"Protein is one of the three essential macronutrients, along with carbs and fat," dietitian Christine Byrne, owner of Ruby Oak Nutrition in North Carolina, told Newsweek. She said that our bodies need all three macronutrients each day. "When your body digests protein, it breaks it down into various amino acids that all play important roles in the body. Amino acids are building blocks of your muscles, bones, cartilage, skin, hair, nails, and cells, so they're crucial for building and repairing all of these tissues. "Amino acids also support hormone function, healthy digestion, and oxygen transport through your body." Protein is particularly popular in nutrition and wellness spaces, as a satiating macronutrient that can help us feel full, fuel the body for workouts, help build muscle healthily, and impact our metabolism. Using Fruit for High-Protein Meals All the experts who spoke to Newsweek said that fruit wouldn't be their first choice for protein, but that it could help contribute towards daily intakes. Nutritional therapist and cookbook author Jenny Tschiesche said: "Fruit isn't considered a primary protein source, but the protein content can vary. If you're looking to boost your diet's protein content, some fruits are preferable." A fruit's botanical family could make a difference, she said. "For example, guava, from the myrtle family, is known for its protein-rich composition." And avocados store more protein and healthy fats in their flesh, she added. "Additionally, fruits grown in nutrient-rich soil often have a higher protein content," said Tschiesche. Nutritional therapist Rakhi Lad, of Healthology, told Newsweek: "While fruit offers wonderful nutritional benefits—like vitamins, fiber, polyphenols and antioxidants—it wouldn't be my first pick for protein." Instead, she recommended eating fruit with a protein source, such as Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, nuts, or chia seeds. Eight High-Protein Fruits The nutrition experts suggested some fruits with higher protein content than most other fruits. 1. Guava: 4.2 grams of protein per cup 2. Avocado: 3 grams of protein per avocado 3. Apricot: 2.2 grams of protein per cup of apricot halves 4. Jackfruit: 2.8 grams of protein per cup, sliced; a tropical fruit, sometimes used as a meat substitute 5. Blackberries: 2g per serving 6. Banana: 2g per large banana 7. Kiwi: 2g per large kiwi 8. Oranges: 1.2g per large orange "Guava, a fruit that's popular in tropical regions, contains 4.2 grams of protein and 112 calories per one-cup serving," said Byrne. "That's a decent amount of protein, especially if paired with a protein-rich food like yogurt." However, because of its high fiber content, Byrne recommended eating no more than a cup of the fruit "to avoid uncomfortable fullness." What Is the Most Protein Dense Food? Byrne also said that it was important to put things into perspective when it came to protein in fruit. "Most people should be aiming for at least 20 grams of protein per meal, and even the highest-protein fruit on this list has just 4.2 grams per serving," she said. "None of them should be considered high-protein foods, and you should be getting most of your protein from other sources, like meat, fish, eggs, milk, soy, nuts, seeds, and legumes." Instead, Byrne recommended choosing fruit that you enjoy and eating a variety, rather than deciding based on protein content. Tschiesche agreed, adding that fruit was still an essential part of the diet, just for other reasons, including as a source of fiber, "which helps maintain a healthy digestive system and aids in weight management." "Fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants necessary for overall health," she continued. "They also have high water content, helping to keep you hydrated. "Fruits provide various antioxidants, including vitamin C and beta carotene, which help fight free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic disease. They also contain natural sugars, offering a quick energy source without the crash from refined sugars."

