Yes, nails can be a mirror to your deteriorating health and a timely analysis can save you before it's too late.

Though some nail conditions are too clear to ignore like onycholysis- detachment of nail from the nail bed or spooning- spoon shaped nails, others need to be closely inspected to know if they need immediate medical attention.

Watch out for any nail abnormalities like discolouration, texture, pitting, unusual shape and lines that resemble ice streaks etc.

Following are the seven major nail conditions and their underlying reasons:

Nail pitting: As the name suggests, nail pitting is a condition in which small dents and depressions appear on your nails. People with this type of nail disorder should get checked for Psoriasis - a condition characterized by scaly, red patches on the skin. Nail pitting can also be related to connective tissue disorders, alopecia areata and sarcoidosis.

Beau's lines: These are deep grooved horizontal lines that run across the nail bed and gives a sense of division. Though, it can be formed due to a past nail injury or zinc deficiency, but if it appears out of nowhere then it's better to get checked by your dermatologist. It can be a silent sign of an uncontrolled diabetes, circulatory diseases, as well as illnesses associated with high fever, such as scarlet fever, measles, mumps and pneumonia.

Yellow nails: Yellowing of nails can be due to excessive use of nail polish, as it doesn't let your nails breath. Other possible reasons could be smoking, fungal infection, respiratory disease, such as chronic bronchitis or Psoriasis. It could also be a sign of Jaundice.

Brittle nails: Though it can be just because of negligence and inadequate nutrient supply to the body, brittle nails can also be a sign of some serious underlying health issues, like Thyroid.

Thyroid can manifest itself in dry, brittle hair, brittle nails, and weight gain or loss.

Dark stripes: Again as the name suggests, these are black or brown vertical lines or stripes on the nail bed. Though it's quite common in dark skinned people but if you are fair, then it can be a sign of subungual melanoma- a type of skin cancer that affects the nail bed.

Terry's nails: It is easy to identify as these are the red or pink hues on the tip of your nails. The whole nail would otherwise look normal, with just the tips' curvature giving out a red or deep pink tone. This nail disorder suggests that you might be at risk of developing liver diseases, congestive heart failure, kidney failure or diabetes.

Nail beading: These are the vertical beaded lines that resemble icy streaks or candle wax drippings on your nail's surface. If you notice any such unusual lines then you must get it checked for hormonal changes, thyroid issues, or diabetes. It can also be formed due to continuous stress.

The use of microwave oven has become so common in our day to day life that we can't prepare anything in our kitchen without it. From warming food to making cakes it has become a daily necessity of life. However we overlook the health hazards of microwave oven.

Depletion Of Vitamin B12 In Foods
Foods containing vitamin B 12 such as fish, liver etc when put in microwave for cooking loose their vitamin B 12 level. They are rendered vitamin less as the heat of microwave destroys it. This is one of the bad effects of microwave oven on food.

Frozen human breast milk when put in microwave loose all it's nutritional valve and the bacteria fighting agents in breast milk (antibodies) are also killed.

The high heat radiations in microwave destroy all the nutrition value of food. It destroys all proteins, vitamins and minerals in food. This is one of the microwave radiation effects on food.

When food in plastic containers is heated or prepared in microwave oven, these plastic containers release toxic cancer causing substances. These substances leach into the food inside the plastic containers

Microwave heated milk and vegetables decrease red blood cells (RBC's) and increase white blood cells. The cholesterol levels have also been shown to increase. This health hazards of microwave oven in body.

The radiations emitted from microwave oven. You must discontinue microwave prepared food if you experience irregular heart beat and chest pain. This is also among the microwave negative effects.

Since the food is deprived of nutrition and anti oxidants, therefore it also affects immune system. You must prefer heating in microwave at low temperature. This is one of the harmful effects of microwave cooking.

Washington: Good news for chocolate lovers! Scientists are working to make the treats sweeter and nutritious.

Cocoa undergoes several steps before it takes shape as a candy bar, which involves roasting, the step which brings out the flavor. But some of the healthful polyphenols (antioxidants) are lost during the roasting process, so the researchers wanted to figure out a way to retain as much of the polyphenols and good flavors as possible.

Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, Ph.D., at the University of Ghana said that they decided to add a pod-storage step before the beans were even fermented to see whether that would have an effect on the polyphenol content.

Afoakwa's team divided 300 pods into four groups that were either not stored at all or stored for three, seven or 10 days before processing. This technique is called "pulp preconditioning." After each storage period passed, fermentation and drying were done as usual. He reports that the seven-day storage resulted in the highest antioxidant activity after roasting.

