Lifestyle

Aspartame is an artificial (chemical) sweetener widely used in various food and beverage products since the 1980s, including diet drinks, chewing gum, gelatin, ice cream, dairy products such as yoghurt, breakfast cereal, toothpaste and medications such as cough drops and chewable vitamins.

While evidence on the chemical being a potential for cancer has been low, the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) on Friday said aspartame should be added to the list of potentially cancer-causing substances.

However, soon after, the global health body’s Joint Food and Agriculture Organisation/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), said there was no reason to change guidance.

The JECFA also recommended that a person can safely consume up to 14 cans of diet drink a day.

But is there a definite link?

“There is no need to panic and just abandon aspartame completely. There is no real proof cited in this study and the WHO is also very circumspect in its actual recommendation and side by side, there's another WHO recommendation that's come that sets the bar of consumption at very high levels," Dr. Ambrish Mithal, Chairman, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Max HealthCare, told IANS.

"So the kind of levels they are permitting are actually usually much more than what an average person will consume,” he added.

The IARC classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans on the basis of limited evidence for cancer in humans (specifically, for hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a type of liver cancer).

There was also limited evidence for cancer in experimental animals and limited evidence related to the possible mechanisms for causing cancer, the WHO said in a statement.

“Definitely cancer producing evidence is very low. If the evidence is very strong, it should be banned, as why should you take anything which produces cancer. But if the evidence is not strong, to label something as carcinogenic puts a lot of fear in people's minds,” Dr V. Mohan, chairman of Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, told IANS.

“I don't know how much damage this will produce psychologically because of the word ‘cancer’,” he said.

Meanwhile, the JECFA concluded that the data evaluated indicated no sufficient reason to change the previously established acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0-40 mg per kg body weight for aspartame.

The committee, as well as the doctors reaffirmed that it is safe for a person to consume within this limit per day.

“Overall risk (of aspartame) is very low if consumed within the prescribed limits. No need for panic if you are using aspartame,” Dr Mohan wrote on Twitter.

“It is ok to have aspartame within recommended limits,” added Dr Abby Philips, a hepatologist, popularly known as the liver doctor, on the microblogging site.

Dr Mithal told IANS that “the WHO guidelines do not apply to those who already have diabetes and have to avoid sugar. There is not much benefit in terms of weight reduction, or preventing diabetes. But if someone is taking small amounts, it's okay”.

He however, recommended people to avoid products labelled as “sugar-free and containing no added sugar” because these are “very often loaded with these sweeteners and with uncertain amounts”.

“If you can avoid it, avoid it, of course you can have something without sugar or without the thing that is good,” Dr Mohan told IANS.

He also cautioned against using it too much.

--IANS

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A capsule wardrobe is an edit of clothing that has a long shelf life, is thoughtfully curated, and is interchangeable to make multiple outfits! A capsule wardrobe, in essence, helps you in creating an array of looks with a selected number of pieces.

The term capsule wardrobe was coined in the 1970s by Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique called Wardrobe. Faux believed that a capsule wardrobe comprises a few essential pieces. These can be supplemented with seasonal additions.

Capsule wardrobes in this day and age are having a revival, largely due to an increase in public awareness. The consumer today is much more aware of the harmful effects of fast fashion on our planet and all living species.

A key tip to build a capsule wardrobe and reduce fast fashion consumption, Surabhi Chopra, founder of Surabhi Chopra Label says, "Clothes are often our armor that we do every day, or they are a means to celebrate festivities. The thought of having fewer pieces in your wardrobe can often be overwhelming. Therefore, start with an analysis of your lifestyle. To create a capsule wardrobe, you need to know what your personal style is and what pieces will be most useful for the kind of lifestyle you lead. Try asking yourselves questions like, 'Do I need work-specific clothes? Do I need more travel clothes? Do I need more formal wear?' Consider all your needs so that you are better able to stick to the capsule wardrobe without any impulse purchases."

