Colas are carbonated, sweetened, flavoured soft drinks. They contain high caffeine levels with high fructose corn syrup. John Pemberton first invented the Coca-Cola company. Today, the two most popular cola companies are Coca-Cola and Pepsi, with over 2,800 cola products available in over 200 countries. Various confusions exist regarding the health effects of colas. There are certain ramifications associated with having colas as a daily beverage. In different places, people even though it as a remedy or medication for digestion. Thus, this blog will deal with the basic effects of colas on health. 

Ingredients of colas 

Colas are generally composed of:- 

Carbonated Water:

This will provide the fizz and effervescence for the colas. Colourings

Sweeteners:

One of the major sweetener components in colas is HFCS or cane sugar in some parts of the world. These are very heavy in calories. 

Flavorings:

normally a combination of natural and artificial flavours, but it is a secret combination of what makes each brand special and/or identical in taste. Common flavours include vanilla, cinnamon, and oils from citrus fruits. 

Caffeine:

This is one means by which colas acts as a stimulant. The amount of caffeine in the colas may vary, but normally it would be 30 to 50 milligrams per 12 ounces. 

Colorings:

Added caramel colourings to give the colas this typical dark brown colour. 

Acidulants:

Phosphoric acid or Citric acid is added to provide tartness to the drink and balance the sweetness. 

 Health implications of colas

Colas can have significant health implications such as:- 

Wight gain:-

Colas contains high fructose level and sugars that can increase the average weight of any person.  Such liquid consumption of calories do make less satiety comparatively. Resulting in over consumption of food and imbalance in metabolism. Thus it can lead to excessive weight gain. 

Tooth decay:-

Such soft drinks contains acids and sugars which can significantly contribute in tooth decay. Thus excessive consumption of colas is also harmful for dental health.

Dementia:-

High consumption of sugars can lead to symptoms of dementia and even Alzheimer’s disease 

Effects like heroin:-

Within 40 minutes, the body has absorbed all of the caffeine from the cola. This caffeine causes the pupils to dilate and the Blood pressure to increase. By this point, the Coca-Cola has blocked the adenosine receptors in the brain, preventing drowsiness. Within 5 minutes the production of dopamine increases. According to the infographic, the way that Coca-Cola stimulates these centers is comparable to the effects of Heroin. It triggers a person’s urge to drink another can. 

Metabolic imbalance and diabetes:-

It can lead to metabolic imbalance as it seems to be less sensitive to hormone Insulin which clears the sugar levels in our body. Also the high sugar levels present inside colas can cause severe diabetes with regular consumption. Even one or two colas a day could increase your risk of Type 2 diabeties by more than 20%. 

Cancerous symptoms:-

Research also shows that postmenopausal women may be at a greater risk of developing Endometria(uterine) cancer if they consume colas. 

Psychiatric impact of colas 

There are certain research articles which postulate the vivid impact of colas on mental health and brain functioning:- 

Results of a study conducted in South Australia on the relationship between anxiety diagnosed by general practitioners, stress-related problems and soft drink consumption as well as suicide ideation and depression also showed that people drinking high amounts of soda were more likely to suffer from such issues. This information was collected using an annual risk factor surveillance system and 4,741 computer-assisted telephone interviews conducted among people ages 16 and over.  

The data according to the study indicated that 12.5% of respondents consumed more than 500mls of carbonated beverages daily. However, while this level was not related to any signs of anxiety, it significantly affected other mental disorders such as depression, stress or suicidal thoughts’ tendencies. Taking into account various variables, individuals who drank half a liter or more of soda every day were discovered to have a 60% higher chance compared with non-consumers suffering from either psychological distress; stress or suicidal ideation; depression. It is concluded by authors that there is indeed substantial relationship regarding soft drink consumption and mental health concerns in South Australia. 

