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20 Surprising Benefits of Dark Chocolate
There is good news for all dark chocolate lovers! Dark chocolate with cacao content above 60 per cent is supposed to be the new superfood owing to the several health benefits it can offer. Much of dark chocolate’s goodness comes from its key component, flavonoids, which impart it remarkably high antioxidant abilities.
20 Reasons You Should Eat Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate can help to improve your well-being in many ways. Partaking this sweet delicacy regularly can play a significant role in keeping you fitter and healthier.
Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
Most people wonder whether chocolate is good for health. So, here are some of the health benefits of dark chocolate:
1. Enhances Heart Health
The cocoa flavonoids present in dark chocolate are good for the heart. It can boost heart health and reduce the likelihood of heart disease considerably. It can lower the levels of “bad” cholesterol or oxidised LDL which builds plaque deposits in the arteries. It can also assist in maintaining the HDL (good) cholesterol levels thus protecting against heart issues.
2. Protects Against Cancer
The antioxidant properties of dark chocolate can potentially extend cancer protection by diminishing damage to cells. It can neutralise cancer cell production and the associated inflammation. Regular consumption of dark chocolate can particularly prove beneficial in defending against colon cancer.
3. Treats Diabetes
Dark chocolate for diabetes can be helpful. The flavonoids in dark chocolate support insulin sensitivity, improve glucose balance and inflammation markers, the factors which mainly contribute to the incidence of diabetes. People who take dark chocolate pieces can lower their chances of developing diabetes in comparison with people who don’t eat them.
4. Advances Brain Function
The potential merits of dark chocolate for the brain can be numerous because of its flavanol content. Eating dark chocolate can intensify blood flow to a few important brain areas, which in turn leads to general alertness and enhanced performance in tasks. It can also help to sharpen the memory, augment focus and shield the brain from ageing fast.
5. Lowers Blood Pressure
Dark chocolate contains magnesium which can support the lowering of blood pressure. Taking dark chocolate can also lift nitric oxide levels in the body thereby reducing overall blood pressure.
6. Contributes to Weight Loss
Consuming dark chocolate can curb cravings because its high satiety value can help you feel fuller for a longer time. Thus, you may be less tempted to gorge on snacks which can become a factor for weight loss. Also, they are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) which stimulate metabolism to burn fat.
7. Relieves Cough
Dark chocolate is an effective cough suppressant because it is full of antioxidants like catechins, polyphenols, flavonols, theobromine. Some scientists believe it can be more effectual than common cold medicines.
8. Lowers Cholesterol
Dark chocolate has cholesterol-lowering advantages as well. It can improve lipid profile along with limiting platelet reactivity.
9. Safeguards Against Neurological Diseases
Dark chocolate can increase cerebral blood flow due to its substantial flavanol content which may help thwart age-related memory weakening. It also extends extensive protection to neurons in the nervous system and brain thereby preventing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
10. Strengthens Vision
The cocoa flavanols in dark chocolate can heighten oxygen availability and nutrient supply to the blood vessels present in the eyes, thus fortifying vision health. Studies show that dark chocolate displayed a better capability to enhance visual acuteness than white chocolate.
11. Improves Mood
Dark chocolate can be a feel-good indulgence. It is the existence of fatty acids that does the trick. Stearic and palmitic acids along with health-enriching flavonoids in dark chocolate have the potential to increase neural activity in parts of the brain linked to pleasure thus making one better happier and better.
12. Decreases the Risk of Stroke
Eating flavonoid-rich dark chocolate can lower the probability of a stroke. More research is needed to ascertain the precise quantity and type of chocolates which would most help reduce stroke risk. But it can be said that dark chocolate in moderate amounts decreases the risk of a stroke and helps us live longer.
Dark Chocolate Benefits for Skin
Some of the dark chocolate benefits for skin may include the following:
Protects Against UV Damage
The flavonoids and polyphenols in dark chocolate can protect the skin from the destructive UV rays of the sun thereby preventing sun spots and other related skin damage.
2. Fights Ageing
Dark chocolate’s incredible antioxidant qualities can aid in combating DNA mutilation which results in ageing symptoms like greying hair, wrinkles, and other diseases.
