16/02/2025

Glaucoma, the disease that causes vision loss

Symptoms to watch out for

Glaucoma is a disease that affects the eyes - the optic nerve in particular - and if not treated in time can also lead to loss of vision. This eye disease affects around 55 million people worldwide and it is very important to try to prevent it as much as possible so that sight is preserved. (Source: Humanitas Hospital Milan).

Glaucoma is caused by either increased internal pressure in the eye or, in limited cases, reduced blood supply to the optic nerve. The resulting damage leads to visual field loss, initially in peripheral portions and later in central areas of the visual field, impairing vision. Glaucoma can be caused by congenital forms, i.e. forms that already occur at birth, or non-congenital forms. What causes it, even in non-congenital forms, is a reduction in the function of the trabecular meshwork, which is responsible for draining the aqueous humour from inside the eye to the outside. If the trabecularis does not function as it should, an increase in pressure inside the eye occurs, which then causes damage to the optic nerve and thus leads to the development of glaucoma.

To try to prevent the onset of glaucoma as much as possible, it is important to pay attention to the symptoms it can cause. These include loss of side, top and bottom vision that can cause difficulty in reading, driving and moving around spaces. Regular eye examinations are a good way to prevent the disease also because increased blood pressure is not immediately felt with symptoms. Individuals who are most at risk of developing glaucoma, and who should therefore undergo regular examinations, are especially those who have already had a family history of glaucoma, people with visual field defects, people who suffer from high myopia or diabetes, and people who have been taking cortisone medication for a long time.

15/02/2025

Health Benefits of Yogurt

6 Impressive Health Benefits of Yogurt

Yogurt is a popular dairy product made by the bacterial fermentation of milk. The bacteria used to make yogurt are called “yogurt cultures,” which ferment lactose, the natural sugar found in milk. This process produces lactic acid, a substance that causes milk proteins to curdle, giving yogurt its unique flavor and texture.

Yogurt can be made from all types of milk. Varieties made from skim milk are considered fat-free, whereas whole milk options are considered full fat. Plain yogurt without added colorants is a white, thick liquid with a tangy flavor. However, most commercial brands contain added ingredients, such as sugar and artificial flavors.

Here are six science-based health benefits of natural yogurt:
  • It’s rich in important nutrients
  • It’s high in protein
  • Some varieties may benefit digestive health
  • It may strengthen your immune system
  • It may benefit heart health
  • It may promote weight management


14 Proven Benefits of Yogurt

Yogurt is considered a superfood because it is packed with calcium, protein, and active ‘good’ bacteria which helps keep the gut healthy. It also helps in promoting weight loss, boosting metabolism, increasing immunity, preventing osteoporosis, and fighting anemia, and vaginal infections. Additionally, it also lowers cholesterol levels, strengthens teeth, and improves hair and skin health.

Yogurt, also known as yoghurt, is a dairy product prepared from the bacterial fermentation of milk. Lactobacillus, a helpful class of bacteria, ferments milk into yogurt and aids in the digestive process of the body. They also protect the gut from succumbing to infection by harmful bacteria. This kind of bacteria is also known as ‘yogurt culture’, probiotics, or ‘good’ bacteria, and it is good for overall health and wellness. Unprocessed yogurt has a creamy texture and sour taste.

Health Benefits of Yogurt:
  • Protects Bone Health
  • Prevents Vaginal Infections
  • Enhances Brain Function
  • Treats Asthma
  • Prevents Anemia
  • Lowers Hypertension
  • Lowers Cholesterol Levels
  • Eliminates Bad Breath
  • Skin & Hair Care
  • Workout Recovery


15 Proven Health Benefits of Yogurt on Your Body

Yogurt is a versatile and delicious food enjoyed by people worldwide for centuries. It is a great source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, making it a healthy and nutritious snack or meal. Not only does yogurt provide essential vitamins and minerals, but it also offers a variety of health benefits. From helping to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease to improving digestion and gut health, yogurt is a true superfood. This article will discuss 15 proven health benefits of yogurt on your body.

Yogurt can be derived from different types of milk, such as whole-fat and skim milk. When sourced from grass-fed goats or cows, its nutrition is maximized, supplying whey protein, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, calcium, probiotics, enzymes, potassium, vitamin D, and vitamin K2. Yogurt can be made from sheep’s, cow’s, or goat’s milk and is produced by fermentation. It is believed that milk fermentation has been practiced for more than 6,000 years to preserve milk before the convenience of refrigerators arrived. The live microorganisms in yogurt, also called good bacteria or probiotics, ferment the milk’s natural lactose or sugar.  This produces lactic acid and causes milk proteins to curdle, providing yogurts its texture and distinctive taste.