The way forward:- 

1. Avoid staking cols frequently:- The frequent consumption of colas can have catastrophic consequences on your health that significantly decreases your immune power to fight. Thus you must schedule some dates of its consumption rather than including it in regular diet. 
2. Use alternatives:- Using milk, water, juices are far much better than carbonated drinks to provide energy. They will also be healthy and long lasting choice for you.  
3. Regular exercise:- The instant energy gained from energy drinks can also be gained through natural process. Thus will reduce the dependency on carbonated drinks.  

Thus in a nutshell we can conclude that carbonated colas if consumed without calculation can have significant negative ramifications. Thus we must ensure that we balance its consumption by trying its viable alternatives. The validity of researches indicating the over-consumption of such soft drinks is a matter of urgent attention specially for youths.  

References

Pexels

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/297600

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20074392/

https://sapienlabs.org/mentalog/coca-cola-brain/

https://www.webmd.com/diet/drinking-cola-good-for-you

The post An In-Depth Look at the ramifications of Colas appeared first on DU Times.

Plastics are considered durable materials for packaging and other viable uses. However, environmentalists time and again have warned about the repercussions of the use of plastic. Its non-durability is a boon, but it is also a bane in the limelight. A new form of threat is arising with the increasing production of plastics in the environment. It is directly entering into our body. This is known as microplastics. 

What is microplastic? How is it entering our body? What will be its long-term consequences? How to avoid its consumption? This blog here shall deal with the fundamentals of microplastics and its relationship with you! 

What are microplastics? 

The plastic particles existing in an environment that has a size of less than 5 mm are termed microplastic. They are sized even less than the particle of a grain. Such smaller particles of plastics have a variety of origins. Using plastic material in a microwave oven, completely eating every body part of seafood, Using plastic cups and leakers for tea and coffee. Chemically discharged plastic materials from factories. They are the respective reason for the mass generation of microplastics that enter the environment.  

In a book named, “An Author of a Life”, it is stated that irrespective of the brand of water bottle, it contains 325 microplastic in it. Depending on the source of microplastic generation, they can be classified into two broad categories: – 

1. Primary microplastic 

These are the plastics that are directly released into nature from the source. For example: – Microbeads in facial scrubs. 

1. Secondary microplastic 

The breakdown of larger plastic materials into smaller particles through a variety of measures such as heat or UV rays 

It is a surprising fact that toothbrushes that are made of Nylon do release microplastics. Except for these sources, agricultural practices, marine food, microplastic in the air, detergents, and lubricants are all sources through which it enters our bodies. 

 Effects of microplastics on health 

Microplastics have wide-ranging ramifications on health. Although the matter is not very clear among the community of scientists. However, the non-degradable nature of this waste can inform us about the repercussions this can have on our bodies. Any particle that enters our body through our mouth tends to go to blood. Thus, it finally reaches the heart to get pumped. In this process of biomagnification when these particles reach the body, it can alter the basic decomposition mechanism of our body.  

Researchers have calculated the amount of microplastics entering our body and have found that we are eating a credit card in a month! Once entered into our body, it will never degrade through biological processes. Consumption of plastics can thus have cancerous effects because of their non-degradable nature. Also, it can affect our digestive, reproductive and respiratory systems. 

How to avoid microplastics in food 

1. Avoid packed drinking water 

Water that is being packed in plastic bottles tends to release microplastics in water. This is especially true in the present scenario where the average temperature ranges around 50 degrees Celsius. Thus, we must pursue some non-plastic containers for containing water. Many startups nowadays are making wooden bottles to reduce the use of plastic containers. 

2. Remove the gut of seafood 

As a result of human alteration, our ocean bodies are contaminated with microplastics. Thus, it is normal for marine animals to consume those plastics that indirectly reach our bodies. Researchers have proved the contamination of microplastic particles in the guts of fishes. Thus, we must not eat that part while consuming marine food 

3. Organic vegetables.  

Organically farmed vegetables are less susceptible to exposure to microplastics. Thus, making it a good choice to reduce the risks of microplastics  

4. To restrict the Tajon horse effect: – 

It is a scientific term referring to all mediums that are responsible for the transportation of microplastic from one place to another. If technologically anyhow this can be controlled, the process of biomagnification can be reduced. 