The researchers took samples from each of the storage groups and roasted them at the same temperature for different times. The current process is to roast the beans for 10-20 minutes at 248-266 degrees Fahrenheit, he explains. Afoakwa's team adjusted this to 45 minutes at 242 degrees Fahrenheit and discovered that this slower roasting at a lower temperature increased the antioxidant activity compared to beans roasted with the conventional method.

In addition, the beans that were stored and then roasted for 45 minutes had more polyphenols and higher antioxidant activity than beans whose pods were not stored prior to fermentation, said Afoakwa. He explains that pulp preconditioning likely allowed the sweet pulp surrounding the beans inside the pod to alter the biochemical and physical constituents of the beans before the fermentation, which aided the fermentation processes and enhanced antioxidant capacity of the beans, as well as the flavor.

The research will b presented at the 249th National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

1. Almonds

Almonds are nuts that are small packets of nutrition. They are known to have cancer preventive qualities along with benefits for the heart. Almonds are rich in iron, calcium, Vitamin E, amongst many other important nutrients. It is also important to point out that the fat that the nut contains a healthy form of fat hence should not be a point of concern. You must include it in your daily diet to enjoy all its benefits.

2. Eggs

If you love eating eggs in your breakfast, then you must be assured you’re eating a superfood. An egg is a storehouse of protein, Vitamin A, E, choline which is very essential for the functioning of your nervous system. When consumed, it provides your body with a long list of benefits that makes it a superfood.

3. Broccoli

This green vegetable is packed with a host of nutrients that make ii an absolute superfood for all. Broccoli contains vitamin C, K, A and potassium. It not only aids in blood pressure regulation but also is known to boost the immune system of your body. Doctors recommend the vegetable to pregnant women because of the calcium and iron that it contains. You must make sure you try and eat broccoli at room temperature, may be as a salad preparation since this helps retain its nutrients.

4. Yogurt

Yogurt is a dairy product that proves to be an excellent source of calcium, proteins and probiotics. It also contains Vitamin D that helps your body to absorb the calcium which is good for your bones. Consuming yogurt regularly can help lower cholesterol levels too.

5. Beans

Beans are known to be an excellent source of fiber, magnesium, proteins, iron, zinc, antioxidants, potassium and the list is endless. That is what makes it a superfood for you. Consuming beans plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy digestive system as well as keeping the cholesterol levels in check.

Eating smart and consuming the right food that provides your body with all the essential nutrients can ensure you a happy and healthy life.

Udupi: Cigarettes and Gutka that are extremely dangerous for health are decided to be banned by the government under COTPA act. And as an extended action of the act, State Nodal officerDr.John has said that in every which way the act will be implemented. He was speaking at Kundapur Taluk Panchayat Hall in a program ‘COTPA act implementation special workshop’ as a resource person.

He warned about Tobacco products Beedi, Cigarettes and Gutka, their effect on health. He said that by getting addicted to these bad habits one will be inviting disease like Cancer, T.B, Astama and othert neural disorders. They affect the health of passive smokers too he warned.

He explained how beedi is more harmful to health. Also explained about the law implemented by the government to prohibit smoking in public places. If people found violating the law in government offices or inside educational institutions, the administration will be held responsible for the act. Selling these products must be banned within the 100 mtr surroundings of schools& colleges. Warning boards must be put in public places. Bars and lodges have been restricted from providing, match boxes, lighters and ash trays he explained.

DYSP Manjunath Shetty informed that within March 31 government places and school -colleges are given time to put up the warning boards. And the ads which will endorse these products will be prohibited. Anyone who violates the law will be punished without any mercy he added.

Later DYSP Manjunath and Circle Inspector Diwakar P.M led the team and raided the shops and seized illegal tobacco products.  Till 7.30 p.m the raid continued the rule breakers were given warning notice and collected fine by the cops.

Eating a healthy and balanced food is important in order to lead good life. Apart from promoting overall health, eating a balanced diet will help in keeping your kidneys healthy.

Most importantly, people who are on dialysis or have chronic kidney disease (CKD) are recommended to take foods that contain antioxidants and other health-supporting properties, included in the kidney diet.

Below is a list of top five kidney-friendly super foods, which are not only good for people with kidney disease, but are good for everyone.

Cabbage: Cabbage is an ideal diet for people with kidney disease becuase it is low in potassium. It is a cruciferous vegetable packed with phytochemicals (chemical compounds found in certain fruits and vegetables that break up free radicals). Many phytochemicals are believed to combat cancer and support cardiovascular health.

Cabbage is also rich in vitamin K , vitamin C, vitamin B6, folic acid and fiber.

Red bell peppers: Low in potassium, red bell peppers are high in flavour. They are also an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin B6, folic acid and fiber. These vegetables also contain lycopene, an antioxidant that protects against certain cancers.

