Amazing Drawings By Leonardo Da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci - Study for drawing of Neptune

Leonardo da Vinci - Head of a Warrior 

Leonardo da Vinci - "Leda". 

Study for the head of Leda, from the roman myth of Leda and the Swan. This drawing was the inspiration for the hairstyle of Princess Leia in the Star Wars films.

Leonardo da Vinci - Head of a Woman

Leonardo - Head of the Virgin

Leonardo - Head of the Virgin

Charcoal, black and read chalks

ca 1508 - 1512

Leonardo da Vinci - hemisection of copulation

Leonardo da Vinci - Fetus in the womb

Leonardo da Vinci - Dissection of the skull

Leonardo da Vinci - Anatomy of the spine

Leonardo da Vinci - Studies of anatomy

Leonardo da Vinci - Map of Imola, Italy

Leonardo da Vinci - A Rocky Landscape

Leonardo da Vinci - Study of Flowing water

Leonardo da Vinci - Study of Rock Strata

Leonardo da Vinci - A Star of Bethlehem

Leonardo da Vinci - Study of cats

Save the date! ISS Expedition 56 crew members to make their journey on March 21

The Soyuz spacecraft that will carry the three individuals is scheduled to arrive at the space station on March 23.

It's time! Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are getting ready to welcome the newest addition to their family up in space.

NASA has announced the launch of Expedition 55-56, all geared up to take the reigns of the ISS, launching on March 21.

The three new ISS crew members include NASA Flight Engineers Ricky Arnold and Drew Feustel, along with Oleg Artemyev of Russian space agency Roscosmos, who will join the three Expedition 55 crew members already in space.

The Soyuz spacecraft that will carry the three individuals is scheduled to arrive at the space station on March 23.


Waiting for the trio are Expedition 55 Commander Anton Shkaplerov and Flight Engineers Scott Tingle and Norishige Kanai.

Meanwhile, the Expedition 55 crew reconfigured the JEM Airlock in support of an upcoming experiment: Materials on ISS Experiment – Flight Facility (MISSE-FF) payload operations.

The study exposes sample plates containing a variety of surface materials to the harsh environs of space outside the station for varying durations.

Data collected will inform satellite designers how different materials can degrade over time – a topic of great importance when it comes to designing and building spacecraft and structures to withstand a journey through the cosmos, NASA said.

Should You Use Iodized Salt?

There’s a good chance you’ll spot a box of iodized salt in any kitchen pantry.

While it’s a dietary staple in many households, there’s a lot of confusion about what iodized salt actually is and whether or not it’s a necessary part of the diet.

This article explores how iodized salt may affect your health and whether or not you should be using it.

IODINE IS AN IMPORTANT MINERAL

Iodine is a trace mineral commonly found in seafood, dairy products, grains and eggs.

In many countries, it’s also combined with table salt to help prevent iodine deficiency.

Your thyroid gland uses iodine to produce thyroid hormones, which aid in tissue repair, regulate metabolism and promote proper growth and development (1, 2).

Thyroid hormones also play a direct role in the control of body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate (3).

In addition to its essential role in thyroid health, iodine may play a central role in several other aspects of your health.

For example, test-tube and animal studies suggest that it may directly impact the function of your immune system (4, 5).

Meanwhile, other studies have found that iodine may help treat fibrocystic breast disease, a condition in which non-cancerous lumps form in the breast (6, 7).

MANY PEOPLE ARE AT RISK OF IODINE DEFICIENCY

Unfortunately, many people around the world are at an increased risk of iodine deficiency.

It’s considered a public health problem in 118 countries, and more than 1.5 billion people are believed to be at risk (8).

Deficiencies in micronutrients like iodine are increasingly prevalent in certain areas, especially in regions where iodized salt is uncommon or there are low levels of iodine in the soil.

In fact, it’s estimated that about a third of the population in the Middle East is at risk of iodine deficiency (9). 

This condition is also commonly found in areas such as Africa, Asia, Latin America and parts of Europe (8).

