New Delhi: Nutritionist Pooja Makhija has mentioned the potential mental health benefits of saffron. Saffron, one of the most expensive spices in the world, has been considered useful as prescribed antidepressants in a standardised saffron extract. According to Makhija, Citing clinical research saffron is effective in treating mild to severe depression without the common adverse effects of medicine, as reported by NDTV.

In a post on Instagram, Makhija explained that the spice contains three natural compounds. Crocin acts as a strong antioxidant, Crocetin supports blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain, while Safranal, promotes calmness and aid mood regulation.

According to Makhija, these substances may have neuroprotective properties and increase the production of neurotransmitters in the brain that are involved for mood regulation. According to a double-blind scientific trial published in the National Library of Medicine, participants who drank 30 mg of saffron extract per day had depressed symptoms similar to those taking fluoxetine (Prozac). There were no side effects recorded during the studies.

She also shared her insights on hormonal changes during this period often lead to symptoms such as headaches, heart palpitations, high cholesterol, hot flashes and hair loss. Around 42 per cent of women in menopause and half of post-menopausal women report experiencing palpitations, she added.

She explained that declining levels of cholesterol-based sex hormones, may trigger the body to produce more cholesterol, raising levels during menopause. Makhija advised women to adopt dietary adjustments, proper hydration and regular exercise to manage these transitions.

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Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka will host India's "first commercial quantum computer", with the state government announcing its deployment at the IIIT-Dharwad, Minister Priyank Kharge said on Thursday.

The move is seen as a major step towards positioning Karnataka as a national hub for advanced quantum technologies, the state IT/BT minister said.

The announcement followed separate meetings held by Priyank with Bengaluru-based deeptech firm QpiAI and Singapore-based water technology company ZWEEC, focusing on cutting-edge innovation and rural infrastructure solutions, according to a press release.

"Karnataka is moving decisively in the quantum space. The deployment of India’s first commercial quantum computer at the Indian Institute of Information Technology-Dharwad marks a significant milestone in building a world-class quantum ecosystem," the minister was quoted as saying.

During discussions with QpiAI, Priyank reviewed plans to deploy the country’s "first indigenously built commercial quantum computer" at IIIT-Dharwad, where the state has announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Quantum AI and Computing.

QpiAI also outlined its roadmap to scale its systems from 25 qubits to a 1,000-qubit quantum computer within the next two to three years.

In a separate meeting, ZWEEC presented its advanced biomonitoring solutions for the early detection of drinking water contamination and algal blooms.

Priyank said the government would examine the feasibility of piloting the technology in partnership with the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Department.