Our goal to eat healthy often leads us to choose organic foods, even though they can come with a hefty price tag. But is paying extra for organic food really worth it? In Short Organic means food grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs Organic foods may be harder to find and have a shorter shelf life If you want to avoid synthetic pesticides, organic food is a great choice   We are the social media generation—hyper-aware and always connected. We want our beauty products to be chemical-free, our food carb-free, and our lives stress-free (though that last one might be a stretch). So, while health consciousness is on the rise, the one word we tend to overuse is 'organic.' If a product claims to be organic, it often goes straight into our shopping cart. But what does organic food really mean, and does choosing organic truly make it safer? So, what is it? The term organic food often brings to mind images of fresh, pesticide-free produce, but it's essential to understand what this label does and doesn't mean. "Organic" signifies food grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), relying instead on natural substances and methods like crop rotation and composting," Vandana Verma, senior dietician, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, tells India Today. Adding to this, Vaishali Verma, consultant - in nutrition and dietetics, at Manipal Hospital, New Delhi, states that organic farming emphasizes soil health, sustainable practices, and natural pest control techniques. Additionally, organic food production aims to minimize environmental impact and promote biodiversity. However, it is important to note that natural and organic foods are not the same. Not all natural foods are organic, even though all organic foods are natural. "Genetically modified organisms (GMOs), synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides are not used in the production of organic food, and certain guidelines for animal welfare are followed. But the label for natural foods is subject to less regulation. Generally, it indicates that the product is free of artificial coloring, flavoring, and preservatives; however, it doesn’t ensure the absence of GMOs or synthetic pesticides," adds Vaishali Verma. Organic vs conventionally grown food Vandana Verma explains, "Studies show that organic foods may have slightly more antioxidants, certain vitamins, and minerals than conventional options, though the difference is not consistently significant." According to Vaishali Verma, differences in vitamin content, like Vitamin C, are typically minimal between organic and conventional foods. While organic practices may enhance soil health, they don't necessarily lead to significant changes in mineral levels, as these are primarily influenced by soil quality. Factors like soil quality, crop variety, seasonality, and storage methods play a larger role than organic or conventional labeling in determining nutrient content. Additionally, conventional products are often shipped long distances, which can compromise freshness, whereas organic products are typically available locally and may retain more freshness. "A major difference between organic and conventionally grown food lies in the use of pesticides, which is significantly lower in organic farming with minimal reliance on toxins. However, organic food tends to deteriorate quickly due to fewer preservatives," adds Dr Archana Batra, a Gurugram-based dietitian. She mentions that organic food also comes at a higher price, making it less accessible, especially for lower-income households. "To maintain your health on a budget, I recommend focusing on whole foods and seasonal produce, regardless of how they are grown," she advises. Is it a scam? Dr Archana Batra believes that organic food is far from a scam. "It has a range of nutritional benefits due to its lack of synthetic additives or pesticides, which reduces toxin intake. However, with proper preparation and planning, both conventional and organic foods can be healthy," she says. Vandana Verma adds that while organic food may reduce exposure to certain chemicals, there's no guarantee it's entirely free from contamination. Both conventional and organic products have their pros and cons. Organic foods can be beneficial, especially if you're aiming to avoid pesticides. You might prioritize organic versions of produce where you eat the skin, like apples or tomatoes. However, if budget is a concern, focus on a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, organic or not. Vaishali Verma agrees, noting that organic food offers advantages like reduced pesticide use, improved environmental sustainability, and specific farming practices, though it may not always be significantly safer or more nutritious than conventional options. When to choose organic: Pesticide reduction: Choose organic produce grown without synthetic pesticides. Environmental concerns: Organic farming practices support sustainability and soil health. Animal welfare: Organic standards often provide better living conditions for animals. Personal values: Buying organic aligns with supporting local farmers and sustainable practices.   When organic may not be necessary: Budget constraints: Organic foods are pricier; focus on affordable, nutritious options if cost is a concern. Minimal nutritional differences: Prioritise a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables over strict adherence to organic food. Limited access: If organic options are scarce, conventional produce can still be healthy when washed properly.   Before you go organic A good first step is to read labels carefully to ensure that what you're purchasing is truly organic. When reading labels, steer clear of refined sugars or preservatives. Look for certifications like India Organic, USDA, or Jaivik Bharat, and inspect organic produce carefully, as it's more prone to natural blemishes and spoilage. Dr Archana Batra mentions that it's wrong to equate organic with healthy. Review the entire dietary composition, especially if you have health conditions like diabetes. Additionally, consider your budget, as conventional foods can also be nutritious. The best approach is to include a variety of whole foods in your diet. Remember the downside Organic foods can be a worthwhile choice for those aiming to reduce pesticide intake, but they’re not a cure-all for health. A key concern is the high cost, which limits access to organic food for many people. Organic foods also have a shorter shelf life, leading to more waste, and they are less accessible in certain regions, which limits choice. Be aware that organic doesn't always mean healthier; processed organic products can still contain sugars and unhealthy fats.

