As a person who has managed to maintain a youthful appearance, what's your best anti-aging advice?

Dr. Sophia Anderson

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Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Nursing Experiences & Public Health (college major), University of California, San Francisco 9h

As a person who has managed to maintain a youthful appearance, what's your best anti-aging advice?

As someone who has managed to maintain a youthful appearance, my best anti-aging advice goes beyond skincare and focuses on a holistic approach to wellness. Here are some key practices that I believe have made a difference:

1. **Nourish Your Body with the Right Foods**: Eating a balanced, nutrient-dense diet is essential for maintaining youthful skin and overall vitality. Focus on consuming plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, healthy fats like omega-3s (found in fish, nuts, and seeds), and lean proteins. Staying hydrated is equally important; water helps maintain skin elasticity and flushes out toxins.

2. **Consistent Skincare Routine**: Invest in a good skincare routine that includes daily cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. Using a broad-spectrum SPF every day, even when it’s cloudy, is one of the best defenses against premature aging caused by UV damage. Incorporate products with ingredients like retinoids, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C to help combat fine lines, boost collagen, and hydrate the skin.

3. **Quality Sleep**: Adequate sleep is essential for regeneration and repair. While you sleep, your body produces collagen, which helps keep the skin plump and youthful. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night and try to sleep on your back to minimize wrinkles that can form from constant pressure on your face.

4. **Exercise Regularly**: Staying active not only keeps your body fit but also boosts circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the skin. Exercise helps to reduce stress and improves sleep quality, both of which are key to maintaining a youthful glow.

5. **Manage Stress**: Chronic stress can lead to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, contributing to premature aging. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to help keep stress levels in check. Taking time for self-care and doing activities you enjoy can also help maintain a positive mindset, which reflects in your overall appearance.

6. **Limit Alcohol and Avoid Smoking**: Excessive alcohol can dehydrate your skin and accelerate the aging process, while smoking restricts blood flow to the skin, depletes essential nutrients, and contributes to the breakdown of collagen. Limiting or avoiding these habits will significantly impact your skin’s health and appearance.

7. **Regular Hydration and Moisture**: Keep your skin hydrated from both inside and outside. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and use a good-quality moisturizer to maintain your skin’s hydration barrier. Hydrated skin appears more supple and smooth, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

8. **Stay Positive and Maintain a Youthful Mindset**: Your attitude and mindset can play a huge role in how you age. Staying curious, learning new things, surrounding yourself with positive influences, and engaging in activities that make you feel young can all contribute to maintaining a youthful spirit, which reflects on your face and body.

By combining these practices, I've found that it's possible to not only look younger but to feel younger too. The secret to aging gracefully lies in taking care of your mind, body, and spirit holistically.

Is Green or Ripe Papaya More Beneficial for Improving Eyesight?

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INDRAJIT MURMU

 

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Is Green or Ripe Papaya More Beneficial for Improving Eyesight?

Papaya is often hailed as a superfood due to its rich nutritional profile and numerous health benefits. But when it comes to improving eyesight, the debate often arises: which is more beneficial, green or ripe papaya? Both stages of papaya development contain essential nutrients, but their impact on eye health may differ slightly.

Here, we’ll explore the benefits of green and ripe papaya for improving eyesight and maintaining overall eye health.

Nutritional Profile of Papaya

Both green (unripe) and ripe papayas are packed with essential nutrients, including:

• Vitamin A: Supports vision and protects against night blindness.
• Vitamin C: Promotes healthy blood vessels in the eyes and helps prevent cataracts.
• Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Important antioxidants that protect the eyes from oxidative stress and harmful UV rays.
• Beta-carotene: A precursor to vitamin A, which is critical for eye health.

Green Papaya and Eye Health

Green papaya, also known as unripe papaya, is widely used in various cuisines, especially in salads and soups. It contains higher amounts of certain enzymes like papain, which aids digestion, but how does it fare when it comes to eyesight?

1. Rich in Vitamin C

Green papaya is a powerhouse of vitamin C, containing higher levels compared to its ripe counterpart. Vitamin C is known to support healthy blood vessels in the eyes and may reduce the risk of cataracts. According to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a high intake of vitamin C is associated with a lower risk of developing age-related cataracts (Taylor et al., 2002). Consuming green papaya can help maintain adequate levels of vitamin C, which is beneficial for long-term eye health.

2. Beta-Carotene Content

Green papaya contains beta-carotene, a key antioxidant that gets converted into vitamin A in the body. While the beta-carotene content is higher in ripe papaya, green papaya still provides a substantial amount, contributing to the prevention of vision problems such as night blindness.

Ripe Papaya and Eye Health

Ripe papaya is sweeter and softer, making it a favorite for many. As papaya ripens, its nutritional content changes slightly, but it remains a highly nutritious fruit.