"The second step is to declutter your wardrobe. Most of us have a habit of hoarding clothes. Therefore, take out everything you have in your closet and analyse every piece in accordance with your style and lifestyle. Remove the pieces that you haven’t worn for a long time or the ones that don’t suit you or aren’t your size. Donate, sell, or recycle these items. Then sort the rest into categories like bottoms, denim, tees, blouses, etc."

"The final step is to curate timeless pieces that are interchangeable. Have 25-30 items for every season. The basis of a functional capsule wardrobe is versatility. It includes interchangeable garments that can create multiple looks for our everyday lives. Once you have sorted your pieces and feel that some basics are missing, invest in those items. Ensure that what you do is sustainable and long-lasting. Have basic tops, versatile jackets, etc. Neutral colours can be a great bet, as they are great for creating cohesive looks for any season and occasion," adds Surabhi.

While building a capsule wardrobe, it is imperative to have quality pieces that are both fictional and versatile. Do not invest in pieces that will lose their charm after a few wears. The only way to combat fast fashion is to invest in clothing that is useful, practical and suits your lifestyle. A versatile piece of clothing can easily pair with other pieces, be styled in different ways, and be worn in different contexts. Think about the item’s weight, fabric quality, silhouette length, and, most importantly, how easy it is to maintain and wash. For an occasional treat, if you feel that for a particular occasion, you cannot use any of the garments in your capsule wardrobe, then renting something boring can be a great idea!

Although remember that a capsule wardrobe should be built slowly over time. Fast fashion fuels impulse purchases and rapid discards with its low prices and changing trends. This waste finds its way to landfills, where it results in low wages for the workforce and a heavy toll on the environment due to unethical and unsustainable manufacturing practices. It is estimated that the garment industry contributes to almost 10 per cent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions.

Therefore, purchasing clothes just for the sake of trends or impulse comes at a price for the environment.

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS

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VIVA EL RON

Viva El Ron is a Cuban rum celebrating culture, history, and revolution. Created during the Cuban Revolution, it symbolises the resilience, passion, and enduring spirit of the Cuban people. The rum is a tribute to the Cuban people's resilience and passion, with a unique silver Ron mix and a well-rounded texture. The Cuban style blend features fresh, soft, and smooth flavors, transporting you to a breath-taking ocean sunset. It pairs well with classic cocktails like Cuba Libre, Mojito, and Daiquiri, making it a versatile and well-rounded rum.

MRP: Rs 1,575/-

Cuba Libre

Ingredients:

50 ml of Viva El Ron

120 ml of cola

15 ml of freshly squeezed lime juice

Ice cubes

Lime wedge, for garnish

Method:

Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.

Measure and pour 50 ml of light rum into the glass.

Squeeze the juice of half a lime to obtain approximately 15 ml of lime juice.

Add it to the glass. Slowly pour 120 ml of cola into the glass.

Gently stir the ingredients together using a cocktail stirrer or a long spoon.

Be careful not to disturb the carbonation too much.

Garnish the glass with a lime wedge by sliding it onto the rim.

ASHANTI SPICED RUM:

Ashanti Spiced Rum is a premium rum blending Caribbean tradition and exotic flavours, with a rich, aromatic profile. Its infusion of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla creates a harmonious blend, transporting the palate to sun-kissed beaches. Ashanti Spiced Red is a spiced rum made from Guatemalan rum, African hibiscus flower, and Indian ginger, giving it a unique taste and coppery colors. It pairs well with Cola, Ginger ale, fruit juice, and soda or in classic fruity cocktails.

MRP: Rs 4,625/-

Ashanti Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

60 ml Ashanti Spiced Rum

5 ml simple syrup

2 dashes Spice Route Bitters

Orange peel (for garnish)

Method:

In an Old Fashioned glass, muddle the orange peel and simple syrup.

Add the Ashanti Spiced Rum and bitters.

Fill the glass with ice cubes and stir gently until chilled.

Garnish with an orange peel twist.

