Eating more legumes and soybeans reduces the risk of high blood pressure by 30 percent

 Eating more legumes and soybeans reduces the risk of high blood pressure by 30 percent

Eating about 170 grams of legumes daily reduces the risk of high blood pressure by about 30 percent.

Regular consumption of legumes and soybean-based foods is very effective in reducing the risk of high blood pressure, a new study has shown. According to a large report published in the journal 'BMJ Nutrition Prevention and Health', people who eat more of these foods are found to be much less likely to have high blood pressure.

Analyzing various studies conducted around the world, scientists have found a clear result. The risk of high blood pressure has been found to be reduced by 16 percent in people who eat more legumes. Similarly, this risk has been found to be reduced by 19 percent in people who eat more soybeans and dishes made from them.

According to the research, eating a certain amount of these foods daily is the most beneficial. Eating about 170 grams of legumes daily reduces the risk of high blood pressure by about 30 percent. Similarly, eating 60 to 80 grams of soy foods daily reduces the risk by 28 to 29 percent.

But scientists have said that eating more than that does not provide any additional benefit. Here, 100 grams of beans or soybeans is understood to be one cup of cooked beans or about 5 to 6 tablespoons.

This research included data from 12 long-term studies conducted in various countries in the United States, Europe and Asia. Beans and soybeans are rich in elements such as potassium, magnesium and fiber. These nutrients help balance blood pressure. The fiber in beans relaxes and widens the blood vessels in the body. In addition, a substance called 'isoflavones' found in soybeans also helps reduce blood pressure.

Currently, people in countries around the world, including Europe and the UK, eat very little beans. Although it is recommended to eat 65 to 100 grams of legumes daily for heart health, people are only eating 8 to 15 grams per day.

According to nutritionists, this research provides a strong basis for people to prioritize legumes and soybeans as the main sources of protein in their daily diet.

How does environmental pollution affect reproductive health?

 How does environmental pollution affect reproductive health?

It can weaken the quality of eggs. Ovarian function can decrease prematurely. Hormonal imbalance can occur.

Studies have shown that environmental pollution and harmful chemicals are having a serious negative impact on human hormonal systems and reproductive health.

Today, the world is facing the challenges of climate change, air pollution, and environmental degradation. The debate on environmental protection often focuses on the protection of forests, wildlife, rivers, and natural resources. However, scientific research in recent years has revealed that environmental risks are not limited to nature alone but also have a profound impact on human health, especially reproductive health.

The air we breathe, the food we eat, the objects we use, and the environment we live in can directly affect our body's hormonal system, reproductive capacity, and the health of future generations.

Therefore, environmental protection today has become not only a campaign to save the earth, but also a campaign to secure the health and future of future generations.

Environmental Pollution and Reproductive Health

In modern lifestyles, we are exposed to various chemicals on a daily basis. Some of the elements found in plastic bottles, pesticides used in food production, industrial pollution, smoking, chemicals in cosmetics, and polluted air are called endocrine disrupting chemicals.

These chemicals can affect the body's hormonal system. Since hormones are the basic regulators of the reproductive process, an imbalance in them can affect everything from conception to childbirth.

Impact on women

Environmental risks can also have a serious impact on reproductive health in women. This can weaken the quality of eggs. Ovarian function can decrease prematurely. Hormone imbalances can occur. Difficulty in conceiving can occur. Miscarriages and pregnancy-related complications can increase. It can also affect the success of fertility treatments.

Research has shown that environmental pollution can also affect the outcome of treatment, especially in couples undergoing infertility treatment.

Effects on Men

Long-term exposure to environmental pollution and harmful chemicals can cause various problems in male fertility. Sperm count may decrease. Sperm motility may decrease.

Sperm quality may decrease. Sperm DNA may be damaged. The chances of conception may decrease. Various studies are raising concerns about the gradual decline in sperm count in men around the world, in which environmental pollution is seen as a significant cause.

