10 percent of brain myth- 4 facts to prove it wrong

Recently Hollywood movies like Limitless and Lucy have attracted our attention to the 10 percent brain myth. What exactly is 10 percent brain myth?

 As it is a myth, it means it is rumored that a normal human being uses only 10 percent of his brain. That is, a human being has the potential to expand his brain functionality to 9 times more than what he has normally. In these movies, the protagonists by some chance get some drug or capsule which increases their brain capabilities.

But as we know, everything we see in movies is not real. And so is this 10 percent brain myth. The following 5 facts can prove that:

1. Brain Imaging-

Brain imaging or rather neuro imaging techniques like fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) helps to detect the brain activity. Non of the techniques have yet detected any unused part of brain except for damaged part. Even during sleep, all parts of the brain show some activity.

2. Localisation of function in brain-

Extensive research on brain has established different parts of the brain to be specialized for some function or the other. But no part has been declared as non active or function-less by any research.

3. Studies related to brain damage- If a part of brain is damaged, there always has been effect of impairment of brain function. Had there been an inactive part in brain, damage of that part would not have result in any impairment of brain which has not occurred till date.

4. Single- unit recording- Neuron is the nerve cell that acts as the basic building block of brain. In neuroscience, single-unit recording method is used to measure the electro- physiological responce of a neuron. A signal is propagated through a neuron as a current. In the above technique, a micro-electrode is inserted into the brain to measure the rate of change of voltage of a neuron with respect to time. In case, the 10 percent brain myth was true, this technique would have detected no voltage change in 90 percent of the neurons in one persons brain. But this has not happened.

Noise Pollution

An unwanted or unpleasant sound is known as noise. We can sense sound with the help of ears. Sound can be described in terms of its loudness and its pitch (or frequency).Loudness is measured in decibels (dB) and itch is measured in cycles (waves per second). Cycles per second is known as Hertz (Hz). The range of frequency to which human ear is sensitive is 20-20,000Hz.

Today, noise pollution has become one of the major and difficult problems to be handled. Noise pollution is caused by many different pollutants. But these pollutants can be grouped into four categories:

1.  Transportation

2. Industry

3. Household

4. Military

Noise pollution is increasing in cities day by day. The main disadvantage of industrialisation is that it has increased pollution to a vast degree. In terms of daily noise, we can give the credit to vehicles on road. They produce so much noise that people get irritated. Home appliances also add to noise pollution. Although most of the appliances are becoming noise free with advanced technology but still they have a considerable amount of contribution.

Noise pollution can increase the sufferings of heart patients, high blood pressure patients and people suffering from insomnia etc. Sudden noises can cause the heart beat increase considerably. Noise interferes with sleep very much. It disturbs very much while concentrating on something. It induces irritability id it is caused during the time of relaxation and leisure.

Potato- Nutrition Facts

The scientific name of our most popular and widely used vegetable is Solanum Tuberosum.

Potatoes

Potato is rich in Vitamin C and B6. It also contains high amount of minerals like potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and copper. Potato is also rich in carbohydrates, fibers and proteins. Its protein contains  nine different amino acids. Potato fiber has soluble parts which results in lowering of cholesterol.

Even the skin of potato which we throw away is very useful. Is has been proved that the skin of potato acts as anti oxidants. The skin of potato is able to neutralize the various harmful elements in the body that try to damage human cells.

Dr. Henningsen of University of Lund (Sweden) has found that the potassium content of steamed potato is more than that of boiled potato. During steaming only 3-6% of potassium is lost while during boiling 10-50% of potassium is lost.

Health  Benefits of Potato-

Mashed potato is helpful for skin. When a boiled mashed potato is applied to any body part’s skin, it smoothens and improves the color of skin.

The juice of raw potatoes dissolves uric acid and lime. Thus, it cures gout of people. But they must not be allergic to potatoes. As potatoes do not have starch and rich in protein, it helps to cure gastritis. The juice of raw potato is also good for cleaning skin blemishes. It is due to its high sulphur, chlorine, potassium content.

If potatoes are boiled or backed without peeling its skin, then it preserves most of its nutritional contents, otherwise most of its food value is lost.

Potato- Nutrition facts

 Facts to be remembered-

Potatoes should not be taken by obese and diabetic people due its high carbohydrate content. Potatoes belong to a botanical family known as “Night shade” vegetables. Plants in this family contain a toxic substance called solanine. If a person is allergic to solanine, then in future more consumption of potatoes may lead to arthritis. Sometimes a portion of potato becomes green. This is due to the fact that the potato contains harmful amount of solanine. That should not be eaten to avoid neurological and digestive disorders.

Benefits of Honey

“Medicinal vegetation and juices maketh honey. It is like nectar. Honey is like the vital force. Honey is like the cereals. Even Gods taketh honey with great relish.”

-  Indian Hindu Scriptures

Honey

In the Bible, honey is considered as a symbol of soft sweetness. Honey is mentioned in Bible for more than sixty times. In the Holy Quran, Sural El Nihal is about honey. In the scripture Budhacharya, Lord Buddha has instructed all his followers to make liberal use of honey in the diet.