BUSH RUM MANGO:

Bush Rum Mango is a tropical rum with luscious flavours, bursting with the essence of ripe mangoes. This Caribbean-inspired rum is a refreshing escape to paradise, with a smooth texture and harmonious blend of sweet and tangy notes. It can be enjoyed neat, mixed into cocktails, or used as a base for fruity concoctions. Distilled ripe mangoes, it is blended with Bush Rum Original Spiced for a real taste and tang. Enjoy this tropical experience with cola or in a Daiquiri.

MRP: Rs 5,150/-

Mango Daiquiri

Ingredients:

60 ml Bush Rum Mango

30 ml fresh lime juice

15 ml simple syrup

1 cup frozen mango chunks

Lime wheel (for garnish)

Method:

Add frozen mango chunks, Bush Rum Mango, lime juice, and simple syrup to a blender.

Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass.

Garnish with a lime wheel.

Sip and savor the tropical flavors.

BUSH RUM TROPICAL CITRUS:

Bush Rum Tropical Citrus is a tropical rum that combines the tangy sweetness of citrus fruits with the smooth richness of premium rum. It offers a tropical experience, with a captivating aroma and invigorating taste. This spiced rum is perfect for mixing or sipping neat with ice, and is perfect served with lemonade, ice, and a wedge of citrus fruit. It pairs well with Cola, Ginger ale, fruit juice, and soda for a classic fruity cocktail.

MRP: Rs 5,150/-

Citrus Rum Punch

Ingredients:

90 ml Bush Rum Tropical Citrus

45 ml orange juice

45 ml pineapple juice

15 ml lime juice

15 ml grenadine syrup

Orange slice and cherry for garnish

Method:

Combine all the ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake well.

Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.

Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.

Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the vast pool of rum mixology, treat yourself by indulging in some vibrant experimentation with the diverse flavours of rum. To get you started with the classics, we’ve compiled a list of five delicious and easy-to-make rum cocktails that will let you unwind, and enjoy the relaxed vibes of sun-soaked beaches and late night tiki bars.

Hotel Nacional

Ingredients:

60ml BACARDI RESERVA OCHO RUM

22.5ml Pineapple Juice

7.5ml Lime Juice

7.5ml Simple Syrup

15ml Apricot Liqueur

Method:

Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice

Shake vigorously

Fine strain into a coupe glass

Garnish with a pineapple leave or a lime wheel

Frozen Pina Colada

Ingredients:

50ml BACARDÍ CARTA BLANCA

37.5ml Coconut Water

37.5ml Pineapple Juice

1 Cup Ice

Method:

Combine all ingredients in a blender

Add 1 cup of ice and blend until a slushy consistency forms

Serve in a highball glass

Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry flag

Classic Rum Punch

Ingredients:

50ml BACARDÍ AÑEJO CUATRO

15ml Lime Juice

30ml Sugar Syrup

60ml Chilled Water

2 Dashes Angostura Bitter

Method:

Pour the rum, lime juice, bitters, and syrup into a mixing container

Mix and strain into a highball glass

Add the chilled water and stir

Garnish with an orange wheel and a cherry

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS

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LUCKNOW SEEKH HOT DOGS

Ingredients:

Godrej Yummiez Chicken Lucknowi Seekh Kabab

Hot Dog Buns

Green Chutney

Fresh Cream

Chutney Mayo

Mayonnaise

Lettuce

Onions Slices from

Mustard Mayo

Peri Peri Mayo

Oil for Cooking

Method

In a nonstick pan, pour oil and heat.

Add frozen Godrej Yummiez chicken lucknow seekh kabab and brown on all sides.

Add fresh cream, green chutney, mint mayo and regular mayonnaise and mix well.

Cook until the seekh kababs and well coated with chutney.

Now slit open the hot dog buns, arrange lettuce and onions slices.

Add the coated chicken seekh kababs and drizzle the peri peri mayo, mustard mayo.

Serve hot.

CHICKEN HARIYALI TIKKA PITTA POCKETS

Ingredients

Godrej Yummiez Chicken Hariyali Kabab

Pitta Bread

Mint Chutney

Garlic Hummus

Lettuce torn

Indian Kachumber Salad

Hot Garlic Mayo

Oil for Cooking

Method

In pan pour oil and heat the Godrej YummiezHariyali Kabab

Slit Open the pitabread to create pockets.

