Kora La, is the lowest point on the ridgeline between Everest and K2 (the highest peak of the Karakoram range).
To the east of Annapurna are the 8,000 m peaks of Manaslu and across the border in Tibet, Shishapangma.
To the south of these is situated Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal and the largest city in the Himalayas. East of the Kathmandu Valley lies the valley of the Bhote/Sun Kosi river which rises in Tibet and provides the main overland route between Nepal and China – the Araniko Highway/China National Highway 318.
Further east is the Mahalangur Himal with four of the world’s six highest mountains, including the highest: Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. The Khumbu region, well-known for trekking, is found here on the south-western approaches to Everest.
The Arun river drains the northern slopes of these mountains, before turning south and flowing to the range to the east of Makalu.
In the far east of Nepal, the Himalayas rise to the Kangchenjunga massif on the border with India, the third-highest mountain in the world, the most easterly 8,000 m (26,000 ft) summit and the highest point of India.
The eastern side of Kangchenjunga is in the Indian state of Sikkim. Formerly an independent Kingdom, it lies on the main route from India to Lhasa, Tibet, which passes over the Nathu La pass into Tibet.
East of Sikkim lies the ancient Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan. The highest mountain in Bhutan is Gangkhar Puensum, which is also a strong candidate for the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. The Himalayas here are becoming increasingly rugged, with heavily forested steep valleys.
The Himalayas continue, turning slightly northeast, through the Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh as well as Tibet, before reaching their easterly conclusion in the peak of Namche Barwa, situated in Tibet, inside the great bend of the Yarlang Tsangpo river. On the other side of the Tsangpo, to the east, are the Kangri Garpo mountains. The high mountains to the north of the Tsangpo, including Gyala Peri, however, are also sometimes included in the Himalayas.
Far west from Dhaulagiri, Western Nepal,the home to Rara Lake exists. The Karnali River rises in Tibet but cuts through the centre of the region.
Further west of the border, the Sarda River provides a trade route into China, where on the Tibetan plateau lies the high peak of Gurla Mandhata.
Around the Lake Manasarovar lies the sacred Mount Kailash in the Kailash Ranges ,and close to it is the origin of the four main holy rivers of Himalayas which are revered in Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism & Sufism.
In Uttarakhand, the Himalayas are named as the Kumaon and Garhwal Himalayas with the high peaks of Nanda Devi and Kamet.
Uttarkhand has several significant pilgrimage destinations such as Chota Chaar Dhaam, with Gangotri, the source of origin of the holy river Ganges, Yamunotri, the site of origin of the river Yamuna, and the temples at Badrinath and Kedarnath.
Himachal Pradesh, is popular Indian state with its hill stations Shimla and Dharamsala. This region marks the beginning of the Punjab Himalaya and the Sutlej River, the most easterly of the five tributaries of the Indus, cuts through the range here.
Further west, the Himalayas form the mountainous Jammu region and the renowned Kashmir Valley with the town and lakes of Srinagar.
The Himalayas form most of the south-west portion of the disputed Indian-administered union territory of Ladakh. The twin peaks of Nun Kun are the only mountains over 7,000 m (4.3 miles) in this part of the Himalayas.
The Himalayas extending into the western end in the dramatic 8000 m peak of Nanga Parbat, which rises over 8,000 m (26,000 ft) above the Indus valley and is the most westerly of the 8000 m summits. The western end terminates at a magnificent point near Nanga Parbat where the Himalayas intersect with the Karakoram and Hindu Kush ranges, in the disputed Pakistani-administered territory of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Some parts of the Himalayas, such as the Kaghan Valley, Margalla Hills, and Galyat tract, extend into the Pakistani provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.
Apart from the geological and geographical significance The Himalayas are ecologically sensitive biodiversity hotspots , defence barrier and determinants of climate change in the subcontinent.
This majestic mountain ranges amaze the world for centuries with its splendour and grandeur and captivate adventure trekking lovers with its glorious peaks.
Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh ,India is well- known for its green and cleanest city status as well as for its heritage. The city offers numerous tourist and pilgrim destination,falls, zoo, museums and the urban city life with numerous institutions of education &technology.
Ancient history of Raipur
Raipur, the heritage capital of Chhattisgarh was once known as Dakshina Kosala and was under the reign of Maurya Empire. A Gupta inscription dated to the 6th century CE discovered from Arang delineates the story of Gupta hegemony over the region.
According to historical texts in the 7th century CE, the region came under the reign of a Buddhist kingdom in Bhandak in modern-day Maharashtra. A sect of this royal family seems to be migrated to Sirpur [Mahasamund district] and conquered the entirety of Dakshina Kosala.
The glory of this ancient city reached its zenith during the rule of Tivaradeva. His son inscribed almost all temples in Sirpur.
According to archeological data,by the early 9th century the Kalachuris had hegemony over the region. The Kalachuris of Ratnapura ruled Ratnapur until the 13th century. By the 14th century, the Kalachuris of Raipur branch came into prominence.
Chief tourist destinations in Raipur
The Ghatarani waterfalls & Jatmai temple
It is located just 85 km from Raipur and the waterfall is one of the largest falls in Chhattisgarh. The waterfall has a mythological linking with the nearby Jatmai Ghatarani Temple, a holy temple dedicated to the goddess Ghatarani who symbolizes fertility and well-being. The shrine dates back to 18th century and is linked to Kalkanjari Devi.
The waterfall and this temple are the favourite spots for pilgrim tourists visiting Chhattisgarh. It is located at the Abhanpur Tehsil of Raipur and a favorite destination for adventure enthusiasts and trekking lovers. Post monsoon season [ November- February] is the most favourable season for travelling to Raipur and enjoy the beauty of these majestic waterfalls.