The original bardic name of Britain was “Honey Isle of Beli”. Earlier the Britishers were famous beekeepers. South Egypt was known as “the land of bee”.

Chemical Composition of Honey-

Now let us see the chemical composition of honey. It contains about 76% of sugar: 34% of dextrose, 40% of lebulose and 2% of sucrose. The rest 1.5% - 2% is dextrin and gums. Four types of enzymes are also present in honey. Amongst minerals, carbonate of calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium and silicate are present. Dark honey has iron, copper and manganese in a greater amount than other lighter varieties. Honey consists of all minerals and vitamins in correct proportion as required by the body.

Benefits of Honey

Health Benefits of Honey-

Honey has moisture absorbing capability because of the presence of potassium salts in it. So, when honey comes in contact with bacteria, it absorbs all the moisture from them and subsequently the bacteria dies. Thus, it works like a disinfectant.

Honey helps in decreasing blood pressure, as it increases the blood flow to the heart and also draws excess fluid from the blood stream. Honey also helps in reducing weight. For reducing weight, it must be taken on empty stomach early in the morning. For simple throat problems, honey must be taken with a teaspoon of ginger juice for relief.

Asthma patients are always advised to take two teaspoons of honey in a glass of boiling water. Honey is good arthritis, rheumatic and gout cases also.

The most interesting use of honey is as face pack. When a face pack consisting of honey with rose water, gram flour is applied and washed away after 15-20 minutes, then it brightens the face.

In our daily diet, there must be two teaspoons of honey involved to be blessed with its so many helpful uses.

What is Pollution?

Definition of Pollution

The introduction of contaminants into the environment is called Pollution. It results in negative effects in the environment which makes lives of human beings and other living organisms a bit difficult.
In earlier days, pollution in the environment was much lesser than what it is today. Day by day, pollution is increasing due to increased human activities. Pollution can be caused by natural disasters too.

Different Types of Pollution

There are four different types of pollution:

1. Air Pollution

2. Water Pollution

3. Soil Pollution
4. Noise Pollution

1. What is Air Pollution?

Air Pollution is the introduction of contaminants like dust articles, carbon monoxide, etc. which imbalances the natural composition of air in the atmosphere and creates harmful effects on living beings.

List of Pollutants

1. Carbon Dioxide

2. Carbon monoxide

3. Methane

4. CFC (Chloro Flouro Carbon)

5. Dust Particles

6. Sulphur Dioxide

Causes of Air Pollution

Air Pollution is caused due to various reasons:

1. Smoking cigarettes

2. Emissions coming out of motor vehicles

3. Combustion of coal and wood

4. Emissions from factories

5. Paint fumes and aerosol sprays

6. Wildfire

7. Volcanic eruptions

Effects of Air Pollution

Air Pollution has many adverse effects on the environment as well as on living organisms.

1. Formation of smog

2. Global warming due to excess green house gases like carbon dioxide, methane, etc.

3. Deterioration of ozone layer

4. Respiratory problems and headache

5. Acid rain

6. Eye and throat irritation

2. What is Water Pollution?

The introduction of contaminants in water bodies like lakes, rivers, ground water, oceans, etc. is known as water pollution.

Causes of Water Pollution

1. Emissions from factories and refineries

2. Human sewage

3. Animal waste

4. Oil spill from ships in rivers and oceans

5. Use of fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides in agriculture

Effects of Water Pollution

1. Diseases like typhoid, cholera, etc.

2. Ailments of kidneys and hearts

3. Accumulation of chemicals like lead and cadmium in food chain

4. Aquatic ecosystem is worst affected by water pollution

3. What is Soil Pollution?

Soil Pollution is the contamination of soil due to harmful and toxic materials which are disposed of by living organisms and other natural disasters

Causes of Soil Pollution

1. Deforestation

2. Human sewage

3. Use of fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides

4. Disposal of waste materials from factories, reffineries and power plants

Effects of Soil Pollution

1. Decrease in soil fertility

2. Harmful effect on ground water

3. Loss of nutrients present in soil

4. Increase in salinity of soil

4. What is Noise Pollution?

Noise Pollution is any unwanted sound that displeases the ear and disrupts normal activities of human being or animals.

Sound is measured in terms of decibels. 

 dB          Sound

0           Threshold of hearing

10         Rustling of leaves

60         Conversation

74         Light traffic noise

100       Symphony orchestra

120       Aircraft takeoff 

Causes of Noise Pollution

1. Noise from vehicles on road like buses, trucks, bikes etc.

2. Noise from aircraft

3. Noise emanating from industries

4. Noise from home appliances like vacuum cleaners, washing machines, chimneys, etc.

5. Noise from construction equipment like those used in road construction or building construction etc. 

Effects of Noise Pollution

1. It causes sleeping disturbance and long exposure to high intensity of noise pollution may cause insomnia.

2. It causes decrease in concentration of human being.

3. It may cause hearing impairment.

4. It causes very deep impact on people having cardiovascular problems. Noise pollution causes rise in heart     

    beat rate and in turn blood pressure.