Spread Garlic Hummus and Mint Chutney Inside the pita pockets.

Add lettuce and onions

Stuff the pockets with chicken hariyali tikka

In a non-stick pan, now heat the filled pita pockets for some time.

Top the pita pockets with indian Kachumber Salad and drizzle hot garlic mayo

CHICKEN GALOUTI KABAB TACOS

Ingredients:

Godrej Yummiez Chicken Galouti Kabab

Taco Shells

Lettuce Leaves

Indian Salsa

Tomato chutney

Onions slices from

Tandoori Mayo

Oil for cooking

Method

Remove 6 pieces of Godrej Yummiez Chicken Galouti Kababs and Grill in a non stick pan.

To assemble, fill the readymade crunchy taco shells with Lettuce leaves and onion slices.

Add Grilled Awadhi Chicken Galouti Kababs

Top with Indian Salsa, Tomato Chutney.

Dress with Tandoori Mayo and serve hot.

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS

ianslife/tb

Researchers at the University of Tokyo found that in fruit fly brains, these neurons release a chemical called tachykinin which appears to control the fly’s movement to avoid facing a potential threat.

“We discovered a neuronal mechanism by which fear regulates visual aversion in the brains of drosophila (fruit flies). It appears that a single cluster of 20-30 neurons regulates vision when in a state of fear,” said Masato Tsuji, Assistant Professor from the Department of Biological Sciences at the University.

“Since fear affects vision across animal species, including humans, the mechanism we found may be active in humans as well,"Tsuji added.

The team used puffs of air to simulate a physical threat and found that the flies’ walking speed increased after being puffed at.

The flies also would choose a puff-free route if offered, showing that they perceived the puffs as a threat (or at least preferred to avoid them).

Next the researchers placed a small black object, roughly the size of a spider, 60 degrees to the right or left of the fly.

On its own the object didn’t cause a change in behaviour, but when placed following puffs of air, the flies avoided looking at the object and moved so that it was positioned behind them.

To understand the molecular mechanism underlying this aversion behaviour, the team then used mutated flies in which they altered the activity of certain neurons.

While the mutated flies kept their visual and motor functions, and would still avoid the air puffs, they did not respond in the same fearful manner to visually avoid the object.

“This suggested that the cluster of neurons which releases the chemical tachykinin was necessary for activating visual aversion,” said Tsuji.

“When monitoring the flies’ neuronal activity, we were surprised to find that it occurred through an oscillatory pattern, that is, the activity went up and down similar to a wave.

“Neurons typically function by just increasing their activity levels, and reports of oscillating activity are particularly rare in fruit flies because up until recently the technology to detect this at such a small and fast scale didn’t exist.”

By giving the flies genetically encoded calcium indicators, the researchers could make the flies' neurons shine brightly when activated.

With latest imaging techniques, they saw the changing, wavelike pattern of light being emitted, which was previously averaged out and missed.

--IANS

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This programme is looking to onboard 200 digital-first made-in-India fashion, footwear, home and accessories brands in its debut edition in the next four months and will extend end-to-end support services to accelerate their growth.

With this programme, brands will be able to unlock their growth potential by leveraging Myntra's proven expertise in brand-building which in turn will drive scale at an optimised cost for brands, propelled by significantly enhanced on and off-app visibility and strategic guidance.

As an equal partner in this journey, Myntra will provide full funnel support focusing on building awareness, driving consideration and conversations. Brands keen on being onboarded to the programme can apply by writing to the team at MyntraRisingStars@myntra.com.

"With evolving fashion preferences, D2C brands are poised to play a key role in fueling the growth of fashion in the country," said Sharon Pais, Chief Business Officer, Myntra.

"The launch of Myntra Rising STARS programme will give a boost to 200 digital-first made-in-India brands and put them on an accelerated growth path. The programme will enable millions of our customers to have access to their differentiated offerings while enjoying Myntra’s best-in-class experience across discovery, shopping and delivery," she added.

