Stress Inducing Foods to Avoid

One adjective seems to be fit for most contemporary lifestyles, i.e. stressful.

Nearly every health problem diagnosed today seems to have its roots in stress. Now, it has been established that our eating habits, particularly the kind of food choices we make, can seriously impact our tendency to remain stressed. Just like there are foods that fight stress, some foods are known to induce stress.

1. Refined Sugar Foods

Food items, usually packaged or fast food goodies, packing a high concentration of refine sugar surround us everywhere. Anytime you want to get a quick bite, some form of sweetened beverage or baked item is easily available. All these foods tend to induce an immediate feeling of goodness. This is due to the instant manner in which refined sugar is absorbed—also called a sugar spike. However, the spike is soon followed by a low or a crash where the sugar-induced goodness slowly wears-off, leaving your feeing low, inducing a feeling of being de-energized or irritation. This in turn creates a craving for more sugar, creating a vicious cycle that plays havoc with your mind and drastically raising your calorie intake. It is better to choose naturally sweet foods like fruits, such as apples, mangoes and peaches that are healthier and equally sweet.

2. Packaged Foods High in Preservatives

Packed foods, particularly the cooked variety, or those requiring a greater degree of preservation contain very high amounts of preservatives like MSG apart from sugar and other chemical additives. These compounds tend to raise our blood pressure which in turn is an underlying reason for feeling uneasy and stressed.

3. Caffeine-spiked Foods

If you are a coffee addict, you must have felt the upsurge in your mood you feel every time you sip from a cup full of coffee and the intense deprivation you feel without it. The reason for this is simple—Caffeine is a strong stimulant. Yes, it is natural and having it occasionally is good for your mental health, but being dependent on it means you are making yourself more vulnerable to stress every time you aren't holding a hot simmering cup in your hand.

4. Cholesterol-heavy Foods

Cholesterol is actually one of the most essential nutrients but an excess of it can act as a major health deterrent, i.e. physically and mentally. Cholesterol in high amount tends to thicken the arteries that raises our blood pressure and induces unwanted hormonal changes. Cholesterol-heavy foods like Potato Chips and French Fries induce a greater stress on our digestive system for metabolizing the fats, making it lose out on many essential nutrients that are required for the anti-stress biochemicals, called neurotransmitters, to be synthesized and function properly.

5. Foods Packing Excessive Proteins

The world seems obsessed with eating lots of proteins. However, what people don’t understand it is that unless you are a diehard gymming enthusiast, eating excessive proteins is not good for your psychological health. This is why—serotonin is the main anti-stress hormone in our body. For converting tryptophan into serotonin, we need vitamin B6. However, when excessive protein is eaten, most of this vitamin is engaged for breaking proteins into amino acids. Certain amino acids (like phenylalanine) found in protein-rich foods inhibits synthesis of serotonin. Thus, limit your intake of eggs, protein shakes, fish and chicken unless you are trying to raise your muscle mass. 

Social Media Can Kill You

"The British media is very breathless this morning about a study by Oxford neuroscientist Susan Greenfield which suggests that sites like Facebook are “infantilising the brain.” 

The study claims that young people could lose their capacity to empathize with each other if social media trends continue at the current rate. And it comes on the heels of a revelation by the journal Biologist that Twitter could give you cancer! I'm not stressed about it on my own account since I always wear my tinfoil hat when I update my Facebook status, but I'm obviously extremely worried for the children.

Particles found to break speed of light

(Reuters) - An international team of scientists said on Thursday they had recorded sub-atomic particles traveling faster than light -- a finding that could overturn one of Einstein's long-accepted fundamental laws of the universe.

Antonio Ereditato, spokesman for the researchers, told Reuters that measurements taken over three years showed neutrinos pumped from CERN near Geneva to Gran Sasso in Italy had arrived 60 nanoseconds quicker than light would have done.

"We have high confidence in our results. We have checked and rechecked for anything that could have distorted our measurements but we found nothing," he said. "We now want colleagues to check them independently."

If confirmed, the discovery would undermine Albert Einstein's 1905 theory of special relativity, which says that the speed of light is a "cosmic constant" and that nothing in the universe can travel faster.

That assertion, which has withstood over a century of testing, is one of the key elements of the so-called Standard Model of physics, which attempts to describe the way the universe and everything in it works.

The totally unexpected finding emerged from research by a physicists working on an experiment dubbed OPERA run jointly by the CERN particle research center near Geneva and the Gran Sasso Laboratory in central Italy.

A total of 15,000 beams of neutrinos -- tiny particles that pervade the cosmos -- were fired over a period of 3 years from CERN toward Gran Sasso 730 (500 miles) km away, where they were picked up by giant detectors.

