Natural, synthetic and blended fabrics: Which is better?

 Natural, synthetic and blended fabrics: Which is better?

The main types of fabrics are natural, synthetic and blended, which are classified based on different properties and uses.

Cotton and linen fabrics are considered excellent for general use as they are environmentally friendly, comfortable and durable.

When choosing fabrics, the weather, purpose of use and budget should be taken into account; cotton and linen are suitable in summer, wool and acrylic in winter.

Fabrics are part of our daily lives, which come in different types based on different materials, textures and uses. From natural fabrics like cotton and linen to synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, each has its own characteristics and importance.

Let's briefly learn about the main types of fabrics, their properties and which fabrics are suitable in which situations:

Types of fabrics

Natural fabrics

Natural fabrics are obtained from animals, plants or minerals. They are environmentally friendly and biodegradable.

1. Cotton

The source of cotton fabric is the fruit of the cotton plant. This fabric is soft, breathable, light and sweat-absorbent. It is comfortable on the skin. Kurtas, saris, t-shirts, linen towels, etc. made of this fabric are available in the market. Such fabrics are cheap, durable and easy to care for. However, such fabrics are prone to wrinkles and discoloration.

2. Silk

The source of silk fabric is the cocoon of silkworms. The characteristic of this fabric is that it is shiny, soft and luxurious, which gives a light and cool feel. Sarees, dresses, scarves and special occasion clothes are made from this fabric. This fabric is beautiful and shiny to look at and is comfortable on the skin. However, this fabric is expensive, difficult to care for and can be damaged by water.

3. Wool

The source of wool fabric is the hair of sheep, goats or other animals. Talking about the characteristics of this fabric, it is warm, durable and flexible. Sweaters, coats, hats, and winter clothes are made from it. Wool is warm and naturally water-resistant.

4. Linen

The source of linen fabric is the flax plant. This fabric is light, breathable, and strong. Linen pants are very trendy lately. Linen dresses, shirts, and T-shirts are also in fashion. This fabric is environmentally friendly, cool, and durable. However, this fabric wrinkles easily and is a bit expensive.

5. Jute

The source of jute fabric is the jute plant. Talking about the characteristics of this fabric, it is strong, tough, and environmentally friendly. It is used to make sacks, bags, and decorative items. It is cheap and biodegradable.

Synthetic fabrics

Synthetic fabrics are made through chemical processes. They are usually cheap and durable.

1. Polyester

Polyester fabrics are strong, wrinkle-resistant, and color-fast. It is used to make clothing, curtains, and furniture covers. Polyester is a cheap, durable, and easy-to-care-for fabric. However, this fabric is impermeable and uncomfortable on the skin.

2. Nylon

Nylon fabrics are light, strong, and flexible. They are used to make socks, ropes, and sportswear. Such fabrics are water-resistant and long-lasting. However, nylon fabrics can be uncomfortable in summer and can burn the body.

3. Rayon

Rayon fabrics are shiny and soft like silk, but cheaper than silk. It is used especially to make dresses, kurtas, and decorative items. It is a cheap alternative to silk. However, it is not durable and can be damaged by water.

4. Acrylic

Acrylic fabrics are soft, light, and warm like wool. They are used to make sweaters, carpets, and winter clothes. This fabric is cheap and the color also lasts a long time.

Blended fabrics

Blend fabrics are made from a combination of natural and artificial fibers. They combine the characteristics of both.

1. Cotton-Polyester

Cotton and polyester blended fabrics are soft, durable, and wrinkle-resistant. They are used primarily in school uniforms, shirts, and pants. They are inexpensive and easy to care for.

2. Wool-Acrylic

Cotton and acrylic blended fabrics are warm, soft, and inexpensive. They are used to make sweaters and winter clothing. Clothing made from this fabric is cheaper than wool, but less durable.

Which fabric is best?