3. Hydrates the Skin
Flavanols in dark chocolate can support your skin in looking its best. You can achieve smoother skin by taking chocolate daily in moderate quantities. They fight free radicals and reinforce blood flow thus elevating skin hydration and providing skin with a glow.
4. Makes You Look Younger
Cocoa in chocolate can raise blood flow to the top-most skin layer thus making it appear young.
5. Prevents Collagen Breakdown
Dark chocolate can successfully battle stress hormones which cause collagen breakdown. Fewer collagen breakdown means fewer wrinkles and healthier skin.
Benefits of Dark Chocolates for Hair
Some benefits of dark chocolates for hair are:
Improves Blood Circulation to the Scalp
Dark chocolate can encourage blood circulation to the scalp thus allowing you to have thick and nourished hair.
2. Protects Against Dandruff
The anti-inflammatory abilities of dark chocolate can help the scalp be free from any infections. It can also stop the build-up and spread of dandruff by adequately supplementing the scalp.
3. Makes Hair Lustrous
Dark chocolate is jam-packed with antioxidants and nutrients which can help prevent hair loss and promote thick, shiny hair.
Tips to Remember While Shopping for Dark Chocolate
Certain tips to keep in mind while buying dark chocolate are:
The darker it is, the more beneficial it will be. If you happen to eat a bar which is too sweet, chances are that it is stripped of the beneficial flavonoids to give it a more consumer-friendly taste.
Opt for less-processed kinds that contain a minimum of 70 per cent cacao.
It is normal to find great taste disparities from bar to bar. It all depends on the kind of beans employed to manufacture the chocolate.
FAQs
Some frequently asked questions are:
1. Is It Okay to Eat Dark Chocolate Every Day?
Yes, it is okay to eat dark chocolate daily. But be sure to take it in moderation. To reap its optimal benefits, limit your intake to 3-4 cubes as it still has calories and fats.
2. Are There Any Disadvantages of Eating Dark Chocolate?
Eating dark chocolate in excess can have certain side-effects. Owing to its caffeine content, too much consumption of dark chocolate can result in anxiety issues. People with heart trouble should control their intake as caffeine can cause irregular heartbeats. Caffeine may also negatively impact other medical conditions like diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, glaucoma, and osteoporosis.
3. How Do I Choose and Store Dark Chocolate?
Some points to bear in mind are:
If the bar has sugar or milk listed as the ingredient, it won't contain 70 per cent cocoa content.
Avoid buying a chocolate bar which has trans-fat. In case you see ‘partially hydrogenated oil’ or ‘hydrogenated oil’ as ingredients, do not buy it.
Go for dark chocolate which is not alkali-processed. Some types are treated with alkali to alter colour and restrict bitterness. But such treatment destroys the antioxidant content.
Don’t be misled by fancy packaging. High-quality chocolate is smoother in taste without the grainy texture.
For storing dark chocolate, you may first like to divide it into serving-sized portions. Then wrap each piece in a clean paper towel before placing it in a zip-lock pouch and sealing it. You can store the zip-lock bag in the refrigerator safely for one year. Do check for any signs of condensation to rectify it immediately.
Dark chocolate is a useful health food. When you eat the right kind of it, you can forward to some amazing benefits, from healing numerous diseases to providing strength and stamina. Thus, you don't have to feel guilty about indulging in it anymore!
Also Read:
Foods to Eat for Healthy Heart
Best Foods for Healthy Skin
Best Foods to Boost Your Metabolism Read more
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HiB (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B) Vaccine
Once a vaccine enters your body, the body reacts exactly in the same way as it does when the same organism infects you. But the difference is that the organism in the vaccine is not capable of causing damage to your body and the quantity of germ in the vaccine is very low to produce only a mild reaction.
Now, after vaccination, as the body is already exposed to the organism, the immune system is sensitised and knows what to do if the same germ attacks again. Hence when later in life, you get exposed to this germ, the specific immune system (the memory T cells in the immune system does the job of remembering that germ) is activated and the germs are killed even before it causes harm to the body.
