Foods that are harmful on animals

Sometimes, owners give these harmful foods to their dogs and cats, but a lot of times, pets accidentally ingest these foods, which happen to be commonplace in homes. The researchers found that, in the past decade, reported cases of pet poisoning have involved chocolate and chocolate-based products, plant foods in the Allium genus (including onions, garlic, leeks and chives), macadamia nuts, Vitis vinifera fruits (including grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants), foods sweetened with xylitol (such as sugar-free chewing gums and cookies), ethanol in alcoholic beverages, and unbaked bread dough.

The list of human foods that are toxic to cats and dogs continues to grow as cases get reported. And in many instances, scientists don't know the exact biological reasons why certain foods sicken animals.

"While some foodstuffs, such as chocolate, have long been known to cause poisoning in dogs and cats, others, such as grapes, had previously been considered unlikely to cause problems, and have emerged as a potential concern only in the last few years," the authors of the review, Cristina Cortinovis and Francesca Caloni, of the University of Milan in Italy, wrote in their paper. And as a result, poisoning cases have sometimes been wrongly diagnosed, they said.

In general, dogs are affected more than cats, in part because they eat pretty much anything, whereas cats are somewhat protected because they're pickier eaters, the researchers found.

Here's an outline of what's known about foods that are toxic to dogs and cats, according to the review:

Chocolate, coffee and caffeine

Chocolate has a dark side: Cocoa-based products are the items most commonly involved in food poisoning in pets, causing anything from mild problems such as tummy aches to seizures and death. These "poisoning episodes frequently occur around holidays, when there is a higher occurrence of chocolate products in the home," the researchers wrote.

Chocolate contains two compounds that are toxic to pets: theobromine and caffeine, the researchers said. These compounds alter cellular processes and result in the stimulation of both the central nervous system and heart muscles. Depending on the type of chocolate (dark chocolate has more theobromine than lighter chocolate), one small piece can be enough to make a small dog sick.

Theobromine and caffeine are also found in other types of products. Poisoning cases have been reported after the ingestion of herbal supplements, garden mulch made of cacao bean shells, caffeine tablets and caffeine-containing bait, according to the review.

Initial symptoms often occur within 2 to 4 hours after ingestion and include restlessness, excessive thirst, urinary incontinence and vomiting. "Dogs can be in an excited state," and have a fever or rapid heart rate, the researchers said. If the animal gets prompt treatment, it often can recover well, but delaying treatment can result in seizures, coma and even death from abnormal heart rhythm or respiratory failure.

Xylitol

The next most common toxic foods for pets are products sweetened with an artificial sweetener called xylitol. Xylitol isfrequently used in products such as sugar-free gum, candy, bread and other baked goods. Xylitol is also found in dental care products (for both people and pets) because of its antibacterial properties.

"Dogs are the species at risk of developing severe, life-threatening clinical signs," the researchers wrote. In dogs, xylitol stimulates the release of the hormone insulin, leading to a dangerous decrease in blood sugar levels.

Symptoms of xylitol poisoning may develop within 30 to 60 minutes of ingestion, but they also may occur up to 12 hours later. These symptoms include vomiting and signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), such as lethargy, inability to control movements, collapsing and seizures.

Onions, chives, garlic and leeks

Plant species in the Allium genius — such as onions, chives, garlic and leeks — often make dogs and cats sick. These common ingredients contain compounds called organosulfoxides. When the animal chews the plant, the organosulfoxides are converted into a complex mixture of sulfur compounds, which can cause the animal's red blood cells to break down. If the dog or cat ingests even just a piece of an onion (specifically, 5 grams of onion per kilogram of body weight for cats, or 15 to 30 grams per kg for dogs), it can cause dangerous changes to their blood.

According to the review, between 1994 and 2008, there were 69 reported cases of dog poisonings and four cases of cat poisonings from Allium foods. The cases included a range of different foods: raw and baked garlic, Catalan spring onions (commonly known as "calcot"), onion soufflé, butter-cooked onions and steamed dumplings containing Chinese chives. Onions and other Alliumplantsmaintain the compounds that cause their toxic effects even after being cooked or dried, the researchers added.

Usually, cats and dogs ingest these foods accidentally, but there was one reported case in which an owner intentionally fed a dog a large quantity of raw onions. While some pets may not show any symptoms after ingesting Allium foods, there have been cases of fatal poisonings.

Symptoms of Allium poisoning may appear a day or several days after consumption, depending on the amounts ingested. Common initial signs include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and loss of appetite. The affected animals develop anemia, and show symptoms such as weakness, rapid breathing, high heart rate, pale color in mucous membranes and reddish or brown urine.

Alcohol

Ethanol, or alcohol, poisoning in small animals generally occurs when an animal accidentally ingests an alcoholic beverage. However, cases of alcohol poisoning in dogs have been reported after dogs have ingested rotten apples, sloe berries used to make sloe gin, and uncooked bread and pizza dough, all of which contain the compound.

When pets digest ethanol, it gets rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and reaches the brain, just as it does in human. Within an hour, the animals may show depression, loss of movement control, lethargy, sedation and high body temperature. Animals may go into a coma and develop a dangerously slow breathing rate. In most of the reported cases, the affected pets recovered after receiving treatment and supportive care.

