Latest news with #B3
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Why Vitamin B3 is important and its natural sources
This vitamin mostly slips under the radar while bigger names like Vitamin C or D steal the spotlight. But Vitamin B3 (niacin) plays a life-saving role in the background—especially when it comes to energy, brain health, and digestion. While often praised for improving skin and lowering cholesterol, the reality is deeper: Vitamin B3 actually protects the body's cells at the DNA level. In many ways, it acts like a quiet mechanic fixing engines in the body round the clock. The real surprise? It's not always found in places one might expect. Here's all we need to know about what's often claimed about this vitamin—what's true, what's misunderstood, and what Indian foods are rich in it. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Myth: Vitamin B3 is only about energy Yes, niacin does convert food into usable energy. But more importantly, it plays a key role in repairing DNA and supporting nerve cells. A growing body of research suggests that niacin may slow down cognitive decline, especially in ageing adults. One study showed that niacin impacts brain inflammation and oxidative stress, two major triggers of memory loss. This makes it quietly powerful for those looking to prevent degenerative brain conditions like Alzheimer's. It's not just a "feel good" vitamin—it's a "think clearly and age gracefully" one. Myth: Deficiency is rare in modern diets Severe deficiency (called pellagra) may be rare now, but mild niacin deficiency often goes unnoticed, especially in vegetarian or highly processed diets. Signs like constant tiredness, brain fog, or unexplained skin irritation can point toward low B3 levels. In India, where polished rice and wheat dominate the plate, and fermentation methods are sometimes skipped, the bioavailability of B3 decreases. This subtle drop often gets ignored in routine diet planning. Liver is a rich source—But what about plant-based options? It's true that animal liver, poultry, and fish like tuna and salmon have high niacin. But in many Indian households, especially vegetarian or semi-vegetarian ones, these may not be regular items. Here's what rarely gets mentioned: Groundnuts (peanuts) are actually among the richest vegetarian sources of B3. A simple handful a day can cover a chunk of the daily need. Sunflower seeds, often overlooked, are packed with niacin and can be easily added to poha or salads. Whole wheat roti or atta with bran intact has better B3 levels than refined options. Rajgira (amaranth) and sabudana (tapioca pearls), both fasting favourites, have moderate niacin and pair well with other B-vitamins. Fermentation Here's a golden nugget which is mostly ignored in modern nutrition talk: methods like fermentation can unlock hidden niacin in grains and legumes. Take idli or dosa batter. When rice and urad dal are soaked and fermented, their niacin content becomes more accessible for the body to absorb. So, embracing age-old cooking techniques can actually improve nutrient uptake, even without changing ingredients. Vitamin B12-rich foods for brain and nerve health Turmeric, chillies, and curry leaves Spices like turmeric and chillies may not be direct sources of B3, but here's the twist: studies show they enhance the absorption of B vitamins by improving digestive fire (agni). Curry leaves, on the other hand, contain small but consistent amounts of niacin. Regular use in tempering can gradually add up. These small flavouring elements are not just about taste—they're part of the body's nutrient economy.
Arabian Post
28-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Hashdex Breaks Ground with First Spot XRP ETF on Brazil's B3 Exchange
Hashdex, the prominent crypto asset management firm based in Brazil, has launched the world's first spot XRP exchange-traded fund on B3, the São Paulo-based stock exchange. The ETF, known as the Hashdex XRP Fund , started trading this week, marking a significant milestone not only for Latin America's evolving crypto landscape but also for the global cryptocurrency investment market. Trading commenced after months of regulatory processes and product development, during which Hashdex worked closely with Brazil's Comissão de Valores Mobiliários , the national securities regulator. The fund offers direct exposure to XRP, the digital asset created by Ripple Labs, without requiring investors to manage the underlying cryptocurrency themselves. The launch of XRP11 follows a broader trend of growing institutional acceptance of crypto assets in Brazil, where regulatory frameworks have been more accommodating compared to major markets like the United States. Hashdex's move underscores Brazil's increasingly assertive position as a hub for cryptocurrency innovation. Marcelo Sampaio, CEO of Hashdex, said during the fund's launch that the introduction of a spot XRP ETF aligns with the company's mission to 'bridge the gap between traditional finance and digital assets'. Sampaio added that the demand for diversified crypto investment vehicles has been consistently growing among Brazilian investors, citing the success of earlier Hashdex crypto ETFs such as HASH11, which tracks a basket of cryptocurrencies. Brazil's regulatory environment has played a key role in facilitating this development. The CVM has exhibited a proactive stance towards regulating crypto assets while encouraging innovation. In contrast, regulatory bodies like the US Securities and Exchange Commission have taken a more cautious approach, creating delays and uncertainties around the approval of spot crypto ETFs, particularly for assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. XRP, the digital token linked to Ripple Labs, has had a complex relationship with regulators globally. A significant development came after Ripple secured a partial legal victory against the SEC, wherein a US federal court ruled that XRP sales on public exchanges did not constitute investment contracts. This ruling, while still subject to ongoing litigation and appeals, provided a degree of clarity that has emboldened issuers like Hashdex to pursue XRP-focused financial products in other jurisdictions. The Hashdex XRP Fund is structured similarly to traditional ETFs. Units