Nourish from Nature

Understanding the "Listerine Mouthwash Causes Cancer" Claim Introduction: It's unsettling when products we rely on daily, like Listerine mouthwash, are accused of posing health risks. This concern echoes the 2015 scare over Maggi noodles and their high lead content. Recently, Listerine has been scrutinized by researchers who suggest its regular use could potentially lead to cancer. The Origins of Listerine: In 1879, a doctor from St. Louis named his antiseptic formula after Joseph Lister, a pioneer in surgical hygiene. Initially, Listerine served various purposes: it was a disinfectant, a cleaning agent, a dandruff treatment, a hair tonic, a deodorant, and a remedy for different bacterial and viral infections. Over time, its use as an oral antiseptic was realized, leading to its popularity as a mouthwash that promised to eliminate germs and freshen breath. The Alarming Headlines: Many of us habitually use Listerine for a quick rinse, so recent headlines lin...

What is "Meaty Rice"? | A Sustainable Protein Set to Transform the Global Food Industry | a short review    Introduction to Meaty Rice: In a groundbreaking development, South Korean scientists are creating a sustainable protein known as "meaty rice." This innovative food product aims to revolutionize the global food industry, offering a new way to consume protein that could help combat hunger and provide nutrition in space. The Science Behind Meaty Rice: In a Seoul laboratory, researchers inject cultured beef cells into individual grains of rice. This process, led by Professor Hong Jin-kee, aims to produce an eco-friendly and ethical protein source. The resulting product looks like regular rice but with a pink hue and a faint buttery aroma, indicating its beef content. Ethical and Environmental Benefits: One of the key benefits of meaty rice is that it doesn't involve harming animals. According to Professor Hong, this method allows for the product...

Why You Should Include Achaar or Pickle in Your Daily Diet Introduction: Achaar, or pickle, is a staple in Indian cuisine, cherished for its vibrant flavors and cultural significance. Its rich history and health benefits make it a valuable addition to daily meals. Cultural Importance of Achaar Achaar is deeply embedded in Indian culinary traditions, with each region boasting unique recipes passed down through generations. This tradition of pickling preserves seasonal produce, allowing enjoyment of flavors year-round while reducing food waste. Nutritional Benefits of Achaar According to Ayurveda, pickling enhances the nutritional profile of foods, fostering healthy microbes. Nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar highlights that pickles are rich in vitamin K, vitamin A, and probiotics, contributing to overall health. Daily Consumption: Is It Safe? While achaar is typically made with salt, oil, and spices, moderation is key. Health expert Shilpa Arora notes that properly made pickles...

Staying Hydrated This Summer | ICMR's Advice on Sugarcane Juice and Other Beverages Introduction: As the summer heat in India intensifies, many people reach for refreshing drinks like sugarcane juice, fruit juices, and chilled coffees.  However, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued an advisory cautioning against the excessive consumption of these beverages.  Here's a closer look at their recommendations and why they matter. The Risks of Sugarcane Juice: Sugarcane juice is a popular drink in India, especially during the summer months. However, ICMR advises minimizing its consumption due to its high sugar content.  Shubha Ramesh L, chief dietician at DHEE Hospitals, notes that while sugarcane juice is rich in natural sugars, it can pose several health risks, especially in hot weather. Dehydration: High sugar intake can increase water loss as the body needs more water to metabolize the sugar. This is especially problematic during the summer when...

The Potential of Pomegranates in Combating Alzheimer's Disease Introduction: Recent research has highlighted that certain substances found in foods like pomegranates, strawberries, and walnuts might play a role in protecting the brain from Alzheimer's disease.  A new study reports that these foods can help the brain clear out damaged cells in mice designed to model Alzheimer's disease. The Role of Nicotinamide Riboside in Brain Health: Earlier research by the same team revealed that a form of vitamin B3, known as nicotinamide riboside (NR), assists in removing damaged mitochondria from the brain.  This process is crucial because when the brain's cleaning systems are disrupted, it leads to the accumulation of cellular debris, paving the way for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Understanding Mitophagy and Its Impact: Vilhelm Bohr, a biochemist at the University of Copenhagen, explains that many neurodegenerative disease patient...

Warm Water Accelerates Melting of the 'Doomsday Glacier' Introduction: A recent study reveals that warm and high-pressure seawater is melting the Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica, often referred to as the 'Doomsday Glacier,' at an alarming rate. This process could lead to significant revisions in global sea-level rise predictions. The Impact of Warm Seawater: Researchers from the University of California, Irvine, utilized high-resolution satellite radar data to uncover the extent of seawater intrusion beneath the glacier.  This interaction between ocean water and the glacier's base is causing rapid melting, a phenomenon likely occurring throughout Antarctica and Greenland, necessitating a reevaluation of sea level projections. Insights from ICEYE Satellite Mission: To understand how ocean water affects glacial melting, data from Finland's ICEYE satellite mission was analyzed.  These satellites use interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) to mo...

Japan Introduces 'Electric Salt Spoon' to Enhance Flavor | and Promote Healthier Eating Introduction: Over recent years, the push for healthier lifestyles has led to various innovative technologies. One standout innovation from Japan is the 'Electric Salt Spoon,' developed by Kirin Holdings, launched on May 20, 2024, and priced at 19,800 yen (approx. ₹10,536). Promoting Healthier Eating: With growing awareness of the health risks associated with excessive sodium intake, the 'Electric Salt Spoon' offers a unique solution. This electrified spoon enhances salty flavors without the need for extra salt, potentially reducing sodium consumption. Award-Winning Technology: The spoon's technology, which won the 2023 Ig Nobel Prize for its unconventional approach, uses a weak electric current to amplify the salty and umami flavors in food. This not only helps in promoting healthier eating habits but also adds to the culinary experience. Features and Usability: W...