Latest news with #Aztecs
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
One 10p food could help lower cholesterol and reduce risk of heart disease
Spirulina, an algae believed to be one of the oldest life forms on earth, is brimming with a number of health benefits linked to lowering cholesterol One food item, brimming with protein, has been associated with lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease. Spirulina, an algae believed to be one of the oldest life forms on earth, is thought to have been used by the Aztecs as a stamina enhancer. Usually consumed as a powder mixed into water or in tablet form, it's a comprehensive source of nutrients - offering protein levels similar to eggs. Supplements can be purchased for just 10p per tablet at Holland and Barrett, or in powder form from retailers such as Grape Tree. Spirulina is so packed with nutrients that NASA is exploring its use as sustenance for extended space missions. Easy to incorporate into your diet, spirulina is gaining popularity as a supplement due to its alleged health benefits. Spirulina health benefits Spirulina is incredibly nutritious, packed with high levels of protein, vitamins B1, B2, B3, copper and iron. It also provides generous amounts of magnesium, potassium, manganese and small quantities of almost every other nutrient needed by the body, reports Surrey Live. The key benefits of incorporating spirulina include: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties: Spirulina, a type of algae, is packed with antioxidants that can protect against oxidative damage. Its active component, phycocyanin, battles free radicals and inhibits the production of inflammatory signalling molecules, offering impressive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This could help lower your risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and certain cancers. Lower bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels: Research suggests spirulina can lower triglycerides and bad cholesterol, while simultaneously boosting good cholesterol, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease. Reduce blood pressure: High doses of spirulina may reduce blood pressure, a major risk factor for many diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, and chronic kidney disease. May have anti-cancer properties: Limited animal trials suggest spirulina might have anti-cancer properties, helping to reduce cancer occurrence and tumour size in various cancers. However, before adding spirulina to your diet, it's important to consult a health professional. The algae can interact with some medications, so do your research. Always chat to your doctor first before making any significant lifestyle or diet changes. May alleviate hay fever: As summer approaches, many people suffer from hay fever. According to health experts at Good Food, spirulina may help ease the inflammation that comes with allergic rhinitis. One study has shown a significant improvement in symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion and itching.
Economic Times
03-06-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Is this little-known, gluten-free seed the ultimate superfood for lowering cholesterol and losing weight?
iStock Amaranth, an ancient pseudocereal rich in calcium, iron, protein, and fiber, is gaining recognition for its impressive health benefits. Studies show it supports bone strength, lowers bad cholesterol, aids digestion, fights inflammation, and helps regulate blood sugar. (Representational Image: iStock) In the quest for better health, one humble seed is attracting growing attention from scientists and nutritionists alike. Amaranth, a pseudocereal revered by ancient Aztecs, is fast emerging as a powerhouse ingredient capable of strengthening bones, cutting cholesterol, and aiding weight management. But what makes this ancient grain so remarkable? According to a report from The Mirror , amaranth isn't your typical cereal grain. Classified as a pseudocereal, it is a non-grass plant consumed much like true cereals but uniquely gluten-free. Dr. Julieta M. Lopez-Martinez highlights that amaranth is rich in calcium and iron, essential minerals that support bone strength and may even help prevent cellular changes linked to tumor development. A study from Vienna's BOKU-University further praises amaranth as 'one of the most promising food plant genera,' thanks to its high-quality protein, unsaturated oils, fiber, and essential minerals. — Farmsent_io (@Farmsent_io) Dr. Josh Axe, a clinical nutritionist, explains that amaranth encompasses over 60 species and was once a staple food for the Aztecs. From its leaves used medicinally to its grain serving as a fiber-rich protein source and oil applied for skin health, amaranth offers diverse benefits. Its complete protein content carries anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it an ideal addition to combat heart disease, digestive issues, and chronic inflammation. Calcium is critical for bone repair and strength, and amaranth provides a significant dose. Dr. Axe emphasizes that adequate calcium intake can reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis, a condition marked by weakened bones. Regular consumption of amaranth supports skeletal health, helping maintain mobility and physical activity, especially important as we age. Amaranth's fiber content plays a key role in managing cholesterol and improving digestion. Research published in the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research found amaranth could lower harmful LDL cholesterol by up to 50%. Its mix of insoluble and soluble fibers traps fats and toxins in the digestive tract, facilitating their elimination and promoting gut health. Scientists at Purdue University confirm that amaranth contains a higher proportion of soluble fiber than wheat or maize, enhancing its digestive benefits. One cup of amaranth delivers more than the recommended daily manganese, a mineral vital in regulating blood sugar through gluconeogenesis—the process of converting protein into glucose. Studies indicate that manganese deficiency may impair glucose balance and kidney function, highlighting amaranth's role in diabetes management. Its rich protein and fiber content also promote satiety, reducing overeating and supporting weight loss. By keeping digestion regular and inflammation at bay, amaranth helps maintain a healthy metabolism and physical activity levels, both crucial for sustainable weight control. From ancient times to today's nutritional science, amaranth has proven itself a versatile, nutrient-dense food with far-reaching health benefits. Whether you incorporate it as flour, grain, leaf, or oil, this seed offers a natural, powerful boost to bone health, cholesterol management, diabetes control, and weight loss efforts. With science backing its myriad benefits, amaranth might just be the secret weapon your diet needs for a stronger, healthier body.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Is this little-known, gluten-free seed the ultimate superfood for lowering cholesterol and losing weight?