Which fabric is best depends on the purpose of use, weather, personal preference, and budget. However, if we consider general criteria such as comfort, durability, eco-friendliness, and versatility, then cotton and linen are often considered the best.

Why is cotton fabric good?

Cotton fabric is soft and breathable, which keeps the skin fresh. It is suitable for both summer and mild winter. Good quality cotton clothes last a long time and do not deteriorate even after repeated washing. Also, organic cotton is eco-friendly and chemical-free.

It is also biodegradable. Cotton can be used to make various items such as T-shirts, sarees, kurtas, jeans, bed sheets and towels. Also, cotton is available all over the world and is cheaper than other natural fabrics like silk or linen.

Why is linen good?

Linen clothes are cool and comfortable. Linen is very comfortable in summer because it allows air to circulate well. Linen is also stronger than cotton and lasts longer. The flax plant requires less water and chemical fertilizers, which makes it environmentally friendly. The natural luster and texture of linen make it luxurious.

Why are these two great?

Both cotton and linen are gentle on the skin and are less likely to cause allergies. Both are great in summer, And cotton can also be used in mild winters. Cotton is easy to wash and maintain, while linen requires a little more care. Both organic cotton and linen are less harmful to the environment, especially compared to synthetic fabrics such as polyester.

Why are other fabrics less good?

Silk: Expensive and difficult to care for.

Wool: Only suitable for winter, and can cause itchy skin.

Polyester, nylon: Difficult to breathe and harmful to the environment.

Jute: Less suitable for making clothes, stiffer.

Which fabric is suitable for which situation?

For summer: Cotton, linen and rayon

For winter: Wool, acrylic and blended fabrics

Special occasions: Silk and velvet

Sports or outdoor activities: Nylon, polyester and blended fabrics

Cheaper and more durable option: Cotton-polyester blends.

Clothes should be worn according to your own taste, not for society or others

 Clothes should be worn according to your own taste, not for society or others

Nowadays, fashion changes every two days and there are many options for new and stylish clothes for women.

Society dictates the style of dressing according to the occasion, but preference should be given to wearing clothes that you like.

The decision to wear clothes affects mental health and one should give importance to one's choice.

Nowadays, fashion changes every two days, that is, the style of clothing is constantly changing. In such a situation, there are many options for girls and women. Every girl or woman wants to wear new and stylish clothes. However, they hesitate to wear clothes that they like because of what others will say or whether this dress suits their body.

Women with very fat bodies do not like wearing tight clothes. They think that sleeveless clothes will not suit them because they have a thin body, or they find it uncomfortable to wear black clothes because they are light-skinned. However, you should try on all types of clothes once. You should wear whatever your heart desires.

You should keep in mind that this is my body and it should be my choice. If you want to wear comfortable clothes that you can wear at home even when you go out, then you should wear those. You should dress according to your preferences and needs, not to show others.

Give priority to your choice

Society has prescribed a style of dressing according to an occasion or environment. Every society has a custom of wearing clothes of specific colors on occasions of mourning. The colors of clothes are different in festive atmospheres. At a wedding, the bride is expected to wear a heavy lehenga-choli and veil. But if you do not feel comfortable in such clothes, then you should be able to say no to them.

Even in the Christian and Muslim communities, there are prescribed styles of clothes, but why such restrictions?

If you want to wear a plain sari or lehenga instead of a colorful and heavy sari or lehenga at a wedding, then you should wear that. You should not think about what others will say. If the groom understands and has no objections, then this is a good thing. But if he insists that you have to wear this dress, then you should not hesitate to break up with such a person. Because if desires and preferences are not given importance, how can you be happy with such a spouse or family?

Similarly, if you feel comfortable getting married wearing a heavy lehenga and you like traditional clothes, then do that. The point here is only about desires and preferences, which should not be changed for others. When it comes to clothes, you should always give your own preferences first.

