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NDTV
23-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
5 Benefits Of Mango Seeds For Skin, Hair, Weight Loss And More
During summer, few things bring more joy than indulging in sweet, juicy mangoes. We adore them so much that many of us buy them in bulk and dedicate an entire fridge shelf to them. While enjoying them, our attention is naturally on the succulent pulp, and we often discard the seeds (gutli) without a second thought. After all, what possible use could they have? However, that is not entirely accurate. Mango seeds offer several health benefits and could significantly boost your well-being. From aiding weight management to supporting heart health, here are five surprising benefits of mango seeds. We have also included a few easy ways to add them to your daily diet - do read on until the end. Also Read: Looking For Another Mango Recipe? Make Dry Mango Kuzhambu In 30 Minutes Are Mango Seeds Good For Health? Here Are 5 Benefits Backed By Research: 1. Aid In Weight Loss If you are trying to lose weight, mango seeds may help support your efforts. According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), African mango seed extract has been shown to promote weight loss and improve overall health. Mango seed powder is also believed to help boost metabolism, which is essential for burning calories efficiently. This makes it a useful addition to natural remedies for weight loss. 2. Help Manage Blood Sugar Mango seeds may also support healthy blood sugar levels. A study conducted by The Professional Medical Journal revealed that mango seed extract reduced blood sugar levels in diabetic rats. The extract appeared to increase insulin levels and lower HbA1c levels, which indicate long-term blood sugar control. These findings suggest that mango seed extract could support diabetes management naturally. 3. Beneficial For Skin Health Mango seeds can contribute to healthy, glowing skin. According to a study published by the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), consumption of mango seed powder had a significant effect on lysozyme activity in the skin mucus. For context, lysozyme is an enzyme that provides a defence against bacterial infections. Including mango seed powder in your diet may help protect your skin and promote a clearer, healthier appearance. 4. Promote Hair Growth In addition to skincare benefits, mango seeds also support healthy hair growth. Research from the NIH highlights that mango seed oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, both of which are essential for strong, nourished hair. The oil can be applied directly to the scalp or mixed into a paste or hair mask. Regular use may strengthen hair roots, reduce hair fall, and enhance shine. 5. Support Heart Health Mango seeds contain high levels of antioxidants and dietary fibre, both of which are beneficial for cardiovascular health. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry confirmed that mango seed extract exhibits strong antioxidant properties. These compounds help reduce cholesterol levels and protect the body from heart disease. Adding mango seeds to your diet could be a simple way to support your heart naturally. How To Use Mango Seeds In Your Diet There are several easy and creative ways to add mango seeds to your daily routine. You can dry and grind the seeds to make a fine powder, which can be added to smoothies, yoghurt bowls, or cereal. Another option is to steep dried mango seeds in hot water to make a soothing herbal tea. Additionally, the powdered seeds can be used to prepare a refreshing mukhwas (mouth freshener). Want an easy recipe for it? Click here. Also Read: So, the next time you enjoy mangoes, do not toss the seeds into the bin. Use them wisely and take advantage of these lesser-known benefits of mango seeds.
Daily Mirror
01-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Alzheimer's risk can be lowered by doing three things to protect your nose
A new study has warned that picking your nose could increase the risk of micro-organisms entering your body - and that could raise the risk of you developing Alzheimer's disease Scientists have issued a warning that picking your nose could potentially increase the risk of harmful micro-organisms entering your body. And that could heighten your chances of developing Alzheimer's disease. A study published by the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) suggests that the seemingly harmless act of picking your nose could play a part in triggering what is the most common form of dementia according to World Health Organization (WHO) data. Out of the over 55 million cases of dementia recorded by WHO, Alzheimer's accounts for between 60% and 70%. So why exactly is picking your nose bad for you? The research - conducted by Xian Zhou, Paayal Kumar, Deep J. Bhuyan, Slade O, Jensen, Tara L. Roberts and Gerald W. Münch - explains that our nasal cavity is "lined with cilia and mucus-producing cells that help trap and expel foreign particles, such as dust, allergens, and pathogens." When these particles accumulate, it can result in dried mucus - or snot - which, according to the study, can eventually obstruct breathing, reports Surrey Live. Hence, the urge to pick your nose. The paper, initially published in From Biomarkers to Therapy to Puzzle Out Alzheimer's Disease, suggests that while nose picking might offer temporary relief by improving airflow, it's safer to opt for two other methods. The study warns: "Nose-picking is generally not safe, in and outside of healthcare environments." Instead of picking your nose, scientists recommend simply blowing it as a healthier way to care for it. They also suggest using saline nasal rinses as an alternative to nose picking, which research indicates can be harmful. Research provides evidence about the dangers of nose picking A 2006 study found that people who pick their noses surveyed at an ENT clinic were more likely to have Staphylococcus aureus in their nostrils than those who didn't. This bacteria can cause a wide range of clinical diseases, according to the National Institutes of Health. In another case, a woman with a long history of nose picking and blowing presented at an emergency room with acute delirium and several physical issues, only to return with additional problems. Medical professionals concluded her nose was likely the source of infection. More recently, nose picking has been identified as a risk factor for COVID-19. A study among 404 healthcare workers in the Netherlands found that the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 was approximately four times higher in those who picked their noses compared to those who did not. What could link nose picking to Alzheimer's A study has made a connection between the habit of nose-picking and the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers, including Henderson, have discovered that behaviours such as starvation/malnutrition and nose-picking are "positively associated with later-onset Alzheimer's." However, they caution, "However, it is essential to understand a fundamental principle of epidemiological studies: they can only prove association, not causation." The separate study by Xian Zhou and colleagues, with which we began this article, concluded: "we suggest that nose-picking increases the transfer of pathogenic microorganisms from the hand into the nose changing the nasal microbiome from a symbiotic to a pathogenic type, with possible consequences of a chronic low-level brain infection via the olfactory system, subsequent neuroinflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease." The early symptoms of Alzheimer's When it comes to Alzheimer's, the NHS outlines that the condition develops gradually over several years, often being mistaken for other issues or simply attributed to ageing. The NHS website states: "Sometimes these symptoms are confused with other conditions and may initially be put down to old age." The NHS categorises Alzheimer's disease into three main stages: early, middle-stage, and late symptoms, with the initial stage presenting signs that should prompt individuals to seek medical advice. Ways to stop picking your nose Experts at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center warn that habitual nose-picking can cause significant damage. "When nose-picking becomes habitual, that's when a problem can begin," explained Bradley Otto, MD, the director of rhinology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. "It doesn't take much of a scratch to the surface of your nose to make you bleed pretty significantly. If you have long fingernails or you're a little bit rough, you can scrape that lining and cause scabbing that then may allow bacteria from the nasal skin to collect there."