1. High in Vitamin A

Ripe papaya has a higher concentration of beta-carotene compared to its green counterpart. Beta-carotene is essential for producing vitamin A, which is crucial for maintaining good vision and preventing night blindness. A study in Nutrition Reviews highlights the importance of vitamin A in preventing degenerative eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (Sommer, 2008).

2. Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Ripe papaya contains higher amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that play a vital role in protecting the eyes from harmful blue light and UV rays. These carotenoids are concentrated in the retina and help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in older adults. Research published in JAMA Ophthalmology demonstrates that diets rich in lutein and zeaxanthin can improve visual performance and reduce the risk of AMD (Moeller et al., 2006).

Green Papaya vs. Ripe Papaya: Which is Better for Eyesight?

Both green and ripe papaya offer unique benefits for eye health, making it difficult to declare one superior to the other. However, here’s a comparison:

• Green Papaya: Higher in vitamin C, which supports blood vessels in the eyes and reduces the risk of cataracts.
• Ripe Papaya: Richer in beta-carotene, vitamin A, lutein, and zeaxanthin, all of which are crucial for maintaining healthy vision and preventing degenerative eye conditions.

If your primary focus is on improving eyesight and protecting against vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts, ripe papaya may offer slightly more benefits due to its higher concentration of eye-protective antioxidants. However, incorporating both green and ripe papaya into your diet can provide a comprehensive range of nutrients for overall eye health.

How to Incorporate Papaya into Your Diet for Eye Health

• Green Papaya Salad: Use shredded green papaya in salads for a refreshing and nutrient-packed meal.
• Ripe Papaya Smoothies: Blend ripe papaya with other fruits like mango or orange for a delicious smoothie rich in vitamin A and antioxidants.
• Papaya Soup: Add green papaya to soups for a nutritious twist that supports digestion and eye health.
• Ripe Papaya as a Snack: Simply enjoy ripe papaya on its own as a quick snack to reap its eye-protective benefits.

Conclusion

Both green and ripe papaya are excellent for promoting eye health, but ripe papaya holds an edge due to its higher concentration of beta-carotene, vitamin A, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These nutrients play a crucial role in protecting against degenerative eye conditions and improving overall vision. Including a mix of both green and ripe papaya in your diet can help ensure you receive a broad spectrum of nutrients that support not only your eyesight but also your overall health.

References

• Moeller, S. M., Voland, R., & Tinker, L. (2006). Associations between dietary lutein and zeaxanthin intake and age-related macular degeneration. JAMA Ophthalmology, 124(8), 1151-1158.
• Sommer, A. (2008). Vitamin A deficiency and its consequences. Nutrition Reviews, 66(Suppl 3), S125-S131.
• Taylor, A., Jacques, P. F., & Chylack, L. T. (2002). Long-term vitamin C supplement use and prevalence of early age-related lens opacities. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 75(4), 540-549.

What does it mean when someone says the Philippines is more westernized than other Southeast Asian countries?

Datu Ulap

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What does it mean when someone says the Philippines is more westernized than other Southeast Asian countries?

They are typically referring to a couple of points, as far as history and culture go:

• The largest religion in the Philippines was imported from a Western country, Spain. Catholicism takes up over 80% of the population and in fact, the Philippines is one of the nations with the largest Catholic nations in the world. This orients their religious practices closer to Latin America and large chunks of Europe than Southeast Asia, though religious syncretism with local beliefs have made Filipino Catholicism more unique.

• The proliferation of English, and the lasting legacy of the Spanish language. English proficiency remains among one of the highest in Asia. Spanish loanwords have entered the vocabulary of many local languages, and there is even a Spanish-creole language called Chavacano. Many surnames in the Philippines have Spanish origins. Many first names in the Philippines are English in origin.

• Being a colony for as long as it has, the Philippines does have more visible western influence, notably Spanish and American. Spanish influence is seen in religion, certain folk dances, rondalla music, certain food and baking traditions, naming traditions, and festivals about patron saints. American influence is seen in the proliferation of fast food chains in the country, the English language, the democratic government, malls, pop culture, and jeepneys.

Although there are numerous ways in which the Philippines has western influence and is more westernized compared to most of its Southeast Asian neighbors, the Western influence is only one part of the mosaic that is the culture as a whole.

• Austronesian culture and traditions remain the base culture for the Philippines. From outrigger boats and expert navigation skills, traditional stilt homes, ancestor veneration, wet rice agriculture, tattooing, gong ensembles, to the use of Austronesian languages among the vast majority of the country, and even the domestication of jungle fowl, Austronesian heritage is prevalent in the Philippines.

• In contrast to heavily individualistic countries that make up the majority of Western countries, the Philippines is heavily collectivist, much like its Southeast Asian neighbors. The family and the barangay, or the community, are a huge part of Filipino culture. This collectivist culture manifests into concepts like bayanihan, pasalubong, and utang na loob.

