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Extracts From Okra And Fenugreek Can Remove Most Microplastic From Water

Recent research has demonstrated that natural polysaccharide extracts from okra and fenugreek can effectively remove microplastics from water, offering a sustainable and non-toxic alternative to conventional chemical flocculants.

Before proceeding to research details, it is important to understand what these plant-based flocculants and how they work.

Plant-based flocculants are natural substances derived from plants that help remove suspended particles—like microplastics, sediments, or contaminants—from liquids, especially water. They do this by causing the particles to clump together (a process called flocculation), making it easier to filter out or settle.

Characteristics of plant-based flocculants:

Natural origin: Made from polysaccharides (complex sugars), proteins, or other biopolymers found in plants.
Eco-friendly: Biodegradable and non-toxic, unlike many chemical flocculants such as aluminum sulfate or polyacrylamide.
Safe for drinking water: Suitable for use in water purification for human consumption.

Common sources of plant-based flocculants:

How do flocculants work?

The flocculant is added to turbid water.
It binds to fine particles (like microplastics or silt).
The particles clump together into larger “flocs.”
These flocs are heavy enough to settle out or be filtered easily.

Benefits of using flocculants:

Sustainable alternative to chemical flocculants.
Reduce environmental toxicity.
It can be sourced locally in many regions, lowering treatment costs.

Research on Okra and Fenugreek as flocculants:

Researchers at Tarleton State University, led by Dr. Rajani Srinivasan, tested polysaccharide extracts from various plants—including okra, fenugreek, tamarind, Aloe vera, cactus, and Psyllium species—for their ability to capture microplastics in water.

Dr. Rajani Srinivasan: “The whole treatment method with the non-toxic materials uses the same infrastructure, we don’t have to build something new to incorporate these materials for water treatment purposes.”

Optimal combinations:

Sliced okra and fenugreek seeds were used in this research.
A combination of okra and fenugreek extracts was most effective in removing microplastics from ocean water.
Okra paired with tamarind extracts worked best for freshwater samples.
These natural polymers performed better than synthetic ones.

Mechanism of action: The plant-based polysaccharides function as flocculants, binding to microplastic particles and causing them to aggregate and settle out of the water. Dried extracts of okra and fenugreek removed 67% and 93% microplastics respectively, in an hour. A combination of both resulted in 70% removal of microplastics in 30 mins.

Compatibility with existing infrastructure: These natural flocculants can be integrated into current water treatment systems without the need for new equipment or processes.

The research team plans to further refine the ratios and combinations of plant-based flocculants to optimize microplastic removal across various water sources, including ocean water, estuaries, freshwater, and groundwater. They also aim to scale up the process for field studies and eventual industrial application.

References:

Image credit: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/674746 & https://pxhere.com/en/photo/4818 (both images are CC0 For Public Domain), Microplastic: Oregon State University, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 16, 2025

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Potassium Rich Food Help To Lower Blood Pressure

Include Potassium rich food in your daily diet if you are suffering from high blood pressure. Because Potassium-rich foods help reduce blood pressure by addressing several key physiological processes in the body.

How does Potassium rich food act on the body to help lower blood pressure?

1. Balances sodium levels: High sodium intake is a major contributor to high blood pressure. Potassium helps counteract sodium’s effects. Too much sodium causes the body to retain water, increasing blood volume and pressure. Potassium helps your kidneys excrete sodium through urine, lowering sodium levels in the bloodstream. Less fluid in blood vessels means lower blood pressure.

2. Relaxes blood vessel walls: Potassium helps regulate signals in muscle cells, including those in your blood vessels. It reduces tension in blood vessel walls, making them more flexible and less constricted. Easier blood flow means reduced blood pressure.

3. Supports overall fluid balance: Potassium works with sodium to maintain the balance of fluids in and out of cells. This balance helps prevent fluid overload, which can raise blood pressure.

4. Improves heart function: Potassium is essential for normal heart rhythm and helps prevent arrhythmias. A healthy, steady heartbeat reduces stress on the cardiovascular system, lowering the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. Potassium aids in relaxing the walls of blood vessels, improving blood flow.

Evidence based insight: Diets like the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which emphasize potassium-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, legumes), have been shown in studies to significantly reduce blood pressure, especially in people with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension.

Potassium-rich foods that help to lower blood pressure levels:

Potassium-rich foods can help lower blood pressure. Potassium helps your body get rid of excess sodium through urine and eases tension in blood vessel walls—both of which help reduce blood pressure.

Fruits:

Bananas
Pomegranate
Oranges and orange juice
Apricots (especially dried)
Cantaloupe
Avocados
Kiwis
Prunes

Vegetables:

Sweet potatoes
Spinach
Beet greens
Potatoes (with skin)
Swiss chard
Tomatoes and tomato products (watch sodium in canned versions)
Zucchini
Legumes & Beans:
Lentils
Kidney beans
Black beans
Soybeans (edamame)

Other sources:

Curd
Nuts and seeds (especially pistachios and almonds)
Coconut water
Whole grains like quinoa and bran

Too much potassium can be harmful for people with kidney problems, so it is important to consult with a healthcare provider if you have kidney disease or are on potassium-sparing medications.

