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Indian Express
11-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
How did matcha make its way from teacups to your cosmetics cabinet?
Scroll through Instagram and you'll find matcha everywhere, in various shapes and forms. For some, it's God's gift to taste buds, for others, it's an acquired taste. But it's not just in your cup anymore –matcha has invaded cleansers, creams, clay masks, and whatnot. Walk down the skincare aisle at your local beauty store and you'll see it: labels that read like café menus. Matcha clay masks. Turmeric glow drops. Latte blush sticks. Food is skin and vice versa. But how does something that starts off as a tea ceremony darling or viral brunch trend end up in your moisturiser or highlighter? And is this really all new? The meteoric rise of matcha in the beauty industry mirrors its trajectory in the wellness culture. One moment, it was a health-conscious swap for espresso; the next, it was the hero of hydrating cleansers. Its transition from teacup to toner is in its chemistry. A post shared by Sahil Shah (@sahilbulla) 'Matcha is rich in catechins,' explains Dr Mandeep Singh, HOD of Plastic Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery at Paras Health, Gurugram. 'These are potent antioxidants that combat oxidative stress, soothe irritation, and calm inflammation. When matcha went viral in the food space, it had already proven itself beneficial for internal health. That halo effect made it an ideal crossover for skincare.' A 2021 study on ResearchGate backs this up, noting that matcha catechins are heat-stable and effective at neutralising the reactive oxidative species responsible for premature ageing. And matcha is far from alone. From manuka honey to cold-pressed olive oil, edible ingredients are taking over vanities. Dr Singh attributes the trend to familiarity: 'It's easier for consumers to trust ingredients they already consume.' But not all food trends in beauty are about what's in the bottle. Some are about what the bottle represents. Enter 'latte makeup' and 'glazed doughnut skin', viral trends that evoke rich, creamy tones and luminous, dewy finish, as if you belong in a softly lit Pinterest post. 'These trends are more about the mood than the material,' says Dr Rashmi Aderao, Dermatology Consultant at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune. 'They take inspiration from how a latte makes you feel –– warm, soft, indulgent. Or how a doughnut looks — glossy, sweet, flawless. It's a language of visuals, not ingredients,' she said. That language thrives on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Pinterest. Bite-sized, vibe-led content that's infinitely shareable. The term 'glazed doughnut skin' was made famous by Hailey Bieber's skincare routine. It quickly became shorthand for plump, high-shine, healthy skin. Basically skincare that looks edible. 'The difference,' Dr Mandeep Singh elaborates, 'is function versus aesthetic. Matcha or turmeric serve a physiological purpose. But latte makeup is an Instagram-ready identity.' No one understands the 'language of looks' like Gen Z. With their TikTok fluency and skincare-literacy, they are curating online personas as easily, or rather, dedicatedly, as parents do the interiors of their homes. And they want their routines to look good on camera. 'Gen Z is not just consuming beauty trends, they're creating them,' says Dr Singh. 'They are redefining skincare as lifestyle, not just grooming.' A post shared by The Having Said That Show (@thehavingsaidthatshow) Dr Aderao concurs: 'While many of them continue to prefer minimalist, skin-first beauty, they're also highly visual curating their online personas and gravitating toward trends that photograph beautifully and fit within a broader lifestyle narrative.' It might look new, but this fusion of food and beauty isn't a recent innovation. For many cultures, especially in India, it's simply second nature. 'Our grandmothers used haldi for blemishes, curd for exfoliation, besan for cleansing,' according to Dr Sarita Sanke, Head of Cosmetology and Dermatology at Yashoda Superspeciality Hospital, Kaushambi. 'What used to be passed down by mothers is now circulated via influencers. A homemade turmeric mask is now a YouTube tutorial. A kitchen remedy becomes content.' This decentralised, democratised approach to beauty, where anyone can launch a trend, has accelerated how quickly ingredients make the leap from pantry to product. A post shared by Ryan Fernando (@ryan_nutrition_coach) Turmeric, for example, has been studied in over 18 clinical trials, with data confirming its ability to treat acne, eczema, hyperpigmentation, and even psoriasis. Golden (turmeric) milk became a Western wellness trend before turmeric serums showed up on Sephora shelves. 