Saffron may aid in managing depression, says nutritionist Pooja Makhija
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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Siddaramaiah seeks Centre's urgent intervention over commercial LPG cylinder shortage
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday sought the Centre's urgent intervention to ensure supply of adequate commercial LPG cyclinders to hotels and restaurants in Bengaluru.
He said hotels, restaurants and catering establishments in the city would be forced to suspend operations if supplies are not restored, affecting a large number of students and working professionals who depend on them for regular meals.
In his letter to Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri, he also requested him to issue appropriate directions to the oil marketing companies to address the current supply constraints that would help ease the situation.
Referring to the March 9 order issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas prioritising LPG supply for domestic consumers, Siddaramaiah said while the intention behind the order to ensure uninterrupted LPG supply to households across the country is well understood and appreciated, its implementation appears to have led to an unintended shortage of commercial LPG in Bengaluru.
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He cited that several hotels and restaurant associations in the city have reported that they are unable to procure commercial LPG cylinders, and many establishments are expressing concern that they may have to temporarily shut operations if supplies are not restored soon.
Bengaluru has a large ecosystem of small restaurants, mess facilities, and catering units that serve lakhs of people every day.
According to him, as per the discussions held with the oil marketing companies, the state's commercial LPG demand has traditionally been supported by supplies from the three OMCs-IOCL (around 500-550 MT per day), HPCL (around 300 MT per day) and BPCL (around 230 MT per day) and the sudden disruption of this supply is now severely affecting hotels, catering establishments and other commercial users in Bengaluru.
Any disruption to their functioning will have a direct impact on daily life in the city, he said.
"This issue also affects a large number of students and working professionals who live away from their homes and depend on hotels and mess facilities for regular meals. In addition, Choultries (wedding halls), hostels, and event venues that rely on commercial LPG for food preparation are also facing uncertainty, particularly with scheduled social and community events," the chief minister said in the letter.
Given the scale of dependence on commercial LPG in a metropolitan city like Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah sought the union minister's intervention to ensure that adequate commercial LPG supply is made available to hotels, restaurants, choultries, community halls and any other pure commercial establishments.
"Appropriate directions to the oil marketing companies to address the current supply constraints would help ease the situation. A timely resolution will help ensure that businesses continue to operate smoothly while also avoiding inconvenience to thousands of people who rely on these services on a daily basis," he added.