In addition, certain groups of people are more likely to be deficient in iodine. For example, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are at a higher risk of deficiency because they require more iodine.

Vegans and vegetarians are also at a greater risk. One study looked at the diets of 81 adults and found that 25% of vegetarians and 80% of vegans had iodine deficiency, compared to just 9% of those on mixed diets (10).

IODINE DEFICIENCY CAN CAUSE SERIOUS SYMPTOMS

A deficiency in iodine can cause a long list of symptoms that range from mildly uncomfortable to severe to even dangerous.

Among the most common symptoms is a type of swelling in the neck known as a goiter.

Your thyroid gland uses iodine to produce thyroid hormones. However, when your body doesn’t have enough of it, your thyroid gland is forced to go into overdrive to try to compensate and make more hormones.

This causes the cells in your thyroid to rapidly multiply and grow, resulting in a goiter (11).

A decrease in thyroid hormones can also lead to other adverse effects, such as hair loss, fatigue, weight gain, dry skin and increased sensitivity to cold (12).

Iodine deficiency may cause serious issues in children and pregnant women as well. Low levels of iodine can cause brain damage and severe problems with mental development in children (8).

What’s more, it may also be associated with a higher risk of miscarriages and stillbirth (13).

IODIZED SALT CAN PREVENT IODINE DEFICIENCY

In 1917, physician David Marine began conducting experiments demonstrating that taking iodine supplements was effective at reducing the incidence of goiters.

Soon after in 1920, many countries around the globe began fortifying table salt with iodine in an effort to prevent iodine deficiency.

The introduction of iodized salt was incredibly effective at eliminating the deficiency in many parts of the world. Prior to the 1920s, up to 70% of children in certain areas of the United States had goiters.

In contrast, today 90% of the US population has access to iodized salt, and the population is considered overall iodine sufficient (14).

Just a half teaspoon (3 grams) of iodized salt per day is enough to meet your daily iodine requirement (15).

This makes using iodized salt one of the easiest ways to prevent iodine deficiency without having to make other major modifications to your diet.

IODIZED SALT IS SAFE TO CONSUME

Studies show that iodine intake above the daily recommended value is generally well tolerated.

In fact, the upper limit of iodine is 1,100 micrograms, which is the equivalent of nearly 4 teaspoons (23 grams) of iodized salt (15).

However, a high intake of iodine may increase the risk of thyroid dysfunction in certain groups of people, including fetuses, newborn babies, the elderly and those with preexisting thyroid disease.

Excess iodine intake can be a result of dietary sources, iodine-containing vitamins and medications and taking iodine supplements (16).

That said, multiple studies have reported that iodized salt is safe with minimal risk of adverse side effects for the general population, even at doses nearly seven times the daily recommended value (17, 18, 19).

IODINE IS FOUND IN OTHER FOODS

Although iodized salt is a convenient and easy way to up your intake of iodine, it’s not the only source of it.

In fact, it’s entirely possible to meet your iodine needs without consuming iodized salt.

Other good sources include seafood, dairy products, grains and eggs.

Here are a few examples of foods that are rich in iodine:

• Seaweed: 1 sheet dried contains 11–1,989% of the RDI
• Cod: 3 ounces (85 grams) contains 66% of the RDI
• Yogurt: 1 cup (245 grams) contains 50% of the RDI
• Milk: 1 cup (237 ml) contains 37% of the RDI
• Shrimp: 3 ounces (85 grams) contains 23% of the RDI
• Macaroni: 1 cup (200 grams) boiled contains 18% of the RDI
• Egg: 1 large egg contains 16% of the RDI
• Canned tuna: 3 ounces (85 grams) contains 11% of the RDI
• Dried prunes: 5 prunes contain 9% of the RDI

It’s recommended that adults get at least 150 micrograms of iodine per day. For women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, that number jumps to 220 and 290 micrograms per day, respectively (15).

By consuming just a few servings of iodine-rich foods each day, you can easily get enough iodine through your diet, with or without the use of iodized salt.

SHOULD YOU USE IODIZED SALT?

