TAC Desk

Intermittent Fasting: The Path to Health and Longevity

Reading Time: 4 minutesIntermittent Fasting: The Path to Health and Longevity Throughout history, fasting has been linked to both physical well-being and spiritual growth. Various religions have practised fasting as a means of self-purification or to honour and glorify God. In a world where diets often come and go, one dietary approach has stood the test of time and gained recognition for its numerous health benefits: intermittent fasting (IF). IF isn’t just another dieting fad; it’s an eating pattern that has been practised for centuries and has now garnered scientific support for its potential to enhance health, promote weight management, and even extend longevity.   Mahatma Gandhi, our revered Father of the Nation, frequently advocated fasting for health, drawing from his faith in naturopathic principles. Gandhi ji believed that fasting could occasionally stimulate sexual desire and enhance one’s appetite for food. In this article, we’ll explore the various methods of intermittent fasting, delve into the science behind its health benefits, and understand how it can be a pathway to a healthier and longer life. Paramahansa Yogananda (left) and Gandhiji (right). Source: Wikimedia Commons What is Intermittent Fasting Intermittent fasting is a structured eating pattern that alternates between periods of fasting and eating. Unlike traditional diets that focus on what you eat, IF emphasises when you eat. There are several popular methods of intermittent fasting, each with its unique approach: The 16/8 Method: This method involves fasting for 16 hours each day and restricting your eating to an 8-hour window. For example, you might eat between 12:00 PM and 8:00 PM and fast from 8:00 PM to 12:00 PM the next day. The 5:2 Method: With this approach, you consume a regular diet for five days of the week and restrict calorie intake to around 500-600 calories on the remaining two non-consecutive days. The Eat-Stop-Eat Method: In this method, you fast for a full 24 hours once or twice a week. For example, you might fast from dinner one day until dinner the next. The Alternate-Day Fasting Method involves alternating between fasting and non-fasting days. On fasting days, you consume very few calories or none at all. The Warrior Diet: This method involves consuming small amounts of raw fruits and vegetables during the day and having one large meal in the evening, usually within a 4-hour eating window. Health Benefits of Intermittent Fasting Weight Management: Intermittent fasting can help you reduce calorie intake, which often leads to weight loss. Additionally, it can enhance fat loss and preserve lean muscle mass. Improved Insulin Sensitivity: IF can improve insulin sensitivity, helping regulate blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Heart Health: Some studies suggest that intermittent fasting may improve cardiovascular health by reducing risk factors like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglycerides. Enhanced Autophagy: Autophagy is a cellular process that cleans out damaged cells and regenerates new ones. Fasting triggers autophagy, which can help protect against various diseases and slow down the ageing process. Longevity: Research on animals has shown that intermittent fasting may extend lifespan by promoting cellular repair and reducing the risk of age-related diseases.  Getting Started with Intermittent Fasting Before embarking on an intermittent fasting journey, it’s essential to consider a few key points: Consult a Healthcare Professional: If you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications, consult with a healthcare provider before starting any fasting regimen. Choose the Right Method: Select an intermittent fasting method that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. Stay Hydrated: During fasting periods, it’s essential to stay hydrated by drinking water, herbal teas, or black coffee (without added sugars or cream). Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to hunger cues and adjust your fasting schedule accordingly. It’s essential to maintain a healthy relationship with food Conclusion In conclusion, intermittent fasting is not just a diet but a lifestyle approach that offers numerous health benefits, including weight management, improved insulin sensitivity, heart health, enhanced autophagy, and potential longevity. However, it’s essential to approach it thoughtfully and with medical guidance, especially if you have any health concerns. With the right approach, intermittent fasting can be a path to better health and a longer, more vibrant life. TAC Desk

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Nutrition and Diet, People Forum

