Karela or bitter gourd is undoubtedly the most despised vegetable in Indian households. Infamous for its bitter taste, this tropical vegetable is often snubbed, especially by children and teens. However, lesser known is the fact that for centuries, it has been cherished in traditional medicine due to its powerful effects on the body. Interestingly, this vegetable traces its origin in India, from where it spread to China, South East Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. Let's delve deeper into what it does to your body.

Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon or Momordica Charantia, is a vegetable that packs a punch in both flavour and health benefits. One of the most well-known benefits of bitter gourd is its ability to help manage blood sugar levels. It contains compounds like charantin, polypeptide-p, and vicine, which mimic insulin's role in lowering blood glucose levels. Regular consumption of bitter gourd has been linked to improved glucose tolerance, making it a natural remedy for those managing diabetes.

Bitter gourd is also rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body. This can be particularly beneficial in preventing chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain types of cancer. Additionally, the vegetable's high fibre content aids in digestion, promoting regular bowel movements and helping to cleanse the digestive tract. It can also help with weight management by providing a feeling of fullness and reducing overall calorie intake.

The bitter compounds in bitter gourd, particularly momordicin, have also been shown to support liver health by enhancing the production of bile, which is essential for digesting fats. This detoxifying effect can improve liver function and overall metabolic health. Moreover, bitter gourd has been found to have antimicrobial properties, which can help fight off infections. It also boosts the immune system, making the body more resilient against illness.

Therefore, consuming this vegetable is highly advisable, if not directly, then using interesting recipes to make it tasty.

Heart health or cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of mortality in the world. In 2019, 17.9 million people died due to cardiovascular diseases with 85% of these deaths attributed to heart attacks and strokes. There are many types of cardiovascular diseases, many of which are chronic diseases. While the numbers of death due to heart attacks may seem high, new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association shows these numbers have actually decreased. However, while these numbers went down, chronic diseases have seen a rise.

How Have Heart Disease Deaths Changed Over Time?

To understand how heart disease deaths have changed, researchers looked at national data from 1970 to 2022, focusing on adults aged 25 and older. Heart disease covers many different heart problems. Even though heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. (responsible for 24% of all deaths in 2022), the total number of deaths from heart disease actually went down by 66%.

Deaths from ischemic heart disease (the most common type, caused by blocked arteries) dropped significantly, from 91% to 53% of all heart disease deaths. Deaths from heart attacks (often the first sign of ischemic heart disease) fell by a huge 89%, making up less than a third of all heart disease deaths in 2022. But the study also found a big increase in other heart conditions, which now account for nearly half of all heart disease deaths. The three conditions that rose the most were:

Hypertensive heart disease

Deaths from this condition, caused by long-term high blood pressure, went up by 106%. It now makes up 13% of all heart-related deaths.

Heart failure

Deaths from this condition, where the heart can't pump enough blood over time, rose by 146%. It now accounts for 12% of all heart-related deaths.

Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)

Deaths from arrhythmias, where the heart beats too fast, too slow, or unevenly, soared by 450%. They now make up 4% of all heart-related deaths.

One of the study's authors mentioned that while these trends are "quite clear," some changes in how deaths were categorized might have caused small inaccuracies. Also, the study didn't fully consider how other health problems or things like race might have affected the results. For example, some heart problems might have been underestimated if they stemmed from ischemic heart disease.

Despite these minor points, experts agree the study provides "valuable insights" and is a "well-designed, large-scale study" using over 50 years of data.

Why the Shift to Chronic Heart Conditions?

Experts believe the drop in some heart disease deaths is due to better ways to diagnose problems and improved care. This includes new medicines and procedures that help restore blood flow to the heart.

However, many people who survive a heart attack go on to develop other heart conditions like heart failure or arrhythmias. When you combine this with a growing older population and rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure, it creates "the perfect storm for chronic cardiac disease." This new "wave of chronic heart disease deaths" mainly affects older adults and those with several health issues.