If you’re consuming a balanced diet that includes other sources of iodine, such as seafood or dairy products, you’re probably getting enough iodine in your diet through food sources alone.

However, if you believe you are at a higher risk of iodine deficiency, you may want to consider using iodized salt.

Additionally, if you’re not getting at least a few servings of iodine-rich foods each day, iodized salt can be a simple solution to make sure you’re meeting your daily needs.

Consider using it in combination with a nutritious, varied diet to ensure you’re meeting your needs for iodine and other important nutrients.

10 Juices That Boost Your Immune System

The constant weather change can lead to cold and flu, which can make you sick this season. Any illness, whether bacterial, viral or fungal, shows up in individuals who are susceptible to it. During the cold and flu season, some people experience headaches, feverish chills, fatigue and nausea during the cold and flu season.

If you are suffering with flu, it might last from one to two weeks, but it can linger on much longer. The immune system becomes very weak at this time, as it is constantly active during other times.

When you are sick, it means that your immune system needs a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals to boost your energy and keep you fit. If your immune system is strong, it can build defence in the body, protecting you against germs.

In this article, you will learn which immunity-enhancing nutrient each juice has to provide you with a refreshing boost of energy.

Have a look at the juices that boost your immune system.

 

1. Apple, Carrot And Orange Juice

Apple, carrots and oranges contain important nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium and folic acid. These fruits are a winning combination for helping your body protect itself and fight off infections.

• Grind half-cut apple, half carrot and an orange to prepare this juice.
• You could add pepper to this to enhance the taste.
• Drink it with breakfast to boost immunity.

 

  

2. Tomato Juice

Tomato juice contains notable nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, iron and folate. Tomatoes contain high amounts of folate, which help to lower your risk of infections. While making tomato juice, add fresh tomatoes, so that the juice is fresh.

 

  

3. Kale, Tomato And Celery Juice

Kale, tomato and celeries contain essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, iron and fatty acids. Kale is a powerhouse of nutrients, which when added with tomato and celery will provide your body with more of vitamin A.

• Take 1 cup kale, 1 tomato and few celery leaves.
• Grind them in the blender.
• You could add pepper to this to enhance the taste.

 

  

4. Orange And Grapefruit Juice

Oranges and grapefruits are packed with nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, folic acid and zinc. Both these fruits are excellent sources of vitamin C that can protect your immune system from the harmful substances.

 

  

5. Beetroot, Ginger, Turmeric And Carrot Juice

All these foods contain important nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, iron and calcium. These root vegetables will help to strengthen your immune system and decrease the inflammatory symptoms in the body.

• Take 1 cup beetroot, 1slice ginger, and 1 cup of carrot.
• Blend them together.

 

  

6. Watermelon Juice

Watermelons are great for your immune system and contain essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium and zinc. Watermelons can also help relieve muscle soreness, which is a common symptom of flu.

 

  

7. Strawberry And Mango Juice

These healthy fruits have important nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, and folate. Strawberry and mango juice can satisfy your cravings, apart from strengthening the immune system. The vitamin E in mangoes adds extra antioxidant benefits to enhance the immune system.

 

  

8. Strawberry And Kiwi Juice

Kiwi and strawberry contain vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, and zinc. This fruit juice is a healthy alternative to packaged drinks. You can make strawberry and kiwi smoothie by adding Greek yogurt to it as well.

  

9. Spinach, Lettuce And Kale Juice

Spinach, kale and lettuce contain notable nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, and calcium. This green leafy vegetable-based juice is a powerhouse of nutrients for maintaining a strong immune system.

 

  

10. Pumpkin Seeds Juice

Pumpkin seeds are packed with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium, and zinc. Drinking pumpkin seed juice will not only strengthen your immune system, but also it will aid in boosting bone health, urinary health, treating other hair and skin problems, etc.

16 Benefits Of Iodine For Skin And Health

Remember those TV advertisements where they market salt as iodized? Any idea why they do that? Simply because iodine deficiency is on the rise, so much so that around 40% of people around the world are at risk (1).