of XRP11 are backed 100% by physically held XRP tokens, which are stored in institutional-grade custody solutions provided by trusted crypto custodians. The fund is priced and settled in Brazilian reals, and its portfolio is independently audited to ensure transparency and security for investors. The move by Hashdex is seen by analysts as a strategic attempt to cement its leadership in the crypto asset management sector within Latin America. Hashdex has already been at the forefront of innovation, having earlier collaborated with Nasdaq to launch a Bitcoin futures ETF in the United States through a hybrid strategy. The launch of XRP11 marks the company's first foray into offering single-asset spot ETFs focused on altcoins. Investor response to the new product has been encouraging. Trading volumes for XRP11 on the first day exceeded initial expectations, indicating substantial appetite among retail and institutional investors for regulated crypto products. Paulo Mesquita, Head of Business Development at Hashdex, commented that 'the robust reception signals a maturation of crypto investing in Brazil, with investors seeking broader exposure beyond Bitcoin.' See also UAE Emerges as Global Leader in Cryptocurrency Adoption Attention now turns to the potential for similar products in the United States, where the SEC's approach to spot crypto ETFs has been cautious, despite recent approvals of Bitcoin spot ETFs involving major financial institutions like BlackRock, Fidelity, and Grayscale. Market participants are closely monitoring whether Hashdex's success in Brazil might embolden US asset managers to push harder for spot ETFs centred on altcoins such as XRP. Several experts suggest that the SEC's attitude towards XRP remains a critical obstacle. James Seyffart, an ETF analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, noted that 'until the regulatory status of XRP is definitively settled in the United States, it is unlikely that a spot XRP ETF will gain approval'. However, he added that legal outcomes favourable to Ripple could eventually open the door to similar products in the American market. Brazil's advancement comes at a time when global demand for cryptocurrency investment vehicles continues to evolve. Investors are increasingly seeking exposure to digital assets through traditional financial instruments, particularly those offering regulated, easy access without the complexities of direct crypto ownership. Latin America, driven by countries like Brazil, is emerging as a significant frontier for such innovations, offering lessons for larger markets grappling with regulatory hesitations. Beyond XRP, Hashdex is reportedly exploring the possibility of launching additional single-asset ETFs focused on other major cryptocurrencies such as Solana and Polygon , depending on market conditions and regulatory developments. Such diversification could position Brazil as a critical player in the next wave of crypto investment products, rivalling traditional centres like the US, Europe, and parts of Asia. Arabian Post – Crypto News Network
Business Mayor
26-04-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
XRP's first spot ETF: Why Brazil's lead matters more than you think
XRP spot ETF announcement finally landed, yet the market responded with an oddly quiet shrug. Is all this momentum setting Ripple up as a solid long-term investment play? A big ETF moment finally dropped – and the market's reaction? Kind of like clapping with one hand. On the 25th of April, Brazil's B3 stock exchange made crypto history with the launch of XRPH11 – the world's first spot XRP ETF. Think of it as XRP's red carpet moment, just rolled out in São Paulo instead of Wall Street. But forget about a parabolic run. XRP closed the day 1.07% down from its original entry price, echoing the slow-burn reaction we saw with Solana's ETF. Still, if 2025 had a theme song for Ripple, it'd be 'All I Do Is Win.' From legal wins to ETF milestones, it's been one headline after another. The short-term buzz might've fizzled, but with momentum building, are we looking at Ripple as one of crypto's long-term power plays? Why an XRP spot ETF matters It looks like Brazil is all set to outpace the U.S. in making itself a pro-crypto nation. First came Solana, now it's Ripple. In under two years, Brazil has greenlit two spot ETFs tied to two of the top five crypto assets. That alone speaks volumes about why a spot ETF matters – it's not just about price. In fact, it's about global positioning in the digital finance race. You either take the lead or risk getting left behind. Clearly, Brazil isn't taking the risk. Its Solana spot ETF (QSOL11), launched in 2024, had a rocky start, losing 20% in just two days. But by Q4, it soared, with a massive 100% price jump. Source: TradingView (QSOL11) Now it's XRP's turn. Brazil's B3 just rolled out XRPH11, the world's first spot XRP ETF. Day one ended slightly in the red. Read More Cardano's [ADA] quiet month: Key numbers you need to know However, the bigger picture is in the exposure – it offers a direct, regulated gateway into XRP for traditional investors. With improving order book strength and increasing liquidity inflows, this could be a turning point. And who knows – it might just nudge more cautious regulators to act, especially with a pro-crypto advocate now leading the SEC in the U.S. Setting the foundation for growth No doubt, the real rocket fuel for Ripple would be a U.S. nod for a spot XRP ETF. Bitcoin [BTC] and Ethereum [ETH] have already shown how powerful a Wall Street listing can be in driving asset valuations. Bitcoin's recent performance says it all. After drifting in a slump following the tariff war, BTC surged back to life on the 22nd of April. Roughly $1 billion net inflows came into all U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs combined, triggering a sharp 6.7% single-day rally that pushed BTC past $93k for the first time in over a month. Source: Farside Investors That's why investors might not react as bullishly over a Brazilian XRP ETF just yet. 2025 is already buzzing with XRP excitement, even though it's still far from its post-election highs. HODLing it could still be a logical decision, especially since Brazil has already laid the foundation for a spot XRP ETF.