• Centuries of trade and migration from China, mostly Fujian province, have brought a large amount of Chinese influence in the culture. This is shown in certain foods and cooking techniques, Hokkien loan words for kinship and other terms, the existence of some Chinese surnames in the country, local architectural features such as sliding capiz-shell windows and octagonal and free-standing bell towers for churches, the display of round fruits, mahjong being a popular game, and even feng shui being used in modern settings.

How has the Philippines' culture been influenced by China and Japan?

https://www.quora.com/How-has-the-Philippines-culture-been-influenced-by-China-and-Japan

• Additionally, the Philippines shares many similarities with its neighbors, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia. The way of greeting elders is the same around this part of Southeast Asia.

What are the similarities of the Philippines and Indonesia in terms of culture, tradition, and belief?

https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-similarities-of-the-Philippines-and-Indonesia-in-terms-of-culture-tradition-and-belief

 

Which fruits should not be eaten together?

Akshay Sharma

Website Designer & Developer (2018–present) Jun 4

Which fruits should not be eaten together?

Fruits are delicious and packed with nutrients, making them a healthy choice for snacks and meals. However, some fruits don't mix well together and can cause stomach discomfort like gas or bloating. The following fruit combos should be avoided:

• Melons with Other Fruits: Melons (like watermelon, and cantaloupe) should be eaten alone. They digest very quickly and If mixed with slower-digesting fruits, they can ferment and cause stomach problems. Example: Watermelon with bananas.

• Acidic Fruits with Sweet Fruits: Avoid combining acidic fruits (like oranges, and grapefruits) with sweet fruits (like bananas, and apples). Oranges and grapefruits contain citric acid, which can increase the acidity in your stomach while Bananas and apples are sweeter fruits with natural sugars. When you eat acidic fruits with sweet fruits, the acid in the acidic fruits can slow down the digestion of the sweeter ones and can cause bloating, gas, or stomach upset.

• Acidic Fruits with Starchy Fruits: When you combine acidic fruits such as lemons and pineapples with starchy fruits like bananas, you're mixing fruits with differing properties and digestion rates. The acids in acidic fruits can interfere with the activity of digestive enzymes and the digestion of starches can be delayed. This delay may lead to the fruits remaining in the stomach for a longer time, potentially causing fermentation and digestive discomfort.

In general, it's a good idea to listen to your body and observe how it responds to different fruit combinations. If you notice any discomfort or adverse reactions after consuming certain fruits together, you must avoid combining them in the future. However, for most people, enjoying a variety of fruits in moderation as part of a balanced diet is perfectly healthy. 

Is Philippine cuisine underrated in comparison to other Asian cuisines like Thai, Vietnamese, or Korean food?

Datu Ulap

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Filipino7h

Is Philippine cuisine underrated in comparison to other Asian cuisines like Thai, Vietnamese, or Korean food?

I would say so.

In my opinion, the main problem with Filipino cuisine is how its marketed. It’s strengths are not being promoted, nor is there a robust cultural diplomacy program like the gastro-diplomacy of the Thailand and how the Thai government has intentionally opened up and supported Thai restaurants overseas, or how the Hallyu wave funded by the South Korean government pushed Korean culture out to the world, including its food.

• There are plenty of things the Philippines does well, one of them being pork. Korean cuisine uses a lot of pork, especially in KBBQ settings.

• Seafood is a huge thing that the Philippines can take huge advantage of when trying to market themselves to the world.

• The Philippines is blessed with a tropical climate, and thus, so many tropical fruits, both native and brought over, thrive here. The sweetest mangoes in the world come from the Philippines.

• The idea of a kamayan feast or a boodle fight is also another way to be seen as appealing. Filipino food is meant to be shared and eaten with hands, on banana leaf.

• Colorful desserts, and the use of ube is another way that Filipino cuisine can put itself on a global stage.

• Just a personal opinion, but breakfast is done really well in Filipino cuisine. Silog dishes, champurado, pan de sal, longanisa, sikwate, etc.

• Regional cuisines in the Philippines are heavily under-appreciated. Most dishes outside of Tagalog/Kapampangan cooking are usually not given a spotlight. Not to mention cuisine from Bangsamoro is halal-friendly.

Filipino food doesn’t need to necessarily be marketed as “spicy” to be seen as worthy (though there are two regions in the Philippines known locally for their spicy cuisine: Bicol and Bangsamoro). In fact, the stereotype that Asian food is “spicy” is not as universal as people think.

• Vietnamese cuisine for instance is marketed to the global market for its use of fresh ingredients and fresh vegetables. There is also a balance when it comes to their cuisine.
• Japanese cuisine isn’t seen as spicy but similarly is known for its cooking techniques and fresh ingredients, especially when it comes to quality meats and seafood. Kaiseki cuisine for example emphasizes natural flavors. Filipino cuisine can lean into the fact that many dishes rely more on natural flavors.
• Part of the reason people may find Filipino food distasteful is how it is shown as “Fear Factor” exotic food, like balut. This garners attention, although a lot of it is the wrong kind.