Ethanol isn't found only in foods and beverages, however. Paint and varnish, medication, perfume, mouthwash and certain types of antifreeze also contain the compound.

Grapes and their dried products (raisins, sultanas and currants)

Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants in both raw and cooked forms (including those found in snack bars and baked goods) have been reported to cause kidney failure in dogs. However, not all dogs have the same reactions to these foods, according to the review.

In a recent study that looked at 180 case reports involving dogs' ingestion of grapes and related fruits, some animals didn't show any symptoms after eating 2 lbs. (0.9 kg) of raisins, while others died after eating just a handful. Dogs that develop symptoms may show signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy and abdominal pain within 24 hours of ingesting the grape products.

Hops

Hops are commonly used for brewing beer, and have become more of a risk to pets as more and more people pick up home brewing as a hobby, according to the review.

Hops contain a variety of compounds — including resins, essential oils and tannins — which can lead to fever when pets ingest them. Other symptoms include anxiety, rapid heart rate, panting, vomiting, abdominal pain and seizures. The affected animals may show symptoms within hours of eating hops. The risk of death can remain high even after the animal is treated for fever.

Macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts are popular and healthy snacks for humans, but they can poison dogs. It's not clear how much of these nuts, when ingested by dogs, can cause serious problems. However, some reports indicate that the ingestion of as little as 0.7 grams per kg of nuts is enough to cause symptoms.

Symptoms of macadamia-nut poisoning develop within 12 hours and may include weakness (particularly hind-limb weakness), vomiting, inability to control movements, shaking, fever, abdominal pain, stiffness and pale mucous membranes. Macadamia-nut poisoning may not be very common, but in just five years, more than 80 cases were reported just in Queensland, Australia, a major area for macadamia-nut cultivation. No pet deaths resulting from macadamia-nut ingestion have been reported to date, and animals are expected to fully recover within a day or two with minimal treatment, the researchers wrote.

Fact about onions

Slicing onions makes you cry because when you cut into it, the onion produces a sulfur-based gas. The gas reacts with the water in your eyes and forms sulfuric acid. To rid your eyes of this fiery irritant, your tear ducts work overtime. For no more (or fewer) tears, try moving your face farther away from the onion so the gas disperses before reaching your eyes.

Another suggestion for reducing tears is to first chill the onions for 30 minutes. Then, cut off the top and peel the outer layers leaving the root end intact.

Bulb onions are yellow, red or white. In the United States, about 87 percent of the commercial onion crop is yellow onions, 8 percent is red and 5 percent, white. 

Onions range in size from less than 1 inch to more than 4.5 inches in diameter. The most common sizes sold in U.S. markets are 2 to 3.75 inches.

Scallions, or green onions, are actually immature yellow, red or white onions, harvested before the bulb begins to form. "Spring onions" and "salad onions" are other aliases for immature onions.

A scallion is not a shallot. This misnomer probably occurs because "échalion" is another name for the shallot, derived from the French échalote. Shallots have a distinctive taste, but the flavor is closer to that of mature onions than to that of scallions.

The largest onion ever grown weighed 10 pounds, 14 ounces (about 5 kilograms), according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

U.S. farmers plant about 125,000 acres of onions each year and produce about 6.2 billion pounds a year. The top onion-producing areas are Washington state, Idaho, eastern Oregon and California.

The Ieading onion production countries are China, India, United States, Turkey and Pakistan.

The average American eats 20 pounds (9 kg) of onions per year.

To avoid "onion breath," eat a sprig of parsley, or rinse your mouth with equal parts lemon juice and water, or chew a citrus peel.

Benefit of Coconut Milk.

This article takes a detailed look at coconut milk.

What Is Coconut Milk?

Coconut milk comes from the white flesh of mature brown coconuts, which are the fruit of the coconut tree.

The milk has a thick consistency and a rich, creamy texture.

Thai and other Southeast Asian cuisines commonly include this milk. It’s also popular in Hawaii, India and certain South American and Caribbean countries.

Coconut milk should not be confused with coconut water, which is found naturally in immature green coconuts.

Unlike coconut water, the milk does not occur naturally in liquid form. The solid flesh is mixed with water to make coconut milk, which is about 50% water.

By contrast, coconut water is about 94% water. It contains much less fat and fewer nutrients than coconut milk.

Bottom Line: Coconut milk comes from the flesh of mature brown coconuts. It is used in many traditional cuisines around the world.

How Is Coconut Milk Made?

Coconut milk is classified as either thick or thin, based on consistency and how much it’s processed.

• Thick: Solid coconut flesh is finely grated and either boiled or simmered in water. The mixture is then strained through cheesecloth to produce thick coconut milk.
• Thin: After making thick coconut milk, the grated coconut remaining in the cheesecloth is simmered in water. The straining process is then repeated to produce thin milk.

In traditional cuisines, thick coconut milk is used in desserts and thick sauces. Thin milk is used in soups and thin sauces.

Most canned coconut milk contains a combination of thin and thick milk. It’s also very easy to make your own coconut milk at home, adjusting the thickness to your liking.

Bottom Line: Coconut milk is made by grating flesh from a brown coconut, soaking it in water and then straining it to produce a milk-like consistency.

Nutrients in Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is a high-calorie food.