Just to give a background, iodine is a vital component needed to run your body’s mechanism, making its intake necessary and important. But not many know about benefits of iodine in the functioning of the human body. If that is the case with you as well, this post is for you.

Keep reading to know more.

16 Benefits Of Iodine  

What Is Iodine?

Discovered in the 1800s by a French chemist, iodine is a non-metallic element found mostly in the oceans and soil. It is a rare water-soluble trace element that plays a significant role in metabolism and the development of the nervous system (2). You need to consume iodine in adequate quantities to sustain various systems in your body, particularly the thyroid glands. A deficiency in iodine causes significant repercussions and leads to serious health problems (3). Iodine combines with other substances, such as potassium, forming potassium iodide, which is added to processed salt.

So, with such a prominent role to play, iodine deficiency in your body is sure to become apparent through a problem. Let’s take a look at that aspect now. 

Iodine Deficiency

The lack of sufficient quantity of iodine in your body leads to iodine deficiency. Some of the symptoms include enlargement of the thyroid glands, depression, anxiety, mental issues, and autism. The reasoning capabilities decrease, and lethargy takes over. Metabolism is severely affected, leading to weight gain, constipation, and improper digestion. Immunity also decreases and you become more prone to cold, cough, and fever. Hormonal imbalance occurs, and it can lead to emotional turmoils. Women experience a slight pain in the breast(s) during menstruation.

When iodine deficiency gets extreme, it leads to organ failure and irregular thyroid function, affecting the metabolic activities of the body. Iodine deficiency is a serious issue among pregnant woman (4). It decides the mother’s and child’s health and can majorly affect the mental and physical capabilities of the fetus. Studies have shown that iodine deficiency and autism are linked (5). Though further research is required in this area, iodine deficiency and autism share a frightening correlation (6).

Iodine deficiency is a global health issue affecting both the developing and developed nations. With iodine-rich topsoil rapidly depleting across the world due to environmental pollution, it is becoming more and more of an issue to procure iodine naturally.

To avoid iodine deficiency, you need to consume sufficient iodine and keep a tab on the iodine levels in your body. Keep reading to know how to do that. 

Recommended Intake Of Iodine

First, let’s find out how much iodine your body requires. The recommended average daily intake for an adult is at least 150 mcg (micrograms), which goes up to 250 mcg for pregnant women (7). For children, the range varies from 90-150 mcg, depending on their age. Get a check-up done regularly to know your iodine levels.

There are various sources of iodine. A couple of foods and over the counter supplements contain iodine required by our body. Some of them are mentioned below:

• Grain products
• Dairy, especially milk
• Eggs
• Seafood
• Fruits and vegetables
• Iodized salt

Health Benefits Of Iodine

Here are some significant iodine benefits for your health. Let’s take a look at them now. Read on.

1. Regulates Metabolism

Iodine makes or breaks the metabolic function of your body as it assists in the production of hormones that influence the metabolic activity of your body. Iodine aids better absorption of food and its subsequent conversion into energy. The calories are burnt to turn into energy, enabling weight loss. Otherwise, they get stored as excess fats, leading to weight gain and lethargy. This process keeps you active and energetic throughout the day and leads to peaceful sleep at night, thereby indirectly eliminating depression and insomnia (8).

2. Supports The Thyroid Gland 

The thyroid gland uses iodine to produce hormones, like thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which help in the functioning of various life-sustaining mechanisms. Lack of iodine causes the thyroid gland to enlarge and leads to ailments like cretinism, hypothyroidism, and goiter. The thyroid gland needs many nutrients to maintain its proper functioning, and iodine is the most important of all. A lack of iodine leads to abnormal thyroid gland function, leading to a host of problems like memory impairment, hair loss, and allergies (9). 

3. Supports The Reproductive System

The reproductive organs grow and mature naturally with the help of iodine. Also, iodine enables easy pregnancy with minimal complications and protects the unborn child from neurological problems. Proper intake of iodine keeps the mother and child healthy, specifically the unborn child, as it is a deciding factor of their mental and physical health. Iodine supplements are recommended for pregnant women to meet their high iodine requirement as they have to consume for themselves and the unborn child. The careful and proper intake of iodine lessens the chances of low birth weight, prematurity, stillbirths, autism, and many other pregnancy related issues (10).