15 Proven Health Benefits of Yogurt on Your Body:
  • Aids in Proper Digestion
  • Strengthens Immune System
  • Helps Prevent Yeast Infections
  • Improves Bone Health
  • Enhances Brain Function
  • May Benefit Heart Health
  • Helps Treat Symptoms of Asthma
  • Prevents Hypertension
  • Lowers the Risk of Diabetes
  • Regulates Cholesterol Levels
  • Faster Workout Recovery
  • Reduces Risk of Colorectal Cancer
  • Increases Fat Loss and Promotes Weight Management
  • Nourishes hair
Helps Enhance Complexion


What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Yogurt Every Day

The average American consumed about 14.3 pounds of yogurt in 2021. And is that any surprise? This dairy product is remarkably versatile—you can use it as a base for your morning bowl of granola, as a convenient portable snack for work, as a healthy dessert, or even as a base for a homemade salad dressing or marinade. Plus, nowadays, there are more options than ever to choose from, from Greek to Icelandic skyr, full-fat to non-fat, and high-protein to lactose-free. Whichever your go-to yogurt type is, you're likely well aware by now that this food comes with more than a few health benefits.

Rich in nutrients such as protein, calcium, and probiotics, yogurt has long been associated with bone strength, gut health, and weight management. But do you know the other potential benefits and side effects of eating yogurt every day? Because that's only the beginning. "Frequent consumption of yogurt has been shown to improve risk factors for cardiovascular disease, to lower diabetes risk, and to enhance immune function," says Brooke Glazer, RDN. And that's not all! If you're a yogurt lover or are just trying to incorporate it more consistently into your diet Then, for tips on which yogurts to buy, check out The 13 Best Yogurt Brands—and 3 To Avoid.

Potential benefits and side effects of eating yogurt every day:
  • You'll get a protein boost
  • You may experience healthier blood pressure levels
  • Your 'bad' cholesterol levels may decrease
  • You'll increase your calcium intake
  • Your digestive tract will get some extra help
  • Your immune system will get some support
  • Your mental health may improve
  • Your body will send signals of fullness to your brain
  • You'll get a rush of many vital nutrients


Health Benefits of Yogurt

Yogurt is a nutrient-rich food made from cultured dairy ingredients and bacteria. It is one of the most common dairy products on the market today, for good reason. It's a creamy, tasty addition to many meals and offers many health benefits.

Sweetened yogurt is often served as a healthier alternative to ice cream or custard. Plain yogurt can be used instead of sour cream to top everything from tacos to baked potatoes. Whole-milk yogurt has far fewer calories and more protein than sour cream or ice cream. It's also a fermented food that contains live probiotics. How is yogurt made? Yogurt is made by combining heated milk (whether it's partially skimmed milk, skim milk, cream, or other reconstituted versions) with bacteria and leaving it at a high temperature. The bacteria then turn the sugar in the milk, or lactose, into lactic acid, which causes the milk to thicken and gives it a unique, tart flavor. Yogurt Nutrition - Yogurt is an excellent source of probiotics, calcium, and protein.

It's also a great source of many vitamins and minerals, including:
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin B12
  • Calcium
  • Potassium
  • Iodine
  • Phosphorus
  • Magnesium


Everything you need to know about yogurt

Yogurt is a dairy product made by fermenting milk with a bacterial yogurt culture. It provides protein and calcium, and it may enhance healthy probiotic gut bacteria. However, some yoghurt products are less healthy than others.

Health benefits range from protecting against osteoporosis to relieving irritable bowel disease and aiding digestion, but these depend on the type of yogurt consumed. Added sugar and processing can make some yogurt products unhealthy. Yogurt starts as fresh milk or cream. It is often first pasteurized, then fermented with various live bacteria cultures, and incubated at a specific temperature to encourage bacteria growth. The culture ferments the lactose, the natural sugar found in milk. This produces lactic acid, which gives yogurt its distinctive flavor.

Fast facts about yogurt:
  • Yogurt is made by fermenting milk with a yogurt culture.
  • Health benefits can include promoting bone health and aiding digestion.
  • Some yogurts contain active, living bacteria known as probiotics, which can help keep the intestines healthy.
  • Yogurt products that go through heat treatment have no active bacteria, reducing the health benefits. Yogurt-covered raisins are an example.
  • Yogurts contain calcium, vitamins B6 and B12, riboflavin, potassium, and magnesium. The amounts depend on the type.