The relationship between air pollution and infertility

According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is one of the leading causes of global health risks today. Recent research has indicated that there is a direct relationship between air pollution and reproductive health.

A fact sheet presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology 2025 stated that people living within 200 meters of a main road are at higher risk of infertility than other people.

It also states that the chance of pregnancy can increase by about 3 percent for every additional 200 meters away from a main road. This has further clarified the link between traffic pollution and reproductive health.

Pregnancy and air pollution

The effects of air pollution are not only visible before conception, but also throughout pregnancy. Fine particulate matter PM 2.5 can enter the bloodstream through the lungs and reach the unborn child. This has the potential to affect fetal development.

Climate change and maternal health

Climate change has not only increased temperatures, it has also added serious challenges to the health of pregnant women and newborns. Pregnant women exposed to extreme heat may have an increased risk of premature birth.

Low-birth-weight babies may be born. The risk of stillbirth may increase. High blood pressure may occur during pregnancy. Longer hospital stays may be required.

Rising temperatures, heat waves, floods, inundations and natural disasters are also affecting pregnant women's access to health services.

Global impact of the climate crisis

According to the World Health Organization, about 3.6 billion people in the world live in areas highly vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change.

The impact is not the same for everyone. Economically and socially vulnerable communities, women in rural areas, pregnant women and newborns are at higher risk. The impact can be even more severe in communities with limited access to health services.

What should be done now?

The evidence on the link between climate change, environmental pollution and reproductive health is constantly strengthening. Therefore, it is now necessary to look at public health, the environment and climate change from an integrated perspective, not as separate issues.

- To this end, air pollution control should be prioritized. The use of clean and renewable energy should be increased.

- The use of plastics and harmful chemicals should be reduced. Special attention should be paid to the safety of pregnant women and newborns.

- Climate-resilient health systems should be developed.

- Investment in scientific research and evidence-based policymaking should be increased A campaign should be launched at the community level to adopt an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Brain power can improve even at the age of 90

 Brain power can improve even at the age of 90

A new study has been made public, challenging the common belief that mental acuity and thinking ability weaken with age.

A study from the University of Texas has found that the brain health of people over the age of 90 can also be improved.

Published in the scientific journal 'Scientific Reports', 3,966 people aged 19 to 94 participated in this research.

According to the research, 5 to 15 minutes of brain exercise daily can significantly improve a person's thinking clarity and emotional balance.

31 Jestha, Kathmandu. A new study has been made public, challenging the common belief that mental acuity and thinking ability weaken with age. A three-year study conducted by researchers at the 'Center for Brain Health' under 'The University of Texas at Dallas' has shown that the brain health of people over the age of 90 can also be improved.

The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, involved 3,966 people aged 19 to 94.

During the study, participants engaged in a variety of brain-training activities for just 5 to 15 minutes a day. After three years of continuous tracking, researchers found measurable improvements in their thinking clarity, emotional balance, and outlook on life.

To measure this change in brain health, the research team used a special method called the ‘Brain Health Index’. This index evaluates about 20 indicators, including a person’s sleep quality, happiness level, and ability to think complexly.

According to the study’s lead author, Dr. Lori Cook, each person’s brain is as unique as a fingerprint and always has the potential to develop. This study has proven wrong the old belief that the brain must weaken with age.

Another interesting aspect of the study is that participants with the lowest initial brain health scores showed the greatest improvement over time. People with lower scores were more concerned and motivated about their mental health, so they invested more time in the practice, which resulted in better results, the study found. However, signs of improvement were also recorded in people with already good mental abilities.

Dr. Sandra Bond Chapman, chief director of the Center for Brain Health, explained that brain capacity is determined not by age but by potential. According to her, efforts to keep the brain healthy before any problems or diseases appear in it are very effective even in old age.

According to the researchers, factors such as a person’s age, gender or educational level do not make a difference in brain improvement, but rather how much a person engages in these exercises plays a key role. To further clarify this issue, more than 1,200 brain scans (brain imaging) of about 400 participants in the Dallas area are also being conducted.