5. Don’t use leakers for tea the 

The usage of plastic cups and leakers for tea is responsible for the ample amount of microplastic consumption. Thus, we must use natural cups to have tea without using the leaker bags. 

6. Never use plastic containers in the microwave 

Microwaves produce a lot of heat and thus can be responsible for chemical reactions with plastics. Thus, it will definitely release the plastic particles in your food. 

7. Limit the processed food.

We must limit the highly processed food. As such food items have a high vulnerability to plastic exposure thus inculcating microplastic within us. 

Thus, in a nutshell, we can conclude that this process of biomagnification has catastrophic ramifications for our health. Thus, there is an urgent need that we must move towards environmentally friendly ways to deal with our issues. The major cause itself is increasing production of plastic which must be limited. Otherwise, the time it will rise as an epidemic is not so far! 

 References

MDPI Blogs, freepik images, missionsustainability.org

https://missionsustainability.org/blog/microplastic-a-macro-problem/

The post Microplastics: You are eating one credit card per month! appeared first on DU Times.

Love-academics balance- is it the perspective? 

Whenever any student travels to Kota to get an IIT degree or travels from a variety of places to Delhi University the reason remains very clear, “The educational validation”. Through this validation, every student has a scope for a better and fulfilled future in her eyes. Being it to be a successful entrepreneur, a working professional, or a civil servant. If these dreams are on the level of such clarity, why are the levels of suicides or mental health disorders on the front page of every newspaper? Why is it true that most people remain unsatisfied with their degrees? Why do we need to call a street vendor good employment after certain degrees of BTech MTech, BCA, etc.?

It means there remains a loophole between what students want and what they get. Let’s add another interesting fact about college life. A survey conveys that 72 percent of total Indians have a view that one should get into a relationship only after having a well-settled life, however, we don’t have proper data on how many students are in any relationship but as students, we know better from our experiences how the couples celebrate their time at college campus by just being with each other. A substantial number of breakups are also very common.

Should we conclude that neither in academics nor in such relationship’s students have proper clarity about how to balance or what exactly the requirement is? We shouldn’t read between the lines here. 

Is academics an obstacle? 

Academic pressure is one of the trending terms nowadays. It is apparent from the fact that our prime minister also emphasized “Pariksha pe charcha”. This is not only applicable to primary or high school students but also to students of professional education. Social psychologists define standards as all the norms and expectations regarding what one wants to be. Students nowadays are just trying to meet the standards.

The very vain fact about standards can never be fulfilled as they tend to change when one attains them. Thus, we can say it is an unattainable wish which can’t be turned into a goal. Students don’t only get into books because of financial freedom but also, they want social acceptability. Believe it or not, academics have a vital role to play in social acceptability not only in college but also inside our own homes. This tends to create a lot of pressure and the question remains the same are we running a race that doesn’t contain a finish line? 

Is it a dilemma?

Thus, it becomes very important to answer how students will decide how necessary it is for them to get how many grades. Setting standards that one can’t fulfill is not an option. On the same boat we also have a personal life as students so is this life so is such academic pressure an obstacle here? Indeed, this is not the reality. It is a unanimously accepted fact that academics have a vital role to play in the holistic development of any person and therefore we observe the fight for seats in du after 12th.

The fact is apart from this necessity the personal life of students is vulnerable and that doesn’t allow them to be in healthy relations. There are some relationship goals, but can they be fulfilled if it is not provided with the required time? The problem doesn’t lie in the academics, but it lies in our priority list and balancing. So, the answer to the question of whether it is an obstacle to students’ love life is in practical aspects no until it is not made in that manner. 

The tug of war: – Academics taking over or a balance? 

Love and academics often seem like two opposing forces in the life of a student. The pursuit of academic excellence can consume a significant portion of a student’s time and energy, leaving little room for personal relationships. On the other hand, investing in a romantic relationship requires a lot of time and emotional commitment, potentially diverting attention away from academic pursuits. Striking a balance between these two aspects of life is crucial for a student’s overall well-being and success. 