Following an increase in food poisoning cases linked to mayonnaise, the Telangana government has taken a decisive step by banning mayonnaise made from raw eggs for one year, according to a PTI report.  Effective immediately, the order from the state’s Commissioner of Food Safety stated: "As per the observations during enforcement activities and complaints received from the public, Mayonnaise made from raw eggs is suspected to be a cause of food poisoning in multiple incidents in the past few months." The PTI report noted that this means that the production, storage, and sale of this type of mayonnaise are now prohibited.  The decision comes after complaints and observations revealed that raw-egg-based mayonnaise could be a primary cause of food poisoning in recent months, the report added. This creamy condiment, commonly enjoyed in various snacks, is typically made by emulsifying egg yolks with oil and flavouring with vinegar or lemon juice. But is the risk from raw egg mayonnaise so significant that it warrants such a ban? Specific risks associated with consuming mayonnaise made from raw eggs Dr Pranav Honnavara Srinivasan, consultant gastroenterologist at Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru, states, "The primary risk associated with consuming mayonnaise made from raw eggs is Salmonella infection, which is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness worldwide." Kanika Malhotra, consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator, adds, "Symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning include diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, fever, and nausea. In severe cases, it can lead to more serious complications like dehydration and even death, especially in vulnerable populations like young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems." Dr Srinivasan adds that another risk comes from Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that produces toxins in improperly stored or contaminated mayonnaise. These toxins are heat-stable, meaning they are not easily destroyed even if the mayonnaise is reheated. Consuming mayonnaise with these toxins can cause rapid-onset food poisoning, leading to symptoms like nausea and vomiting. How does improper storage or handling contribute to the risk of foodborne illness in mayonnaise? Improper storage or handling of mayonnaise can exacerbate the risk of foodborne illness, particularly in warm climates where bacterial growth is accelerated. Mayonnaise, due to its high-fat content and the presence of raw eggs, provides a rich medium for bacteria to thrive if not stored correctly, asserts Dr Srinivasan. Malhotra continues, "Mayonnaise, particularly raw-egg based, is a prime breeding ground for bacteria, especially Salmonella." She adds that bacteria thrive in the 'danger zone' (40-140°F), and warm temperatures accelerate their growth. Cross-contamination from raw food can introduce bacteria into mayonnaise. Prolonged exposure to room temperature, even within refrigeration, increases bacterial growth. High humidity and sunlight can further promote bacterial growth. Exceeding the recommended shelf life after opening increases the risk of spoilage and bacterial contamination. Safer alternatives to raw egg mayonnaise that still offer a similar taste and texture Several safer alternatives to traditional raw egg mayonnaise can still deliver a similar taste and creamy texture: Pasteurised egg mayonnaise: "Pasteurisation involves heating the eggs to a temperature that kills harmful bacteria without cooking the egg itself. This method significantly reduces the risk of Salmonella infection while maintaining the authentic taste of traditional mayonnaise," says Dr Srinivasan. Vegan mayonnaise: Malhotra adds, "Made from plant-based ingredients like avocado, sesame, olive oil, coconut oil. Vegan mayonnaise is a great choice for those with egg allergies or following a plant-based diet." Greek yoghurt: Greek yoghurt can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise in many recipes, Malhotra notes, adding a tangy flavour and creamy texture. It’s a healthier option as it’s lower in fat and higher in protein.  Avocado: Mashed avocado can be used as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, especially in sandwiches and salads. It adds a creamy texture and a subtle nutty flavour, says Malhotra. Source: TIE  

In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), many tasks have become easier. A recent study shows that AI can detect Type-2 diabetes just by analyzing a person’s voice. It is now possible to determine whether someone has diabetes using AI-powered voice analysis. The study was published in Digital Health, a journal by the Mayo Clinic. For women, AI was able to accurately detect diabetes with an 86% success rate, the same as for men. The research involved 267 participants, both diabetic and non-diabetic. Over a two-week period, each participant's voice was recorded six times a day. With just a 10-second voice sample, the AI system could identify individuals with diabetes. Often, elevated blood sugar levels show no visible symptoms, making early detection challenging. By the time diabetes is diagnosed, the blood sugar level may have already crossed the danger threshold. However, the simplicity of using AI to diagnose diabetes has sparked discussions. Ian Fosat, one of the researchers involved in the study, remarked, “This voice-based diabetes detection is like a breakthrough. We are also exploring whether this voice technology can be used to diagnose other diseases.”