The Ancient Grain Making a Modern Comeback More Than Just a Grain: Versatility and Nutrition Combined Why Amaranth Is a Bone-Boosting Powerhouse The Cholesterol Cutter and Digestive Aid You Might Also Like: Can you eat pasta and still lose weight? Experts say yes, if you follow this one surprising rule Fighting Diabetes and Supporting Weight Loss Naturally A Seed Worth Adding to Your Diet You Might Also Like: Always hungry while dieting? Weight loss expert reveals everyday mistakes that could be to ruining your efforts In the quest for better health, one humble seed is attracting growing attention from scientists and nutritionists alike. Amaranth, a pseudocereal revered by ancient Aztecs, is fast emerging as a powerhouse ingredient capable of strengthening bones, cutting cholesterol, and aiding weight management. But what makes this ancient grain so remarkable?According to a report from The Mirror, amaranth isn't your typical cereal grain. Classified as a pseudocereal, it is a non-grass plant consumed much like true cereals but uniquely gluten-free. Dr. Julieta M. Lopez-Martinez highlights that amaranth is rich in calcium and iron, essential minerals that support bone strength and may even help prevent cellular changes linked to tumor development. A study from Vienna's BOKU-University further praises amaranth as 'one of the most promising food plant genera,' thanks to its high-quality protein, unsaturated oils, fiber, and essential Josh Axe, a clinical nutritionist, explains that amaranth encompasses over 60 species and was once a staple food for the Aztecs. From its leaves used medicinally to its grain serving as a fiber-rich protein source and oil applied for skin health, amaranth offers diverse benefits. Its complete protein content carries anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it an ideal addition to combat heart disease, digestive issues, and chronic is critical for bone repair and strength, and amaranth provides a significant dose. Dr. Axe emphasizes that adequate calcium intake can reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis, a condition marked by weakened bones. Regular consumption of amaranth supports skeletal health, helping maintain mobility and physical activity, especially important as we fiber content plays a key role in managing cholesterol and improving digestion. Research published in the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research found amaranth could lower harmful LDL cholesterol by up to 50%. Its mix of insoluble and soluble fibers traps fats and toxins in the digestive tract, facilitating their elimination and promoting gut health. Scientists at Purdue University confirm that amaranth contains a higher proportion of soluble fiber than wheat or maize, enhancing its digestive cup of amaranth delivers more than the recommended daily manganese, a mineral vital in regulating blood sugar through gluconeogenesis—the process of converting protein into glucose. Studies indicate that manganese deficiency may impair glucose balance and kidney function, highlighting amaranth's role in diabetes management Its rich protein and fiber content also promote satiety, reducing overeating and supporting weight loss. By keeping digestion regular and inflammation at bay, amaranth helps maintain a healthy metabolism and physical activity levels, both crucial for sustainable weight ancient times to today's nutritional science, amaranth has proven itself a versatile, nutrient-dense food with far-reaching health benefits. Whether you incorporate it as flour, grain, leaf, or oil, this seed offers a natural, powerful boost to bone health, cholesterol management , diabetes control, and weight loss efforts. With science backing its myriad benefits, amaranth might just be the secret weapon your diet needs for a stronger, healthier body.