From Henna to Highlights: Exploring the World of Hair Dyes

Reading Time: 5 minutesFrom Henna to Highlights: Exploring the World of Hair Dye Overview of Hair dyes Hair dyes are chemical products containing pigments that change the hair’s colour. They are becoming increasingly popular among people of all genders, with various types and brands widely available. There are three main types of hair dyes: Temporary Hair Dyes: These come in the form of gels, sprays, or rinses and provide a temporary colour change. They can be easily washed out with regular shampoo. Semi-Permanent Hair Dyes: These are typically liquid or aerosol products that offer longer-lasting colour. They can’t be rinsed off with water but do fade gradually over time. Permanent Hair Dyes: These dyes are designed to last until new hair growth appears. They don’t wash out easily and often require the hair to grow out to change colour. How do hair dyes work?  Each hair shaft consists of three main layers: Cuticle: The outermost layer, composed of colourless cells, serves as a protective barrier for the hair shaft. Cortex: This layer contains pigments responsible for the hair’s natural colour. It gives hair its characteristic hue. Medulla: The innermost layer, the medulla, is a hollow core. It doesn’t always exist in every hair shaft and may be absent in some individuals. Hair dyes work by altering the colour of the hair shaft. In the case of permanent hair dyes, the colouring agents penetrate through the cuticle and reach the cortex, where they either remove the natural colour or add a new one. This process is what allows for a long-lasting change in hair colour. Traditionally, natural dyes were used for hair colouring. However, now with the increasing popularity of hair dyes and advancement in the field of cosmetology various types of dyes in a wide range of colours have been developed, providing people with more options for changing or enhancing their hair color. Image Source: Pixabay History of hair dyes: The earliest reference to hair colouring is linked to the Egyptians. Around 1500 BC, Rameses II used red henna to colour his hair. Also, Mummies discovered in Egypt also had their hair dyed with henna, establishing a connection between hair dyes and Egyptians. In 300 BC, during the Roman Empire, people employed a mixture of nuts and ashes from burnt flowers and plants to achieve yellow or blond hair colour. During the 4th century in Greece, individuals would rinse their hair with a potassium solution and apply a pomade made from flower petals to colour their hair. It’s reported that they obtained golden hair by rinsing their hair with a particular lotion and sitting in the sunlight. In the Dark Ages in Scotland, red hair was initially observed as a result of genetic mutation, eventually becoming more acceptable. The 1694 Ladies’ Dictionary depicts various ways to dye hair. The mixture of wine and elderberries for shades of black, radish extracts to turn hair into an auburn shade, and a combination of saffron, and turmeric, for blond hair were used.  In the year 1800, William Henry Perkin accidentally discovered hair dye while researching a cure for malaria. He named the colour he discovered “Mauveine,” and the molecule derived from mauveine, called para-phenylenediamine, still serves as the basis for the majority of hair dyes used today. In 1907, Eugene Schueller created the first hair dye, which he named “Aureole.” Since then, hair colouring has become widespread. Health effects of hair dyes: There are a few potential health effects associated with the use of hair dyes. However, it’s important to note that while the risks have been documented, not everyone who uses hair dyes will encounter these health issues, and the severity of the effects can vary. Individual reactions may vary, and some individuals are more sensitive or susceptible than others. Allergies: Allergies to hair dyes have become more common than ever. Usually, aromatic amines present in the hair dyes are responsible for the allergies. Allergy may present itself as mere dermatitis on the head and the neck and becomes more pronounced with time. Signs of hair dye overuse: Damages, frizzy and dry hair, rashes on the skin Hair loss, irritated scalp, loss of strength and thickness of hair Dermatitis of the scalp, face and eyes Repeated exposure may even result in respiratory issues like asthma. Ammonia toxicity Cancer: Aromatic amines in hair dyes have been associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. This risk is particularly notable among hairdressers and individuals who frequently use permanent hair dyes. Research indicates that permanent hair dyes pose a greater risk compared to other hair products. A study conducted in New England revealed that women who used permanent hair dyes more than 12 to 15 times a year had an elevated risk of bladder cancer. Additionally, hair dyes are said to contain chemicals that can influence hormone activity, potentially increasing the risk of breast cancer and contributing to endocrine disruption compounds. Conclusion The chemicals found in hair dyes have the potential to inflict irreversible damage to both the skin and hair, and they may also lead to various adverse effects, including allergies. It is imperative to be aware of the potential health risks associated with these products. Opting for natural hair dyes or exploring home remedies such as coffee or beetroot for hair coloring is a prudent choice. When using chemical hair dyes, precautions should be taken, including conducting patch tests before applying any product to mitigate the potential outcomes that could arise in the event of allergies. References Ros MM, Gago-Dominguez M, Aben KK, Bueno-de-Mesquita HB, Kampman E, Vermeulen SH, Kiemeney LA. Personal hair dye use and the risk of bladder cancer: a case–control study from The Netherlands. Cancer Causes & Control. 2012 Jul;23:1139-48. He L, Michailidou F, Gahlon HL, Zeng W. Hair dye ingredients and potential health risks from exposure to hair dyeing. Chemical Research in Toxicology. 2022 Jun 6;35(6):901-15. Patel D, Narayana S, Krishnaswamy B. Trends in use of hair dye: a cross-sectional study. International journal of trichology. 2013 Jul;5(3):140. Corbett JF. A historical review