About 93% of its calories come from fat, including saturated fatty acids known as medium chain triglyceride(MCTs).

The milk is also a good source of several vitamins and minerals. One cup (240 grams) contains:

• 1. Calories: 552.
• 2. Fat: 57 grams.
• 3. Protein: 5 grams.
• 4. Carbs: 13 grams.
• 5. Fiber: 5 grams.
• 6. Vitamin C: 11% of the RDI.
• 7. Folate: 10% of the RDI.
• 8. Iron: 22% of the RDI.
• 9. Magnesium: 22% of the RDI.
• 10. Potassium: 18% of the RDI.
• 11. Copper: 32% of the RDI.
• 12. Manganese: 110% of the RDI.
• 13. Selenium: 21% of the RDI.

In addition, some experts believe coconut milk contains unique proteins that may provide health benefits. However, more research is needed on this.

Bottom Line: Coconut milk is high in calories and saturated fats called medium-chain triglycerides. It also contains many other nutrients.

Effects on Weight and Metabolism

There’s some evidence the medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) fats in coconut milk may benefit weight loss, body composition and metabolism.

About half the fat in coconuts comes from an MCT called lauric acid. Coconuts also contain small amounts of other MCTs, including capric acid and caprylic acid.

Unlike longer-chain fats, these MCTs go from the digestive tract directly to the liver, where they’re used for energy or ketone production. They are therefore less likely to be stored as fat.

Research also suggests MCTs may help reduce appetite and decrease calorie intake, compared to other fats.

In a small study, overweight men who consumed 20 grams of MCT oil at breakfast ate 272 fewer calories at lunch than those consuming corn oil.

What’s more, the MCTs in coconuts can boost calorie expenditure and fat burning, at least temporarily.

In a few controlled studies, obese people or those with heart disease who consumed coconut oil lost weight and belly fat. Heart health markers also improved.

Although no studies have directly tested how coconut milk affects weight and metabolism, studies show effect from coconut oil and MCTs.

The same should apply to coconut milk, because it has the same fatty acids.

Bottom Line: The MCTs in coconut milk may reduce appetite, increase metabolism and help you lose belly fat.

Effects on Cholesterol and Heart Health

Because coconut milk is high in saturated fat, people may wonder if it’s a heart-healthy choice.

Very little research examines coconut milk specifically, but one study suggests it may benefit people with normal or high cholesterol levels.

This 8-week study of 60 men found that coconut milk porridge lowered LDL (“bad”) cholesterol more than soy milk porridge. Coconut milk porridge also raised HDL (“good”) cholesterol by 18%, compared to only 3% for the soy.

Most studies of coconut oil or flakes also found improvements in LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels.

Although in some studies LDL cholesterol levels increased in response to coconut fat, HDL also increased. Triglycerides decreased, compared to other fats.

Lauric acid, the main MCT in coconut fat, may raise LDL cholesterol by decreasing the activity of the receptors that clear LDL from the blood.

Results of two studies on similar populations suggest that cholesterol response to lauric acid may vary by individual. It may also depend on the amount in the diet.

In one study of healthy women, replacing 14% of monounsaturated fats with lauric acid raised LDL cholesterol by about 16%. In another study, replacing 4% of monounsaturated fat with lauric acid had very little effect on cholesterol.

Bottom Line: Overall, cholesterol and triglyceride levels improve with coconut intake. In cases where LDL cholesterol increases, HDL typically increases as well.

Other Potential Health Benefits

• 1. Reduce inflammation: Animal studies found that coconut extract and coconut oil reduced inflammation and swelling in injured rats and mice
• 2. Decrease ulcer size: In one study, coconut milk reduced stomach ulcer size in rats by 54% — a result comparable to the effect of an anti-ulcer drug.
• 3. Fight viruses and bacteria: The MCTs in coconuts, especially lauric acid, reduce the levels of viruses and bacteria that cause infections. This includes those that reside in your mouth.

Bottom Line: Coconut milk may reduce inflammation, decrease ulcer size and fight the viruses and bacteria that cause infections.

Adverse Effects

Unless you’re allergic to coconuts, the milk is unlikely to have adverse effects. Compared to tree nut and peanut allergies, coconut allergies are relatively rare.

However, some digestive disorder experts recommend that people who have a  Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols (FODMAP) intolerance limit coconut milk to one half-cup portion at a time.

Many canned varieties also contain BISPHENOL A (BPA), a chemical that can leach from can linings into food. BPA has been linked to reproductive problems and cancer in animal and human studies.

Fortunately, some brands use BPA-free packaging, which is recommended if you choose to consume canned coconut milk.

Bottom Line: Coconut milk is likely safe for most people who are not allergic to coconuts. It is best to choose BPA-free cans.

How to Use Coconut Milk

Although coconut milk is nutritious, it’s also high in calories. Keep this in mind when adding it to foods or using it in recipes.

Ideas for Adding Coconut Milk to Your Diet

• Include a couple of tablespoons in your coffee.
• Add half a cup to a smoothie or protein shake,
• Pour a small amount over berries or sliced papaya.
• Add a few tablespoons to oatmeal or other cooked cereal.

What Is Taurine? Benefits and Side Effects

Many people take taurine as a supplement, and some researchers refer to it as a “wonder molecule”.

Taurine has been shown to have several health benefits, such as a lower risk of disease and improved sports performance.