Image credit: Image by Marijana from Pixabay & Image by Adriano Gadini from Pixabay (Both images are free to use under Pixabay content license)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 15, 2025

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« Health Tips And Exercises To Recover From Heel Pain Plantar Fasciitis What Is Blood Clot Thrombosis? Reasons And Prevention »

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Regular Exercises Helps Skin To Glow

Exercise can be incredibly beneficial for skin health in multiple ways.

Boosts circulation: Physical activity increases blood flow, which delivers oxygen and essential nutrients to skin cells. This boost in circulation helps with cell repair and regeneration, giving the skin a healthy glow.

Detoxification through sweat: Sweating helps to flush out impurities from the skin, such as dirt and oil, which can clog pores. However, it is essential to cleanse the skin after exercising to prevent these impurities from settling back onto the skin.

Reduces stress and cortisol levels: Exercise can lower cortisol (the stress hormone) levels in the body. Since high cortisol levels are linked to breakouts and other skin issues, regular exercise can indirectly reduce the likelihood of skin problems associated with stress.

Supports collagen production: Exercise promotes the production of collagen, which keeps the skin firm and helps prevent sagging and wrinkles. This collagen boost helps maintain skin elasticity and resilience.

Improves sleep quality: Good-quality sleep is essential for skin repair. Exercise can improve sleep patterns, allowing the skin to heal and renew itself more effectively.

Regular exercise, combined with a healthy skincare routine, can enhance your skin’s natural glow, and make it more resilient over time.

Image credit: Image by Kungfah pootawonsup from Pixabay (CC0 – Free to use under Pixabay content license)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 13, 2025

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« Gut And Skin Are Closely Connected -Gut Skin Axis Keep Vagus Nerve Happy And Healthy For Better Mental And Physical Health »

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Gut And Skin Are Closely Connected -Gut Skin Axis

Gut health is essential for skin health because the gut and skin are connected through what is known as the “gut-skin axis.” Healthy gut can lead to healthier skin in following ways:

Reduces inflammation: A balanced gut microbiome (the trillions of bacteria in your digestive system) helps reduce systemic inflammation, which can improve skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea. When the gut is out of balance, it can trigger an inflammatory response that often shows up on the skin.

Enhances nutrient absorption: A healthy gut ensures that your body absorbs essential nutrients, like vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients support skin structure, hydration, and repair, contributing to a more radiant appearance.

Balances hormones: The gut plays a role in processing and regulating hormones. Poor gut health can contribute to hormonal imbalances, which may increase issues like breakouts, excess oil production, and even pigmentation problems.

Strengthens the skin barrier: A healthy gut can improve the skin’s barrier function by regulating compounds like ceramides, fatty acids, and proteins that keep the skin hydrated and protected. This barrier protects against pathogens, pollutants, and irritants that can cause breakouts or dryness.

Supports detoxification: The gut helps eliminate toxins from the body. When the gut is not functioning well, toxins can build up, sometimes leading the body to expel them through the skin. This can result in dull, congested, or acne-prone skin.

Balances skin microbiome: The skin, like the gut, has its own microbiome. A balanced gut microbiome can indirectly support a balanced skin microbiome, reducing issues like inflammation and helping to maintain skin clarity.

Eating a diet rich in fiber, probiotics (like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut), and prebiotics (such as garlic, onions, and bananas) can improve gut health, which in turn supports clear, healthy skin.

Image credit: Image by u_gjif9un3ht from Pixabay (CC0 Free to use under Pixabay content license)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:

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« Balancing Hormones Is Key For Skin Health Regular Exercises Helps Skin To Glow »

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Balancing Hormones Is Key For Skin Health

Balancing hormones is key to healthy skin because hormones directly affect how skin functions, heals, and regenerates. How hormonal balance can enhance skin health?

Reduces acne and breakouts: Hormonal imbalances, particularly fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, and androgens (like testosterone), can increase sebum (oil) production, clogging pores and leading to acne. By balancing these hormones, you can reduce excess oil and prevent frequent breakouts.

Prevents dryness and redness: Estrogen supports skin hydration and elasticity by boosting collagen and natural oils in the skin. During menopause or hormonal imbalances, low estrogen levels can lead to dry, thin, and sensitive skin. Balancing estrogen levels helps maintain skin hydration and elasticity.

Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles: Estrogen and progesterone contribute to collagen production, which keeps the skin firm and smooth. Balancing hormones helps to maintain collagen levels and thus reduces the appearance of fine lines and prevents premature aging.

