Health
Benefits Of Adding Honey To Your Skincare Regime
History has it that honey was Queen Cleopatra’s preferred ingredient in her beauty regimen, and now modern science is catching up to it due to its versatile advantages for the skin.
Applying honey regularly to your skin can give you results beyond your imagination and can go a long way in giving you healthy, younger-looking and glowing skin. Below are some of the benefits of honey for the skin.
Deeply moisturises the skin:
The reason why honey is often found as a base ingredient for almost every beauty product is because it deeply moisturises and softens the skin from deep within. The sugar present in honey acts as a natural humectant, that is, it draws moisture from the air into your skin. It reduces the dryness of the skin by providing long-lasting hydration.
Acts as a Pore Cleanser:
Honey contains antioxidants, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties which help to rid your skin of blackheads and acne by removing dirt from pores. It then hydrates and tightens skin pores for a clear complexion.
Acts as a Gentle Exfoliator :
Artificial exfoliators often cause your skin to go red and may cause irritation. Honey is a good alternative because it is a natural exfoliator. It helps exfoliate your face and skin by gently removing the dead skin cells. This, in turn, also leaves your face with a brighter complexion. The enzymes work as a gentle exfoliator, taking off dead skin cells and leaving you with a radiant complexion.
Lightens Scars:
Honey nourishes damaged skin and improves the scar healing process. The antioxidants present in honey help repair damaged skin by minimising inflammation, which helps the skin heal faster. It also increases tissue regeneration and helps to revive the skin cells. For blemishes like eczema, use unpasteurised honey for faster healing.
Useful in Sunburn:
Honey is known to be one of the best home remedies for treating burns. Honey promotes healing by decreasing inflammation and providing nutrition to the damaged tissues. This is what makes honey an amazing remedy for sunburns.
Fights Acne & Pimples:
Honey has natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that aid to heal breakouts. Its anti-inflammatory benefits help remove excess oil from the surface of the skin by clearing out blockages or clogged pores. It can be used to provide relief from autoimmune skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. The healing properties in honey help skin repair damage faster.
Helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles:
Honey moisturises the top layers of your skin and reduces wrinkles and fine lines. Using honey on your face in the form of a homemade mask will increase your skin’s elasticity due to its antioxidants, which stimulate collagen production, thus making it look youthful and glowing.
Brightens Skin Complexion:
You can use honey as a home remedy to brighten your skin because honey contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) which have a natural exfoliating effect on the skin. This sloughs off dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, thus revealing a brighter complexion.
Adds a natural glow to your skin:
Honey adds a touch of natural glow to the skin. It can be applied directly to the skin or mixed with milk or yoghurt to make a mask for the skin.
Used as a lip balm:
Honey can be used to soften some chapped and dry lips. Honey’s ability to hydrate and the presence of minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants, make it the perfect lip balm. Simply apply some raw honey to your lips, leave for a few minutes, and then wash it off.
Here are some types of honey masks you can try for your skin
Honey, lemon, and baking soda acne-fighting face mask
Mix one teaspoon of lemon juice, one teaspoon of honey, and one teaspoon of baking soda in a small bowl. Apply the mixture gently over the face and avoid the area around the eyes. Leave the mask for fifteen minutes and remove it with warm water.
Honey, green tea, and almond oil face mask for sensitive skin
Mix one teaspoon of green tea, one teaspoon of honey and one teaspoon of almond oil in a bowl. Apply the mixture to the face and leave it for fifteen minutes and then wash it off with warm water.
Honey and Oatmeal face mask for exfoliation
Mix two teaspoons of honey and one tablespoon of ground uncooked oatmeal. Apply the mixture to the face and the mask sit for fifteen minutes. Use a warm washcloth to wipe off. Oatmeal contains a compound called saponin that helps with soaking excess oil from the skin as well as anti-inflammatory properties which remove dead skin cells.
Health
Excessive daytime sleepiness may lead to dementia, Study says
A new study has suggested that older adults experiencing daytime sleepiness or a lack of enthusiasm for activities due to sleep issues may be at higher risk of developing motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome, a condition that can precede dementia.
The new research, published on Wednesday in the journal Neurology, found that among participants who experienced excessive daytime sleepiness and a lack of enthusiasm, 35.5% developed MRC syndrome compared with 6.7% of people without those problems.
MCR is a predementia syndrome characterized by slow gait speed and cognitive complaints among older people who don’t already have dementia or a mobility disability. The risk of developing dementia more than doubles in people with this syndrome.
During the study, researchers examined data on 445 adults who were 76 years old on average and had no history of dementia. Participants took questionnaires for sleep and were asked about memory issues. Their walking speed was tested on a treadmill and then once a year for an average of three years.
The researchers assessed the participants’ sleep quality and quantity using the seven components of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.
The index included subjective sleep quality, time it takes to fall asleep, sleep duration, sleep efficiency (ratio of total hours asleep to total hours in bed), sleep disturbances, use of sleep-inducing medication, and daytime dysfunction, such as having trouble staying awake during activities or feeling less enthusiasm to get things done.
The researchers found that 177 participants met the definition of poor sleepers, while 268 were considered good sleepers. 42 people had MCR at the start of the study, and another 36 developed it.
The study found that people with excessive daytime sleepiness and a lack of enthusiasm for activities were more than 3 times more likely to develop MCR syndrome than people who didn’t have these sleep-related problems.
However, Tara Spires-Jones, professor of neurodegeneration and director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, said the study has a few “serious” limitations.