It is also very safe and has no known side effects when taken in reasonable doses.

What Is Taurine?

Taurine is a type of amino acid found throughout the body. It is particularly concentrated in the brain, eyes, heart and muscles.

Unlike most other amino acids, it is not used to build proteins in the body. It is classified as a “conditionally essential” amino acid.

Your body can produce some amount of taurine, and it is also found in some foods. However, certain individuals may benefit from taking a supplement.

Those with specific illnesses or diseases, such as heart issues or diabetes, may also benefit from additional taurine intake.

Despite common belief, this amino acid is not extracted from bull urine or bull semen. The name is derived from the Latin word taurus, which means ox or bull, so that may be the source of the confusion.

Bottom Line: Taurine is classified as a “conditionally essential” amino acid. It serves various important functions in the body.

Sources of Taurine

The main sources of taurine are animal foods such as meat, fish and dairy.

Although some vegetarian foods provide it in smaller amounts, it is unlikely that these will provide sufficient quantities to optimize the body’s levels.

Taurine is also often added to soda and energy drinks, which may provide up to 600-1,000 mg in an 8-ounce serving. However, it is not recommended to drink soda or energy drinks due to other ingredients that are harmful.

The form of taurine used in supplements and energy drinks (like red bull) is usually made synthetically and not derived from animals. It is therefore suitable for vegans.

An average diet will provide about 40–400 mg of taurine per day, but studies have used supplements with up to 400–6,000 mg per day.

Bottom Line: The main dietary sources of taurine are animal foods such as meat, fish and dairy. Smaller amounts are found in some plant foods. It is also added to many energy drinks.

Primary Roles of Taurine in the Body

Taurine is found in several organs, and its benefits are widespread.

Its direct roles include:

• Maintaining proper hydration and electrolyte balance in your cells.
• Forming bile salts, which play an important role in digestion.
• Regulating minerals such as calcium with cells.
• Supporting the general function of the central nervous system and eyes.
• Regulating immune system health and antioxidant function.

Since it’s a “conditionally essential” amino acid, a healthy individual can produce the minimal amount required for these essential daily functions.

However, higher amounts may be required in rare cases, making it an “essential” nutrient for some people. This includes people with heart or kidney failure, or premature infants that have been fed intravenously for a long time.

When a deficiency occurs during development, serious symptoms like impaired brain function and poor blood sugar control have been observed.

Bottom Line: Taurine plays many important roles in the body. Although extremely rare, deficiency is linked to several serious health issues.

Taurine May Have Benefits for Diabetics

Taurine may improve blood sugar control and have benefit for diabetics

Fasting blood sugar levels are very important for health, as high levels are a key factor in type 2 diabetes and many other chronic diseases.

Some research suggests that an increased intake could help prevent type 2 diabetes by reducing blood sugar levels and insulin resistance.

Interestingly, taurine levels tend to be lower in diabetics than healthy individuals, another indicator that it may play a role in this disease.

Bottom Line: Taurine may have benefits for people with diabetes. It may lower blood sugar levels and improve various risk factors for heart disease.

Taurine May Improve Heart Health

Taurine may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Research shows a link between higher taurine levels and significantly lower rates of death from heart disease, as well as reduced cholesterol and blood pressure.

Taurine may help reduce high blood pressure by decreasing the resistance to blood flow in the blood vessel walls. It may also minimize nerve impulses in the brain that cause blood pressure to increase.

In one study, 2 weeks of taurine supplementation in type 1 diabetics significantly reduced arterial stiffness. This should make it easier for the heart to pump blood around the body 

In one group of overweight humans, 3 grams of taurine per day for 7 weeks reduced body weight and improved several heart disease risk factors.

Additionally, supplementation has been found to reduce inflamation and arterial thickening. When combined, the factors mentioned above may drastically reduce the risk of heart disease.

Bottom Line: Taurine may reduce the risk of heart disease by improving several key risk factors, such as cholesterol and blood pressure.

Taurine’s Role in Exercise Performance

Taurine may also have benefits for athletic performance.

Research suggests that it can:

• 1. Cause muscles to work harder and for a longer duration in animals.
• 2. Increase muscles’ ability to contract and produce force in animals.
• 3. Remove waste products that lead to fatigue and cause the well-known “muscle burn” in humans.
• 4. Protect muscles from cell damage and oxidative stress in humans.
• 5. Increase fat burning during exercise in humans.

In mice, it reduced fatigue and muscle damage during a workout.

In human studies, trained athletes who supplemented with taurine experienced improved exercise performance. Cyclists and runners were able to cover longer distances with less fatigue.

Another study supports its role in reducing muscle damage. Participants placed on a muscle-damaging weight lifting routine found that it helped reduce markers of damage and muscle soreness.

In addition to these performance benefits, it may have benefits for weight loss by increasing the use of fat for fuel. In cyclists, supplementing with 1.66 grams of taurine increased fat burning by 16%.

Bottom Line: Taurine plays several important roles in your muscles and may help with various aspects of exercise performance. This includes reduced fatigue, increased fat burning and less muscle damage.

Other Health Benefits of Taurine

Taurine has a surprisingly wide range of health benefits.

It may improve various other functions in the body, such as eyesight and hearing in certain populations.

