Can This Fish Really Control Blood Sugar, Cut Cholesterol, And Boost Heart Health?
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Bengalis are known for their love of fish, yet they remain highly selective about the varieties they consume. While Hilsa, Rui, Katla, Pabda, and Parsa dominate traditional Bengali kitchens, certain other fish, despite their nutritional benefits, are often ignored, especially strongly-scented varieties. Now, new research suggests that one such underrated marine fish could play a powerful role in managing serious health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and liver problems.
In an era where diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease are becoming household concerns, a recent scientific study has shed light on the unexpected health benefits of Bhola Bhetki, a marine fish native to Indian coastal waters. Long overlooked by many due to its strong smell, this fish may offer remarkable medicinal potential.
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The breakthrough comes from collaborative research conducted by professors and students from Belda College and Vidyasagar University in Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, along with Raja Narendralal Khan Women's College, Medinipur. Led by Professor Kaushik Das (Belda College), the study began in 2017–18 and involved contributions from Professor Srabanti Pain, Jayshree Laha, and student researchers including Sanjay Das, Supriya Bhowmik, and Sayan Panda.
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News18
a day ago
- News18
Can This Fish Really Control Blood Sugar, Cut Cholesterol, And Boost Heart Health?
1/6 Bengalis are known for their love of fish, yet they remain highly selective about the varieties they consume. While Hilsa, Rui, Katla, Pabda, and Parsa dominate traditional Bengali kitchens, certain other fish, despite their nutritional benefits, are often ignored, especially strongly-scented varieties. Now, new research suggests that one such underrated marine fish could play a powerful role in managing serious health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and liver problems. In an era where diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease are becoming household concerns, a recent scientific study has shed light on the unexpected health benefits of Bhola Bhetki, a marine fish native to Indian coastal waters. Long overlooked by many due to its strong smell, this fish may offer remarkable medicinal potential. 3/6 The breakthrough comes from collaborative research conducted by professors and students from Belda College and Vidyasagar University in Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, along with Raja Narendralal Khan Women's College, Medinipur. Led by Professor Kaushik Das (Belda College), the study began in 2017–18 and involved contributions from Professor Srabanti Pain, Jayshree Laha, and student researchers including Sanjay Das, Supriya Bhowmik, and Sayan Panda.
The Hindu
08-05-2025
- The Hindu
Thalassemia burden in West Bengal higher than national average
On World Thalassemia Day, experts in West Bengal highlighted the alarming prevalence of Thalassemia in the State, noting that it exceeds the national average. According to the West Bengal Health Department, 6% to 10% of the state's population carries the disease, compared to the national average of 3% to 4%, as per 2011 Census data. Beta Thalassemia and sickle cell disorders continue to be major health challenges in India, with Thalassemia being one of the most common inherited blood disorders. The condition results in a reduced level of haemoglobin in the body, impairing the transport of oxygen in the blood. It is among the most common single-gene disorders worldwide. The National Health Mission report of 2016 estimates that approximately 10,000 to 15,000 babies with Thalassemia Major are born each year in India. Studies have also pointed out that certain communities, including Bengalis, Sindhis, Punjabis, and Gujaratis, exhibit higher carrier frequencies. In West Bengal, the burden of Thalassemia is exacerbated by several factors, including a lack of awareness and the prevalence of intra-community marriages. 'We have over 18,000 blood transfusion-dependent patients in the state. The patient positivity rate stands at 2.5%,' a source in the West Bengal Health Department told The Hindu. To mark World Thalassemia Day on May 8, awareness programs were organized across the state to educate the public. A 2020 study published in the International Journal of Contemporary Medical Research found that many people remain unaware of Thalassemia's inheritance patterns. Inadequate screening and a lack of education on the disease have been major contributors to its spread. West Bengal currently has 36 Thalassemia Control Units (TCUs) across various districts, which are actively screening populations, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy and among adolescents. The goal is to ensure that future generations are free of Thalassemia. 'As there is no law in India regarding this, we cannot prevent marriages. The best we can do is raise awareness. If two carriers marry, the likelihood of having a child with Thalassemia is high, which is why screening during the first trimester is crucial,' said the health department source. To further raise awareness, Prof. Rajib De, Clinical Lead Hematology at Narayana Health, Kolkata, urged parents to focus on a balanced diet low in iron, timely vaccinations, and maintaining proper hygiene to avoid infections. He emphasized the importance of mental health support for children with Thalassemia, given the severity of the condition. 'In regions with such high prevalence, early screening, informed parenting, and consistent care can make a significant difference,' Prof. De said. Without proper care, children with Thalassemia may not live beyond 30 years of age. Experts stress that screening both parents for Thalassemia before planning a child is crucial to preventing the condition and improving long-term outcomes.
Indian Express
26-04-2025
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ZSI study finds human blindness-causing blackfly in rivers flowing through Darjeeling, Kalimpong
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has recently spotted blackflies, which serve as carriers of a worm causing human blindness, in many rivers flowing through the northern parts of West Bengal. Locally called 'pipsa' or 'potu', the blood-sucking flies were found in rivers in areas such as Darjeeling and Kalimpong that serve as the insect's breeding grounds. The finding raises concern as the areas draw many tourists throughout the year. 'Whether Darjeeling or Kalimpong, both places are favourites among Bengalis on the tourism map, making them socio-economically significant. People visit these places throughout the year. Visitors may unknowingly get bitten by these blood-sucking flies while enjoying themselves. Although local people are more vulnerable to these flies, the risk of blindness remains a concern,' Dr Dhriti Banerjee, Director of the Zoological Survey of India. ZSI scientists have, however, confirmed that no individual has so far been diagnosed with the infection called 'river blindness' in the region. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the blindness caused by the worm called Onchocerca volvulus is among the most neglected tropical diseases. 'When these blood-sucking blackflies bite humans, the worms enter the human body from the fly. Initially, the worms form nodules under the skin. As they grow, they travel through the bloodstream to the eyes, ultimately resulting in blindness,' explained a scientist. The first step towards protecting people from the infection is to identify and control the vector – the black fly, and therefore, better identification of the disease carrier is essential for improved treatment, said the scientists at the Diptera division of the ZSI in a statement. 'These black flies of the Simuliidae family are extremely small. They are barely noticeable to the naked eye. Before one realises it, the fly has already sucked blood and departed. Many species in this family look almost identical externally. In scientific terms, distinguishing between two different species of Simuliidae flies based on external characteristics is quite difficult and time-consuming. Sometimes accurate species identification is not even possible,' said Dr Banerjee. Amid rising health concerns posed by the presence of the blackfly, researchers from the Diptera division have used DNA from these flies as a means of identification. The method employed for identifying the flies is called DNA barcoding. Dr Atanu Naskar, scientist at the ZSI's Diptera division, revealed that they conducted their research in eight locations across Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal, which are part of the Central Himalayan region, and collected blackfly samples. After preliminary segregation based on external characteristics, DNA barcoding methods were used to identify the species. Ark Mukherjee, a senior research fellow at the Zoological Survey of India and one of the researchers involved in the blackfly study, explained, 'First, DNA was collected from the legs of the blackfly samples, and then that DNA was barcoded.'