Development of a medicine to cure gum disease from bitter gourd and pomegranate peel

 Development of a medicine to cure gum disease from bitter gourd and pomegranate peel

A combination of bitter gourd and pomegranate peel has opened up a new way to solve the problem of pain and wear caused by severe gum disease (periodontitis). Brazilian scientists have developed a special biomaterial by combining bitter gourd, pomegranate peel juice and the cholesterol-lowering drug simvastatin.

The study, conducted by researchers at the Pontifical Catholic University in São Paulo, Brazil, has been published in the scientific journal ‘Polymer Bulletin’. Severe gum disease gradually destroys the bones and tissues that support teeth, which leads to tooth loosening and loss.

Although currently available treatments reduce infection and swelling, they cannot regenerate the destroyed tissues or bones.

To overcome this limitation, scientists have used bitter gourd. Since the bark of the tree has a strong natural ability to stick (mucoadhesive property), it helps to keep the medicine and natural ingredients stuck to the gums for a long time. This eliminates the need for frequent use of antibiotics. All three ingredients used in this technique have different and important roles.

The bark of the tree acts as a base to keep the medicine stuck to the infected part of the gums for a long time, while the antimicrobial properties of the pomegranate peel juice fight harmful germs and infections in the gums. Similarly, the drug simvastatin reduces swelling and helps in the growth of new bone (osteoinduction).

Since most of this medicine is absorbed by the liver when taken directly as a pill, it would have to be taken in large quantities to reach the gums, which could cause side effects such as muscle weakness. However, when applied directly to the gums through this new gel, even a small amount works safely.

Initial laboratory tests on human stem cells have shown significant improvements in the process of new bone formation within 14 to 21 days of using the gel.

According to Professor Eliana Aparecida de Rezende Duque, coordinator of the research team, this gel made from the bark of the thorn bush, which has not received much attention in medical science until now, could be a revolutionary step in the treatment of teeth and gums in the future.

Positive thinking makes the mind and body of the elderly healthier with age

 Positive thinking makes the mind and body of the elderly healthier with age

A new study by Yale University in the US has challenged the common belief that people's physical and mental abilities steadily decline as they age.

According to a new study by Yale University in the US, nearly half of the elderly over the age of 65 have seen significant improvements in their physical or mental abilities over time.

The research, published in the scientific journal 'Geriatrics', was conducted on more than 11,000 American elderly people for 12 years.

The study has shown that positive thinking about aging can help bring about significant improvements in the walking speed and mental performance of the elderly.

July 20, Kathmandu. Challenging the common belief that people's physical and mental abilities steadily decline as they age, Yale University in the US has made the findings of a new study public.

According to this long-term research, nearly half of the elderly over the age of 65 have seen significant improvements in their physical, mental, or both abilities over time.

The study, published in the scientific journal Geriatrics, followed more than 11,000 older Americans for 12 years. Their thinking and memory skills and walking speed were measured during the research. According to the results, 45 percent of the participants showed improvement in at least one area. Of these, 32 percent showed improvement in mental ability and 28 percent in physical ability.

“Many people view aging as an inevitable decline in physical and mental abilities,” said Becca R. Levy, a professor at the Yale School of Public Health and lead researcher. “But our study shows that even in old age, improvements in abilities are not rare, but rather a normal process.”

The study found that a person’s own perception of the aging process plays a big role. Older people who had a positive attitude towards aging showed greater improvements in walking speed and mental performance.

The negative perceptions that society creates through the media and advertising have a negative biological impact on people's health, while positive thinking makes the body more energetic, says Professor Levy. "Our findings show that even in old age, there is still an internal capacity for improvement, and that it can be improved by changing our thinking," Levy said.

This improvement was not limited to those who had recovered from illness. Older people who were initially completely healthy also showed further improvement over time. The study suggests that the ongoing decline that comes with aging can be prevented, and the researchers recommend that investment in positive environments and rehabilitation programs for the elderly, along with therapeutic services, be increased.