'Beauty brands are tapping into a knowledge system that predates them,' says Dr Rashmi Aderao. 'They're not inventing, they're reintroducing, often with a scientific spin.' Mapping the evolution of these trends means looking in three directions at once: backwards (to cultural traditions), outwards (to digital communities), and forwards (to biotech and brand strategy). The lifecycle of a trend might now start with a viral video of matcha lattes, get adapted by beauty influencers into makeup looks, and end up as a product line in a luxury skincare brand. And these trends remind us that sometimes, the best beauty secrets don't originate in a lab, they're discovered in your kitchen.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Smart Diagnosis, Safer Outcomes: Experts Discuss the Next Frontier in Precision Medicine
By Rashmi Mabiyan and Vishal Kumar Singh New Delhi: Imagine a future where diagnostics are not only fast and accurate but also mobile, patient-friendly, and deeply integrated with artificial intelligence. At the inaugural edition of Future MedX, The Smart Patient Care Summit, a panel of leading experts came together to explore exactly that possibility in the session titled " Smart Diagnosis : The Next Frontier in Medical Accuracy & Patient Safety." The discussion, moderated by Dr. Shweta Prabhakar, Medical Superintendent, Paras Health brought together perspectives from laboratory science, public health, microbiology, and hospital administration to examine how technology can be harnessed without compromising safety, equity, or trust. The panel consisted of Dr. Raj Shankar Ghosh, Senior Advisor-Environmental Health, Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI); Dr. Bhupendra Kumar Rana, Chief Executive Officer, Quality & Accreditation Institute; Arpan Malhotra, Director & Chief Operating Officer, Max Lab Limited; Dr. Sonal Saxena, Director, Professor & Head, Dept. of Microbiology, Maulana Azad Medical College. Rethinking the Meaning of 'SMART' The session opened with a foundational question: What exactly makes a diagnosis "smart"? Dr. Sonal Saxena began the discussion by setting the tone. 'SMART, we are interpreting here as something which is specific, measurable, accurate, reliable, and time-bound and traceable,' she said. She noted that smart diagnostics must be 'patient-centric' and emphasized the importance of information systems. 'Lab information systems go a very long way in making a smart diagnosis.' Arpan Malhotra offered a broader take. He said, 'A diagnosis or diagnostics is SMART if it enables the objectives of diagnosis to be done better. It's an acronym, but it is also anything which is relatively better than what it was before.' Meanwhile, Dr. Raj Shankar Ghosh introduced an alternative definition tailored for public health delivery: 'We look at SMART as something which is safe, mobile, affordable, rapid, and transparent.' He added, 'The patient does not have to travel a long distance in order to access that technology.' Smart Diagnosis Begins Before the Lab A recurring theme throughout the panel was the importance of pre-analytical quality. According to Arpan Malhotra, 'The most important piece is the pre-analytics, which accounts for maybe two-third of all the problems that occur.' He discussed innovations like geotagging, barcoding, and sample temperature monitoring, and emphasized that patient feedback must be integrated into the diagnostic process. Dr. Bhupendra Rana echoed this, stressing the need for individualized care. 'Patient safety is the right results at the right time to the right patient.' He warned against a one-size-fits-all approach: 'One single diagnostic test should not be applied to all.' He also highlighted how fragile and complex newer diagnostic tools can be. 'They need more than what traditional equipment needed because they are very fragile.' Maintenance and calibration are no longer optional; they are essential. 'Even software is a medical device,' he reminded the audience. AI: The Double-Edged Sword of Diagnosis Artificial Intelligence took center stage as a key enabler—and challenge—in modern diagnostics. Dr. Raj Shankar Ghosh called AI 'inevitable' in healthcare , adding that it improves 'efficiency,' 'evidence quality,' and 'equity,' while also empowering both patients and providers. However, he issued a caution: 'We need to do a lot more work around the ethics of technology.' Arpan Malhotra shared how AI tools are already improving decision-making in labs. 