The Nandan van zoo
It incorporates a vast 800-acre wildlife, zoological park, and rescue center established in 1979. It features four main safaris—herbivore, bear, tiger, and lion—along with a dedicated zoo area within buses.
The cultural hub of purkhouti muktangan.
It portrays the tribal art and culture of Chhattisgarh with sculptures and artefacts.
The mahant ghasidas memorial museum
the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum was established in 1875 and it offers deep insights into the region’s heritage. This museum offers anthropological & natural history artifacts, pottery & sculptures.
The Vivekananda sarovar
It is also known as Budha Talab, which is a lake in Raipur. It is located in Budhapara area near the Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium and it is spread in 30 hectares. The lake is named after the great Indian philosopher Swami Vivekananda who visited Raipur in 1897 and it is believed that he took a bath in this lake.
The Nava raipur
Nava Raipur [Atal Nagar-Nava Raipur] is a planned city and fully Greenfield city in Indian state of Chhattisgarh. This green city is located between National Highway 53 and National Highway 30, about 17 km south-east of the capital city Raipur. Swami Vivekananda Airport separates Raipur and Nava Raipur.
This beautiful city has various industries of gold ornaments, software and IT parks along with Botanical Garden, art gallery and symbols of heritage of the city. It is also a hub of educational institutions.
Cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh possess a rich cultural heritage of folk music and dance. Pandwani dance is a well-known art form of Chhattisgarh. The state celebrates various cultural festivals including Chakradhar Samaroh, Sirpur Mahotsav, Rajim Kumbh, and Bastar Lokotsav.
Furthermore, the state of Chhattisgarh fosters many traditional art and crafts and artisans doing them. The state is renowned for its traditional ornamental designs including kardhan, phully, painjna, bidhu, tora, and maldar.
The indigenous food of Chhattisgarh include Muthia (steamed rice dumplings), Farra, Chilla, Aamat, and Bara.
How to reach Raipur?
Swami Vivekananda International Airport, (Formerly called the Mana Airport), is the main airport serving the state of Chhattisgarh. The airport is situated 15 km south of Raipur and 10 km from Naya Raipur. The airport provides direct flights to various Indian cities daily.
Raipur Junction Rai way station is well-connected with the Mumbai-Howrah main line.
The city is well-connected via NH 53 to major nearby states.
Dandruff of scalp is a serious issue affecting the scalp of men and women across the globe. Dandruff is a common scalp disorder with flaky scales and itching of scalp. Sometimes the white flakes falling over shoulders and clothes may lead to low self esteem and depression to the individuals having dandruff.
Dandruff is considered as a non-inflammatory condition of scalp and hair although the precise mechanism causing dandruff is still unclear. Mostly the symptoms of dandruff overlap with that of seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Malassezia is a fungus infection which is often connected with dandruff although it is not regarded as the microbe causing dandruff.
It is an intriguing fact that some steroid medications clearing off dandruff although dandruff is not included in the list of immune mediated diseases.
Dandruff is common among people who are obese and depressed. Therefore, role of hormonal imbalance is a hotly debated topic in connection with dandruff. Emotional stress worsens it.
Dandruff is associated with hair loss also.
What are the causes of dandruff?
The following factors are presumed to contribute to dandruff:
seborrheic dermatitis
overgrowth of a fungus Malassezia
stress
dryness of scalp skin
allergic reactions to some cosmetic products
eczema or psoriasis
Dietary factors
Dandruff & weather conditions
Excessive exposure to sunlight may cause dryness and scaling of the scalp. Dry skin facilitates growth of dandruff.
Cold weather and winter also aggravate it. It can be assumed from these that dandruff shows seasonal fluctuation.
Dandruff &oily scalp
Dandruff is a condition of scalp characterized by increased proliferation of keratinocyte cells. Excess sebum or oil production on scalp may facilitate dirt and impurities to get clogged in the scalp. This may promote the growth of microbes that cause dandruff. Briefly, oily scalp may increase the dandruff risk. However, it has to be noted that everyone with oily scalp is not affected with dandruff.
Oily fat of sebum may help the formation of dandruff to some extent but it is not regarded as the primary cause. Other susceptibility factors of the person may play a major role in dandruff formation.
Dandruff is believed to occur from several other factors such as stress, seasonal changes, fluctuating hormones or excess fungus growth on the scalp etc. The severity of dandruff worsens in winter. In short, oily scalp is more prone to dandruff while other factors also have contributory role in causing dandruff.
Symptoms of dandruff
Dandruff presents as an itchy, scaly scalp and white oily flakes that may fall on the hair or shoulders. It may get worse during the autumn and winter months when the air is very dry.
Individuals having seborrheic dermatitis may have irritated, oily scalp skin and are prone to get dandruff. The skin may appear red, greasy, and covered with flaky white or yellow scales in this condition.
Treatment for dandruff
The American academy of dermatology recommends antidandruff Shampoos and scalp treatment as the solutions for dandruff. Most antidandruff shampoos may have ingredients such as ketoconazole, selenium sulphide,tea tree oil, salicylic acid etc. Different types of shampoos are available in the market. For the best results, always follow the instructions on the shampoo bottle.
Beware of using an anti-dandruff shampoo containing coal tar. Tar shampoo may discolor blonde, grey or white hair, so if you have light-colored hair, you may have to choose a different type of anti -dandruff shampoo.
Tar shampoo also may make your scalp more sensitive to sunlight.
It is advisable to use a conditioner after shampooing your hair. This may help to maintain the moisture content and shine of the hair.
Consult a dermatologist for properly diagnosing your condition and suggest a customized treatment plan.
A dermatologist can suggest a treatment plan based on the underlying causes for dandruff.
Diet to improve scalp health &prevent dandruff
• It is recommended that follow a well-balanced diet to improve scalp health and hair growth.