In one human study, 12% of participants supplementing with taurine completely eliminated ringing in their ears, which is associated with hearing loss.

Taurine is also found in large quantities in the eyes, with research showing that eye problems may occur when these levels start to decline. Increased concentrations are believed to optimize eyesight and eye health.

Because it plays an important role in regulating muscle contractions, research in animals has shown that it can reduce seizures and help treat conditions such as epilepsy.

It appears to work by binding to the brain’s GABA receptors, which play a key role in controlling and calming the central nervous system.

Finally, it can protect liver cells against free radicals and toxin damage. In one study, 2 grams of taurine 3 times per day reduced markers of liver damage while decreasing oxidative stress.

However, more research is needed on most of these benefits.

Bottom Line: Taurine has a wide range of potential health benefits, which range from reducing seizures to improving eyesight.

Side Effects and Safety Concerns

According to the best available evidence, taurine has no negative side effects when used in the recommended amounts.

While there have been no direct issues from taurine supplements, athlete deaths in Europe have been linked to energy drinks containing taurine and caffeine. This has led several countries to ban or limit the sale of taurine.

However, this may as well have been caused by the large doses of caffein or some other substances the athletes were taking.

As with most amino acid-based supplements, issues could potentially arise in people with kidney problems.

Bottom Line: When consumed in reasonable amounts by a healthy individual, taurine does not have any known negative side effects.

How to Supplement with Taurine

The most common dosage is 500–2,000 mg per day.

The upper limit for toxicity is much higher though, and even doses above 2,000 mg seem to be well tolerated.

Research on the safety of taurine has suggested that up to 3,000 mg per day for an entire lifetime is still safe.

While some studies may use a higher dose for short periods, 3,000 mg per day will help you maximize the benefits while staying within a safe range.

The easiest and most cost-effective method to achieve this is through powder or tablet supplementation, which can cost as little as $6 for 50 servings.

While you can obtain taurine naturally from meat, fish and dairy, most people will not consume enough to meet the doses used in the studies discussed above .

Bottom Line: Supplementing with 500-3,000 mg of taurine per day is known to be effective, cheap and safe.

Take Home Message

Now you know why some researchers call taurine a “wonder molecule.”

Very few supplements can provide so many health and performance benefits for less than $10 for a 2-month supply.

Whether you want to improve your health or optimize your sports performance, taurine can be a very cost-effective and safe addition to your supplement regimen.

NOKIA WORKING ON TWO HIGH-END ANDROID SMARTPHONES

The publication that the two handsets, one smaller (5.2 inches) and one larger (5.5 inches), have "sturdy" metal bodies characteristic of Nokia's historical designs. And one of their rumored features has the potential to break new smartphone ground: cameras, the "most sensitive ever" to come to market, that are reportedly the product of a years-long, $1.35 billion graphene development effort. Another reported innovation is a "touch & hover" interaction that might, much like Microsoft's scrapped McLaren project, use a combination of sensors to respond to finger gestures.

Other highlights include water and dust resistance up to IP68, fingerprint sensors, and OLED displays with QHD (2,560 x 1,440 pixels) resolutions. In terms of software, the handsets will reportedly sport an improved version of Nokia's predictive Z-Launcher -- a newer version than the beta available in the Google Play app store, apparently -- atop the very latest version of Android, Android Nougat.

Assuming the report is accurate, it won't be Nokia at the helm of the forthcoming devices' development, technically speaking. HMD Global, a Finnish company co-founded by former Nokia executives Arto Nummela and Florian Seiche, acquired the rights the company's mobile brand from Microsoft in May. HDM has a contract with FIH, a subsidiary of iPhone manufacturer Foxconn, and under a strict licensing partnership, follows Nokia's design and hardware guidelines in exchange for access to the company's extensive patent library.

News of new handsets is consistent with HMD Global's stated intentions. In May, the company promised a range of devices, including feature phones, smartphones, and tablets, in late 2016.

In recent years, Nokia has struggled to gain a foothold in the high-end mobile market. Following the company's adoption of Microsoft's Windows Phone operating system in 2011 and its acquisition by Microsoft in 2014, sales of its handset suffered -- shipments in 2013 alone were down 22 percent year on year, according to Strategy Analytics.

And following Nokia's divestiture from its parent company earlier this year, things haven't looked much better. In April, thanks in part to lower-than-expected smartphone shipments, it announced 900 million euros in downsizing measures -- a plan which partially involves the layoffs of 1,400 staff members in Germany, 1,300 in Finland, and 400 in France.

Despite the Finnish company's woes, though, it's setting its eyes on the future. It has teamed up independently with Foxconn to produce the N1, an Android-based tablet. It has dipped its toes in virtual reality with the Ozo, a $60,000 professional-grade 360-degree camera. And it's getting into fitness, too: it acquired French fitness device company Withings this year.

"We have been reinventing ourselves for 150 years using this amazing brand," Ramzi Haidamus, president of Nokia's consumer Nokia Technologies division, told Digital Trends in June. "We're starting to focus on people's happiness and health in a way that wasn't possible before because the technology wasn't possible before. You can expect some really surprising products in the next year or two directly from this company as we turn a new chapter."

Effect of alcohol to the body system

When you drink alcohol, it’s absorbed into your bloodstream and affects every part of your body. In the long term, this can put your health at serious risk.