'The algorithms and the decision algorithms—whether it is moving averages or delta checks—are telling us that something is wrong even before we've actually entered the result.' These systems, he said, can catch errors early and make diagnostics safer. But AI comes with its own risks. Malhotra warned about over-reliance: 'We just have to be very careful that we don't become lazy. MIT did a study, and they said that AI is making us dumb.' He emphasized that tools like ChatGPT should be 'a second brain, not the only brain.' Dr. Sonal Saxena shared her early experience with AI in microbiology, particularly during COVID-19. 'I wished I had this kind of technology when I was a student. It really changed the way I looked at things.' She expressed concern that over-reliance on AI in medical education may be eroding students' conceptual understanding, turning learning into blind instruction-following rather than critical thinking. Dr. Raj brought the discussion back to patient safety, noting a critical issue in India: 'Interpretation is the biggest roadblock today,' especially in cases like antimicrobial resistance (AMR), where accurate decisions are crucial. Operational Realities and Ground-Level Solutions The panelists didn't shy away from highlighting operational gaps. Arpan Malhotra spoke about fragmentation across diagnostic chains: 'The biggest problem is that all the equipment companies have proprietary systems, so they do not talk to each other.' Dr. Bhupendra Rana emphasized the need for nationwide minimum standards in diagnostics, suggesting that their implementation would significantly enhance patient safety across the country. This need for simplicity was echoed in a powerful story shared by Dr. Sonal Saxena. A woman whose child had dengue got confused amid multiple conflicting reports. 'In the whole process, she lost the idea whether her child's NS1 is positive or negative.' Dr. Raj also emphasized that the end goal of diagnostics must remain focused on the patient: 'If the diagnostic system is not able to translate into good decision-making for the community or the health system, then it is of no value.' A Path Forward In the closing phase of the discussion, Dr. Shweta Prabhakar, summarized the solution ahead: 'The solution approach is that we need to be simple.' The panel agreed the importance of integrating technologies, ensuring standards, and keeping the patient at the center of every innovation. As the diagnostic ecosystem in India grows increasingly digital, mobile, and AI-integrated, the conversation reminded us that smart diagnosis is not just about speed or accuracy—it's about trust, transparency, and thoughtful application.
India Today
30-06-2025
- Health
- India Today
Shefali Jariwala's death: Why sudden drop in BP could cause fatal cardiac arrest
Actor Shefali Jariwala's sudden death has drawn attention to serious health concerns. According to reports, the Kaanta Laga star, 42, died of a cardiac arrest caused by a sudden drop in blood death has sparked a broader conversation about the rise in heart issues among younger women and the dangers of low blood pressure, which doctors say can sometimes lead to cardiac Abhijit Khadtare, a cardiologist at Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune, explains that a sudden and steep fall in blood pressure, called severe hypotension, can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. "While a blood pressure reading below 90/60 mm Hg isn't always dangerous, a rapid and steep decline can disrupt the flow of oxygen-rich blood to vital organs like the brain, heart, and kidneys. This can quickly result in organ failure and lead to a critical condition called shock, where the body's tissues and organs do not receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to function," says Dr. condition can turn fatal very fast if emergency care is not given on CAUSES A SUDDEN DROP IN BLOOD PRESSURE?There are many serious reasons why blood pressure may suddenly crash. These include severe dehydration or heavy blood loss, which reduces the amount of blood in the body; septic shock due to a widespread infection; anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction; or heart problems like a heart attack, heart failure, or irregular heartbeat that weakens the heart's ability to pump of severe hypotension include confusion, cold and sweaty skin, fast and shallow breathing, a weak and rapid pulse, and fainting. These are all signs that need urgent medical low blood pressure that is stable over time may not always be harmful, a sudden drop with symptoms is a serious emergency. Acting quickly when such signs appear can save PROBLEMS RISING