• Zinc in adequate amounts is important for hair growth and health as it regulates the levels of androgens or male hormones in the body. Any reduction in androgens has been linked to dandruff and also slow hair growth. Consume zinc rich natural foods such as sea foods, some green leafy vegetables, oysters, lobster, baked beans, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, almonds etc. Do not take supplements without directions from a healthcare provider.
• Omega 3 fatty acids –it helps in managing oil production, regulating inflammation and improving hydration of scalp skin.
• Fruits and vegetables- they contain many antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can improve scalp skin health.
• Biotin rich foods-egg yolk, salmon, nuts etc. help to improve the health of hair, nails, and skin.
To know in detail about the properties and good effects of each ingredient click on the list given above.
These ingredients have nutrients as well as phytochemicals which can give relief from dandruff if used as topical application on scalp and hair. Among these ingredients Fenu Greek seeds are very effective agents with potential to reduce dandruff and inflammations of scalp.
Olive oil also is anti-inflammatory. Aloe vera gel has unique role in hair smoothening and growth. Aloe Vera is intensely moisturizing to the hair and removes the dryness of hair. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover aloe Vera contains antioxidants also.
Green tea has antioxidant properties. It is anti-inflammatory also. It reduces the UV rays of sun induced damage to hair. Coconut oil is deep penetrating and intensely moisturizes your hair
Hair mask for preventing dandruff
Aloe Vera hair mask
Ingredients
Aloe vera gel 2-4tbsp
Coconut oil 2tbsp
Olive oil 1tbsp
Green tea 1 tbsp
Soaked fenu Greek – 1 tsp
Preparation
Soak Fenu Greek seeds in water overnight and make it a paste grinding in a mixer.
Use either aloe Vera gel bought from market or aloe Vera gel extracted out of the plant.
Mix 2-4 tbsp aloe vera gel [depending on your hair length] with 2tbsp coconut oil and 1tbsp olive oil.
Add green tea solution 1tbsp.
Add all these ingredients mix into the fenu Greek seed paste.
Stir well and apply the mask on your scalp and hair gently. Use a wide toothed comb to spread it all over the length of your hair. Do not rub it on your hair as friction may damage hair roots.
Leave it on your hair for 30 minutes so that the nutritional properties of aloe Vera and oils may nourish the hair well.
After 30 minutes wash with a non-sulphate shampoo or mild herbal shampoo.
Let air dry the hair.
This hair mask may leave your hair soft, shiny and silky
Fenugreek oil and hair mask are very beneficial in imparting hair shine and strength .Fenu greek seeds are having oestrogenic potential and is useful in managing male pattern baldness.
Fenu Greek is a leguminous herb which grows to a height of about 2 feet. The herb is produced mainly in South Indian states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
Fenu Greek oil is extracted from the seeds. It contains compounds such asdiosgenin.
Diosgenin is a steroid sapogenin. Other sapogenins include yamogenin, gitogenin, tigogenin, and neotigogens. The plant also contains alkaloids such as trigonelline, gentianine, and carpine compounds.
Fenu Greek oil is prepared from Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L) which is also known as Greek hay.
How to prepare fenugreek oil?
To make fenugreek oil, infuse carrier oil (like coconut or olive) with fenugreek seeds.
Steps:
Firstly you can crush or soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek (methi) seeds overnight, then drain.
In a pan, warm 1/2 cup of your carrier oil (coconut, olive, castor) on low heat.
Add the ground seeds to the warm oil [along with ingredients like onion juice or curry leaves which is optional]and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Let the mixture cool, then strain through a fine sieve into a clean, airtight bottle.
Benefits of Fenu Greek hair oil
Fenu Greek oil is well known for its potential to prevent hair loss. It is claimed that fenugreek oil provides some beneficial results in managing androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness.
Diosgenin component in fenugreek is thought to have the potential to manage male pattern baldness. Diosgenin has oestrogenic hormonal activity. This can oppose dihydrotestosterone which is high in people having male pattern baldness. Owing to the oestrogenic property of diogenin compound fenugreek oil helps inhibition of dihydrotestosterone. Therefore, it can be concluded that diosgenin has anti-androgenic activity. It is having oestrogenic potential and is useful in managing male pattern baldness.
Furthermore, Fenu Greek oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties.
Flavonoids and Trigonelline of the oil cause vasodilation in the scalp. Flavonoids have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effect.
Fenugreek oil has protective effect on skin. It has fungicidal effect against Trichoderma viride, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium graminearum.
A study points out that Fenugreek oil and seeds are effective in managing skin conditions such as Pityriasis sicca.
Antibacterial properties have been reported by several studies.
The fenugreek seed extracts have been found to be effective against E. coli, Salmonella.typhi and Staphylococcus. aureus.
The oil protects scalp skin if applied on hair and scalp regularly.
Usually, fenugreek oil is applied in combination with a carrier oil [ eg: coconut oil] to enhance its penetrating capacity to hair cuticle and scalp.
How to use fenugreek oil on hair?
Only a few drops of the fenugreek oil are to be add to carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil. Gently apply the mixture on hair and scalp
Benefits of fenugreek as hair mask
Fenugreek has lecithin which is a natural emollient and helps in strengthening and moisturization of hair. Hence, fenugreek seed extract with water and other ingredients is used as hair mask for achieving healthy clean scalp and shiny soft hair.
Preparation of fenugreek hair mask
Fenugreek hair masks are commonly used for making soft silky healthy hair in traditional medicine. The emollient and moisturizing properties of the seed along with its antifungal effects has been used in the making of hair masks which impart healthy shine and glossiness to hair.
Steps in the preparation of mask:
Soak 2 tablespoons of methi seeds in water overnight
In the morning, blend the soaked seeds into a smooth paste with a little water in a grinder or mixer.
Add 3-4 tablespoons of plain yogurt (curd), aloe vera gel and mix well to form a creamy paste.