If there were no vaccines given by the time the immune system figures out what to do, the damage would be done which might be life-threatening. Then why do we have side effects after vaccination in some cases? That is because, as mentioned above the body tends to react and this results in side effects. The fever is an increase in body temperature because the body is all heating up to fight the organism. It is not what the germ is doing to you.
Video: Immunizing Your Child - HiB (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B) Vaccine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hc06g_g5pto
What is the HiB Vaccine?
HiB vaccine is an injection that is given as a preventive measure for Haemophilus influenzae type B infections. It contains a part of the capsule of dead bacteria H. influenzae. There are six types (designated a–f) of H. influenzae that cause different diseases. The HiB vaccine is specifically against the type b and does not extend protection against the other types. H. influenzae type b vaccine is a conjugated vaccine.
Who Should Get HiB Vaccine?
HiB vaccine is recommended for all the children below 5 years of age. It is necessary to complete all the doses for it to be effective.
Older children who were not vaccinated earlier and high-risk adults, even if they were vaccinated earlier, are eligible in special circumstances.
Recommended HiB Vaccine Schedule
HiB vaccine is available as monovalent vaccine or in combination with other vaccines.
Recommended Doses:
The recommended schedule is two or three doses depending on which type of vaccine is given starting at the age of 2 months. Each dose is given 8 weeks apart. After these primary HiB vaccine dose, a booster dose is recommended at the age of 12-15 months and there should be a gap of minimum 8 weeks since the last dose.
Recommended Ages:
Here’s how the doses are administered:
First Dose: 2 months of age
Second Dose: 4 months of age
Third Dose: 6 months of age (if needed)
Final/Booster Dose: 12-15 months of age
The Government of India has recommended use of pentavalent vaccine (LPV) – which is a combination vaccine of HiB with 4 others: DPT and Hep B. in 3 doses at 6 weeks, 10 weeks and 14 weeks of age. Booster dose of HiB at 12-15 months is recommended by the IAP (Indian Association of Paediatrics) but not included in the universal immunisation schedule of Government of India.
What Are Benefits of the HiB Vaccine?
HiB disease is a serious, invasive and life-threatening disease. The germ spreads very easily through contact with the droplets of secretions from an infected person. This means that simply breathing next to an infected person can cause infection to you without your knowledge. Simply carrying around the germ in the nose and throat will not make you sick unless it reaches the lungs and the blood. This also means that the person next to you might be completely healthy and yet one sneeze or cough can be infective. HiB vaccine prevents an invasive infection despite being infected. Since the use of HiB vaccine began, there has been a 99% decrease in the number of cases. In the United States, before HiB vaccine, about 20,000 children below 5 years got HiB disease each year, out of which 3% - 6% of them died.
Is It a Must to Give Child HiB Vaccine?
All children below 5 years of age are at a very high risk of being infected with HiB. This deadly bacteria is known to cause meningitis (inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal chord) that can lead to brain damage and deafness. It also causes pneumonia, epiglottitis (swelling in the throat that makes breathing difficult), infections of the blood, joints, bones, and heart and death. So undoubtedly, prevention is better than cure.
Who Should Avoid HiB Vaccine?
HiB vaccine is not to be given to a baby less than 6 weeks of age.
An otherwise healthy adult does not require HiB vaccine.
If there has been a severe allergic reaction to the previous dose of vaccine or a component of the vaccine, please do inform your doctor. It could be life-threatening.
If the child is not feeling well on the day of scheduled vaccination, tell your doctor. Mild illness is fine. But moderate to severe illness is a contraindication to the vaccine. Wait till the child recovers.
The HiB vaccine falls under category C for pregnant women; use with caution if benefits outweigh risks.
What Can Be The Side Effects of HiB Vaccine?
Any vaccination can cause mild side effects and the same holds true with HiB vaccine. The doctor will evaluate the HiB vaccine risks against benefits and take a call before administering. Serious side effects are rare but possible. Majority cases do not experience any side effect at all. Mild side effects include mild fever, pain, redness and swelling at the injection site.
The child may become irritable and drowsy. Allergic reaction can be mild or serious enough to need an emergency intervention. Such severe reactions are as rare as 1 in million doses. Older children or adults may feel dizzy or have headache, vomiting and diarrhoea.