Impact on mental health

Have you ever decided to dress according to social standards? Have you ever worn a certain dress but changed it because it does not suit your body? Many people do this sometimes. But clothes have a huge impact on mental health. Knowingly or unknowingly, you start dressing according to the preferences of others, and you may not even be aware of it. But such habits can affect mental health.

Every time you stand in front of the mirror and are told that this dress does not suit you or that it looks bad in this dress, you should understand that your mental health is at risk. Trying to conform to social standards of beauty can affect not only mental health but also physical health.

How you look in front of others is very important. Everyone wants to be seen positively. This old beauty mindset makes you believe that there is something wrong with your body. People around you make fun of your weight or advise you to lose weight. These things make you believe that there is something wrong with your body. So you stop wearing the clothes you like.

Models, influencers, and celebrities are looked up to. They dress in a certain style and look a certain way. You try to be like them. When you look different from what is shown, you feel disappointed.

The impact of this mindset on mental health

If you check the standards of society every time before choosing clothes and dress accordingly, it can affect your self-esteem. Thinking about a bad body image can lead to negative thoughts.

If you don't wear the clothes you like because you don't fit your body or because you think people will look at you negatively, it also reduces your confidence. Therefore, dressing should be your choice, not society's.

Freedom means something different to everyone. Wearing the clothes you like is a right. Many girls like to wear all kinds of clothes, but only wear the clothes their family members tell them to wear. It is wrong to do this. You should wear clothes according to your own choice, not under the pressure of society and family.

How does the nose purify the air?

 How does the nose purify the air?

The nose is a major organ of the body and plays a role in breathing, smell recognition.

It is necessary to understand the structure and function of the nose, and its cleanliness and care are important.

Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of the nose and hygiene measures, such as Jalneti and Nasya.

The nose is an important part of the human body, which plays an important role in breathing, smell recognition and facial beauty. The nose is an external organ of the body, which is directly related to the external environment. Dust particles in the environment, various viruses that cause infections enter the human body through the nose. Allergic 'protein' particles also reach the body through the nose.

Should the nose be cleaned? What should be done to keep the nose healthy? Not much attention is paid to this. Sometimes our attention goes to the nose only when the nose is blocked or when breathing is uncomfortable.

Structure of the Nose

According to Dr. Arun Adhikari, a nose, ear and throat specialist, the structure of the nose can be divided into two parts: external and internal. The outer part of the nose consists of the nasal bridge, the tip of the nose, and the nostrils.

“The upper part of the nose is made of bone, while the lower part is made of cartilage,” says Dr. Adhikari, “which gives shape to the nose. The skin of the nose is thin at the top and thick at the bottom.”

The internal structure of the nose includes the nasal passage, mucous membrane, sinuses, turbinates, and olfactory receptors. The nasal passage is the hollow part of the nose that starts at the two nostrils and ends at the throat. The inner part of the nose is lined with mucous membrane, which blocks dust, germs, and other particles.

There are four pairs of sinuses around the nose, which help in breathing, Adhikari said.

According to him, the turbinates are bony structures inside the nose that warm, moisten, and filter the air. The upper part of the nose contains odor-detecting receptors, which connect to the brain and provide information about odor.

Function of the nose

The nose mainly performs functions such as breathing, detecting odors, warming or cooling the air, protecting the lower respiratory tract, and changing the voice when the nose is blocked, says Dr. Adhikari.

The nose lets air enter the respiratory tract, says Dr. Adhikari, “It filters, warms, and moistens the air, which keeps the lungs healthy. The nose and sinuses also act as an environmentally friendly ‘air conditioner’.

The nose recognizes odors, which are transmitted through the nerves of the brain. He said that this is also helpful in recognizing the taste of food and obtaining information about the environment.

The hair and mucus of the nose block dust, germs, and other harmful particles. The nose helps to make the voice clear and quality. The sinuses make the facial bones lighter and help in breathing, says Adhikari.

“When any foreign object or particle enters through the nose, the nose reacts and sneezes, which prevents those foreign particles from reaching the lungs. In this way, the nose also helps protect our lower respiratory tract,’ says Dr. Adhikari.