Apply this mask and massage gently onto your scalp and hair, from roots to tips. Leave on for 30-45 minutes.
Rinse with lukewarm water or cold water and a mild herbal shampoo.
This hair mask is very much useful in cleaning the scalp ,removing dead skin and dandruff. It provides the hair a smooth shiny luster and softness.
written by dr sanjana vb
References
1. Mullaicharam AR, Deori G, Maheswari RU. Medicinal values of fenugreek – A review. Res J Pharm Biol Chem Sci. 2013;4:1304–13. [Google Scholar]
2. Schulz C, Bielfeldt S, Reimann J. Fenugreek+ micronutrients: Efficacy of a food supplement against hair loss. Cosmetic Medicine. 2006;27:176–9. [Google Scholar]
3. Verma V, Saxena R, Garg P, Sharma S, Khanna P, Singh M, et al. Effect of germinated seeds of fenugreek on malassezia furfur from hair dandruff. Int J Curr Res. 2011;3:322–3. [Google Scholar]
Eggs are commonly available highly nutritious food for all age groups. They are abundant sources of proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds.
Eggs have white gel-like substance which is called egg white and a yellowish portion called egg yolk.
The egg white is composed mainly of water, fibrous structural proteins (ovomucins), glycoproteins (ovalbumin, protease inhibitors), antibacterial proteins (lysozyme), and peptides. Egg-white ovalbumin is an excellent source of amino-acids.
Egg white also contains antibacterial lysozyme which boost immunity against infections. The viscous nature of egg white is due to ovomucin proteins.
Chicken egg contains a large number of antioxidant compounds including vitamins, carotenoids, minerals, and trace elements along with egg-white proteins.
The egg yolk is a great source of vitamin A, D, E, K, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, and B12. Egg yolk also contains iron and zinc in high amounts.
Egg is enriched with minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, potassium. It also contains moderate amounts of sodium. Trace elements including copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and zinc also are included within eggs.
Eggs are lacking fibers and carbohydrate content also is low. Egg carbohydrates are distributed between egg yolk and egg white. Glucose is the main free sugar found in the egg.
Proteins in egg yolk include apolipoproteins, phosvitin, egg yolk globulin, and riboflavin binding protein. Proteins help bodybuilding and are used for the production of various hormones and enzymes in human body.
Egg proteins are distributed equally between egg white and egg yolk, while lipids, vitamins, and minerals are essentially concentrated in egg yolk.
The concentration of proteins is, on average, 12.5 g per 100 g of whole raw fresh egg.
Nutritional value of eggs
A medium-sized boiled egg (50 g) contains 78 kcal energy, 6.29 g protein, 0.56 g carbohydrate, and 5.3 g total fat, of which 1.6 g is saturated, 2.0 g is monounsaturated, 0.7g is polyunsaturated, and 186 mg is cholesterol.
Eggs are good sources of vitamins thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, and vitamin K. However, out of the group of all essential vitamins only vitamin C is lacking in eggs.
B group vitamins in eggs are important for proper functioning of heart and nervous system. They also take part as cofactors in various metabolic functions of the body as co factors.
Folates are very important for foetal development and maturation of nervous system in pregnant women.
Carotenoids in egg yolks essential for health of eyes. The two major carotenoids in eggs are carotene and xanthophylls (lutein, cryptoxanthin , and zeaxanthin) which are highly bioavailable in egg yolk. They help to improve vision and prevent macular degeneration and cataract. They have role in prevention of cancer and atheromatous clots in carotid artery.
Egg lipoproteins include LDL and HDL. About 98% of sterols in the egg yolk are cholesterol, and a small amount of phytosterols such as beta-sitosterol, methyl cholesterol, and sorbitol mycotoxins are also present in it [3].
Eggs also contain active lipid components, such as unsaturated fatty acids, phospholipids, choline, and carotenoids.
Phospholipids in eggs include phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, lysophosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin ,and some neutral lipids
Egg yolk is also a rich source of essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid.
Health benefits of eggs
consumption of eggs provide numerous health benefits.
• Rich in antioxidants
Egg proteins have been proved to possess antioxidants, such as phosvitin. Anti-oxidants help protect body from many chronic diseases ,particularly lifestyle diseases arising from free radical attack.
• Better brain health
B group vitamins and folate in eggs help brain and nervous system health.
• boosts heart health
Vitamins B and minerals potassium, magnesium and calcium in eggs play major roles in maintaining the health of heart.
• Improves bone health
Eggs are rich sources of vitamin D and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus which are crucial for bone health.
• Helps brain development in foetus
Choline plays beneficial role in foetal and neonatal brain development, as deficient choline intake during pregnancy increases neural tube defects risk in infants.
•Improves vision
Carotenoids are highly bioavailable in egg yolk and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. It improves vision.
Facts about cholesterol raising potential of eggs &daily consumption
Eggs are considered as cholesterol rich food by many. But studies point out that although eggs consumption raises both serum LDL and HDL levels, the LDL/HDL ratio remains unchanged. Therefore, the adverse effect of LDL on heart and blood vessels might be reduced by the beneficial effect of HDL.
Amino acids such as glycine, glutamate, methionine, and cysteine in eggs play roles in regulating cholesterol metabolism. Egg yolk contains abundant unsaturated fatty acids which are good for heart health.
Therefore, currently it is presumed that the consumption of eggs does not enhance the risk of heart diseases in healthy people. However, it is recommended that people already having cardiovascular risks such as diabetes or hypertension have to be cautious about egg intake.
Healthy bones and joints are important for all age groups as they form the skeletal system of our body which help movement and support the body weight.
Bone formation and resorption is a complex process happening with in the body and it is dependent on several factors such as nutrition, physical activity, hormones etc.