Myntra Rising STARS Programme has been designed for both renowned and emerging D2C made-in-India brands with unique offerings for customers. Brands will be shortlisted based on pre-decided objective criteria, including but not limited to, the size of the brand, social media followership and uniqueness of the product proposition.

The most significant challenge for D2C brands is to expand their customer base and attain scale, owing to constraints in resources. The programme will help brands solve this by strengthening brand and intent building, optimising the cost of doing business and optimising customer acquisition cost.

Brands will also have the opportunity to get deeper insights into evolving trends and preferences while getting access to millions of customers on Myntra from across the country.

As part of the Strategic Account Management Services, the onboarded brands will be able to opt for service-fee-based dedicated strategic account management consultation and get access to insights, advisories and the opportunity to leverage Myntra’s expertise in brand-building.

Brands will have access to account management services to enable segment-based incentive structure, working capital support, faster repayment cycle and Myntra’s speed proposition, M-Express for enhancing overall customer experience.

Further, the programme will provide an immersive discovery experience through deterministic visibility to build awareness, drive maximum reach and acquire new customers while enabling higher engagement and improving consideration.

Myntra's newly launched Rising STARS Store on its app, with dedicated touch points across the homepage and category pages, will increase the portfolio's visibility. Collaboration with Myntra across on and off-platform campaigns allows brands to better leverage their social, celebrity, and influencer assets. Over three lakh styles will be a part of the launch of the 'Rising STARS' store. Some of the brands being featured include Neemans, Suta, Rare Rabbit, BlissClub, Fablestreet, The Souled Store, and Bewakoof.

By tapping into the collective reach with Myntra, brands can look at driving higher engagement around new launches, collections and trends. There will be a focus on showcasing video content through Myntra Minis, Myntra's revolutionary short-form video platform on its app to enable trends and launches, and Myntra Studio, a personalised content destination on the platform that provides users with access to shoppable content among other channels.

--IANS

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According to a Reddit user, the latest Samsung Health beta app, version

6.24.1.023, includes a “Feature List” that mentions “Ring Support,” reports

SamMobile.

However, the list does not provide any additional details of this feature.

It is also possible that “Ring Support” is included in the latest Health

beta app because the tech giant might want to add support for smart rings

made by other companies.

Or, the company might be planning to do both, release the Galaxy Ring and

bring support for third-party rings on the Health platform, the report said.

In February, it was reported that Samsung was working on Galaxy Ring for

health tracking.

The company was granted the Galaxy Ring trademark by Korea Intellectual

Property Rights Information Service (KIPRIS).

The Galaxy Ring classifications explained the product as a “smart device

for measuring health indicators and/or sleep in the form of [a] ring.”

The Galaxy Ring will likely monitor the wearer's health and physical

activities similar to a smartwatch.

--IANS

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The prevalence of overweight and obesity has risen dramatically over the last 25 years, and it is well-established that elevated BMI can contribute to several cardio-metabolic conditions. However, studies that have analysed the association between BMI and all-cause mortality have been inconsistent.

To understand, a team from Rutgers University in the US retrospectively studied data on 554,332 US adults.

Of these, about 35 per cent had a BMI between 25 and 30, which is typically defined as overweight, and 27.2 per cent had a BMI above or equal to 30, typically defined as obese.

Over a median follow-up of nine years and a maximum follow-up of 20 years, the researchers observed 75,807 deaths. The risk of all-cause mortality was similar across a wide range of BMI categories.

For older adults, there was no significant increase in mortality for any BMI between 22.5 and 34.9 and in younger adults, there was no significant increase in mortality for any BMI between 22.5 and 27.4.

Overall, for adults with a BMI of 30 or over, there was a 21 per cent to 108 per cent increased mortality risk attributed to their weight. The patterns observed in the overall population remained largely the same in men and women and across races and ethnicities.

Further studies incorporating weight history, body composition and morbidity outcomes are needed to fully characterise BMI-mortality associations, said researchers in the paper published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE.