Light would have covered the distance in around 2.4 thousandths of a second, but the neutrinos took 60 nanoseconds -- or 60 billionths of a second -- less than light beams would have taken.

"It is a tiny difference," said Ereditato, who also works at Berne University in Switzerland, "but conceptually it is incredibly important. The finding is so startling that, for the moment, everybody should be very prudent."

Ereditato declined to speculate on what it might mean if other physicists, who will be officially informed of the discovery at a meeting in CERN on Friday, found that OPERA's measurements were correct.

"I just don't want to think of the implications," he told Reuters. "We are scientists and work with what we know."

Much science-fiction literature is based on the idea that, if the light-speed barrier can be overcome, time travel might theoretically become possible.

The existence of the neutrino, an elementary sub-atomic particle with a tiny amount of mass created in radioactive decay or in nuclear reactions such as those in the Sun, was first confirmed in 1934, but it still mystifies researchers.

It can pass through most matter undetected, even over long distances, and without being affected. Millions pass through the human body every day, scientists say.

To reach Gran Sasso, the neutrinos pushed out from a special installation at CERN -- also home to the Large Hadron Collider probing the origins of the universe -- have to pass through water, air and rock.

The underground Italian laboratory, some 120 km (75 miles) to the south of Rome, is the largest of its type in the world for particle physics and cosmic research.

Around 750 scientists from 22 different countries work there, attracted by the possibility of staging experiments in its three massive halls, protected from cosmic rays by some 1,400 metres (4,200 feet) of rock overhead.

Particles found to break speed of light

(Reuters) - An international team of scientists said on Thursday they had recorded sub-atomic particles traveling faster than light -- a finding that could overturn one of Einstein's long-accepted fundamental laws of the universe.

Antonio Ereditato, spokesman for the researchers, told Reuters that measurements taken over three years showed neutrinos pumped from CERN near Geneva to Gran Sasso in Italy had arrived 60 nanoseconds quicker than light would have done.

"We have high confidence in our results. We have checked and rechecked for anything that could have distorted our measurements but we found nothing," he said. "We now want colleagues to check them independently."

If confirmed, the discovery would undermine Albert Einstein's 1905 theory of special relativity, which says that the speed of light is a "cosmic constant" and that nothing in the universe can travel faster.

That assertion, which has withstood over a century of testing, is one of the key elements of the so-called Standard Model of physics, which attempts to describe the way the universe and everything in it works.

The totally unexpected finding emerged from research by a physicists working on an experiment dubbed OPERA run jointly by the CERN particle research center near Geneva and the Gran Sasso Laboratory in central Italy.

A total of 15,000 beams of neutrinos -- tiny particles that pervade the cosmos -- were fired over a period of 3 years from CERN toward Gran Sasso 730 (500 miles) km away, where they were picked up by giant detectors.

Light would have covered the distance in around 2.4 thousandths of a second, but the neutrinos took 60 nanoseconds -- or 60 billionths of a second -- less than light beams would have taken.

"It is a tiny difference," said Ereditato, who also works at Berne University in Switzerland, "but conceptually it is incredibly important. The finding is so startling that, for the moment, everybody should be very prudent."

Ereditato declined to speculate on what it might mean if other physicists, who will be officially informed of the discovery at a meeting in CERN on Friday, found that OPERA's measurements were correct.

"I just don't want to think of the implications," he told Reuters. "We are scientists and work with what we know."

Much science-fiction literature is based on the idea that, if the light-speed barrier can be overcome, time travel might theoretically become possible.

The existence of the neutrino, an elementary sub-atomic particle with a tiny amount of mass created in radioactive decay or in nuclear reactions such as those in the Sun, was first confirmed in 1934, but it still mystifies researchers.

It can pass through most matter undetected, even over long distances, and without being affected. Millions pass through the human body every day, scientists say.

To reach Gran Sasso, the neutrinos pushed out from a special installation at CERN -- also home to the Large Hadron Collider probing the origins of the universe -- have to pass through water, air and rock.

The underground Italian laboratory, some 120 km (75 miles) to the south of Rome, is the largest of its type in the world for particle physics and cosmic research.

Around 750 scientists from 22 different countries work there, attracted by the possibility of staging experiments in its three massive halls, protected from cosmic rays by some 1,400 metres (4,200 feet) of rock overhead.

Use of Internet affecting our memory, finds study

Researchers have found that the widespread use of search engines and online databases is affecting the way people remember information.

To know whether people were more likely to remember information that could be easily retrieved from a computer, Betsy Sparrow, an assistant professor of psychology at Columbia and her collaborators, Daniel M. Wegner of Harvard and Jenny Liu of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, staged different memory experiments, reports the New York Times.