Bone strength starts deteriorating with ageing as well as undernutrition. Menopausal and perimenopausal women are more prone to bone strength reduction and osteoporotic fractures consequent to the declining hormones. Ageing men also are predisposed to weak and fragile bones. Bone fractures are common in undernourished children and adults. To understand the role of nutrition for bones , first and foremost let me guide you through the complex processes involved in the physiology of bone formation and resorption. Simply, it defines how bones maintain their structural integrity and strength.
Bones are constantly undergoing structural and biological change, and it is called remodeling of bones. This process continues throughout the lifespan in humans. Various factors affect this remodeling. Nutrition has a significant role in bone remodeling. Particularly, some vitamins and minerals are crucial for the development of bones.
Vitamin D, vitamin K and minerals including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus etc. have significant role in the formation of healthy and strong bones.
Bones are a type of specialized connective tissue with the capacity to remodel based on the needs. The primary cell forming bone is the osteoblast. Osteoblasts secrete a fluid known as osteoid, which is rich in a protein collagen. For the bone to become hard, the osteoid must undergo mineralization with minerals such as calcium and phosphate.
Role of calcium &vitamin D in bone health
Calcium helps bone mineralization and thus strength or hardness of bones. Calcium requirement for adults is 700mg / day. Calcium can keep your bones healthy and vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium.
Adequate amount of vitamin D and calcium in the diet is essential, especially during the period of rapid growth of childhood and adolescence. [Recommended daily intake of calcium is 1300g].
It has been found with various studies that prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency is very high in patients with hip fragility fractures. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with osteoporosis. Calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and magnesium are very important minerals required for bone development and remodeling. Vitamins A.D and K also play significant role in normal bone metabolism. Deficiency of these nutrients weakens bones and may lead to bone fractures.
Best foods that boost bone health
Human body needs a balanced diet with carbohydrate, proteins, vitamins, minerals in adequate amounts for the healthy functioning of skeletal system. Out of these nutrients, some vitamins and minerals are crucial for bone health. A few bone health boosting foods enriched with these micronutrients are listed below:
Milk and other dairy foods
Milk and milk products are great source of calcium. Calcium plays a pivotal role maintaining the health of bones.
Dietary recommendations for including milk, and dairy products are vital for the prevention of osteoporosis.
According to a study children who had avoided milk and other food fortified with calcium, suffered occurrence of fracture before puberty more frequently than children who had consumed cow’s milk.
Another study indicates that intake of dairy products, increases bone mineral density [BMD] of the femoral bone neck and lumbar spine among subjects with normal 25(OH)D concentration [ vitamin D], but not in a group with vitamin D deficiency. This study throws light into the fact that along with calcium and other minerals vitamin D is crucial for bone health.
Another research study points out that people on a pure vegan diet [who avoid milk and milk products] get only insufficient amount of calcium and vitamin D, which may lead to osteoporosis due to a decrease in bone mineral density .
Green leafy vegetables
Green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage and okra are rich in calcium, zinc and vitamins A,C and K; However, spinach is not considered as a good source. Although spinach contains calcium, it also contains oxalate, which inhibits calcium absorption.
Vegetables high in calcium include collard greens, turnip greens, kale, mustard greens, beet greens, bok choy, okra, Swiss chard, and broccoli.
Calcium fortified soy milk
About 200 mL of calcium enriched soy milk contains 240 mg of calcium.
Soya beans
Estrogen hormone is protective of bone. Menopause causes a fall in estrogen level in females. postmenopausal estrogen decline is linked with bone loss and enhances the risk for osteoporotic fracture. Soy products contain isoflavones, plant-based estrogenic compounds or phytoestrogens which show an affinity with the estrogen receptor and protects from loss of bone mass.
Most clinical studies on postmenopausal women and soy products point out a positive effect of soy on markers of bone turnover and bone mineral density. However further extensive studies are needed in this regard.
Tofu
Tofu, also called bean curd, is a soft, flavorless food product made from soybeans. Tofu is made from dried soybeans that are soaked in water, crushed, and boiled.
Tofu contains nutrients such as protein, calcium, potassium, and iron. Soy products are rich source of high amount of calcium as well as plant oestrogenic compound isoflavones. These help bone mineralization, prevent bone loss and thus prevent osteoporotic fracture.
Legumes
Beans or legumes contain calcium, magnesium, fiber and other nutrients. But the presence of phytates in legumes limit their role as this compound may interfere with the absorption of calcium that is contained in beans. The phytate level can be reduced by soaking beans in water for several hours and later they can be cooked fresh water.
Nuts
Nuts are enriched with omega 3 fatty acids, protein, and minerals like calcium and magnesium. Almonds and pistachios are good nuts rich in calcium, omega fatty acids and several other nutrients promoting bone health. Almonds are good source of calcium. A half-cup of the nuts alone has 190 mg of calcium.
Small fishes with bones
Include fishes such as sardines and pilchards into your daily diet. These are rich source of omega -3 fatty acids which help bone health in elderly females at the risk of osteoporosis. Oily fish, such as salmon, sardines and mackerel contain long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. The most important biologically active omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are mainly derived from certain cold-water fish or their oils. Salmon and tuna are also rich sources of vitamin D, which helps the mineralization of bones and help to improve bone strength.
Egg yolk
Eggs are good source of vitamin D along with several other nutrients which can boost bone strength helping bone mineralization. Consume one egg every day to boost bone health.
Vitamin D fortified foods
Mostly milk, milk products and margarine are fortified with vitamin D. Consumption of vitamin D fortified foods can increase vitamin D intake and has found to be effective in significantly increasing 25(OH)D levels in the body.
Other types of fortified foods include some cereals, juices, staple food, other dairy products and margarine.
Vitamin D fortified foods can strengthen the bones.