How to Protect Your Heart?

To keep your heart healthy, focus on a few key areas: know your numbers by tracking your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight, as early detection of issues is vital. Stay active with at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly; even walking can significantly improve heart function. Eat a nutritious diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, following heart-healthy guidelines. Avoid smoking or seek help to quit, as it's a primary cause of heart disease. Finally, manage stress and get enough sleep, as these often-overlooked factors are crucial for reducing your heart risk.

For many health-conscious people, sugar is the biggest health mistake they can make. Having earned a bad reputation, many people avoid sugary foods and opt for sweet fruit drinks instead. However, these juices and sugary drinks may be worse for your health than sweet desserts are. New research suggests that how you get your sugar might be just as important as how much you have.

Liquid vs. Solid Sugar

A new study published in the journal Advances in Nutrition, indicates that drinking sugary beverages like soda may increase your risk of type 2 diabetes more than eating sugary foods such as cookies and cakes.

Experts say this research is important because it shows the way sugar is consumed really matters. Instead of just saying "cut all sugar," we now have strong proof that where the sugar comes from, its form, and what it's eaten with are key to your health risk.

Surprising Findings About Sugar

The study found that at how different types of sugar affect health, researchers reviewed the habits of over 500,000 people. Their main finding was surprising: sugar from solid foods wasn't linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, but sugar from drinks was.

Specifically, for every extra 12-ounce sugary drink you had daily, your risk of developing type 2 diabetes went up by 25%. Even fruit juice had an effect, with an extra 8-ounce serving raising the risk by 5%.

Interestingly, sugar from food not only didn't connect to diabetes risk, but in some cases, it seemed to offer some protection. Having a small amount of table sugar or total sugar (including natural sugar) daily was actually linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

These findings together show that "not all sugars are the same."

It's important to remember that this study only shows a connection between sugary drinks and type 2 diabetes, not that they directly cause it. While most studies considered things like body weight and smoking, other lifestyle habits could still play a role. For example, people who drink a lot of these beverages might also be less active, which can affect diabetes risk. Still, experts say the study is very thorough.

Why Liquid Sugar Might Be Worse

Sugary drinks might be more harmful because they don't have the fiber, protein, or fat that typically slow down digestion in solid foods.

This means liquid sugar gets into your bloodstream very quickly. This causes a sudden jump in blood sugar and insulin levels, and your brain doesn't get the signal that you're full. This fast intake can also make it hard for your liver to process the sugar, especially the fructose part.

In large amounts, fructose turns into fat in your liver. This buildup of fat is linked to metabolic problems that lead to type 2 diabetes. Other things in sugary drinks, like chemical additives and artificial colors, can also mess with your body's balance. Basically, sugary drinks like sports drinks, sodas, and cocktails are generally "bad for your health and should be had with care—or ideally, not at all."

How to Cut Back on Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks can feel addictive. If you find yourself hooked, try to slowly reduce how much you drink, just like you would with alcohol or tobacco. It helps to plan ahead for when you usually crave a soda.

You can start by mixing plain sparkling water with an equal amount of fruit juice or soda. Then, week by week, slowly reduce the amount of the sugary drink until you're mostly just drinking sparkling water. If it helps, add a little lemon or lime juice for flavor. Make this your new habit.

You've heard of "clogged arteries," but do you truly understand what is going on in your body? It's not merely a matter of consuming too many cheeseburgers. Something known as atherosclerosis—a gradual, insidious accumulation of plaque composed of cholesterol, fats, calcium, and other materials—lies beneath the surface, often the true cause of heart attacks and strokes.

Cardiovascular disease is still among the biggest killers globally, and a lot of the risk comes from its invisibility. Atherosclerosis, which is sometimes referred to as the silent killer, slowly plugs up arteries and lays the groundwork for heart attacks and strokes well before they manifest. The best news? With the proper information and preventive actions, you can shield your arteries and heart.