AMONG YOUNG INDIAN WOMENHeart disease is now one of the top killers of women in India. Conditions like heart attacks and cardiac arrests claim nearly 10 times more lives than breast cancer."As a cardiologist, I often see women neglect their own health while juggling careers, families, and societal expectations. Stress, prolonged screen time, irregular sleep, skipping health checkups -- all silently harm the heart. While they're leading change in boardrooms and startups, their own well-being often takes a backseat," said Dr. Amit Bhushan Sharma, Director & Unit Head, Cardiologist, Paras Health, advise regular heart checkups, staying physically active, eating healthy, and paying attention to early signs of stress or discomfort. Most importantly, don't ignore what your body is trying to tell you. Speaking up early can prevent a crisis later.- EndsMust Watch
India.com
27-06-2025
- Health
- India.com
Monsoon 2025: 5 Effective Tips To Prevent Eye Infections And Improve Your Overall Health
The monsoon season offers welcome relief from the summer heat, but it also brings an increase in health concerns. With high humidity, waterlogging, and increased exposure to bacteria and viruses, infections become more common — especially eye infections, skin issues, digestive problems, and flu. Dr RR Dutta, HOD, Internal Medicine, Paras Health, Gurugram, says "The monsoon season, while a relief from the summer heat, also brings a rise in infections due to high humidity and stagnant water. The increased moisture in the air after rainfall creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and mosquitoes." Dr RR Dutta says, "This can lead to a spike in respiratory illnesses, skin infections, fungal conditions like athlete's foot or ringworm, and mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya." "Humidity also weakens the body's ability to cool down through sweating, which may cause fatigue and dehydration. Additionally, the risk of food contamination rises as perishable items spoil faster in damp conditions, increasing cases of food poisoning and gastrointestinal issues, says Dr RR Dutta. Dr RR Dutta recommend, "Wearing breathable clothes, keeping skin dry, ensuring proper ventilation indoors, drinking clean water, and avoiding outside food. These small precautions can go a long way in safeguarding health during the rainy season." To stay safe and healthy during Monsoon 2025, it's essential to take some simple yet effective precautions. Here are 5 practical tips to protect your eyes and your overall body health during the rainy season. 1. Practice Strict Hygiene to Prevent Infections Why It Matters: Germs spread easily through contaminated water, wet clothes, and unwashed hands. What to Do: Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your face or eyes. Bathe daily with antibacterial soap to keep skin infections at bay. Keep your nails trimmed and avoid walking barefoot on wet surfaces. 2. Protect Your Eyes from Rainwater and Dirt Why It Matters: Rainwater can carry dust, chemicals, and microbes that irritate or infect your eyes. What to Do: Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially with dirty hands. Use sunglasses or protective glasses when stepping out. If rainwater enters your eyes, wash them immediately with clean, filtered water. 3. Eat Seasonal, Immune-Boosting Foods Why It Matters: A strong immune system helps your body fight off infections more effectively. What to Do: Include Vitamin A and C-rich foods like citrus fruits, leafy greens, and carrots for eye health. Avoid raw salads and street food to prevent digestive infections. Drink warm fluids like herbal teas and soups to improve digestion and immunity. 4. Keep Your Surroundings Clean and Dry Why It Matters: Damp environments promote the growth of fungi, mold, and mosquitoes. What to Do: Keep your home well-ventilated and dry. Change wet clothes immediately after coming from outside. Use natural mosquito repellents and regularly clean water tanks and containers. 5. Wear Clean and Breathable Clothes Why It Matters: Prolonged dampness can lead to skin rashes, fungal infections, and body odor. What to Do: Opt for light, loose-fitting, cotton clothes that dry quickly. Wash clothes frequently to avoid bacteria buildup. Use antifungal powder on areas prone to sweating like underarms, feet, and groin. Monsoon 2025 doesn't have to be a season of illness. With the right hygiene practices, protective measures, and healthy habits, you can enjoy the rains while keeping your eyes and body safe. Prevention is always better than cure — and these simple tips can help you make the most of the season without compromising your health.