Apart from these proteins and vitamin C are important in collagen formation and proper development of skeletal system. Bone strength depends not only on the quantity of bone tissue but also on the quality.
Collagen, primarily Type I, forms the flexible organic framework of the bones, imparting structure and toughness. Osteoblasts [ bone cells]build this collagen matrix, controlling bone formation and remodeling.
The minerals like calcium and phosphate deposit to form hard hydroxyapatite, creating strong, mineralized tissue.
Therefore, intake of foods such as eggs, milk, legumes and citrus fruits, guava, gooseberry etc. is very important in building and maintaining bone strength.
Apple cider vinegar is one of the most popular ingredients used in the preparation of various dishes and used for weight loss by some people. Please have a look at the health effects of apple cider vinegar.
It has been used for reducing blood glucose level in diabetic people. According to Harvard health publishing, a few studies suggest that vinegar help in reducing blood sugar levels in people with prediabetes and type 2diabetes.
Another study shows that apple cider vinegar consumption helps to reduce blood lipid levels. Its role in reducing cholesterol needs extensive research.
It is often consumed by people who want to lose weight. However, there is no significant research evidence that support the role of apple cider vinegar in achieving weight loss.
Apple cider vinegar is used in salad dressings, in preparing sauces and marinades and as a home remedy for various health issues.
It is used as preservative agent in foods. Apple cider vinegar is consumed in small quantities or taken as a supplement by some people.
How to take apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar should be taken in the diluted form in small quantities only. In highly concentrated form its high acidity can damage tooth enamel while sipping.
What is Apple cider vinegar and how is it prepared?
Apple cider vinegar is a common type of vinegar, produced by fermenting apples. Apple cider vinegar is prepared through the fermentation of crushed apples.
It is a two-step process. It is made by crushing apples, then squeezing out the juice. Bacteria and yeast are added to the liquid to start the alcoholic fermentation process, which converts the sugars to alcohol. The first step occurs relatively rapidly and involves the conversion of sugars to alcohol (cider) by yeast.
The second step is not rapid. In this step the alcohol is converted into vinegar by acetic acid-forming bacteria Acetobacter. Acetic acid and malic acid combine to give vinegar its sour taste.
Maceration and other production methods have been can significantly affect the chemical composition, total antioxidant activity, acidity, and phenolic content of apple cider vinegar.
Chlorogenic acid is the most abundant phenolic substance produced by fermentation and maceration process. Gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, caffeic acid, and p-coumaric acid are present in low levels.
Caution
• Apple cider vinegar can lower potassium levels. So, people suffering from low potassium or heart diseases related to it should not consume apple cider vinegar.
• Apple cider vinegar may cause untoward drug interaction with drugs lowering blood sugar such as insulin.
Safety
Low amount of diluted apple cider vinegar consumption is associated only with low risk of health effects. But adverse results are reported with over consumption in undiluted concentrated forms. These include esophageal damage, tooth enamel erosion, and excessive burping, flatulence, and bowel movements.
People having allergies to apples may experience allergic reactions to apple cider vinegar.
The use of apple cider vinegar may cause drug interactions with insulin or diuretics.
Almond oil is an amazing rejuvenating ingredient used since time immemorial for enhancing the glow. Almond oil has been enriched with linoleic acid & vitamin E & antioxidants which accentuate the beauty of your skin.
Almond oil is yellowish oil extracted from the seeds of the Prunus dulcis tree. It belongs to the family Rosaceae. Almonds are edible seed with great nutritive value. They are abundant source of vitamin E antioxidants.
Almonds are native to southwestern Asia, and grown primarily in Mediterranean climates. California [U.S.A] is the major producer of almonds in the world [ around 80 percent of the global production].
There are two varieties of almonds:
sweet almond (P. dulcis, variety dulcis) and bitter almond (P. dulcis, variety amara). Sweet almonds are the edible type consumed as nuts and used in cooking or as a source of almond oil or almond meal.
Uses of almond oil
Almond oil is used for various purposes :
Cosmetic use
Food preparation
Pharmaceutical use
Others
How does almond oil rejuvenate your skin?
The ageing skin
Skin ageing happens through the synergistic activity of intrinsic as well as extrinsic factors. The intrinsic factors include genetics, cellular metabolism, hormone and metabolic processes. The extrinsic factors of ageing include chronic light exposure, pollution, ionizing radiation, chemicals, toxins.
Apart from the factors leading to normal process of ageing exposure to sun is linked with detrimental effects on skin. UV rays of sun cause premature ageing and it is called photo ageing.
The premature photoaged skin typically shows a thickened epidermis, mottled discoloration, deep wrinkles, laxity, dullness and roughness. Gradual loss of skin elasticity leads to sagging. Slowing of the epidermal turnover rate and cell cycle lengthening worsens aged look of the skin.
Severe loss of fibrillin-positive structures as well as a reduced content of collagen type VII lead to wrinkles in sun exposed prematurely ageing skin. The sparse distribution and decrease in collagen content in photoaged skin may be due to increased collagen degradation by various matrix metalloproteinases, serine, and other proteases irrespective of the same collagen production.
Glycosaminoglycans are among the main dermal skin matrix constituents that help in binding water. In photo-aged skin, these constituents may be associated with abnormal elastotic material and their functions on skin are impaired.
The total hyaluronic acid level in the dermis of skin that age intrinsically remains stable but epidermal Hyaluronic acid diminishes markedly.
UV-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) are causing photo damage to skin. Wrinkling and pigmentation are the main visible changes of photo ageing.
These factors may act conjointly damaging the skin and overtime the skin appears dull, dry, lusterless and parched.
The primary goal of any skin anti-aging therapy is to achieve a healthy, smooth, blemish-free, translucent and resilient skin. There are various cosmetic procedures and therapies to rejuvenate the skin and repair it. Here we share the natural methods of rejuvenation of skin and in which the potential of almond oil is discussed.