The government has launched an initiative to administer the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to prevent cervical cancer among adolescent girls. As part of this effort, free vaccinations will begin on Thursday (October 24) across seven divisions, excluding Dhaka. At a national advocacy meeting on the 2024 HPV Vaccination Campaign, held on Tuesday (October 22) at the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka, officials shared these details. Last year, the first phase of the campaign began in Dhaka Division, covering approximately 1.5 million girls. This year’s second phase will expand to all districts, upazilas, city corporations, and municipalities in Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Mymensingh. Girls aged 10-14 can receive the vaccine at educational institutions and EPI centers. The campaign will run for 18 days, aiming to vaccinate 6,212,532 girls. Registration is required on the website www.vaxepi.gov.bd using a 17-digit birth registration number. UNICEF Country Representative Emma Brigham emphasized the importance of protecting young girls' health and rights, calling the campaign a significant step for millions of girls in Bangladesh. WHO Deputy Representative Dr. Rajesh Narwal highlighted the preventability of cervical cancer, stating, “This campaign is not only crucial for prevention but also for achieving elimination by 2030.” Senior Secretary of the Health Services Division, M.A. Akmal Hossain Azad, expressed hope that collaboration among all stakeholders will ensure the campaign’s success. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Md. Abu Jafar, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), with other key officials from health, education, and family planning sectors in attendance.

Namibia has made significant strides in stemming the spread of HIV and AIDS through education and prevention. However, for people like Anna Engomba, the arrival of new, life-saving medication cannot come quickly enough. Anna Engomba found out she had HIV, the virus that can lead to AIDS, in 2006. Due to the stigma surrounding the infection at the time, she did not want to share this life-changing diagnosis with anyone, not even her mother. "When you see people talking there, you will think that maybe they are talking about you. You will think that everyone knows that you are HIV positive," the 39-year-old Namibian told DW, "I was just alone." She told DW that she became pregnant and gave birth in 2009. "I dropped out of school, and this stopped my education. At that time, it was not even easy to get medication," she said, fighting back tears. Engomba is just one of around 40 million people who have HIV, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) — almost 26 million of whom live in the WHO's Africa region. In the 1990s, many people considered an HIV diagnosis a death sentence because of the limited available treatment options.  Namibia's progress in HIV treatment  While the number of people with HIV remains high, treatment and preventative medications have made significant gains, especially in Namibia.  Antiretroviral drugs, for instance, which suppress the virus and prevent it from replicating, are successfully used to treat HIV infection. "Many HIV-positive women who have become pregnant have opted for getting preventative therapy so that the virus is not transmitted to the unborn babies," Alfred Besa, an expert on HIV/AIDS and a consultant with the NGO Humana People to People, told DW. HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death in Namibia. About 230,000 people have HIV and AIDS in a nation of just around 3 million. But Namibia's community-based HIV education and prevention schemes have received credit for slowing down infection rates by 54% between 2010 and 2022 according to UNAIDS, the United Nations' main agency working on the disease. "Namibia is on the verge of eliminating the transmission of HIV from mother to child. I mean, what else can you wish for?" he added. Anna Engomba, for instance, has three children, and due to advancements in preventing mother-to-child transmission, she said her children are all HIV-negative. Promising HIV vaccine research At the 2024 International AIDS Conference in Munich, researchers presented promising results from ongoing studies. Germline targeting, for instance, trains the immune system to generate several types of HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), which are crucial for a preventive vaccine. But in terms of HIV prevention, there is already another groundbreaking drug called Lenacapavir. The anti-HIV compound is already in use, but getting the drug to those who need it most could prove tricky. "People with economic value to countries have been lost and you have orphans. You have families getting affected because the breadwinner is no more," said Besa. A game changer in HIV prevention? This month, US-based biopharmaceutical giant Gilead Sciences said it had signed licensing deals with six drugmakers to produce and sell generic versions of its HIV prevention medicine in 120 lower-income countries. Gilead also plans to provide its branded version of the drug, Lenacapavir, in 18 countries, such as Botswana, Ethiopia, and Kenya, until they set up manufacturing capacity and can fully support demand. These countries represent about 70% of HIV cases. Crucially, researchers estimated that Lenacapavir — which costs patients more than $40,000 (around €37,000) per person a year in several countries — could be manufactured for as little as $40. Another benefit is that the drug only needs to be injected twice a year, making it much easier to administer than current regimens that require daily pills. For Engomba, this particular aspect would be a game changer, and not just for the ease of taking the medication. "It would take away some of the stigma of the disease," she told DW.     