This are some common effect:

1.Pain in the Pancreas

2.Diabetic Danger Zone

3.Coordination

4.Blackouts

5.Shifty Eyes

6.Dependence

7.Stomach Distress

8.Fighting Fatigue

9.Infertility

10.Skinny Skeleton

11.The Liver Takes the Brunt

12.Slurred Speech

13.Shrinking Frontal Lobes

14.Strange Sensations

15.Hallucinations

16.Major Mouth Problems

17.Malnutrition

18.Hard on the Heart

19.Sexual Dysfunction

20.Birth Defects

21.Muscle Cramps

22.Check Out That Cough

How Alcohol Affects the Body

Even a small amount of alcohol has an affect on your body. When you drink, alcohol is absorbed into your bloodstream and distributed throughout your body. A tiny amount of alcohol exits your body in your urine and your breath.

You absorb alcohol more slowly if you eat, especially if the food is high in fat. However, if you drink more than your body can process, you’ll get drunk. How quickly alcohol is metabolized depends on your size and gender, among other things.

Alcohol consumption causes physical and emotional changes that can do great harm to your body. The long-term effects of alcohol abuse are many, putting your health in serious jeopardy and endangering your life.

Excretory System

The excretory system is responsible for processing and eliminating waste products like alcohol from your body. As part of that process, the pancreas secretes digestive enzymes that combine with bile from the gallbladder to help digest food. The pancreas also helps regulate insulin and glucose.

Excessive alcohol use can cause the pancreas to produce toxic substances that interfere with proper functioning. The resulting inflammation is called pancreatitis, a serious problem that can destroy the pancreas. One of the most frequent causes of chronic pancreatitis is alcohol abuse.

The liver’s job is to break down harmful substances, including alcohol. Excessive drinking can cause alcoholic hepatitis which can lead to the development of jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Chronic liver inflammation can lead to severe scarring known as cirrhosis. This formation of scar tissue can destroy the liver. When the liver fails to perform, toxic substances remain in your body. Liver disease is life threatening. Women are at higher risk for alcoholic liver disease than men, because women’s bodies tend to absorb more alcohol and take longer to process it.

When the pancreas and liver don’t function properly, the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) rises. A damaged pancreas can cause the body to be unable to utilize sugar due to a lack of insulin, which can lead to hyperglycemia. Unbalanced blood sugar levels can be a dangerous problem, especially for people with diabetes. Alcohol abuse also raises your risk of liver cancer.

Central Nervous System

One of the first signs of alcohol in your system is a change in behavior. Alcohol travels through the body easily. It can quickly reach many parts of your body, including your brain and other parts of your central nervous system. That can make it harder to talk, causing slurred speech, the telltale sign that someone who has had too much to drink. It can also affect coordination, interfering with balance and the ability to walk.

Drink too much, and your ability to think clearly is in trouble, as are your impulse control and ability to form memories. Over the long term, drinking can actually shrink the frontal lobes of your brain. Acute alcoholic withdrawal can lead to seizures and delirium. And severe alcoholism can progress to permanent brain damage, causing dementia.

Damage to your nervous system can result in pain, numbness, or abnormal sensations in your feet and hands. Alcoholism can cause a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, which can result in involuntary rapid eye movements, weakness, or paralysis of the eye muscles.

Men and women metabolize alcohol differently. It generally takes less alcohol to affect women.

Over time, a heavy drinker can become physically and emotionally dependent on alcohol. It may be very difficult to gain control. Unlike most other common addictions, acute alcohol withdrawal can be life threatening. Cases of severe, chronic alcohol addiction often require medical detoxification.

When an alcoholic stops drinking abruptly, they’re likely to experience symptoms of withdrawal, such as:

• nausea
• anxiety
• nervousness
• tremors

In severe cases, it may lead to confusion, hallucinations (delirium tremens), and seizures. Detoxification can take between two and seven days. Medications can help prevent side effects of withdrawal.

Digestive System

Alcohol can wreak havoc on your digestive system, from your mouth all the way to your colon. Even a single incidence of heavy drinking can injure parts of your digestive tract.

Alcohol abuse can damage the salivary glands and irritate the mouth and tongue, leading to gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. Heavy drinking can cause ulcers in the esophagus, acid reflux, and heartburn. Stomach ulcers and inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) can occur.

Inflammation of the pancreas interferes with its ability to aid digestion and regulate metabolism. Damage to the digestive system can cause gassiness, abdominal fullness, and diarrhea. It can also lead to dangerous internal bleeding, which may be due to ulcers, hemorrhoids, or esophageal varices caused by cirrhosis.

Alcohol makes it harder for your digestive tract to absorb nutrients and B vitamins or control bacteria. Alcoholics often suffer from malnutrition. Heavy drinkers face higher risk of mouth, throat, and esophagus cancers. Moderate drinking in the presence of tobacco use can raise the risk of these upper-gastrointestinal cancers. Colon cancer is also a risk. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may include nausea and vomiting.

Circulatory System

In some cases, a single episode of heavy drinking can cause trouble for your heart. It’s even more likely your heart will suffer if you’re a chronic drinker. Women who drink are at even higher risk of heart damage than men.