In one experiment where participants typed 40 bits of trivia, the team found that the subjects were significantly more likely to remember information if they thought they would not be able to find it later.

"Participants did not make the effort to remember when they thought they could later look up the trivia statement they had read," wrote the authors.

A second experiment was aimed at determining whether computer accessibility affects precisely what we remember.

"If asked the question whether there are any countries with only one colour in their flag, for example," the researchers wrote, "do we think about flags - or immediately think to go online to find out?"

In this case, participants were asked to remember both the trivia statement itself and which of five computer folders it was saved in. The researchers were surprised to find that people seemed better able to recall the folder.

"That kind of blew my mind," Dr. Sparrow said.

The experiment explores an aspect of what is known as transactive memory - the notion that we rely on our family, friends and co-workers as well as reference material to store information for us.

The Internet's effects on memory are still largely unexplored, Dr. Sparrow said, adding that her experiments had led her to conclude that the Internet has become our primary external storage system.

"Human memory," she said, "is adapting to new communications technology."

Top skincare wonders of 2010

You want to know more: the science behind products and what they can achieve for you. To woo smart, beautiful women like us, skin and hair care brands are working overtime to come up with products with newer research and ingredients every day. We went to beauty labs and selected the top six skincare innovations of 2010 that will make you younger and more beautiful in days!

The innovation: Gold micro-particles

What is it: Gold as an active is not exactly new in the Indian beauty tradition, considering people ingested gold powder in the old days to improve immunity and give their skin a glow. What's new, however, is that scientists have now found benefits of the minerals in (colloidal) gold. The minerals in gold go under the skin and repair sun damage, and have strong antibacterial properties.

How it works: Pure gold particles in skin can actually reverse the damage caused by free radicals and slow down the oxidation process of cells, thus repairing skin damage. Gold particles also improve the lymphatic drainage of skin, helping remove toxins from the skin and body, thereby improving the skin's natural healing process. According to Dr Pushkar Sona, head of R&D at the Pond's Institute, Shanghai, real gold micro-particles infuse skin with vital nourishment and stimulate its natural regenerative processes. "We spent two years developing a potent new combination of the world's best anti-ageing ingredients in combination with real gold micro-particles to restore youthful radiance over time," he adds.

How best to use it: Since gold particles help reverse skin's oxidation process and fight sun damage, it is best to wear a gold-infused serum on your skin under your regular moisturiser before heading out during the day.

Where to find it: Pond's Gold Radiance Precious Youth Serum with Real Gold Micro-particles and Shahnaz Husain Nature's Gold Beautifying Mask.

The innovation: Pro xylane
What is it: It is a sugar-protein hybrid made from xylose, a sugar extract found in beech trees that defends skin against moisture loss, and strengthens the skin matrix. Xylose is known to stimulate the production of glycoaminoglycans, the molecules responsible for defending skin against water loss. Pro Xylane, a patented ingredient, was first discovered and developed by Lancôme from the L'Oreal group.

How it works: As we age, our skin's cellular matrix becomes loose, thereby reducing its capacity to produce the skin tightening collagen. Pro Xylane provides the extra dose of protein helping boost skin structure. Explaining this active's impact, Richa Singh, marketing head, Garnier, says, "Pro Xylane stimulates the production of skin's natural matrix, made up of protein and sugar, that supports cell structure, and also pulls in more moisture, thus improving skin elasticity."

How best to use it: Pro Xylane helps improve skin texture within seven days of application. Since most of our skin rejuvenation takes place at night, a Pro Xylane-based cream is best used before going to bed.
Where to find it: L'Oreal Paris Derma Genesis Intensive Night Cream, Garnier Age Lift Triactive Triple Action Anti-ageing Cream.

The innovation: Pomegranate, the whole fruit

What is it: It is a common enough fruit and its juices are known to have the most potent anti-oxidants. "However, our research has shown that it is not just the juice but the whole fruit, including the skin and seeds that help slow the skin's ageing process," says Sophie Gasperment, CEO, The Body Shop.

How it works: Pomegranate is known to be a great anti-oxidant. Its juice helps trickfight premature ageing of skin. However, the R&D team at The Body Shop has found that other parts of the fruit such as the skin also have superior moisturising qualities. Aqua porins extracted from the pulp are moisture-boosting molecules that encourage skin cells to retain more water. Pomegranate seed oil is rich in anti-oxidants known to protect against free radicals. The peel has an active ingredient that works like the Vitamin A derivative retinol, known for its skin-revitalising properties.

How best to use it: The serum with pomegranate extracts from the The Body Shop Natrulift Anti-Ageing Range delivers intense results. According to clinical trials by The Body Shop, this is known to give effective results to women with more pronounced signs of ageing within 15 days of usage.