This is how the nose purifies the air

The small hairs at the entrance to the nose prevent dust, dirt, and large particles from entering the respiratory tract, Dr. Adhikari said.

According to Adhikari, the layer of mucus on the inner surface of the nose traps small particles, bacteria, and viruses. This mucus traps pollutants in the air and only clean air reaches the lungs.

Small hair-like structures called cilia located inside the nose help to remove or send particles stuck in the mucus to the throat, so that those particles can be swallowed or coughed out, said Adhikari.

‘The nose warms and humidifies the outside air to body temperature, which provides the lungs with suitable air. It also reduces some pollutants in the air, says Adhikari, adding that the enzymes and antibodies in the nasal mucus help destroy bacteria and viruses.

Importance of the nose in Ayurveda

The nose has special importance in Ayurveda because it is the main route of breathing and is considered the gateway to life air. The nose plays an important role in physical, mental and spiritual health, explains Ayurvedic physician and psychologist Dr. Shanti Timalsina.

According to Timalsina, in Ayurveda, the nose is considered the foundation of physical and spiritual health. Regular care of it, practices like nasya karma and pranayama work to keep the body and mind healthy and balanced.

‘The life air that enters through the nose controls all the functions of the body. Breathing maintains the balance of dosha vata, pitta and kapha. Correct breathing through the nose calms the mind and energizes the body.

What to do to keep the nose healthy?

Impure air reaches the lungs through the nose. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of the nose. But to keep the nose clean and healthy, it should not be scratched carelessly. It should not be cleaned unnecessarily. Avoid dust and pollution, do not smoke, and use a mask if you have to go to polluted places, says Dr. Dhundiraj Poudel, a nose, ear, and throat specialist.

Drink plenty of water and eat foods rich in vitamin C. Dr. Poudel says that foods rich in vitamin C help increase the body's immunity. 'You should drink water and plenty of fluids to keep the nose, mouth, and throat cool,' says Dr. Poudel. 'This helps prevent the entry of bacteria or viruses. When the nose and throat are dry, viruses or bacteria can multiply. 

If any symptoms are gradually increasing, he suggests consulting a doctor immediately.

Nose-related problems

Viruses cause nasal congestion, runny nose, etc. When there is a sinus infection, symptoms such as headache, nasal congestion, fever, etc. occur. Dust, pollen or other allergies can cause nasal congestion, sneezing, etc., said Poudel.

The problem of flesh growing inside the nose, which hinders breathing. When the nasal bone is crooked, it becomes difficult to breathe. Dr. Poudel says that nosebleeds can also occur due to dry environment, injury or high blood pressure.

How to clean the nose?

Generally, it is not necessary to clean the nose. The structure of the nose is not such that it needs to be cleaned. The nose is cleaned as soon as the congestion appears. However, Ayurvedic doctor Timalsina says that Ayurveda mentions the method of cleaning the nose.

According to Timilsina, Ayurveda mentions the Jalaneti method for cleaning the nose. Jalaneti is an ancient and natural practice. In this process of cleaning the nose, the nose is washed with salt water to remove dirt from the nose. It also helps get rid of pimples, prevents dirt from accumulating in the nose and also removes accumulated germs. Jalaneti helps to make it easier to breathe properly while practicing any yoga.

She suggests that this practice should be done only under the supervision of a yoga instructor and Ayurvedic doctor for the first time. “Pranayam done through the nose such as Anulom-Vilom also cleanses the nose and balances the chakras,” says Timilsina.

‘Nasya’ is an important treatment in the Panchakarma of Ayurveda, in which medicinal oil, ghee or powder is used through the nose. Nasya cures head, nose, throat and brain-related diseases such as migraine, sinus, insomnia. The nose is considered the gateway to the brain, so she said that nasya increases mental clarity and memory.

What are the health risks of repeatedly frying samosas and jerry in oil?