Circulatory system complications include:

• poisoning of the heart muscle cells (cardiomyopathy)
• irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• high blood pressure
• stroke
• heart attack
• heart failure

People with diabetes have an increased risk of low blood sugar levels, especially if they use insulin. Deficiencies in vitamin B6, vitamin B12, thiamine, and folic acid can cause lowered blood counts. A common symptom of anemia is fatigue.

Sexual and Reproductive Health

Erectile dysfunction is a common side effect of alcohol abuse in men. It can also inhibit hormone production, affect testicular function, and cause infertility.

Excessive drinking can cause a woman to stop menstruating and become infertile. It also can increase her risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, and stillbirth. Alcohol has a huge effect on fetal development. A range of problems, called fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), can occur. FASD symptoms, which include physical abnormalities, learning difficulties, and emotional problems, can last a lifetime.

For women, the risk of breast cancer rises with alcohol use.

Skeletal and Muscle Systems

Long-term alcohol use makes it harder for your body to produce new bone. Drinking puts you at increased risk of osteoporosis (thinning bones) and bone fractures. Muscles become prone to weakness, cramps, and even atrophy.

Immune System

An immune system weakened by alcohol abuse has a hard time fighting off viruses, germs, and all types of illness. Heavy drinkers are more likely to get pneumonia or tuberculosis than the general population. Chronic alcohol use increases your risk of many forms of cancer.

Your health and sushi

This article takes a detailed look at sushi and its health effects.

It also provides simple tips on how to maximize the health benefits of eating sushi.

What Is Sushi?

Sushi is a popular dish that originates from Japan.

It consists of cooked, vinegar-flavored rice rolled together with raw or cooked fish and vegetables in seaweed known as nori.

It is commonly served with soy sauce, a spicy green paste called wasabi, as well as pickled ginger.

Sushi first became popular in 7th-century Japan as a way to preserve fish.

The cleaned fish was pressed between rice and salt and allowed to ferment for a few weeks until it was ready to eat.

Around the middle of the 17th century, people started adding vinegar to the rice as a way to reduce the fermentation time and improve taste.

The fermentation process was abandoned relatively recently in the 19th century, when fresh fish started being used instead of the fermented variety. This gave rise to an early version of the ready-to-eat sushi we’re now accustomed to.

Bottom Line: Sushi originates from Japan and consists of a seaweed roll containing vinegar-flavored rice, raw fish and vegetables.

Common Types of Sushi

These are the most common types of sushi:

• Hosomaki: A thin seaweed roll containing rice and just one type of filling — for example, an avocado or cucumber roll.
• Futomaki: A thicker specialty roll that usually contains a combination of rice and several types of ffillings.
• Uramaki: A specialty roll containing several ingredients, but with the seaweed on the inside and rice on the outside.
• Temaki: A cone-shaped hand roll that holds fillings inside.
• Nigiri: Mounds of rice covered by thin slices of raw fish.

Sashimi is thin slices of raw fish. It technically isn’t sushi, but is often served with it.

Bottom Line: Sushi comes in several different types. The five most popular are hosomaki, futomaki, uramaki, temaki and nigiri.

Nutrient-Rich Ingredients

Sushi is often regarded as a health food, mainly because it contains the following nutrient-rich ingredients.

Fish

Fish is a good source of protein, iodine as well as several vitamins and minerals.

In addition, it’s one of the few foods that naturally contain vitamin D.

What’s more, fish contains omega-3 fatsneeded for your brain and body to function optimally. They help fight medical conditions like heart disease and stroke.

Fish consumption is also linked to a lower risk of developing certain autoimmune diseases, depression and loss of memory and vision in old age.

Wasabi

Wasabi paste is often served alongside sushi. It is very spicy, so it is only eaten in small amounts.

It is made from the grated stem of theEutrema japonicum plant, which is part of the same family as cabbage, horseradish and mustard.

Wasabi is rich in beta-carotenes, glucosinolates and isothiocyanates. Research shows that these compounds may have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

However, due to the wasabi plant’s scarcity, many restaurants use an imitation paste made from a combination of horseradish, mustard powder and green dye, which is unlikely to have the same nutritional properties.

Seaweed

Nori is a type of seaweed used to roll sushi.

It contains many nutrients, including calcium,magnesium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, iodine, thiamine as well as vitamins A, C and E.

What’s more, 44% of nori’s dry weight is protein, which is comparable to high-protein plant foods such as soybeans.

However, one roll of sushi contains very little seaweed, which makes it unlikely to contribute to much of your daily nutrient needs.

Studies show that nori may also contain compounds that have the ability to fight viruses, inflammation and perhaps even cancer.

Some claim that nori also has the ability to clear heavy metals from the human body.

However, research shows that this property is more likely attributed to brown types of seaweed such as those found in wakame salad.

Pickled Ginger

Sweet pickled ginger, also known as gari, is often used to cleanse the palate between different pieces of sushi.

Ginger is a good source of potassium, magnesium, copper and manganese.

In addition, it may have certain properties that help protect against bacteria, viruses and perhaps even cancer.

Studies further show that ginger may improve memory and help reduce nausea, muscle pain, arthritic pain, menstrual pain and even LDL cholesterol levels.

Bottom Line: Sushi contains various healthy and nutrient-rich ingredients, such as fish, wasabi, seaweed and pickled ginger.