4. Strengthens The Immune System

Bacteria and viruses cannot thrive in an iodine-rich environment. Hence, iodine protects your body from diseases. It builds a strong defense by activating the antioxidants and shielding your body from life-threatening problems like heart diseases and cancer. Iodine deficiency can result in impaired immunity, which is why adequate iodine is necessary for a strong immune system (11).

5. Prevents Hypothyroidism

The intake of adequate iodine protects your body from a condition called hypothyroidism, the enlargement of the thyroid gland present in the frontal part of the neck. This expansion causes many functions of the body to slow down and leads to massive weight increase. It leads to drying of skin, lower concentration, cramps, swelling, constipation, and in extreme cases, coma and heart failure. The presence of adequate amount of iodine in the body eliminates chances of such extremities on the body (12). 

6. Might Help Treat Fibrocystic Disease

Women who suffer from fibrocystic disease, a condition in which lumps grow in the breasts, can find solace in iodine. It reduces the signs of fibrosis and protects you from the pain and unease that comes with it. Iodine is, therefore, used extensively in modern and alternative therapies to cure fibrosis. Iodine enables stable and functional estrogen production, which takes care of the breast health and eliminates the formation of lumps and cysts in the breasts. Though this area warrants further research, preliminary tests have proved the link between iodine and fibrocystic disease treatment (13).

7. Sustains Cognitive Abilities

If you can think and perceive correctly, you should thank the iodine in your body for helping you do so. If there is any sign of a drop in your brain activities, immediately check your body’s iodine levels. Studies have proven an instant improvement in mental skills after iodine intake. It increases productivity in adults and develops cognitive capabilities in growing children (14).

8. Regulates Hormones

The thyroid gland produces and regulates many of the hormones in your body. Iodine plays a vital role in the functioning of the thyroid gland, thereby keeping your hormones in check and preventing them from fluctuating. Hormones regulate a lot of processes in your body, and iodine enables them to work well (15).

9. Protects Against Radiation

Iodine protects the thyroid gland in your body from absorbing radioactive elements, protecting the gland from an ensuing radiation injury. This property of iodine comes in handy if there is a nuclear leakage or disaster at a power plant. Also, doctors use iodine to treat patients suffering from radiation treatments (16).

10. Fights Pathogens

Iodine is preferred to treat disease-causing pathogens. Oral antibiotics kill the good bacteria along with the bad ones, depriving the body of healthy bacteria and leaving unnecessary residue in your body (17). On the other hand, though iodine has a similar effect as an antibiotic, it does not damage the good bacteria that the body needs.

11. Offers Protection Against Cancer

Iodine helps your body shrink and kill the cancer-causing cells. In a process called apoptosis, which is systematic cell death in multicellular organisms, iodine stops and kills the cells that can continually grow and kill the body. Iodine plays a role in preventing thyroid, breast, prostate, and gastric cancers (18).

12. Keeps You Energetic

The presence of iodine in your body keeps you up and active. Iodine aids the thyroid gland to function properly and helps you move around with enthusiasm, agility, and positivity (19).

13. Keeps Your Nails Strong

 

Iodine strengthens weak and brittle nails. It improves their overall condition and protects them from infection. A well-balanced diet will ensure proper intake of iodine, which will maintain your nail health and guarantee clear, hard, and chip-proof nails (20).

14. Improves Oral Health

Iodine kills the harmful bacteria in your mouth, preventing tooth decay and dullness. It cleanses and strengthens the teeth and is a disinfectant that keeps your teeth strong and healthy. It keeps your mouth fresh and odor-free (21). 

Benefits Of Iodine For Skin 

Iodine aids the formation of healthy and radiant skin. It keeps dry skin at bay and regulates the moisture levels of the skin. It accelerates the healing of scars and cuts, promotes skin repair, and keeps a check on the hormones that cause acne. It delays the signs of aging by slowing down the formation of wrinkles and fine lines (22). 

