Sesame seeds - (Sesamum indicum) – Health Benefits

Sesame seeds - (Sesamum indicum) – Health Benefits

Sesame seeds are tiny, flat oval seeds with a nutty taste and a delicate, almost invisible crunch. They come in a host of different colors, depending upon the variety, including white, yellow, black and red. Sesame seeds add a nutty taste and a delicate, almost invisible, crunch to many Asian dishes. Sesame seeds, popularly known as ‘Til‘ in Hindi, ‘Nuvvulu‘ in Telugu, ‘Ellu‘ (Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada), ‘Teel‘ in Marathi and ‘Til‘ in Bengali are the oldest condiment known to mankind. 

They are nutty and fragrant seed variants. They add a lovely crunch to many Asian and Middle Eastern dishes. Both these races are known for their longevity .The benefits of sesame are not just culinary but this nutrient-dense condiment is good for our bodies as well. Sesame seeds include a combination of vitamins and minerals and are one of the healthiest foods in the world. They are also the main ingredients in tahini (sesame seed paste) and the wonderful Middle Eastern sweet call halvah. 

They are available throughout the year. The sesame seeds are extremely rich in calcium and are useful in calcium deficiency. Natural sesame seeds are largely served in bakery products such as breads, bread sticks, cookies, candies, pasta, vegetables & curry dishes. The toasted variety of natural sesame seeds are used in chocolate, ice-cream and halva. 

 Sesame seeds are full of high quality protein making up 20 percent of the seed with 4.7 grams of protein per ounce. 

 Sesame seeds contain magnesium and other nutrients. Sesame oil has been shown to prevent diabetes, and it can also improve plasma glucose in hypersensitive diabetics. The same study above reveals how sesame oil lowers blood pressure in diabetics. Sesame seeds are full of magnesium – a key nutrient known to help lower blood pressure. Sesame helps lower cholesterol levels, because it contains phytosterols that block cholesterol production. Black sesame seeds are especially high in phytosterols.  The high fiber content of sesame seeds helps the intestines with elimination.  The high zinc content helps produce collagen, giving skin more elasticity and helping repair damaged body tissues. Regular use of sesame oil can reduce skin cancer.  

Sesame seed oil can help heart health by preventing atherosclerotic lesions with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound known as sesamol. Sesame seeds contain anti-cancer compounds including phytic acid, magnesium and  phytosterols. Sesame seeds have the highest phytosterol content of all seeds and nuts.
 Sesame seeds contain the stress-relieving minerals magnesium and calcium. Sesame also contains the calming vitamins thiamin and tryptophan that help produce serotonin, which reduces pain, assists moods and helps you sleep deeply. 

Black sesame seeds are particularly rich in iron, so they’re highly recommended for those with anemia and weakness. Protects from Radiation Damage to DNA
Sesamol in sesame seeds and sesame oil, has been shown to protect against DNA damage caused by radiation.  The high copper content in sesame seeds prevents and relieves arthritis, and strengthens bones, joints and blood vessels.  Sesame helps protect you from alcohol’s impact on your liver, helping you maintain healthy liver function.Sesame seed oil prevents harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun from damaging your skin, thus preventing the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation. A handful of sesame seeds contains more calcium than a glass of milk. Also the high zinc content of sesame boosts bone mineral density. 

A sesame oil massage improves growth and improves sleep. Rashes on a baby’s skin — especially where the diaper is — can be protected with sesame seed oil by rubbing it in. Sesame also helps reverse dry skin.   In traditional Chinese medicine there is a relationship between the liver and eyes. The liver sends blood to the eyes to support functioning. Black sesame seeds are the best . Sesame seeds can be consumed in the raw or dried form, or even as roasted snacks. They are used as an ingredient in several cuisines. Dry roasted sesame seeds are ground with olive into a thin, light brown colored paste, known as ‘Tahini’, which is a popular middle-eastern dip. 