 What are the health risks of repeatedly frying samosas and jerry in oil?

Experts say, ‘Reusing oil increases the risk of heart attack, cancer and other diseases.’

Repeated heating of oil has a negative impact on health as it causes chemical changes and increases the amount of trans-fat.

It is recommended to store oil properly and use new oil.

Often, samosas, pakodas, jerry, etc. are cooked in the same oil repeatedly in chowks and markets. Some people even use the remaining oil after cooking food once in their own homes and kitchens. What happens when oil is used repeatedly in this way?

Experts say, ‘Reusing oil increases the risk of heart attack, cancer and other diseases.’

Not only at home but also in restaurants and roadside stalls, food is prepared by reheating oil. This has a negative impact on health. This can be responsible for many diseases, says senior nutritionist Bhupal Baniya.

Health effects of reusing oil

1. Chemical changes and increase in trans-fat

Repeated heating of cooking oil changes its chemical and nutritional properties. According to a study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology (2021), repeated heating of oil increases the amount of ‘total polar compounds’, which is harmful to health.

These compounds damage the structure of the oil and increase the level of trans-fat. Bania says that trans-fat increases the risk of heart disease by increasing the amount of bad cholesterol.

According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition 2020, reheated oil produces free radicals, which damage cells. Free radicals cause oxidative stress, which increases the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

2. Cancer risk

Harvard T.H. A study by the Chan School of Public Health (2022) noted that reheated oil produces toxic substances such as aldehydes.

These substances can damage DNA, which encourages the growth of cancer cells. In particular, the oil used in fried foods is repeatedly heated, which increases the amount of these toxins, Bania said.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Cancer (2019), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons found in reheated oil increase the risk of cancer in the lungs, skin and other organs. This risk is especially high in fried foods in hotels and restaurants, where the oil is heated for a long time.

3. Inflammation

Reheated oil promotes inflammation. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2021), the production of free radicals and other harmful compounds in reheated oil damages blood cells. Chronic inflammation can lead to diseases like heart disease, joint pain, atherosclerosis, and periodontitis.

4. Bacterial infections

When food particles remain in the oil, they encourage the growth of bacteria, says nutritionist Ayush Adhikari. He says, “If used oil is not stored properly, it can lead to the growth of bacteria like Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism. This is a serious food poisoning that can cause muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, and other complications.”

5. Increase in cholesterol and acidity

According to a study published in the European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology (2023), the amount of saturated fat and oxidized lipids in repeatedly heated oil increases.

These compounds increase cholesterol levels, which harm the heart and blood vessels. In addition, the use of such oil can cause acidity, gas and digestive problems in the stomach, said Adhikari.

Ways to avoid reusing oil

Adhikari says that reusing oil can be avoided by cooking less. He says, "Do not use more oil than necessary and cook in small quantities. This reduces the chances of oil remaining."

You should try to use fresh oil every time you cook. If oil remains, he suggests storing it properly. After the used oil cools down, it should be carefully filtered to remove food particles. This prevents the growth of bacteria, said Adhikari.

"If oil is left over while cooking, it should be stored properly," says Adhikari. "The oil should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight and heat. Keeping it in the refrigerator reduces the growth of bacteria."

To avoid health problems caused by reusing oil, nutritionist Baniya suggests staying away from fast food and packet food. “These foods should be consumed less frequently as heated oil is frequently used in roadside stalls and restaurants,” says Bania.

He also says that it is important to avoid heating oil for a long time while cooking.

“When cooking, use mustard oil, olive oil or other oils with low saturated fat,” suggests Bania. “These oils are less harmful to heart health.”

Different oils have different smoke points. For example, olive oil is suitable for use at low heat, while sunflower or canola oil can be used at high heat. He also suggests paying attention to these things.

According to Bania, if there is a change in the color, smell or texture of the oil, it should be discarded. No. Such oil may contain high levels of harmful compounds, so the quality of the oil should be checked before use.