The role of antioxidants on skin
The antioxidants can reduce collagen degradation by reducing the concentration of free radicals in the tissues.
Antioxidants act by:
directly neutralize free radicals
reduce the peroxide concentrations and repair oxidized membranes
quench iron to decrease ROS production
short-chain free fatty acids and cholesteryl esters neutralize ROS through lipid metabolism
Almond oil in reducing the impact of ageing
Almond oil is rich in Vitamin E antioxidants and help to rejuvenate the skin and hair follicles of scalp. It can also remove fizziness of hair. Applying almond oil on your skin and hair everyday may help you get glowing radiant skin and hair.
The antioxidants in almond oil may remove free radical induced damage to your skin. It nourishes skin deeply removing pigmentation and exfoliating the dead tissues.
The almond oil contains vitamins E and K that help skin regeneration and maintain its elasticity.
Almond oil is rich in antioxidants, particularly Vitamin E (α-tocopherol) and phenolic compounds, which protect against oxidative stress, reduce lipid peroxidation and enhance antioxidant enzymes.
Almond oil has emollient and sclerosant properties and, therefore, has been used to improve complexion and skin tone.
Almond oil is extensively used in the cosmetic industry, particularly in dry skin creams, anti-wrinkle and anti-aging products.
Almond oil works as a good moisturizer for your skin and hair. It brings back the supple look of your skin through intense nourishing.
Almond oil used in aroma therapy
Almond oil is one of the best essential oils used in aromatherapy and massage therapy as it helps to remove dryness of skin easily and it helps to rejuvenate body and mind due to its nice aroma.
Recommendations
For better results in your anti-ageing journey eat a handful of almonds daily. The nutritive value of almonds is very high as they are enriched with vitamin E and other antioxidants.
Microplastics drifting through rivers, lakes, and oceans constantly release a complex blend of dissolved organic chemicals into the waters and sunlight exacerbate the deleterious impact on aquatic ecosystem and ultimately it encroaches the food chain. Have a glimpse into the far-reaching consequences ensuing from microplastics on human health &environment.
In the current era of technology and sophistication, the excessive and indiscriminate use of plastics and their irresponsible disposal, which contaminates the environment, is ubiquitous. The microplastics contaminate both the land or terrestrial ecosystem as well as the waters. The aquatic environment is under the threat of chemical contamination and its detrimental impact is inflicted up on the living organisms.
What are microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments (under 5mm) either broken-down from larger plastics or intentionally manufactured sources (like microbeads), They are scattered everywhere and contaminate oceans, water, food, and air. This article by dr sanjana chronicles the impact of microplastics on the aquatic and marine ecosystems as well as on human health.
The term “microplastics” was first introduced in 2004 by Professor Richard Thompson, a marine biologist.
Microplastics pose mammoth threats to the environment and health as they can enter the food chain and potentially trigger inflammation within cells and damage organs.
The existence of microplastics in the environment is often established through aquatic studies. Researches point out that the recent decades have witnessed a surge in the quantity of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems.
How do microplastics enter the ecosystem?
Microplastics enter the natural ecosystems primarily from a variety of sources, including cosmetics, chemicals, industrial and construction wastes, fabrics and food packaging. Various types of Paints are the largest source of microplastic leakage into the ocean and waterways.
Secondary microplastics arise from the degradation of larger plastic products through natural weathering processes after entering the aquatic environment.
Water bottles, soda bottles, fishing nets, plastic bags, microwave containers, tea bags and tire wear top the list of plastics entering the ecosystems.
It is a significant concern that the cosmetic industry contributes microplastics, which can inadvertently enter both the human body and aquatic environments. The scrubbers used in exfoliating, hand cleansers and facial scrubs, have now replaced traditionally used natural ingredients, including ground almond shells, oatmeal, and pumice. Instead microbeads, a form of microplastics are added into them which enter the skin as well as draining water while pedicures, manicure and facials procedures are done.
Microplastics from primary and secondary sources contaminate aquatic and marine environment. Approximately 35% of all ocean microplastics come from textiles or clothing, primarily due to the erosion of polyester, acrylic, or nylon-based clothing, often during the washing process.
Recreational and commercial fishing, marine vessels, and marine industries are all sources of plastic that can directly enter the marine environment. Fishing gear is a form of plastic debris with a marine source of deposition in aquatic system. Discarded or lost fishing gear can drift a long distance and depth in oceanic waters.
Microplastics also exist in drinking water from various sources, bottled water, seafood, salt, sugar, tea bags, milk, and in many other substances entering the food chain. They are linked with countless, profound impacts on the ecosystem and biodiversity.
Impact of microplastics on aquatic life & agriculture
A study shows that 65 million microplastics are released into water sources every day. In 2017, more than eight million tons of plastics entered the oceans, greater than 33 times as much as that of the total plastics accumulated in the oceans by 2015.
The devastating impact on marine as well as terrestrial ecosystems is that microplastics are consumed by organisms living in the ocean including the reefs and other marine organisms and eventually it spreads to food chain and then to terrestrial and atmospheric ecosystems.
Plastic bottles and caps that are used in bottled water have been confirmed as sources of microplastics in drinking-water.
Materials containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate, polypropylene, and acrylic, can degrade overtime releasing microplastics
Microplastics may also have been widely distributed in soil, especially in agricultural systems through water draining the area and through direct dumping. They can get into the water transport system of plants, and then move to the roots, stems, leaves, and fruits. Once microplastics enter agricultural systems through sewage sludge, compost, and plastic mulching, they will cause food pollution.
Under the influence of sunlight, wind, waves and other factors, plastic degrades into small fragments known as microplastics, or even nanoplastics.
