8 May, 2013

Why dark chocolate keeps you calm and stress free

A new study suggests that dark chocolate can help in anger management! Researchers claim that the polyphenols in dark chocolate increase calmness and the sense of contentment! Polyphenols are found naturally in plants and are a basic component of the human diet. These compounds have been shown to reduce oxidative stress which is associated with many diseases. They may also have beneficial psychological effects, scientists believe.

‘Anecdotally, chocolate is often linked to mood enhancement,’ said lead author of the study, Matthew Pase, from Swinburne University of Technology, Australia. ‘This clinical trial is perhaps the first to scientifically demonstrate the positive effects of cocoa polyphenols on mood,’ Pase said.

Seventy-two healthy men and women aged 40-65 years took part in the randomised study to receive a dark chocolate drink mix standardised to contain either 500 mg of cocoa polyphenols, 250 mg of cocoa polyphenols or 0 mg of cocoa polyphenols. The drink mixes were given to participants in identical packaging so that both the investigators and participants were unaware of which treatment they were receiving. Participants drank their assigned drink once a day for 30 days.

After 30 days, those who drank the high dose concentration of cocoa polyphenols reported greater calmness and contentedness than those who drank either of the other drink mixes. The researchers did not find any evidence that cocoa polyphenols significantly improved cognitive performance. Additionally, only those who consumed the highest amount of polyphenols (500 mg per day) reported any significant positive effects. Participants who consumed a moderate amount (250 mg per day) reported no significant effects. The study was published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.

Earlier research has shown that dark chocolate has immense health benefits but only when consumed in moderate amounts. It’s supposed to keep heart disease away, lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol.

Source: http://health.india.com

08.05.2013

Medical colleges to only prescribe generic drugs

The Medical Council of India (MCI) has advised deans of all medical colleges to prescribe generic drugs, parliament was told on Tuesday.

The MCI has issued circulars to deans of all medical colleges, directors of post graduate institutes and presidents of state medical councils to give wide publicity to ensure compliance by doctors as far as possible in prescribing drugs with generic names, Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad informed the Rajya Sabha in a written answer. The MCI has stated that it is not aware of doctors opposing the circular, he said.

Azad further clarified that MCI does not regulate manufacturing of drugs. The quality of drugs manufactured or imported is regulated under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.

What are generic drugs?

They are drugs which have the same chemical composition as branded drugs. They are sold under their chemical name instead of the branded name and are usually cheaper. There has been a movement in recent years to bolster the generic drug scenario in the country and the Govt has even promised to provide them free at public health facilities. Thanks to lack of patent laws that don’t recognise intellectual property rights, India is the leading manufacturer of generic drugs in the world and many developing countries are dependent on Indian pharmaceuticals for drugs to treat various diseases including HIV/AIDS, malaria and even cancer. They entered public consciousness last year when Aamir Khan discussed them on his reality show Satyamev Jayate.

Source: http://health.india.com

08.05.2013

An idealist is a person who helps other people to be prosperous

HENRY FORD