Improves skin healing and inflammation: Hormones like cortisol, the stress hormone, can cause inflammation when chronically elevated, worsening skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. Balanced cortisol levels help reduce inflammation and improve skin’s ability to heal and recover from irritation.

Regulates pigmentation: Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can influence melanin production, impacting skin pigmentation. Imbalances can lead to hyperpigmentation issues like melasma, which is often triggered by hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy or birth control use.

Supports a healthy skin barrier: Balanced hormones help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier, which protects against irritants, allergens, and pollutants. This barrier also keeps moisture in, preventing dryness and sensitivity.

Maintaining hormonal balance can be achieved through stress management, a nutritious diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, and by taking supplements, or medical guidance.

Image credit: Image by Jensen Art Co from Pixabay (CC0 Free to use under Pixabay content license)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:

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« Hydration Plays Crucial Role In Skin Health Gut And Skin Are Closely Connected -Gut Skin Axis »

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Skin health, What our skin says, Gut health, Hormonal imbalance, Hydration and skin

Hydration Plays Crucial Role In Skin Health

Hydration is crucial for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. How staying well-hydrated benefits your skin:

Maintains skin elasticity and plumpness: Proper hydration keeps skin cells plump, which improves elasticity and makes skin appear smoother and more youthful. Hydrated skin is also less prone to fine lines and sagging.

Improves skin barrier function: Skin hydration strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, which protects against environmental pollutants, bacteria, and other irritants. This barrier is essential for preventing moisture loss and protecting against dryness.

Prevents dryness and flakiness: Dehydrated skin can become dry, flaky, and more prone to irritation. Drinking enough water and using hydrating skincare products helps keep the skin soft and smooth.

Reduces the appearance of pores and redness: Hydrated skin has better circulation, which can help minimize redness and reduce the appearance of pores. When skin is dry, pores may appear more pronounced, especially around the nose and cheeks.

Enhances skin tone and radiance: Water helps flush out toxins from the body, which can reduce dullness and improve the skin’s natural glow. Proper hydration gives the skin a fresh, radiant appearance.

Speeds up skin repair: Water is essential for cellular function, including skin repair and renewal. Staying hydrated helps your skin recover faster from cuts, blemishes, and other minor injuries.

For optimal hydration, focus on drinking water throughout the day and include water-rich foods like cucumber, watermelon, and citrus fruits. Hydrating skincare products, such as moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, can also lock in moisture and further enhance skin hydration.

Image credit: mage by zeeshan Nawaz from Pixabay (CC0 -Free to use under Pixabay content license)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:

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« Dietary Components That Help Skin Health Balancing Hormones Is Key For Skin Health »

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Dietary Components That Help Skin Health

Diet plays a significant role in skin health by providing essential nutrients that support skin structure, hydration, and protection against damage. Various dietary components benefit the skin are:

Antioxidants for protection: Foods rich in antioxidants, like berries, dark leafy greens, and nuts, help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to premature aging and loss of elasticity.

Vitamin C for collagen production: Vitamin C is vital for collagen synthesis, helping to keep the skin firm and prevent wrinkles. Citrus fruits, bell peppers, and strawberries are great sources.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids for hydration and anti-Inflammation: Found in foods like fatty fish (salmon, sardines), chia seeds, and flaxseeds, omega-3s help keep the skin hydrated and reduce inflammation, which can improve conditions like acne and eczema.

Vitamin E for skin repair: Vitamin E helps repair skin damage and is found in foods like almonds, sunflower seeds, and spinach. It acts as a natural barrier to protect the skin from UV damage and environmental stressors.

Zinc for healing and inflammation control: Zinc aids in wound healing and reduces inflammation, helping to clear acne and prevent skin irritation. It is found in pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, and red meat.

Probiotics for Gut Health and Clear Skin: A healthy gut microbiome positively impacts skin health by reducing inflammation and supporting the skin barrier. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut can improve gut health and, in turn, skin clarity.

Water for hydration: Staying hydrated helps maintain skin moisture levels and reduce dryness, giving skin a more radiant appearance. Water-rich foods like cucumbers, oranges, and watermelon can also help.

By consuming a balanced diet rich in these nutrients, you are providing your skin with the building blocks it needs to look and feel its best.

Image credit: Image by Дарья Яковлева from Pixabay (CC0 – Free to use under Pixabay content license)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:

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« Our Skin Is Reflection Of Our Inner Health Hydration Plays Crucial Role In Skin Health »

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Our Skin Is Reflection Of Our Inner Health

Our skin often mirrors the state of our internal health. Factors like nutrition, hydration, hormone balance, stress levels, and even gut health significantly influence our skin’s appearance. Following factors play major role in our skin health and appearance:

Diet: Nutrients like vitamins C and E, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants support collagen production and protect the skin from damage.

Hydration: Proper hydration helps maintain skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Hormone levels: Hormones like cortisol and estrogen play major roles. High cortisol (stress hormone) can lead to breakouts, while balanced estrogen supports elasticity.