What Precautions Should You Take?
Avoid getting the shot when the child not feeling well. Maintain your child’s immunisation record and update it each time. Inform the school or the childcare about the immunisation and ask them to report if any red flag signs are seen. Look for the red flag signs and immediately consult your doctor.
When Should You Call Healthcare Provider?
Any of the following, particularly within first 3-4 days, warrants an immediate visit to your health care provider:
high fever
swelling of the face or mouth
trouble breathing
hives
convulsions or seizures
very pale colour
drowsiness
weakness
fast heartbeat
other serious problems
FAQs
1. After receiving HiB vaccine, will my child get meningitis as well?
There is a remote possibility especially if the doses were not completed. But an invasive HiB infection in a completely vaccinated child is not common. Also, there is a possibility of meningitis from causes other than HiB.
2. What if my child missed a dose of HiB vaccine?
Here is the catchup schedule if the first dose was delayed by >1 month
First dose at age 7 - 11 months: a second dose 4 weeks later, skip 3rd dose and give a booster dose as usual.
First dose at age 12 -14 months: a second dose after 8 weeks. No further doses are indicated.
First dose at age 15 - 59 months: no further doses are indicated.
Children aged ≥5 years not vaccinated earlier are not high-risk and do not require catchup vaccination.
3. Can HiB vaccine be given with other vaccines?
Yes. Combination vaccines are available where you can have the vaccine injected along with others.
Conclusion
HiB vaccine is essential for protecting against life-threatening infections for children and adults. Make sure you keep your child up to date with the recommended immunisation programme to ensure that he/she stays healthy. Read more
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Self Awareness in Your 21 Months Old
Self-consciousness is often underrated, which is why parents are not aware of what self-awareness skills are in toddlers. The fact that they can help them grow into balanced individuals is often overlooked. However, these skills can be developed with some simple exercises.
As your little one grows up, so does his sense of self. He starts recognising his needs as well as those of the people around him. It is this self-awareness that helps a child understand and react to different situations in an appropriate way. Though it develops with time, as a parent you can help yours gain self-awareness quickly.
Self Awareness in Child Development- How it Works
Studies have shown that every child is born with a sense of self-awareness. This is why a newborn baby cries when he feels hungry, cold or needs a nappy change. However, as the child develops, so does his capacity for self-awareness. But when does a toddler become self-conscious? Well, the first time your child smiles at you and you smile back can be cited as an important development. It helps him realise that his actions can get reactions. As he grows, he understands this more and more and acts accordingly. Once he starts speaking, he expresses his desires to perform various activities by using the words "I" and "me". Also, a child becomes self-conscious when he explores the world around him and learns how different things work.
Importance of Self-consciousness in Toddlers
Better expression of feelings
Recognising his positive and negative traits
Completing tasks at hand
Analysing the reaction caused by his actions
Understanding mistakes made and correcting them
Developing Self-awareness in Children the Fun Way!
1. Who's in the Mirror?
Since most toddlers can recognise themselves in the mirror by 15 months, this is one of the best exercises for developing self-awareness. Place a mirror in front of your child and ask him what he sees. Then, take it away and put a bright coloured dot or sticker on his face. Now, give him back the mirror. Your child will very likely remove the dot. Doing this in different ways will make him more conscious about himself.
2. Teach Me the Game
This is another great way to help your 21-month-old toddler develop self-consciousness. Pick one of his favourite games and ask him to teach you the right way to play it. Make sure you make some mistakes to keep him his mind in the game. It’s also a good way to test his observation and correcting powers.
3. Taking Turns While Playing
Choose some age-appropriate games for your little one that involve waiting for turns and competing. Invite some of his friends over to play or involve the family members. These self-awareness activities for toddlers teach a sense of responsibility and instill the urge to excel.
When it comes to child care, self-awareness is a key element that can't be overlooked. It’s the only way to ensure that you’re bringing up an individual who is aware of his own needs and deeds. Start early and your child will learn sooner. Read more
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Take a Beauty Break this Mother's Day
Gift yourself a beauty break with a luxurious massage or a full spa day on Mothers Day. Don't shy away from spoiling yourself a little. Get set to unwind in style as you get pampered and preened before you get back to the grind.