In Europe, they are commonly used in the manufacture of margarine. There are several varieties of sesame seeds depending on the type of cultivar such as white, black and brown seeds. White sesame seeds have higher iron content than the black ones and are mostly used as ingredients in food or in the form of oil. Black sesame seeds are more flavorful and have a stronger aroma than white or brown sesame seeds and are preferably used in medicines. They contain 60% more calcium than the white ones. White sesame seeds are hulled, whereas the black and brown ones retain their hulls.

Ber - nutrient-dense fruit

Ber - nutrient-dense fruit

 

Ber is an important minor fruit of India. It is the most hardy fruit-tree cultivated all over India and is often called the poor man’s fruit. Most trees in India growing isolated are of seedling origin and therefore bear poor quality and their fruit sells cheap.  Ber fruit is also known as Bor, Chinee Apple, Jujube, Indian plum and Masau. It’s a seasonal fruit and can be found in the market from November to March.

 The ripe fruits are mostly consumed raw. Many people, especially children, enjoy the candied form (made by immersing and cooking the fruits in salt and sugar solution). In some places, ripe fruits are sun-dried and a powder called borkut is prepared, which is also very popular among thechildren.

Ber is nutrient-dense fruit, with antioxidant and immuno-stimulant (stimulates your immune system) properties. So if you have weak immunity then eating ber can help. It’s also a rich source of vitamin C (richer than orange). And vitamin C is needed for the growth and repair of cells in all parts of your body, including your skin and scalp. In addition, ber contains amino acids, B vitamins, calcium, iron, and phosphorous. These nutrients will keep your skin healthy, and your scalp and hair in tip top condition. Besides, ber is not just about taste and nutrition. 

This ancient fruit also has a great cultural significance. It was depicted in the epic of Ramayana (remember the story of Lord Ram and Shabri*), and therefore has been known for many centuries. In Maharashtra -an Indian state – there is a tradition of bathing children in bor fruits (bor nahan), as it’s believed to nurture their immune system. The Ber tree is also dear to God Shiva, whose worship is considered incomplete without offering of the ber fruit, especially during Mahashivaratri puja. 

    There are many varieties in different parts of India. Narma and Karaka are famous varieties of Varanasi in U.P. Umran or Umri is a large-fruited variety with a good yield and a good keeping quality cultivated around Delhi. Gola is very early, round-fruited variety of excellent quality exclusive to Delhi. Unfortunately, it does not have a good transport or keeping quality. Dandan, Kheera and Chonchal are other good varieties of this area. Kotho or Katha are from Alwar, Rajasthan and Meherun ber is from Jalgaon in Maharshta.  Mehrun is said to be resistant to fruit flies which otherwise is a serious pest of ber. 

A seedless variety for ber was found in Poona, but it has not spread, probably due to the small size of the fruits. The Indian ber has a spreading tree, vine-like branches, leaves which are dark green on the upper surface and densely felted on the lower surface, it flowers in autumn, bears fruits at the end of winter; if it sheds the leaves it does so in the hot weather after fruiting and does not like a cold climate.

 

 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging ( M R I )

Magnetic Resonance Imaging ( M R I )

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses the body's natural magnetic properties to produce detailed images from any part of the body. For imaging purposes the hydrogen nucleus (a single proton) is used because of its abundance in water and fat. The hydrogen proton can be likened to the planet earth, spinning on its axis, with a north-south pole. In this respect it behaves like a small bar magnet. Under normal circumstances, these hydrogen proton “bar magnets” spin in the body with their axes randomly aligned. When the body is placed in a strong magnetic field, such as an MRI scanner, the protons' axes all line up. This uniform alignment creates a magnetic vector oriented along the axis of the MRI scanner. MRI scanners come in different field strengths, usually between 0.5 and 1.5  tesla.