Indian Express
26-04-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Are sunscreen oral pills as effective as creams? Skin experts explain
From chemical sunscreens that absorb damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun and physical sunscreens that reflect them away from your skin, sun protection now has a new concept — sunscreen in pill form. Assumed to offer full body cover, are oral sunscreen capsules safe and effective? Sun protection of oral sunscreens is equivalent to only about SPF 3–5 Oral sunscreen capsules, explains Dr KM Kapoor, senior plastic surgeon and director, Anticlock Clinic and Medispa Chandigarh, usually contain nicotinamide (vitamin B3) or an antioxidant called polypodium leucotomos fern extract. 'Although emerging as new 'sun protectors', these have been seen to only have modest effects on raising our skin's personal sun alarm. It's the smallest amount of sunlight exposure at which our skin starts to turn pink—like the very first hint of a sunburn. Oral capsules raise this threshold only a little bit. The sun protection factor (SPF) of oral sunscreens is equivalent to only about SPF 3–5, while a minimum of SPF 30 is recommended,' adds Dr Kapoor. Also while Vitamin B3 supplementation has been proven to be beneficial in adults at high risk of non‑melanoma skin cancer, evidence of other ingredients is not yet conclusive enough. We need to block both ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which have a longer wavelength and tan your skin, and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which have a shorter wavelength and cause sunburns. 'Pills do not block UVB‑induced DNA damage or UVA‑driven photo-ageing as effectively as well‑applied sunscreen, sun‑protective clothing, shade and avoiding sun exposure,' explains Dr Kapoor. Oral sunscreen can be used as an add-on therapy, especially in patients who suffer from photo contact eczema, lupus, actinic keratosis and skin cancer. Still one should use these products with caution, as excessive use of these oral supplements can lead to gastrointestinal problems, according to Dr Kalyani Bhola, senior dermatologist, Alchemist Hospital, Panchkula. 'There is still no data which proves the efficacy of pills beyond antioxidant effects,' she says. What to look for in topical sunscreens? The ones labelled broad-spectrum protection shield the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. For natural and gentle skincare, mineral sunscreens provide effective protection without potentially harmful chemicals, while water-resistant formulas offer long-lasting protection, even during water activities or excessive sweating. 'Sunscreens are now available in the form of sprays, sticks and powders, while tinted sunscreens offer not only sun protection but also coverage for imperfections and a more even skin tone,' adds Dr Kapoor. How should we guard the skin against the sun? Reapply SPF 30+ sunscreen every two to three hours, says Dr Kapoor. Other than that, use wide‑brimmed hats, UV‑blocking sunglasses, wear full-sleeved clothing and try to be in shade between 10 am and 4 pm.
Reuters
10-03-2025
- Business
- Reuters
SGX teams up with Brazil's B3 to launch real futures in 2025
NEW YORK, March 10 (Reuters) - The Singapore Exchange said on Monday that it was teaming up with Brazilian exchange operator B3 to launch real futures contracts later this year, a move aimed at helping investors manage exposure to the currency during Asia trading. If the Brazilian real futures contracts receive regulatory approval, it would be SGX's first time venturing into emerging markets currencies out of Asia. The contracts come as global investors' interest in Brazilian markets is increasing, bringing with it a desire to hedge currency risks around-the-clock, especially as trade tensions and geopolitics heighten uncertainty in global markets. Brazil is a leading exporter of commodities like beef, iron ore and soybeans. Its government said on March 6 that it would remove import taxes on essential products including sugar, coffee, corn and beef to help reduce food prices. here.