Nanoplastics are believed to be a risk to environmental and human health owing to their small size. They can cross cellular membranes and affect the functioning of cells. Nanoplastics are lipophilic and studies show that polyethylene nanoplastics can be incorporated into the hydrophobic core of lipid bilayers of the cell membranes.
According to a study Nano plastics may cross the epithelial membrane of fish accumulating in various organs including the gallbladder, pancreas, and the brain. Nanoplastics are believed to cause interruptions in bone cell activities, causing improper bone formation.
Sunlight augments fragmentation process to form microplastics
Photo-oxidation caused by sunlight exposure, can reduce the structural integrity of plastic debris to a size that is eventually undetectable to the naked eye. This process of breaking down large plastic material into much smaller pieces is known as fragmentation.
The smallest microplastic reportedly detected in the oceans in 2017 was 1.6 micrometres in diameter. It is an alarming news that microplastics have a high probability of ingestion and accumulation in the cells and tissues of living organisms. The toxic chemicals of aquatic and marine ecosystem leaks into the food chain eventually.
The new findings provide the most comprehensive molecular-level data so far of how microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter [ MPs DOM] forms and changes in natural aquatic environments.
The research, published in the journal New Contaminants, examined four common types of plastic and compared the chemicals they released with naturally occurring dissolved organic matter found in rivers.
By combining kinetic modelling with fluorescence spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and infrared analysis, the research team showed that each plastic type releases its own unique chemical mixture.
Detailed chemical analyses showed that MPs DOM contains a wide range of molecules derived from plastic additives, monomers, oligomers, and fragments formed through photo oxidized reactions. Plastics with aromatic structures, such as PET and PBAT, generated especially complex chemical mixtures.
Impact of microplastics on human health
Micro and nano plastics can cause adverse health impacts on the human body, including physical stress and damage, apoptosis, necrosis, inflammation, oxidative stress and immune responses. All these processes ultimately lead to organ damage.
Microplastic pollution has been linked with respiratory diseases and inflammation, however, the causative role is still unclear. Microplastics accumulate in the brain, mainly polyethylenes and cause cellular damage to neuronal tissues
Microplastics often contain chemical additives like phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), which are known endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Simply, these are chemical compounds which can disrupt the hormonal rhythm of human body.
Microplastics can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, and lead to reproductive health impairment and infertility.
According to a study conducted by Harvard, microplastics have been linked to inflammation, cell death, lung and liver effects, changes in the gut microbiome, and altered lipid and hormone metabolism.
In a nut shell, the inflammatiory impact of microplastics has been proved beyond any doubts by a large number of research studies conducted worldwide.
A recent study unfolds the fact that exposure to microplastics can alter gene expression, potentially leading to vascular disease and long-lasting conditions.
The environmental risks from microplastics
The chemical compounds released by microplastics can affect aquatic ecosystems in a myriad ways. The microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter [MPs DOM ] is composed of small, biologically accessible molecules that may stimulate or suppress microbial growth, disrupt nutrient cycles, or interact with metals and other pollutants.
A few studies suggests that MPs DOM can produce reactive oxygen species. The reactive oxygen species influence the formation of disinfection byproducts, and alter how pollutants attach to particles in water.
Marine biologists in 2017 discovered that three-quarters of the underwater seagrass in the Turneffe Atoll off the coast of Belize had microplastic fibers, shards, and beads stuck to it. The plastic pieces had been overgrown by epibionts (organisms that naturally stick themselves to seagrass).
Seagrass is part of the barrier reef ecosystem and is fed on by parrotfish, which in turn are eaten by humans. These findings, published in Marine Pollution Bulletin, may be the first discovery of microplastics on aquatic vascular plants… [and] only the second discovery of microplastics on marine plant life anywhere in the world.
A study published in 2023 shows that microplastic exposure led to cognitive impairment in hermit crabs, which could potentially impact their survivability.
It is an alarming fact that plastics can cause impaired cognition in animals. Further extensive studies are to be conducted in this regard as the impact on flora and fauna affect human beings also in the shortest interval as the living organisms are connected through food chains.
As MPs DOM is chemically complex and constantly changing, the researchers suggest that machine learning tools could help forecast how these substances behave in natural waters. Such models could improve risk assessments related to ecosystem health, pollutant transport, and carbon cycling.
The unregulated flow of microplastics into rivers and oceans is a dreadful scenario that demands immediate attention from environmentalists and the legal systems regulating international waters and pollution.
As plastics continue to fragment and degrade under sunlight, the release of MPs DOM is expected to increase overtime causing more grave consequences on all the ecosystems.
Fragmentation of plastics and their long-term environmental impact is still not fully understood. Therefore, vigilance and alertness is necessary in the disposal of plastics into the environment.
In the future, the dynamic derivation of MPs-DOM can be further studied using artificial intelligence techniques, such as machine learning, to support a comprehensive assessment of its environmental implications.
How to reduce microplastics in your environment?
Choose natural fabrics over synthetics.
Wash synthetic clothes less often and use cold water.
Filter your water.
Reduce overall plastic consumption.
Avoid negligent plastic dumping
Keep the aquatic ecosystem clean removing plastics
promote booklet and banners cautioning against disposing fabrics, organic matter, plastics etc. in rivers and oceans as part of religious rituals and festivities
Conserve water and protect rivers and oceans against pollution.
Regulate sewage and industrial waste disposal into marine environment and aquatic ecosystems.
I conclude this article with a note that existence of mankind and biosphere is solely dependent on ecosystems. Love your ecosystems and preserve them with your ingenious wisdom and unity in decision making for posterity as well as for their existing life forms.
written by dr sanjana p
Reference for further reading
Molecular-level insights into derivation dynamics of microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter.
https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2025/01/microplastics-in-body-polluted-tiny-plastic-fragments.html Microplastics and our health: What the science says