BMI in the overweight range is generally not associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality, they said.

"Our study highlights the increasing reservations of using BMI alone to drive clinical decisions. There is no clear increase in all-cause mortality across a range of traditionally normal and overweight BMI ranges; however, that is not to say that morbidity is similar across these BMI ranges. Future studies will need to assess incidence of cardio-metabolic morbidities," they added.

--IANS

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The study, published in the journal Neurology, found that gum disease and tooth loss were linked to brain shrinkage in the hippocampus, which plays a role in memory and Alzheimer's disease.

The study, however, does not prove that gum disease or tooth loss causes Alzheimer's disease; it only shows an association.

"Tooth loss and gum disease, which is inflammation of the tissue around the teeth that can cause shrinkage of the gums and loosening of the teeth, are very common, so evaluating a potential link with dementia is incredibly important," said Satoshi Yamaguchi, from Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan.

"Our study found that these conditions may play a role in the health of the brain area that controls thinking and memory, giving people another reason to take better care of their teeth."

The study involved 172 people with an average age of 67 who did not have memory problems at the beginning of the study.

Participants had dental exams and took memory tests at the beginning of the study. They also had brain scans to measure volume of the hippocampus at the beginning of the study and again four years later.

Researchers found that the number of teeth and amount of gum disease was linked to changes in the left hippocampus of the brain.

For people with mild gum disease having fewer teeth was associated with a faster rate of brain shrinkage in the left hippocampus.

However, for people with severe gum disease having more teeth was associated with a faster rate of brain shrinkage in the same area of the brain.

After adjusting for age, researchers found that for people with mild gum disease, the increase in the rate of brain shrinkage due to one less tooth was equivalent to nearly one year of brain ageing.

Conversely, for people with severe gum disease the increase in brain shrinkage due to one more tooth was equivalent to 1.3 years of brain ageing.

Another recent study showed that skipping night-time dental hygiene sessions can increase the risk of heart disease.

"These results highlight the importance of preserving the health of the teeth and not just retaining the teeth," Yamaguchi said.

"Controlling the progression of gum disease through regular dental visits is crucial, and teeth with severe gum disease may need to be extracted and replaced with appropriate prosthetic devices."

--IANS

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In the study, published in the journal Psychological Medicine, researchers included 10,243 participants, and found reading about 12 hours a week was linked to improved brain structure.

It led to a positive performance in adolescence on cognitive tests that measured such factors as verbal learning, memory and speech development, and at school academic achievement.

These children also had better mental wellbeing, as assessed using a number of clinical scores and reports from parents and teachers, showing fewer signs of stress and depression, as well as improved attention and fewer behavioural problems such as aggression and rule-breaking.

Children, who began reading for pleasure earlier, also tended to spend less screen time -- for example watching TV or using their smartphone or tablet -- during the week and at weekends in their adolescence, and also tended to sleep longer.

Brain scans taken in adolescence, showed that children read at an early age had moderately larger total brain areas and volumes, including in particular brain regions that play critical roles in cognitive functions.

Other brain regions that were different among this group were those that have been previously shown to relate to improved mental health, behaviour and attention.

“Reading isn’t just a pleasurable experience -- it’s widely accepted that it inspires thinking and creativity, increases empathy and reduces stress. But on top of this, we found significant evidence that it’s linked to important developmental factors in children, improving their cognition, mental health, and brain structure, which are cornerstones for future learning and well-being,” said Professor Barbara Sahakian from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge.

Reading for pleasure can be an important and enjoyable childhood activity. Unlike listening and spoken language, which develop rapidly and easily in young children, reading is a taught skill and is acquired and developed through explicit learning over time.

During childhood and adolescence, our brains develop, making this an important time in which to establish behaviours that support our cognitive development and promote good brain health.

“We encourage parents to do their best to awaken the joy of reading in their children at an early age. Done right, this will not only give them pleasure and enjoyment, but will also help their development and encourage long-term reading habits, which may also prove beneficial into adult life,” added Professor Jianfeng Feng from Fudan University in Shanghai.

--IANS

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