“The sleep measurements were self-reported, not measured by a scientist, and these self-reports could be biased by people with memory issues,” Tara said.
“The participants in the study were also largely white, and the group was much smaller than similar single-timepoint studies, so the results will be stronger if confirmed in future studies.”
Victoire Leroy, the study author, said “more research needs to be done to look at the relationship between sleep issues and cognitive decline and the role played by motoric cognitive risk syndrome”.
“We also need studies to explain the mechanisms that link these sleep disturbances to motoric cognitive risk syndrome and cognitive decline,” Leroy, who has an MD, and PhD from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, added.
Food
Eight foods to avoid on an empty stomach
What you eat first thing in the morning sets the tone for your day. After a night of fasting, your body is ready for the right kind of fuel to boost your energy and get your metabolism going.
However, some foods can cause discomfort, bloating, or irritation when eaten on an empty stomach—especially acidic ones that can be tough on your stomach lining.
On the flip side, starting your day with a balanced breakfast that includes protein, healthy fats, and fibre can keep your blood sugar steady, sharpen your focus, and give you energy that lasts.
Here are eight foods you should skip on an empty stomach:
1. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, making them great for your health. But when eaten on an empty stomach, their high acidity can irritate your stomach lining. This can lead to acid reflux, bloating, or even heartburn. Plus, their tangy flavour can trigger your stomach to produce too much gastric acid, which may cause discomfort.
2. Coffee
For many, coffee is a morning ritual. However, drinking it on an empty stomach can be harsh on your digestive system. The caffeine in coffee can ramp up stomach acid production, which may cause acid reflux, heartburn, or even gastritis if there’s nothing in your stomach to balance it out. On top of that, coffee can dehydrate you, especially if it’s the first thing you drink in the morning.
3. Spicy foods
Spicy foods like chilli or hot sauce might be delicious, but they aren’t the best idea on an empty stomach. These fiery options can increase gastric acid production, which can lead to acid reflux and heartburn. Spices can also irritate the stomach lining, leaving it more susceptible to inflammation and discomfort.
4. Sugary foods
Sugary treats like pastries, sugary cereals, or sweetened drinks might seem like a quick way to start your day, but they can backfire. Eating them on an empty stomach causes your blood sugar to spike rapidly, giving you a short-lived energy boost followed by a crash. This crash can leave you feeling tired and cranky. Sugary foods can also disrupt digestion, causing bloating and discomfort.
5. Yoghurt
Yoghurt is generally considered a healthy snack, but it’s not ideal for an empty stomach. The natural acidity in yoghurt can irritate sensitive stomachs and may reduce the effectiveness of the probiotics it contains. These beneficial bacteria can struggle to survive in the highly acidic environment of an empty stomach.
6. Fried foods
Fried foods like doughnuts, French fries, or fried chicken are heavy and take longer to digest. Eating them on an empty stomach can overwhelm your digestive system, leading to bloating, indigestion, or even nausea. Their high fat content also slows down digestion, making you feel sluggish and uncomfortable.
7. Raw vegetables
Raw vegetables are undeniably healthy, but eating them on an empty stomach can be rough on your digestive system. Their high fibre content and certain enzymes can lead to gas and bloating. Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower are particularly challenging because they are harder to digest when your stomach is empty.
8. Carbonated drinks
Starting your day with soda or sparkling water isn’t the best idea. The carbon dioxide in these drinks can create gas in your stomach, leaving you feeling bloated and uncomfortable. They can also irritate your stomach lining and disrupt digestion.
Conclusion
Choosing the right foods for an empty stomach is key to starting your day on the right note. Avoiding these eight foods can help you feel more comfortable and energized. Instead, reach for options that are easy on your stomach, like oatmeal, bananas, or whole-grain toast with eggs. These choices will give you a healthy and balanced start to your day.
Health
WHO approves Japanese mpox vaccine for emergency use
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has granted emergency use listing (EUL) for the LC16m8 mpox vaccine.
This would be the second mpox vaccine to be supported by WHO following the declaration of mpox as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024.
The LC16m8 is a vaccine developed and manufactured by KM Biologics in Japan.
The technical advisory group (TAG) for EUL of vaccines convened to discuss the outcome of the LC16m8 vaccine review, including the product and programmatic suitability assessments.
Cases have been reported across 80 countries, including 19 countries in Africa, as of October 31, 2024.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, the hardest-hit country, recorded a majority of suspected cases — over 39,000 — as well as more than 1,000 deaths.
In a statement on Tuesday, the WHO said the move is particularly relevant as the Japanese government has announced that it will donate 3.05 million doses of the LC16m8 vaccine, alongside specialised inoculation needles, to the DRC.
“This is the largest donation package announced to date in response to the current mpox emergency,” the statement reads.
“The TAG recommended the vaccine for use in individuals over one year of age as a single dose vaccine, via a multiple puncture technique using a bifurcated needle.
“WHO’s assessment for EUL is based on information submitted by the manufacturer and review by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), the Japanese regulatory agency of record for this vaccine.
“The LC16m8 vaccine has been used in Japan during previous mpox outbreaks and was shown to be safe and effective, including in people with well-controlled HIV.
“The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization reviewed available evidence and recommended the use of LC16m8 vaccine in outbreak settings in children and others with a documented high-risk of exposure to mpox.
“However, minimally replicating vaccines, such as LC16m8, should not be used during pregnancy and in people who are immunocompromised.
“Immunocompromised persons include those with active cancer, transplant recipients, immunodeficiency, and active treatment with immunosuppressive agents.
“They also include people living with HIV with a current CD4 cell count of <200 cells µl.”
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