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Editorial, People Forum

The Journey of Tea from China to India

Reading Time: 5 minutesThe Journey Of Tea From China To India Tea is our “go-to” beverage. It is a ‘pick me up’ drink in the mornings to get us moving, to enjoy on a rainy day, to de-stress with friends, to enjoy it whenever and wherever we desire. We cannot imagine our life without it. Let’s see how this humble drink has travelled the world over to find an important place in our kitchens and our hearts. What is the process of brewing Tea? The technique of brewing tea is to steep the tea leaves in water, then add sugar (optional), some milk(optional) and allow it to boil and then strain it into a teacup/ earthen glasses (kulhad) , glass glasses, paper cups, glass cups, steel cups, tea mugs, however, you like it. What are different types of tea? There are many varieties of tea: Black tea, Green tea, Herbal tea, Masala tea, White tea, Oolong tea, Yellow tea, Chamomile tea, Darjeeling tea, Earl Grey tea, Rooibos, Hibiscus tea, Peppermint tea, Assam tea, Fermented tea, Ceylon tea, Gunpowder tea, Bilouchun, Ginger tea, Flowering tea, Gyokuru, Matcha, Ginger tea, to name a few. And last but not least, Iced tea. History of tea Tea energises us and it has cognitive benefits on our memory and focuses our mind. Tea contains caffeine, theobromine, theophylline and L-theanine, which help stimulate our minds and relax us. Tea has a very interesting history. Chef Ranveer Brar, on one of the episodes of Kaun Banega  Crorepati, mentioned the origin of tea in China. Tea Plantation in China [Source: Wikimedia Commons] Chinese Connection:  A Chinese legend has it, that, in 2737 BC, the Chinese emperor Shen Nung (Shennong) was sitting beneath a tree and his servant was boiling drinking water when suddenly some leaves from the tree blew into the water changing its colour and taste / or another version which says that the Emperor was drinking boiled water and the leaves from the overhead tree blew into the water thereby changing its colour and taste. He took a sip and was surprised with the taste and quite enjoyed the infused water. Tea was considered more of a medicinal drink in those days. The Emperor used to experiment with different herbs and plants and discovered that tea worked as an antidote too.  If he chewed some poisonous leaves, he immediately chewed tea leaves to counter the poison Japanese Connection It was during the Tang dynasty that tea consumption became popular in Korea, Japan and Vietnam. During the Sui dynasty in China, the Buddhist monks, namely Saicho in 806 and Kukai, who travelled to China to learn about its culture, brought back tea seeds to Japan. The Emperor Saga encouraged the growth of these tea plants and thereafter Japan imported the tea seeds from China and made tea the drink of the royalty. The oldest book Kissa Yojoki- How To Stay Healthy by Drinking Tea, was written in 1211, It opens with the sentence “Tea is the ultimate mental and medical remedy and has the ability to make one’s life more full and complete”, and was written by Zen priest Eisai. How true it is to this day! Green tea was preferred by the Japanese gentry and priests. Korean Connection It was in 661 AD tea was offered to the spirit of King Suro, the founder of the Geumgwan Gaya kingdom and to the spirits of  Buddhist monks in the year 918 -1392 during the Goryeo dynasty in Korea. The “Day Tea Rite” was prevalent during the Joseon Dynasty, which was a daytime ceremony that took place commonly and the “Special Tea Rite” was for special occasions. Global Connection In the 13th century, the Ajuran empire in Somalia, Africa, had bilateral trade relations with the Ming Dynasty of China which introduced tea in Africa. Macau was a trading port in 1557 during the Portuguese era. The Portuguese priests and merchants were introduced to tea, then called ‘cha’ by the Chinese. In the early 17th century, a ship belonging to the Dutch East India Company transported green tea leaves from China to Amsterdam. France recognized tea in 1636 and it was popular in Paris around 1648. In the year 1662, King Charles II married Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza, an ardent tea lover, and thereafter tea was introduced in the royal court in England. The protests against tea during the American Revolution saw a sharp decline in tea drinking and a steep rise in coffee drinking as the Americans considered tea an “unpatriotic” drink. The 17th century saw the advent of tea in Russia when China gifted it to the Russian Czar Michael in 1618, who disliked it and therefore Russia could reap its benefits only in 1969. There was less intrigue in Germany and England. Captain Cook saw the Australian Aboriginals drinking an infusion of the plant leptospermum and named it ‘tea’ and today the plant is known as ‘ti tree’. The first commercial plantation was established in Bingil Bay in North Queensland by the Cutten brothers. Indian Connection The British introduced tea culture in India in 1836 and Ceylon in 1867. The British introduced India to tea and to break the Chinese monopoly, the British cultivated land in Darjeeling, Assam and Ceylon (then a part of India) by using Chinese tea seeds and practising Chinese cultivation methods thus making Assam a leading producer of tea. In the 1950’s, the Indian Tea Board popularized tea through an advertising campaign. Black tea was the foremost variety which was grown and exported too. India was the topmost tea producer for almost a century but in the 21st century, China has become the number one tea producer “Tea is the ultimate mental and medical remedy and has the ability to make one’s life more full and complete” Zen Priest Eisai Conclusion This is how one of our favourite beverages has reached us. One thing we need to remind ourselves is that whatever variety of tea we are fond of, it should be consumed in moderation.

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Editorial, The Journey
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