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Anti-nutrients are healthy after all + Death rate for Nipah virus is 75% & no vaccine - Printable Version

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Anti-nutrients are healthy after all + Death rate for Nipah virus is 75% & no vaccine - C C - Jan 13, 2021

Death rate for Nipah virus is up to 75% and it has no vaccine
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210106-nipah-virus-how-bats-could-cause-the-next-pandemic

"While the world focuses on Covid-19, scientists are working hard to ensure Nipah virus doesn't cause the next pandemic."

EXCERPT: . . . Asia has a high number of emerging infectious diseases. Tropical regions have a rich array of biodiversity, which means they are also home to a large pool of pathogens, increasing the chances that a novel virus could emerge. Growing human populations and increasing contact between people and wild animals in these regions also ups the risk factor.

Over the course of a career sampling thousands of bats, Wacharapluesadee and her colleagues have discovered many novel viruses. They've mostly found coronaviruses, but also other deadly diseases that can spill over to humans.

These include the Nipah virus. Fruit bats are its natural host. "It's a major concern because there's no treatment… and a high mortality rate [is] caused by this virus," says Wacharapluesadee. The death rate for Nipah ranges from 40% up to 75%, depending on where the outbreak occurs.

She isn't alone in her worry. Each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) reviews the large list of pathogens that could cause a public health emergency to decide how to prioritise their research and development funds. They focus on those that pose the greatest risk to human health, those that have epidemic potential, and those for which there are no vaccines. Nipah virus is in their top 10... (MORE - details)


Anti-nutrients – they’re part of a normal diet and not as scary as they sound
https://theconversation.com/anti-nutrients-theyre-part-of-a-normal-diet-and-not-as-scary-as-they-sound-149229

EXCERPTS: Anti-nutrients are substances that naturally occur in plant and animal foods. The name comes from how they function in your body once you eat them. They block or interfere with how your body absorbs other nutrients out of your gut and into your bloodstream so you can then use them. Thus, anti-nutrients may decrease the amount of nutrients you actually get from your food. They most commonly interfere with the absorption of [...minerals...]

Plants evolved these compounds as a defensive mechanism [...] In terms of foods that people eat, you’ll most commonly find anti-nutrients naturally occurring in whole grains and legumes. Despite sounding scary, studies show that anti-nutrients are not of concern unless consumed in ultra, unrealistically high amounts – and they have numerous health benefits.

Anti-nutrients are currently undergoing a change in image very similar to the one dietary fiber experienced. [...] But now scientists know that dietary fiber is incredibly important and encourage its consumption. ... In the same way, rather than something to avoid, many anti-nutrients are now considered health-promoting nutraceuticals and functional foods due to their numerous benefits.

Here’s an introduction to some of the most frequently eaten anti-nutrients that come with benefits:
  • Saponins, common in legumes, can boost the immune system, reduce risk of cancer, lower cholesterol, lower blood sugar response to foods, result in fewer cavities, reduce risk of kidney stones and combat blood clotting seen in heart attacks and strokes.

  • Lectins, found in cereal grains and legumes, are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, some cancers and becoming overweight or obese.

  • Tannins, commonly found in teas, coffees and processed meats and cheeses, are antioxidants that can inhibit growth of bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeast and may decrease cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

  • Phytates, found in wheat, barley, rice and corn, are associated with increased immune function and cancer cell death, as well as reduced cancer cell growth and spread. They also have antioxidant properties and can reduce inflammation.

  • Finally, glucosinates, found in brassica vegetables like cauliflower, inhibit tumor cell growth.
Oxalates are one of the few anti-nutrients with mostly negative impacts on the body. They are found in lots of common foods, including legumes, beets, berries, cranberries, oranges, chocolate, tofu, wheat bran, soda, coffee, tea, beer, dark green vegetables and sweet potatoes. The negative impacts of oxalates include binding to calcium in the digestive tract and removing it from the body in bowel movements. Oxalates can also increase the risk of kidney stones in some people... (MORE - details)