Metro
30-05-2025
- Science
- Metro
‘Gateway to the underworld' discovered beneath ancient temple
Hiyah Zaidi Published May 27, 2025 4:46pm Updated May 27, 2025 4:46pm Link is copied Comments An ancient pyramid in Mexico was found to contain liquid mercury and experts believe it may have been considered as a 'gateway to the underworld'. It's thought that this finding could suggest the existence of a king's tomb or a ritual chamber below one of the most ancient cities of the Americas. The Quetzalcoatl temple – also known as the Feathered Serpent Pyramid – sits in the ancient city of Teotihuacan, Mexico, and is thought to have been built around 1,800 and 1,900 years ago (Picture: Yasemin Kalyoncuoglu/Anadolu via Getty) It remained mysterious for many years, until in 2015, when researchers discovered a large amount of liquid mercury, which they suggested meant the structure was used to 'look into the supernatural world'. Mexican researcher Dr Sergio Gómez had spent six years slowly excavating the tunnel, which was unsealed in 2003 after 1,800 years (Picture: REUTERS/Henry Romero) In the excavation, they found three chambers at the end of a 300ft tunnel that sat almost 60ft below the temple. Near one of the entrances, they found a trove of artefacts which includes jade statues, jaguar remains, and a box filled with carved shells and rubber balls. And of course, they also found liquid mercury. This is not the first time liquid mercury has been found at an ancient site. Dr Rosemary Joyce said at the time archaeologists have found mercury at three other sites around Central America (Picture: INAH/Handout via Reuters) Dr Gómez suggests that the liquid may have symbolised an underworld river or lake. This idea is echoed by Dr Annabeth Headreck, a professor at the University of Denver. She told the Guardian that the shimmering reflective qualities of liquid mercury could have resembled 'an underworld river, not that different from the river Styx' (Picture: REUTERS/Henry Romero) She said: 'Mirrors were considered a way to look into the supernatural world, they were a way to divine what might happen in the future. It could be a sort of river, albeit a pretty spectacular one' (Picture: Apolline Guillerot-Malick/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty) Over the next 16 years, Dr Gómez and his team excavated over 3,000 ceremonial and ritual artefacts and have now developed a comprehensive survey of the pyramid and tunnel using LiDAR scanners and photogrammetry. And a few archaeologists have contributed their knowledge of the pyramid site and its cultural significance to amplify their understanding of the site (Picture: DeAgostini/Getty) The temple of Quetzalcoatl is a monument which lies in the centre of the Mesoamerican Teotihuacan universe. It sits around 12 miles northeast of Mexico City in the ancient city of Teotihuacán. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987, and receives around 4.5 million visitors annually. The Aztecs referred it as the place where the Gods were created, and the Quetzalcoatl is the third largest pyramid in the city (Picture: REUTERS/Henry Romero)
30-05-2025
- Science
Rescued giant moths emerge from cocoons in Mexico's sprawling capital
MEXICO CITY -- Two moths the size of a hand, their wings patterned with brown and pink around four translucent sections, mate for hours hanging from a line alongside cocoons like the ones they emerged from just hours earlier. 'When I get here and find this, I jump with delight,' said María Eugenia Díaz Batres, who has been caring for insects at the Museum of Natural History and Environmental Culture in Mexico City for nearly six decades. The mating pair of 'four mirrors' moths as they're popularly known in Mexico, or scientifically as Rothschildia orizaba, are evidence that the museum's efforts to save some 2,600 cocoons rescued from an empty lot were worth the trouble. The moths, whose numbers have fallen in Mexico City due to urbanization, have cultural relevance in Mexico. 'The Aztecs called them the 'butterfly of obsidian knives,' Itzpapalotl,' Díaz Batres said. 'And in northern Mexico they'd fill many of these cocoons with little stones and put them on their ankles for dances.' These cocoons arrived at the museum in late December. 'They gave them to us in a bag and in a box, all squeezed together with branches and leaves, so my first mission was to take them out, clean them,' Díaz Batres said. Mercedes Jiménez, director of the museum in the capital's Chapultepec park, said that's when the real adventure began since they had never received anything like this before. Díaz Batres had the cocoons hung in any place she thought they might do well, including her office where they hang from lines crisscrossing above her table. It has allowed her to watch each stage of their development closely. The moths only survive for a week or two as adults, but they give Díaz Batres tremendous satisfaction, especially when she arrives at her office and new moths 'are at the door, on the computer."