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First Post
21-06-2025
- Health
- First Post
Dr explains: How to spot early Alzheimer's symptoms and why younger adults should care too
Alzheimer's disease isn't just a condition of old age. Subtle symptoms can appear earlier than expected and are often mistaken for routine forgetfulness. Firstpost spoke to an expert on how to recognise the red flags, distinguish the disease from normal ageing, and adopt preventive measures to protect brain health early. read more Alzheimer's disease, often thought to be a condition of old age, can begin far earlier than most people realise and the signs aren't always as obvious as memory loss. With rising stress levels, lifestyle diseases, and increasing life expectancy, the burden of Alzheimer's in India is expected to climb sharply in the coming decades. Despite this, many people remain unaware of its early warning signs, confusing them with routine forgetfulness or age-related decline. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Firstpost spoke to Dr Pooja Anand, Associate Consultant – Neurology at Paras Health (Gurugram) to shed light on how Alzheimer's differs from normal aging, the red flags to watch for and how prevention can start well before retirement age. What exactly is Alzheimer's disease, and how is it typically identified in its early stages? Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily impairs memory and cognitive function. In its early stages, it often manifests as subtle memory lapses such as forgetting names or recent events—that gradually become more pronounced. These changes go beyond ordinary forgetfulness and begin to interfere with daily life and routine functioning. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluations, cognitive testing, brain imaging, and in some cases, biomarker testing. How does Alzheimer's differ from normal age-related memory loss or forgetfulness? It's important to distinguish Alzheimer's from normal aging. Occasional forgetfulness—like misplacing keys or struggling to recall a name but remembering it later—is common with age. However, Alzheimer's involves persistent memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with reasoning or problem-solving. People may get lost in familiar places or have trouble following conversations—warning signs that extend beyond normal aging. At what age does the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease begin to significantly increase? The risk of Alzheimer's rises significantly after the age of 65. That said, it's not exclusively a disease of old age. Early-onset Alzheimer's, though rare, can appear in individuals as young as their 40s or 50s. As age is the strongest risk factor, cases rise sharply among people in their 70s and 80s. What are some early warning signs or red flags that people should look out for in Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia? Early warning signs include memory loss that disrupts daily life, trouble completing familiar tasks, confusion about time or place, and difficulty understanding visual images or spatial relationships. Changes in mood, personality, or social withdrawal can also be indicators. Persistent or worsening symptoms should prompt further medical assessment. What are some common myths or misconceptions surrounding Alzheimer's disease? A common myth is that Alzheimer's is simply part of normal aging—which it is not. Another misconception is that only the elderly are affected, when in fact early-onset cases do exist. There's also a belief that nothing can be done after diagnosis. In reality, early intervention, appropriate support, and available treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. How much of a concern is early-onset Alzheimer's, and how frequently does it occur compared to cases in older adults? Early-onset Alzheimer's is relatively uncommon, accounting for 5–10% of all cases. However, it is particularly concerning as it strikes during an individual's working years and can be more difficult to diagnose due to its unexpected timing. In some cases, the disease also progresses more aggressively, making early detection and treatment crucial. Does the treatment approach differ between early-onset and late-onset Alzheimer's patients? Core treatment strategies—managing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and supporting patients and caregivers—are generally the same. However, early-onset patients often face additional challenges related to employment, finances, and parenting, requiring specialised psychosocial support and care planning tailored to their unique circumstances. Is there evidence linking cardiovascular health—like heart disease or hypertension—to a higher risk of Alzheimer's, especially among younger adults in India? Yes, growing evidence suggests a strong link between cardiovascular and brain health. Conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity—which are increasingly common among younger adults in India—can raise the risk of cognitive decline. Poor cardiovascular health can reduce blood flow to the brain, which may contribute to Alzheimer's and other dementias over time. What lifestyle habits or preventive measures can individuals adopt to reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life? A brain-healthy lifestyle can play a major role in prevention. This includes regular physical exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats (such as the Mediterranean diet), mental stimulation, good quality sleep, and social engagement. Managing stress, avoiding smoking, and controlling blood pressure and blood sugar are also key. In short, what benefits the heart also benefits the brain.