Where to find it: The Body Shop Natrulift Firming Serum.

The innovation: Helioplex

What is it: Developed by Johnson & Johnson-owned Neutrogena, Helioplex is a unique blend of sun protection actives avobenzone and oxybenzone, that offer broad spectrum UV ray protection. Interestingly, this new technology came through when scientists at Neutrogena were working with the two ingredients to provide stability to their sunscreen product.

How it works: It is known that oxybenzone offers UVB protection while avobenzone blocks UVA rays. Helioplex brings the two together to offer complete protection. The properties in the compounds absorb both types of UV rays, altering harmful rays into safe ones. According to Yujin Saito, associate director, Beauty R&D, Asia Pacific, Johnson & Johnson, "While the earlier version of the sunscreen protected skin from UVB rays, it was found that UVA rays were the more harmful ones causing photodamage. So a blend of the two chemicals were created to offer long-term and sustained sun protection."

How best to use it: Like all sunscreens, this also offers best results when applied 20 minutes before stepping out in the sun. Though Helioplex offers protection for a longer time, re-apply in case you are out for long hours in the sun.

Where to find it: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch with Helioplex.

The innovation: Q10plus
What is it: Developed by the Nivea Skincare laboratories in Germany, the Q10plus Anti-Wrinkle System is an improved formulation with an optimised UVA filter system, for advanced wrinkle prevention and protection against skin damage.

How it works: The key ingredient, Q10 is a co-enzyme found naturally within skin cells that plays a dual role as both an energiser and an anti-oxidant. In most women over 30, levels of Q10 dip drastically. As an essential energy provider within the skin cells, the Q10plus formula helps supports cellular metabolism, stimulating processes like skin cell protection and regeneration. Q10plus literally increases what your skin has lost over time with the body's natural anti-ageing defence Q10. The Q10 ingredient penetrates into your skin and acts to increase the energy levels for cell regeneration, leading to smoother skin. The optimised UVA filter system in the Nivea Visage Q10plus range, in addition to SPF 15, also improves anti-wrinkle effects, says Marion Detert of Nivea product development.

How best to use it: Regular use of the day cream, preferably 15 minutes before stepping out in the sun, visibly reduces wrinkles within two weeks of application. Follow it up by massaging the night cream in upward circles on a regular basis before bed-time.

Where to find it: Nivea Visage Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle Skincare Collection.

The Innovation: MAP(Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate)

What is it: Vitamin C in the form of ascorbyl acid is a well-known skin rejuvenator that brightens skin and increases its hydration levels. However, it is not a very stable ingredient and the efficacy of Vitamin C-based products erodes faster than others. This is where MAP comes in. Developed by Dermalogica, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate or MAP is a stable version of Vitamin C that gets absorbed directly by the skin and improves its clarity.

How it works: We have developed a powder-to-emulsion formula with MAP which retains its efficacy and makes the Vitamin C derivative more stable. MAP works with a blend of white tea, algae, hyaluronic acid, helping stimulate the skins natural collagen production, says Avni Amlani of Dermalogica India.

How best to use it: MAP can be used as a spot treatment to deal with specific problems or as an all-over treatment to get an even tone and smoother skin. The innovative powder-to-emulsion texture can be applied directly to skin for regular use throughout the day.

Where to find it: Dermalogica MAP-15 Regenerator.

How Saturn's rings and inner moons were formed

 According to a new study, Saturn's rings and inner moons were formed after the collision of a large satellite with the planet.

Saturn's rings are at present 90 to 95 percent water ice. Previous studies suggest that the rings formed when a small satellite was disrupted by an impacting comet.

"This scenario would have likely resulted in rings that were a mixture of rock and ice, rather than the ice-rich rings we see today," said Dr. Robin M. Canup, associate vice president of the SwRI Planetary Science Directorate in Boulder.

But the new study links the formation of the rings to the formation of Saturn's satellites.

Previous studies suggest that that multiple Titan-sized satellites originally formed at Saturn, but as their orbits spiralled into the planet, they were lost.

As they neared Saturn, the heat would cause its ice to melt and its rock to sink to its center. Such a satellite crosses the region of the current B ring, planetary tidal forces strip material from its outer icy layers, while its rocky core remains intact and eventually collides with the planet.

This produces an initial ice ring that is much more massive than Saturn's current rings.

"The new model proposes that the rings are primordial, formed from the same events that left Titan as Saturn's sole large satellite, " said Canup.

"The implication is that the rings and the Saturnian moons interior to and including Tethys share a coupled origin, and are the last remnants of a lost companion satellite to Titan."

During its extended mission, the Cassini spacecraft will measure the rings' current mass and will indirectly measure the pollution rate of the rings.