Global push for Lenacapavir to curb HIV transmission Liverpool University researcher Andrew Hill told media that if the drug was given to people at high risk of contracting HIV, it could "basically shut down HIV transmission." International health agency Unitaid, hosted by the WHO in Geneva, said it was "prepared to invest immediately and collaborate to fast-track access to? Lenacapavir." Licensees include companies in India and Pakistan, according to Gilead. Based on data from its trials, Gilead said it is beginning a series of regulatory filings by the end of 2024. "The agreements were signed in advance of any global regulatory submissions to enable these countries to quickly introduce generic versions of Lenacapavir for HIV prevention if approved," it added, referring to the six licensing deals. The company is also prioritizing registration in 18 high-incidence countries including Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Thailand, and Vietnam, to provide Gilead-supplied Lenacapavir until generic versions are available. LGBTQ+ people still at risk But girls and young women, sex workers, men who have sex with men, and transgender Namibians are among the population groups still at high risk for HIV. A recent UNAIDS survey showed the HIV prevalence rate stands at 29.9% for sex workers in eastern and southern Africa. While there is no comprehensive data on transgender women's risks in Namibia, globally they are 20 times more at risk than the general population between the ages of 15 and 49, according to figures from UNAIDS.  Friedel Dausab, a Namibian activist who successfully challenged the criminalization of same-sex sexual activity in Namibia, said stigma is still a major obstacle to life-saving treatment for marginalized people, such as those who identify as LGBTQ+.  "Even though Namibia has free services and medications, if people can't get them, then it's almost like having a beautiful car without the key to drive it," he told the Thompson Reuters Foundation.

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for 2024 has been awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for the discovery of microRNA and its role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. The winners for medicine are selected by the Nobel Assembly of Sweden's Karolinska Institute Medical University and receive a prize sum of 11 million Swedish crowns ($1.1 million). As every year, the medicine prize is the first in the crop of Nobels, arguably the most prestigious prizes in science, literature, and humanitarian endeavor, with the remaining five set to be unveiled over the coming days. The information in our chromosomes acts like an instruction manual for all our cells. While every cell contains the same genes, different cell types, like muscle and nerve cells, have unique characteristics. This happens through gene regulation, where each cell activates only the genes it needs. Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun were curious about how different cell types form. They discovered microRNAs, tiny RNA molecules that play a key role in gene regulation. Their discovery introduced a new concept in gene regulation, now known to be crucial for multicellular organisms, including humans. The human genome contains over a thousand microRNAs, which are essential for development and function. "This year's Nobel Prize focuses on the discovery of a vital regulatory mechanism used in cells to control gene activity. Genetic information flows from DNA to messenger RNA (mRNA), via a process called transcription, and then on to the cellular machinery for protein production. There, mRNAs are translated so that proteins are made according to the genetic instructions stored in DNA.," The Nobel Prize release read. Who Won The Nobel Prize in Medicine? Victor Ambros was born in 1953 in Hanover, New Hampshire, USA. He earned his PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1979 and continued there as a postdoctoral researcher until 1985. In 1985, he became a Principal Investigator at Harvard University. From 1992 to 2007, he served as a Professor at Dartmouth Medical School, and he is currently the Silverman Professor of Natural Science at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, MA. Gary Ruvkun was born in 1952 in Berkeley, California, USA. He received his PhD from Harvard University in 1982, followed by postdoctoral work at MIT from 1982 to 1985. In 1985, he became a Principal Investigator at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, where he is now a Professor of Genetics. The prestigious award is given annually by the Nobel Assembly consisting of 50 professors at Karolinska Institutet, recognizing personnel who have made significant contributions to the field of medicine for the benefit of humankind. The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Katalin Kariko, and Drew Weissman for their discoveries concerning nucleoside base modifications that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines against Covid-19. The Nobel Prize announcements are a highly anticipated event every October, with committees convening in Stockholm and Oslo to reveal the laureates. Since its inception in 1901, the Nobel Prize has been awarded to scientists who have made the most important discoveries for the benefit of humankind. When the inventor, entrepreneur, and businessman Alfred Nobel died, his will stated that his fortune was to be used to reward "those who, during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind." Source: India Today