5. Excessive noise may cause headache, anxiety and other similar problems.

Seven Wonders of The Ancient World

The seven wonders of the ancient world are different from the wonders of the medieval and modern world. Most of them have been destroyed by some natural calamity.

1. Great Pyramid of Giza

Situated in Egypt, Pyramids of Giza were built around 2560 BC. It is the tomb of Pharoah Khufu. Its height is about 480 ft (i.e. 146 m). It is made up of mostly limestone.

2. Hanging Gardens of Babylon

Hanging Gardens were situated in Iraq. It was built around 600 BC. Its height was about 80 ft (24 m). It was made up of mud brick waterproofed with lead. But these were destroyed by several earthquakes around second century BC.

3. Statue of Zeus at Olympia

Statue of Zeus was situated in Greece. It was built around 432 BC. Its height was about 40 ft (12 m).  It was made up of ivory and gold plated plates on wooden frame. It was destroyed in 5^th century BC due to fire.

4. Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

Temple of Artemis was situated in Turkey. It was built around 323 BC. Goddess Artemis was worshipped here. Its length was 425 ft (129 m). It was built up of marble. It was destroyed by Goths in 262 AD.

5. Mausoleum of Maussollos at Halicarnassus

Mausoleum of Maussollos was built between 353 and 350 BC. The structure was designed by two Greek architects Satyros and Pythis. Its height is about 148 ft (45 m).

6. Colossus of Rhodes

Colossus of Rhodes is the statue of Greek God Helios. It was built between 292 and 280 BC. This statue was 107 ft high. It was a symbol of Rhodes victory over the ruler of Cyprus.

7. Lighthouse of Alexandria

It is also known as Pharos of Alexandria. This was built between 280 and 247 BC in Egypt. Its main purpose was to guide sailors into the harbor at the time of night as a normal lighthouse does. Its height is estimated to be between 393 and 450 ft.

Benefits of Fasting

We do fasting in our life for various purposes. But we don't know exactly the use and different kinds of fasting. In this article you would come to know about that.

In the Anushasan Chapter of the famous epic Mahabharata, it is written: “Whosoever fasts is blessed in every way!He draws the benefit of all the great medicines. All his diseases are cured and he becomes strong and virile”.

Fasting is indeed a natural method to live healthily. Also, it is a natural way to cure many diseases. Actually the basic cause of our diseases is the accumulation of toxic matters in the digestive system. So, we have to regularly cleanse our digestive system in order to avoid diseases. By fasting, we in a way, overhaul our complete system. All the mechanisms of the body which do produce necessary blood, flesh, body juices, bones etc. are cleansed through fasting. During fasting a part of the body energy which earlier was used for some nutritional purposes is now used for cleansing and intoxication purpose.

On the day of fasting, one should not do all the daily works. One must have to have complete rest. Talking should be reduced considerably. Otherwise, most of the part of energy which was to be used for cleansing purpose is used up in talking only. Now the question comes, “how can we determine that our purpose of fasting has been fulfilled”?

The answer to this question is: “Fasting cannot be considered completely effective till your tongue becomes clear, appetite normal and body agile”. If you think these conditions are not satisfied, then you can increase your period of fasting, provided that your health permits. A person who has not done fasting even once in his/her life will face a bit of difficulty for the first time or may be the second time too. But after that, the body as well as the mind will get habituated to behave normally during fasting.

Now comes the different types of fasting. Fasting can be done in many different ways. They can be categorized in mainly the following groups:

1. Complete Fast: In complete fast, every two hour a glass of water and every next hour warm water together with some lemon juice is taken. The main purpose of taking lemon juice in warm water is to prevent gas formation. If one needs some energy during this period, then a spoon of honey may also be taken with lemon juice in ordinary water also. Water of a tender coconut may also be taken during this fasting.

2. Milk-Banana diet: In his kind of fast, one cup of skimmed milk and a banana is taken alternatively three to four times a day. Added to that honey and lemon juice and lemon juice in warm water may also be taken.

3. Fruit diet: In this kind of fast, a person lives only on fruit and fruit juices. Again, in this fast, water and lemon juice in water can be continued. But his fast must not exceed 6-7 days; otherwise the body will become deficient of essential enzymes and amino acids.

4. Fruit and Vegetable diet: In such a diet, lightly boiled or steamed vegetables can also be taken besides fruits. But the use of salt must be avoided. This fast can also not exceed more than 6-7 days at a stretch.

5. Traditional Fast: In this kind of fast, a light meal is taken only once a day. This meal may contain a little of salt, sugar and fat. But one does not take any fruit, vegetables, tea, juices besides that meal. Ordinary water or lemon juice in warm water may be taken alternatively. This kind of fast is traditionally kept on full moon day or on the first day of the solar month.
In the first four kinds, no fat, salt or sugar is taken. Thus, the burden on the digestive system lessens and it gets sufficient time for cleansing operation.

One thing must be kept in mind that during fasting ordinary excretion of faeces, urine and sweat must continue otherwise the toxic materials will again get absorbed in the blood.