As a mother, there is no better time than Mother’s Day when you can browse through your favorite salon brochure and look up for a list of spas to pamper yourself. After all that hard work, you deserve a gift that unwinds you and makes you feel like a million bucks. You can choose anything from traditional countryside breaks to contemporary retreats. Read on and know a bit more on what all you can do to indulge yourself.
Types of Beauty Treatments on Mother's Day
Fruit Herbal Spa
This eco-spa is a great combination of fruits and herbs. It is a full-body spa treatment and helps in de-stressing the body. It begins with a gentle exfoliation on a heated plinth. The exfoliation is followed by a luxurious aromatherapy oil massage, which helps in getting rid of body toxins.
Manicure
This beauty treatment relaxes your nails and hands, and makes them shine. It begins by removing your nail polish, trimming your nails, and then dipping your hands in lukewarm and soapy water. After this the cuticles are clipped, followed by a gentle hand massage that will leave your talons buffed up and pretty; and your hands silky smooth.
Pedicure
Being a mother, it is certain that your feet are ignored, if not totally forgotten. That's why you need a little foot indulgence. A pedicure involves trimming, cleaning, and exfoliating the nails by soaking them in lukewarm and soapy water. Once done, the feet are moisturized and your toenails painted. The treatment also removes dead skin and makes your feet smooth and beautiful.
Forehead Spa
Scared your hectic schedule as mom will give you a lined forehead or crows feet? Relax and indulge in this forehead spa day on Mother's Day. In this spa a gentle stream of herbal oil falls on to the forehead for an hour. It soothes the central nervous system and provides complete relaxation to the eyes as well. We vouch you'll make this your monthly ritual! ||
Organic Facial
The stress of handling a home and family often reflects in the skin. Precisely why you must go for an organic facial. This type of facial includes natural ingredients like, honey, almonds, strawberries, bananas; the list is endless. Go for a banana facial to ease your furrowed brows and wrinkles, or pick a strawberry facial to give your skin a baby glow.
These are different types of spas and beauty treatments for all you mommies. This Mother’s Day pamper yourself and spend some time alone rejuvenating your senses. After all, it's only when you're happy can you spread happiness, right? Read more
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Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. Birth weight:2.8kgs
At end of 4 months : 5.7kg
At end of 5.5 months : 6.1kg
Is it adequate?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. Yes it is because your child is almost having more than double the birth fade by completing the age of 5.5 months like you’re mentioning so it’s going good in total the weight of the child currently as per the age is perfectly good so there is nothing nothing for you to be worried in this
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert
will women get stomach ache at 40th day of implantation.
which means after 10 days of her missed period
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. The duration of implantation cramping varies from person to person but doesn't last longer than a few days. Some people experience a few minor twinges over a few hours or the course of a day. On the other end of the spectrum, some experience intermittent cramping that comes and goes over one to three days.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
1 hour ago
Q. If a diabetic mother is pregnent chance of baby having diabetes?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. No it is a very common thing with women to be seen that they are diabetic or they have thyroid during the time of pregnancy but that does not mean your child is also going to have the same problem as these things are not contagious you are not going to pass it on to your child during pregnancy so don’t worry about it
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. New born baby is not poop more than 1 week? How to recover that
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. Stool pattern of small children changes from time to time.
It can be more than 7 times per day also and sometimes the child will not pass stool for 10 days also.
The most important thing is the consistency of the stool and if it is Semi solid to solid or semi liquid then there is no need to worry about the frequency axs well as colour as well as the smell of the stool
Also straining and crying while passing urine and stool is very normal.
the crying of the child is due to colic pain and not due to constipationx
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
30 mins ago
Q. hi, I'm 4th month pregnant. my last period date was jan 7th. I was asked to take iron and calcium supplements. after started with those supplements, my body's temperature started increasing. how do I get rid of this. can I stop taking these supplements?
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
16 mins ago
A. there is no relation taking calcium and iron and body temperature. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
18 mins ago
Q. 11Weeks on going and the problem is continuously vomiting, body&headache pain.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
16 mins ago
A. please check the temperature can be a viral infection. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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