This is the thing: this toxic buildup doesn't present symptoms until it has already done substantial harm. Cardiovascular disease, says the American Heart Association, is the number one cause of death worldwide, and atherosclerosis is at the center of the epidemic.

But the good news is: atherosclerosis can be prevented, even reversed in some instances—if you know how it comes about, how to detect its signs early on, and what changes in lifestyle can actually safeguard your heart.

What is Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is a disease where plaque accumulates on the arteries' walls. This plaque is composed of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances moving through the blood. Eventually, these deposits harden and constrict the arteries, decreasing blood supply to organs.

"Atherosclerosis is a devious, even lethal illness wherein artery walls get clogged with plaque," describes Dr. Paneendra S, Orthopedic Surgeon. "Atherosclerosis develops over the course of many years and usually is without symptoms until it leads to a life-threatening event such as a heart attack or stroke."

The illness usually starts when the lining of the arteries inside, the endothelium, is damaged. A number of reasons are responsible for this damage, such as:

• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Chronic inflammation

"Once the endothelium has been hurt, LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol can filter through the arterial wall," says Dr. Paneendra. "White blood cells rush in to break down the cholesterol, but this reaction creates fatty nodules called atheromas."

These atheromas may develop and then rupture, producing clots that either occlude the artery in which they were formed or embolize to a different location within the body, obstructing an organ elsewhere.

Warning Signs and Where They Appear

Although dangerous, atherosclerosis typically develops silently. Its warning signs first become apparent only when blockage is complete. Depending on the arteries involved, the signs are variable:

Heart (Coronary Arteries): Chest pain or discomfort, also referred to as angina.

Legs (Peripheral Arteries): Pain that occurs during walking (claudication), numbness, or non-healing sores.

Brain (Carotid Arteries): Slurred speech, numbness, or weakness—often stroke warning signs.

Feet and Toes: Burning, color changes, or chronic ulcers caused by inadequate circulation.

These symptoms indicate that one of the primary arteries has already experienced extensive narrowing or blockage. Early treatment and control are important to avert permanent damage.

Role of Inflammation and Lifestyle For Heart Damage

Chronic inflammation is a key contributor to the formation of atherosclerosis. Obesity, lack of exercise, and dietary factors cause chronic inflammation, which further accelerates arterial damage.

The diet rich in saturated and trans fats raises the level of LDL cholesterol, while fruits, vegetables, and fiber intake ensures your body has natural ant-inflammatory power.

How You Can Prevent This Life-Threatening Heart Condition?

Because atherosclerosis progresses silently, prevention is more important. Here's how you can regain control of your heart health:

1. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

Emphasize whole grains, leafy greens, berries, nuts, and healthy fats such as olive oil. Reduce your intake of processed foods, red meat, and sweetened drinks.

2. Exercise Regularly

Strive for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a week, including brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.

3. Quit Smoking

Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors. Quitting dramatically reduces the risk of arterial plaque buildup.

4. Manage Stress

Chronic stress can raise blood pressure and trigger inflammation. Practice mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing techniques.

5. Monitor Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Routine health checkups can help detect high cholesterol or hypertension early, allowing for timely intervention.

6. Control Blood Sugar

For individuals with diabetes or prediabetes, blood sugar control is essential to minimize inflammation and artery damage.

When to Seek Medical Help?

Even if you don't have symptoms, if you have several risk factors—like a history of heart disease in your family, smoking, or high cholesterol levels—it's crucial to see a healthcare professional. Tests for screening purposes such as cholesterol panels, blood pressure checks, and even coronary calcium scans can evaluate your risk.

"Overall, atherosclerosis is frequently unsuspect, progressive disease that can be severely damaging to cardiovascular health," cautions Dr. Paneendra. "Because symptoms only typically appear after widespread damage, early detection and prevention are critical."

Dr. Paneendra S is an Orthopedic Surgeon at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Bangalore in India