For many students, the pressure to excel academically can overshadow the desire for romantic involvement. The competitive nature of educational institutions and the high expectations placed on students by society can create a sense of urgency to prioritize studies above all else. As a result, some students may view relationships as distractions or obstacles to their academic goals. 

Conversely, others may find solace and support in romantic relationships during times of academic stress. Having a partner who understands and empathizes with the challenges of student life can provide emotional stability and motivation to stand by storm. However, maintaining a healthy balance between love and academics requires effective time management and communication skills. 

The need is urgent

In some cases, students may struggle to reconcile their academic aspirations with their desire for romantic fulfillment. The fear of failure or disappointment in either realm can lead to feelings of anxiety. Students need to recognize that it’s possible to pursue both academic and romantic goals simultaneously, with careful planning and prioritization. 

Ultimately, the key to finding balance lies in self-awareness and clear communication with oneself and others. Students must assess their priorities and establish boundaries to ensure that neither their academic nor their personal lives overshadow the other. By nurturing both aspects of their lives, students can cultivate a sense of fulfillment and well-being that extends beyond the confines of the classroom. 

Should you love as a college student? 

Being a fresher at college or a teenager standing on the heavy workloads of academics the question is should we go into a relationship that can nurture us? This question is completely meaningless because it is not in our hands. Every physically and mentally fit person with some exceptions is prone to fall in love and has a need and desire to have a good romantic relationship. The thing is we need to strategize how much time is required. And, how come we are going to balance it without dropping a ball? 

Love has a funny way of showing up when we least expect it. Whether it’s meeting someone special in the library or sharing a smile in class, love has a way of finding us, no matter what. 

There is a way forward!

But with all the college stuff we must do, we need to be practical too. Our days are packed with classes, assignments, and exams, leaving little time for anything else, including love. So, we need to be smart about how we spend our time, making sure we don’t neglect our college work for the sake of romance. 

Balancing love and college means planning and deciding what’s most important. It means finding time for our relationships while also making sure we don’t fall behind in our classes. Talking openly and honestly with our partners about our schedules and what we expect from each other can help avoid misunderstandings and fights. 

And having a partner who understands and supports our college goals can make things a lot easier. Someone who cheers us on when we’re studying late or helps us with our assignments can make all the difference. 

In the end, finding love as a teenager or college student is all about finding the right balance. It’s about making time for romance without losing sight of our college goals. With some planning and communication, we can have the best of both worlds: a happy, healthy relationship and success in college. If you have any partner, believe me, he/she is the most precious gift that nature can give you. Please try to respect and maintain that gift.

The post What does a student need? Love or degree? appeared first on DU Times.

Delaying things can sometimes come at a very high cost. When a house is gutted by a sudden fire, the individual who waits to insure it will regret it. Delaying treatment for a sickness might make it worse and possibly cause death. Students who continue to postpone their studies will have to work till the wee hours of the morning to complete last-minute preparations.

Our lives revolve around the concept of time. Procrastination results in the waste of valuable time. Once time is lost, it is lost forever. It is irreversibly lost. The opportunities that come with it will fade away with time. Those opportunities will never come your way again. The longer we wait to do something when it is intended to be done, the more likely we are to miss out. Money is linked to time as well. We may have lost what we may have gotten today and tomorrow by delaying tasks that can be done now to tomorrow. There is nothing you can do to change the circumstance. Procrastination deprives us of the benefits that time provides.

Some people have a proclivity for procrastinating, believing that it gives them the adrenaline they need to do their duties at the last minute. However, this does not apply to everyone or every scenario. We must also recognize that we do not live in a vacuum, and what we do or do not do will undoubtedly have an impact on others in our lives. That is a greedy and egocentric mindset in itself.

People procrastinate for a variety of reasons: People who consider themselves to be perfectionists may be procrastinators. A perfectionist would always strive to avoid doing something new or unusual because he or she is afraid of not being able to complete the task properly. They are afraid of criticism and don’t want to appear weak. The fear of the unknown is the second reason why individuals prefer to procrastinate. Although it is often believed that what you don’t know can’t affect you, this is not the case. People also hold off completing difficult and time-consuming chores that involve a lot of effort. Instead, they prefer to complete smaller or filler jobs that provide them with rapid feedback and benefits.

There are no shortcuts available to this. As a result, starting early increases your chances of delivering a higher product. If you are punctual and accomplish tasks on time, you will increase your self-esteem and get respect and trust from others. A person who works hard and does not delay will achieve greater success in their career, studies, relationships, and everyday life.

The Advantages of Being Pro-Active: Beginning your given task allows you to better plan, acquire information, and make changes or enhancements to your work. Not only will this eliminate errors, but it will also improve the quality of your work. We cannot be more cautious than ensuring excellent work in this era where quality is more important than quantity. Quality work does not happen by accident.

How to Get Rid of Procrastination: Dividing the work into smaller segments is one of the simplest strategies to stop procrastinating. If the assignment appears to be too large, you may always split it down into smaller chunks that can be finished one at a time. This will offer you a consistent sense of accomplishment and growth.

The second option is to alter our surroundings. Looking and working in the same spot every day can lead to a loss of productivity. If you’re constantly sidetracked from studying in your room and all you want to do is curl up in your warm bed and fall asleep, moving your books and other study materials to the balcony or dining table can be a smart option.

Finally, being surrounded by people who inspire you and urge you to keep trying and not give up might help you stop procrastinating.

Procrastination is a medical condition. It is imperative that one does not fall into its traps. Remember, you’re never too weary to contact your mother and see how she’s doing. You’ll never be too busy to start pursuing and scheduling your favorite interest.“Time is free, but it is priceless; you can’t own it, but you can use it; you can’t retain it, but you can spend it, but you can’t get it back once you’ve lost it.” We have to operate on a ‘give and take basis. Time will respect you if you respect it. If you cheat on it, it will retaliate with a powerful punch that will make it difficult for you to stand.

The post Procrastination Is The Thief Of Time appeared first on DU Times.

Coronavirus pandemic has made businesses to come up with new and creative ideas. This is done to promote awareness amidst the citizens. Additionally, a restaurant in Jodhpur has come up with a special naan and curry for its customers.

This Vedic restaurant of the city is selling Covid Curry and Mask Naans to the visitors. Moreover, corona-shaped burgers, cakes, cocktails and pakoras are already trending.  In addition to this, the main focus behind such ideas is to spread awareness among the people.

Main Focus Is On Spreading Awareness Regarding Coronavirus

The Covid Curry is malai kofta and the koftas are in the shape of the virus. While the Mask Naan is in the shape of the face mask. The restaurant owners said, ” Your health and safety are our first priority. We are taking full measures on hygiene and sanitation.” In addition to this, they also said, ” We have a take away offering at our outlet. We have also come up with touchless menu. Further we are also making sure that people follow social distancing and other safety procedures in the restaurant.”

However, the dish has also received various humorous reactions from the netizens.

Mask-shaped naan with 'corona-curry'!

Kha lo fraaands pic.twitter.com/dWriTv60FC

— NationFirst#SAFFRON (@Nationfirst0012) July 31, 2020

Today's menu ~ Corona Special(Mask naan n corona curry) pic.twitter.com/OautfIfGRO

— Saree_ka (@Naadaan_Chhori) July 31, 2020

Meanwhile, the increasing number of cases of coronavirus in the country has put people in worry. Additionally, they are afraid to step out of their houses to go to eat out. Hence, restaurants are coming up with creative ideas to spread awareness among the customers.

Earlier, a Bengali sweet shop also came up with exciting names for their dishes. The new offerings in the shop are Corona Sandesh and Corona Cake. However, the concept behind all the ideas remain the same. All wants to make people aware of the pandemic.

Besides, the country has seen an increase of more than 50,000 cases in the last 24 hours. Hence, it is integral to stay indoors and spread awareness regarding the pandemic.

The post Coronavirus Ideas: Jodhpur Restaurant Sells ‘Covid Curry’ and ‘Mask Naan’ appeared first on DU Times.