Cauliflower: An excellent source of vitamin C, this cruciferous vegetable is rich in folate and fiber. It is packed with compounds that help the liver neutralize toxic substances.

Garlic: Considered as the natural 'wonder drug', garlic has various health benefits from beauty uses to help with home repairs. Garlic has proven anti-inflammatory properties. It is also good for lowering cholesterol.

Onions: Often used as flavour in cooked dishes, onions are low in potassium, but rich in chromium – a mineral that helps your body with carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. Onion are filled with flavanoids, especially quercetin. Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant and is believed to help reduce heart disease and protects against many cancers.

A new study has revealed the five most common health issues in men and how to prevent them.

Kevin Polsley of Loyola University said that a lot of men think going to the doctor is just one more thing on a seemingly endless "to do" list, but to get all those other "to dos" done men need to starting thinking about their health and making it a priority.

One of the top five health concerns for men is heart disease. Men have a higher risk of heart attacks than women and these risks increase when there is family history of the disease. Heart disease risks also increase if a man smokes, has high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes.

Polsley said that exercise and diet are extremely important in preventing heart attacks. Routine preventive care appointments with a primary care physician also can help identify most of these risk factors, and modification and treatment of these risks factors can help decrease the risk as well.

Second is sleep apnea. It is estimated that 18 million Americans have sleep apnea but many aren't tested for it. Subtle symptoms include snoring, waking up frequently in the night to urinate, headaches in the morning or waking up with a dry mouth.

Many men's health issues can be helped if they take steps to manage their sleep apnea. Long-term complications from the disease include high blood pressure, heart failure, heart attacks and stroke, so it's an important condition to diagnose and treat, said Polsley. Weight loss can help decrease this problem. Polsley recommends a sleep test to determine the cause of the sleep apnea and the best treatment.

Third is high blood pressure. Family history and obesity are two of the leading causes of high blood pressure. Weight loss can decrease the risk of developing the disease. A low-sodium diet also can help when battling high blood pressure. Many people think that means just avoiding salt, but it's more than that; it's a lifestyle.

Fourth is high cholesterol also has a strong genetic component. Still, a man can have high cholesterol even if there is no family history. Diet and exercise are key to preventing this disease. Diet and exercise are the best way to help prevent high cholesterol. If you have a family history or are concerned, eating fish or taking a fish oil supplement also has been shown to help prevent high cholesterol.

Fifth is colon cancer. Early detection is important for battling colon cancer so a colonoscopy should be done every 10 years after the age of 50 or earlier if there is a family history. If caught early, the prognosis for colon cancer is good. That is why everyone, men and women, should have routine colonoscopies. They may not be pleasant, but they can save your life, said Polsley.

A new study has revealed the five most common health issues in men and how to prevent them.

Kevin Polsley of Loyola University said that a lot of men think going to the doctor is just one more thing on a seemingly endless "to do" list, but to get all those other "to dos" done men need to starting thinking about their health and making it a priority.

One of the top five health concerns for men is heart disease. Men have a higher risk of heart attacks than women and these risks increase when there is family history of the disease. Heart disease risks also increase if a man smokes, has high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes.

Polsley said that exercise and diet are extremely important in preventing heart attacks. Routine preventive care appointments with a primary care physician also can help identify most of these risk factors, and modification and treatment of these risks factors can help decrease the risk as well.

Second is sleep apnea. It is estimated that 18 million Americans have sleep apnea but many aren't tested for it. Subtle symptoms include snoring, waking up frequently in the night to urinate, headaches in the morning or waking up with a dry mouth.

Many men's health issues can be helped if they take steps to manage their sleep apnea. Long-term complications from the disease include high blood pressure, heart failure, heart attacks and stroke, so it's an important condition to diagnose and treat, said Polsley. Weight loss can help decrease this problem. Polsley recommends a sleep test to determine the cause of the sleep apnea and the best treatment.

Third is high blood pressure. Family history and obesity are two of the leading causes of high blood pressure. Weight loss can decrease the risk of developing the disease. A low-sodium diet also can help when battling high blood pressure. Many people think that means just avoiding salt, but it's more than that; it's a lifestyle.

Fourth is high cholesterol also has a strong genetic component. Still, a man can have high cholesterol even if there is no family history. Diet and exercise are key to preventing this disease. Diet and exercise are the best way to help prevent high cholesterol. If you have a family history or are concerned, eating fish or taking a fish oil supplement also has been shown to help prevent high cholesterol.

Fifth is colon cancer. Early detection is important for battling colon cancer so a colonoscopy should be done every 10 years after the age of 50 or earlier if there is a family history. If caught early, the prognosis for colon cancer is good. That is why everyone, men and women, should have routine colonoscopies. They may not be pleasant, but they can save your life, said Polsley.