 When additional energy (in the form of a radio wave) is added to the magnetic field, the magnetic vector is deflected. The radio wave frequency (RF) that causes the hydrogen nuclei to resonate is dependent on the element sought (hydrogen in this case) and the strength of the magnetic field. The strength of the magnetic field can be altered electronically from head to toe using a series of gradient electric coils, and, by altering the local magnetic field by these small increments, different slices of the body will resonate as different frequencies are applied. When the radio frequency source is switched off the magnetic vector returns to its resting state, and this causes a signal (also a radio wave) to be emitted. It is this signal which is used to create the MR images. Receiver coils are used around the body part in question to act as aerials to improve the detection of the emitted signal. The intensity of the received signal is then plotted on a grey scale and cross sectional images are built up. Multiple transmitted radiofrequency pulses can be used in sequence to emphasise particular tissues or abnormalities. A different emphasis occurs because different tissues relax at different rates when the transmitted radiofrequency pulse is switched off. 

The time taken for the protons to fully relax is measured in two ways. The first is the time taken for the magnetic vector to return to its resting state and the second is the time needed for the axial spin to return to its resting state. The first is called T1 relaxation, the second is called T2 relaxation. An MR examination is thus made up of a series of pulse sequences. Different tissues (such as fat and water) have different relaxation times and can be identified separately. By using a “fat suppression” pulse sequence, for example, the signal from fat will be removed, leaving only the signal from any abnormalities lying within it. Most diseases manifest themselves by an increase in water content, so MRI is a sensitive test for the detection of disease. The exact nature of the pathology can be more difficult to ascertain: for example, infection and tumour can in some cases look similar. A careful analysis of the images by a radiologist will often yield the correct answer.

There are no known biological hazards of MRI because, unlike x ray and computed tomography, MRI uses radiation in the radio frequency range which is found all around us and does not damage tissue as it passes through. Pacemakers, metal clips, and metal valves can be dangerous in MRI scanners because of potential movement within a magnetic field. Metal joint prostheses are less of a problem, although there may be some distortion of the image close to the metal. MRI departments always check for implanted metal and can advise on their safety.

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a common procedure used by hospitals around the world. An MRI Scan utilizes a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within the body. The development of MRI revolutionized the medical world. Since its discovery, doctors and researchers have developed the use of MRI scans to not only assist in medical procedures but also aid in research. MRI scans are a non-invasive and painless procedure. Unlike X-rays and CT scans, MRI does not ionize radiation, which is potentially harmful to the patient. MRI is an acronym for magnetic resonance imaging. 

The magnets used in an MRI scan need to be constantly cooled to a temperature of absolute zero (-459.67°F). Liquid helium is traditionally used to cool the magnets. An upright MRI scanner has now been created, enabling patients to feel less claustrophobic. An MRI scan uses a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer to create a detailed cross-sectional image of the patient's internal organs and structures. The scanner itself will resemble a large tube with a table in the middle, allowing the patient to slide into the tunnel. An MRI scan differs from CT scans and X-rays because it does not use ionizing radiation, which can be potentially harmful to a patient. MRI scan work - An MRI scanner contains two powerful magnets, which represent the most critical part of the equipment. The human body is largely made of water molecules, which each consists of smaller hydrogen and oxygen atoms. At the centre of each atom lies an even smaller particle called a proton, which serves as a magnet and is sensitive to any magnetic field. Normally the water molecules in our bodies are randomly arranged, but upon entering an MRI scanner, the first magnet causes the body's water molecules to align in one direction, either north or south. The second magnetic field is then turned on and off in a series of quick pulses, causing each hydrogen atom to alter their alignment and then quickly switch back to their original relaxed state when switched off. This creates a knocking sound inside the scanner and is a result of the gradient coils being switched on and off. When electricity is passed through the coil, a magnetic field is created and the coil vibrates, which accounts for the noise you hear.

 Although the patient cannot feel these changes, the scanner can detect them, and in conjunction with a computer, can create a detailed cross-sectional image for the radiologist. The development of the MRI scan represents a huge milestone for the medical world, as doctors, scientists and researchers are now able to examine the insides of the human body accurately using a non-invasive tool. Where an MRI scan is used: Abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord, Tumors, cysts, and other abnormalities in various parts of the body, Injuries or abnormalities of the joints, such as back pain, Certain types of heart problems, Diseases of the liver and other abdominal organs, Causes of pelvic pain in women (e.g. fibroids, endometriosis), Suspected uterine abnormalities in women undergoing evaluation for infertility.