Benefits Of Iodine For Hair 

Iodine is the go-to for long and lustrous hair as it ensures proper hair growth and prevents hair breakage. Iodine is restorative for the hair as it kills the fungus that attacks the hair follicles. Iodine’s antiseptic properties protect the scalp from infections, providing a clean space for hair to grow (23). 

To reap these benefits, it is important you consume iodine-rich foods. Listed below are a few of them.

Iodine-Rich Foods 

Consuming iodine-rich foods helps you prevent iodine deficiency. It is best to include foods in your diet that naturally contain iodine instead of the chemically induced ones. There are many iodine-rich foods available, and here, we have made a list of some readily available ones.

1. Potatoes 

Baked potatoes have the maximum iodine content as compared to any other cooked form of potatoes. A medium-sized potato can give up to 40% of the recommended daily intake of iodine, which is about 60 mcg.

2. Milk

Having a glass of milk once in the morning and once in the evening will help you meet your daily iodine intake. Milk, apart from containing calcium, vitamin D, and other useful minerals, has iodine in the right quantity. A medium-sized glass of milk can provide 37% of iodine intake necessary for daily needs and contains 56 micrograms of it.

3. Iodized Salt 

Can you imagine eating a dish without salt? Difficult to imagine, right? Keeping this in mind, salt has been iodized so that there is no way you’ll miss having it. It is the easiest way to take in iodine because you tend to add salt to almost every dish you eat. A gram of iodized salt contains about 77 mcg of iodine. 

4. Boiled Eggs

Boiled eggs are the simplest to make! They are light and healthy, and you can gobble them up without a fuss. One large egg contains 12 mcg of iodine, which is about 10% of the required daily iodine intake. Have the eggs at mealtime or as snacks to meet the iodine needs of your body.

5. Bananas 

Banana is one commonly available fruit that is full of nutrients and found throughout the year. A medium-sized banana contains about 3 mcg of iodine. Consume the fruit every day either by eating it directly or adding it to a smoothie or a salad.

As we have seen, iodine is important for your body. But, as in the case of any other mineral, consuming it in excess can have undesirable effects. Read on to know more. 

Side Effects Of Iodine Overdose

Iodine can cause side effects in a few people when taken in high quantities. Sometimes, it tends to cause problems in some people even if it is not an overdose. Some side effects of iodine are headache, nausea, racing heart, high fever, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, thirst, and a runny nose. It is best to consult a doctor when you notice such symptoms. You also need to keep a tab on your iodine intake and make sure you don’t go overboard with it (24).

One good way to ensure you don’t overdo your iodine intake is to consume it naturally. How? That’s where we are heading. 

To Increase The Iodine Levels In Your Body Naturally

As we discussed earlier, it is best to take iodine naturally. Supplements are readily available in the market, but when you can get hold of naturally rich sources of iodine, then it is best to go with them. The surroundings you are in, the place your food is growing, and the freshness of air matter in increasing the iodine levels in your body naturally. Read below to know how.

• Eat organically grown foods and those coming from the iodine-rich top soil. Make sure the food is stored in ceramic containers.
• Buy bread and flour that are organic and whole wheat. Avoid foods that contain bromine.
• Buy skin care products that are free of toxic chemicals.
• When in closed spaces, open the windows and let fresh air come in to keep the area clean and airy.
• Have clean and fresh water instead of fizzy drinks and sodas. 

Taking Iodine Supplements

When the intake of iodine through natural ways is not sufficient, take iodine supplements like potassium iodide, sodium iodide, and Lugol’s solution to enhance your iodine levels. Consuming them is easy. Just mix the supplements either in water or a fruit juice and drink it up.

Iodine deficiency is a serious health issue in the developing nations. So, it is very necessary for you to make sure your body is getting enough iodine and consume it in a way that is safe for your entire system.

So, that was about benefits of iodine, let us now look at a few frequently asked questions: