Mycetism is used to describe the poising caused by ingestion of
mushrooms. Wild mushrooms contain some toxic substances and using these
mushrooms as edible mushrooms results in poisoning. Wild mushrooms closely
resemble to cultivable species and identification of these mushrooms is very
difficult.Dozens of mushroom species (about 32) have been identified to be
fatal and several believed to be containing toxins. Amanita phalloides is reported to have caused
poisoning in majority of such cases. Amanita is difficult to distinguish from
other mushrooms in early stage and it is mistaken with other species by the
gatherers. Symptoms of
toxicity may include mild gastric discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, liver damage,
kidney failure, respiratory failure, neurotoxicity and some cases of toxicity
may even result in the death of the person consuming poisonous mushrooms.
Symptoms may either be noticed immediately or after few days of ingestion.
Alpha-amanitin is the principal toxin of Amanita genus that causes liver damage
after 1-3 days of ingestion. Orellanine is the principal toxin in genus
Cortinarius and
reported to cause kidney failure. Muscarine is found in genus Omphalotus and it can cause respiratory
failure. Gyromitrin is principal toxin in genus Gyromitra and reported to cause neurotoxicity,
gastrointestinal upset, and destruction of blood cells. Coprine, principal
toxin in genus Coprinus, may cause illness when consumed with alcohol.
Other toxins present in poisonous mushrooms are: Ibotenic acid, muscimol in A. muscaria,
A. pantherina, A. gemmata, Psilocybin and psilocin in Psilocype, bolesatine in Boletus
satanas , and
ergotamine in Claviceps
Foods & Fruits:Health benefits
Saturday, 7 June 2014
Green Tea: Is it beneficial for the health?
Green tea is different from other tea forms
in the sense that it is prepared from unfermented leaves and contains the
highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols.
Green tea has some antioxidants known to neutralize free radicals and hence reduce the resultant damage involving development of anti-aging process. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) , a compound found in most green teas, reportedly reduces the ability to absorb fat and enhanced ability to use it.
It slows down the weight loss and makes green tea a useful drink to obese. Several claims are made regarding the health benefits of green tea and such claims are discussed in detail in the article available at hub.me/a3Ryd
Research findings suggest that claim related to lowering total cholesterol and increasing HDL (good cholesterol) has some substance since men drinking green tea were diagnosed with lower cholesterol than those not drinking green tea. Likewise, harmful LDL levels in blood of smokers got reduced with green tea consumption.
Health surveys suggest that green tea provides protection against cancer and this claim is based mainly on low cancer rates observed in countries where consumption of green tea is relatively more. Polyphenols present in green tea are believed to be responsible for prevention of the cancer. However, FDA prohibits tea makers using labels making claims of reduced risk of heart disease due to use of green tea. Catechins stimulate fat burning that is considered to help in weight loss if green tea use is combined with coffee.
Green tea based preparation ‘Kunecatechins ointment’ has got the approval of FDA for topical treatment of external genital and perianal warts. Tea and coffee were generally perceived to shoot blood pressure but recent research reports suggest that tea or coffee lowers the blood pressure.
Care must be taken in the use of green tea. It should never be used empty stomach as liver damage is indicated in some research findings. People already detected with kidney disorders, heart problems and ulcers etc are advised to avoid green tea.
Pregnant and breast-feeding women should consult an expert before using green tea. Green tea may inhibit the actions of certain drugs including beta-lectam antibiotics, sedatives etc and may increase the bleeding if used with aspirin.
Effect of oral contraceptives is likely to be prolonged if used with green tea. People receiving chemotherapy for prostrate cancer should avoid drinking green tea. Caffeine presence in green tea may sometimes cause nausea, insomnia etc.
Green tea has some antioxidants known to neutralize free radicals and hence reduce the resultant damage involving development of anti-aging process. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) , a compound found in most green teas, reportedly reduces the ability to absorb fat and enhanced ability to use it.
It slows down the weight loss and makes green tea a useful drink to obese. Several claims are made regarding the health benefits of green tea and such claims are discussed in detail in the article available at hub.me/a3Ryd
Research findings suggest that claim related to lowering total cholesterol and increasing HDL (good cholesterol) has some substance since men drinking green tea were diagnosed with lower cholesterol than those not drinking green tea. Likewise, harmful LDL levels in blood of smokers got reduced with green tea consumption.
Health surveys suggest that green tea provides protection against cancer and this claim is based mainly on low cancer rates observed in countries where consumption of green tea is relatively more. Polyphenols present in green tea are believed to be responsible for prevention of the cancer. However, FDA prohibits tea makers using labels making claims of reduced risk of heart disease due to use of green tea. Catechins stimulate fat burning that is considered to help in weight loss if green tea use is combined with coffee.
Green tea based preparation ‘Kunecatechins ointment’ has got the approval of FDA for topical treatment of external genital and perianal warts. Tea and coffee were generally perceived to shoot blood pressure but recent research reports suggest that tea or coffee lowers the blood pressure.
Care must be taken in the use of green tea. It should never be used empty stomach as liver damage is indicated in some research findings. People already detected with kidney disorders, heart problems and ulcers etc are advised to avoid green tea.
Pregnant and breast-feeding women should consult an expert before using green tea. Green tea may inhibit the actions of certain drugs including beta-lectam antibiotics, sedatives etc and may increase the bleeding if used with aspirin.
Effect of oral contraceptives is likely to be prolonged if used with green tea. People receiving chemotherapy for prostrate cancer should avoid drinking green tea. Caffeine presence in green tea may sometimes cause nausea, insomnia etc.
Egg nutrition: Benefits and risks to health
USDA lists eggs under the 'Meats' category due to presence of high protein.Eggs are referred as source of complete protein due to presence of various essential amino acids.Selenium is also present in abundance in the eggs, In addition to essential amino acids, protein and selenium, eggs are storehouse of several vitamins and minerals. However, high fat content (saturated) and cholesterol presence sends warning signals to health conscious people.
Egg yolks contain cholesterol in high quantities and this compel people to use low fat egg white as substitute to egg yolk.This choice limits people of good use of yolks containing many useful vitamins and nutrients. Also, research findings indicate that dietary cholesterol is not directly responsible to heart disease and hence may not be regarded promoter of heart disease risk. Read this article hub.me/afh94 on recommendations related to use of eggs for diabetics & heart patients.
Consumption of eggs is reported to have its role in maintaining strong nails and shiny hairs due to presence of sulfur.Eggs are categorized in the good choice foods for the people attempting to loose weight.Risk of breast cancer is shown to be reduced by 44 percent in women as a result of consumption of six eggs per week in a clinical study.
Presence of good amount of iron, iodine, selenium,phosphorus and vitamin D in the eggs make them useful for immune system and health including bone and teeth.Maintenance of good vision requires
Lutein and Xeaxanthin to protect eyes from UV rays and cataract development. However, symptoms of illness are observed sometimes in people consuming eggs infected with the bacterium Salmonella.
Pineapple:Health benefits
Pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merr.), a member of the Bromeliaceae family, is a native to South America and imported to Europe by Spanish explorers. Fruit along with the crown is used for decoration purposes. Citric, malic and ascorbic acids are present in good quantities in pineapple fruits.
Due to its medicinal properties, fruit is used as a constituent of several home remedies and folk medicines. Fruit juice is known to expedite labor and reduce sea sickness for its functionality as an antidote. Pineapple is used as a good remedy for venereal diseases and killing intestinal worms.It helps in achieving abortion if flesh of the young fruit is ingested along with honey in the morning for 3 days
Other health benefits of pineapple include strengthening of bones and connective tissues, maintenance of oral health and helping the healing process after a dental surgery. It is also used to suppress cough, treat colds, sore throats and acute sinusitis. Presence of Bromelain makes it useful in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and speed up recovery from injuries. Numerous health benefits and side effects may be explored in the article hub.me/a3zoI
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