14/02/2025

Happy Valentine 2025

Amazing Ideas to Celebrate a Virtual and Quarantine Valentine’s Day 2021

Valentine's Day 2020 was probably not very well-prepared when the COVID-19 outbroke suddenly. However, having spent more than a year dealing with covid, perhaps we should get some experience to prepare a meaningful virtual Valentine's Day 2021 with your lover when social distancing continues to be tightly restricted. Below are 24 ideal suggestions for you:
  • Make breakfast in bed
  • Have an indoor picnic
  • Become mixology masters
  • Decorate
  • Make a charcuterie board
  • Dip everything in chocolate
  • Cook a romantic dinner

13/02/2025

The 10 Coldest & Hottest Countries In The World

The 10 Coldest Countries In The World
The snow-clad streets of Montreal, Canada, in winter

The world's coldest countries are spread around the planet but share common geographical characteristics. They are landlocked or island nations, Nordic countries, and those near a pole and/or the Arctic Circle. The island states and countries with an ocean shore often see warmer temperatures along the coast, while inland countries orientate themselves south-north from warmest to coldest. These are the coldest countries in the world by annual mean temperatures.

Canada - 22.37°F
Russia - 22.82°F
Mongolia - 30.74°F
Norway - 34.70°F
Kyrgystan - 34.79°F
Finland - 35.06°F
Iceland - 35.15°F
Tajikistan - 35.60°F
Sweden - 35.78°F
Estonia - 41.18°F


The 10 Hottest Countries In The World
Life in the hot and dry environs of Mali is quite hard for the residents there

It can get pretty toasty out there, especially in some regions of the globe. These ten countries consistently push the mercury readings to uncomfortable (for most) levels. The following figures were calculated by taking the collective average of the annual temperatures between 1991 and 2020:

Mali (28.83°C / 83.89°F)
Burkina Faso (28.71°C / 83.68°F)
Senegal (28.65°C / 83.57°F)
Tuvalu (28.45°C / 83.21°F)
Djibouti (28.38°C / 83.08°F)
Mauritania (28.34°C / 83.01°F)
Bahrain (28.23°C / 82.81°F)
Palau (​​28.04°C / 82.47°F)
Qatar (28.02°C / 82.44°F)
The Gambia (27.97°C / 82.35°F)

12/02/2025

Yuán Xiāo Jié 元宵節 Chap Goh Mei 2025


Rediscovering the romance of Chap Goh Mei


Chap Goh Meh in Teochew simply means "the 15th night of Chinese New Year". Aside from being tagged as the last day of the festival, Chap Goh Meh is also known as the Chinese Valentine's Day. On a celebratory point of view, this night sees the gathering of family members as they sit down to a meal together.

Just like Chinese New Year, Chap Goh Meh used to be celebrated with lots of fireworks and firecrackers which are now banned from use. Many homes gaily decorated with red lanterns and bright lights to mark the end of an auspicious occasion. Thanksgivings are held while many people would pray for success and wealth for the coming year.

Chap Goh Meh is also regarded as the Chinese Valentine's Day, bringing forth lots of fun and gaiety. Chap Goh Meh used to be a night of courtship and was a forerunner in promoting match-making. On this night, many young ladies would make their way to the Esplanade, dressed in their best, with hope of finding prospective suitors.

One of the fun activities that take place on this auspicious night includes the throwing of tangerines into the sea off the Esplanade by these young maidens. It is without a doubt, the most popular and colorful moment in the celebration of Chap Goh Meh. It is believed that by throwing tangerines into the sea, these young girls would find themselves a good husband. For many, the act of throwing tangerines into the sea also signifies that these ladies are available for marriage. It is also said that if someone else who sees the floating tangerine in the water and picked it up, that generally means that the single who threw it would be able to find a good spouse.

These are Memories of "The Good Old Days".

The 15-Day Celebration of Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year starts with the New moon on the first day of the first lunar month and ends on the Full moon 15 days later:

  • First day - zhengyue 1, ’Birthday of Chicken’
  • Second day - zhengyue 2, ‘Birthday of Dog’
  • Third day - zhengyue 3, ‘Birthday of Pig’
  • Fourth Day - zhengyue 4, ‘Birthday of Sheep’
  • Fifth day - zhengyue 5, ‘Birthday of Ox, Cattle’
  • SIxth day - zhengyue 6, ‘Birthday of Horse’
  • Seventh day - zhengyue 7, ‘Birthday of Men’
  • Eighth day - The Completion Day
  • Ninth day - The birthday of the Jade Emperor
  • Tenth to the Twelfth Day - More feasting with friends and family
  • Thirteenth day - A time to diet a bit after so much rich food
  • Fourteenth day, The Lantern Decoration Day
  • Fifteenth day, Lantern Festival