Refined Carbs and Low Fiber Content

The main component of sushi is white rice, which has been refined and stripped of almost all fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Studies show that refined carbs may cause inflammation and potentially increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

What’s more, sushi rice is often prepared with sugar. The added sugar and low fiber content means that the carbs are broken down quickly in your digestive system.

This can lead to a spike in blood sugar and insulin levels, which has been shown to contribute to overeating in many studies.

However, studies also show that the rice vinegar that is added may help lower blood sugar, blood pressure and blood fats.

Asking for your sushi to be prepared with brown rice instead of white rice can increase its fiber content, nutritional value and reduce the blood sugar spike.

You can also request that your rolls contain a little less rice and more vegetables to further increase the nutrient content and make them feel more filling.

Bottom Line: Sushi contains a large amount of refined carbs. This can make you more likely to overeat and may increase your risk of inflammation, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Low Protein and High Fat Content

Sushi is often thought of as a weight loss friendly meal, but it may not be as beneficial as you think.

That’s because many types of sushi are made with high-fat sauces and fried tempura batter, which significantly increases the amount of calories you get.

What’s more, a single piece of sushi generally contains very little fish or vegetables. This makes it a low-protein, low-fiber meal and therefore not very effective at reducing hunger and appetite.

This perhaps also explains why eating a portion of sushi will leave most people still feeling hungry.

To make your next sushi meal more filling, try accompanying it with a miso soup, a side of edamame beans, a portion of sashimi or a wakame salad.

Bottom Line: Sushi often contains high-fat sauces and toppings, but relatively little vegetables or fish. This can easily turn it into a high-calorie meal that’s less likely to make you feel full.

High Salt Content

A sushi meal generally contains a large amount of salt.

First, the rice used to make it is often cooked with some salt. In addition, the smoked fish and pickled veggies used to make certain types of sushi also contain salt.

Finally, it’s usually served with soy sauce, which is very high in salt.

Too much salt in your diet may increase your risk of stomach cancer. It may also promote high blood pressure in people who are sensitive to sodium.

If you want to reduce your salt intake, then you should minimize or avoid the soy sauce, as well as sushi prepared with smoked fish, such as mackerel or salmon.

Although miso soup may help prevent you from overeating, it contains a lot of salt. If you’re watching your salt intake, you may want to avoid that as well.

Bottom Line: Sushi can contain a large amount of salt, which may increase the risk of stomach cancer and promote high blood pressure in some people.

Contamination With Bacteria and Parasites

Eating sushi made with raw fish may put you at risk of infection with various bacteria and parasite.

Some of the species most often found include Salmonella and various Vibriobacteria as well as the Anisakis and Diphyllobothrium parasites.

It’s important to note that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not currently regulate the use of the “sushi grade fish” label. Because of that, this label does not guarantee that the sushi you are eating is safe.

The only current regulation is that certain fish should be frozen to kill any parasites before being served raw.

One recent study examined the raw fish used in 23 Portuguese restaurants and found that 64% of the samples were contaminated with harmful micro-organisms

However, proper food processing and handling procedures can reduce the risk of contamination.

If you wish to reduce your risk of contamination, aim to eat sushi at reputable restaurants. These are more likely to follow proper food safety practices. Opting for vegetarian rolls or ones made with cooked fish can also be beneficial.

There are some people that may need to avoid sushi made with raw fish. This includes pregnant women, young children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems.

Bottom Line: Improper food processing and handling practices combined with the use of raw fish and seafood increases the risk of contamination with various bacteria and parasites.

Mercury and Other Toxins

Fish can also contain certain toxins due to pollution of the sea.

The best known toxin is mercury.

Predatory fish tend to have the highest levels of mercury.

These include tuna, swordfish, mackerel, marlin and shark. Seafood species that are low in mercury include salmon, eel, sea urchin, trout, crab and octopus.

Other types of toxins found in fish can lead to ciguatera or scombroid poisoning.

Sea bass, grouper and red snapper are the most likely to lead to ciguatera poisoning, whereas scombroid poisoning is most likely to result from consumption of tuna, mackerel and mahi mahi.

You can reduce your risk by simply avoiding the types of fish most likely to be contaminated.

Bottom Line: Certain types of fish are more likely to be contaminated with toxins. This includes mercury and toxins that can lead to ciguatera or scombroid poisoning.

How to Maximize the Health Benefits of Sushi

To get the most health benefits out of sushi, follow these simple guidelines:

• Increase your nutrient intake. Choose sushi rolls made with brown rice over those made with white rice.
• Favor cone-shaped hand rolls. Look for temaki on the menu. These rolls contain less rice than more traditional rolls.
• Increase the protein and fiber content of your meal. Accompany your sushi with a portion of edamame, a wakame salad, a miso soup or sashimi.
• Avoid rolls made with cream cheese, sauces or tempura. To create crunchiness without these unhealthy ingredients, ask for extra vegetables.
• Cut down on soy sauce. If you are salt-sensitive, avoid soy sauce or only lightly brush the top of your sushi with it.
• Avoid certain types of fish. Do not order rolls made with salty smoked fish or fish species at high risk of toxin contamination.
• Order sushi from reputable restaurants. They’re more likely to follow proper food safety practices.

Bottom Line: There are various ways to increase the health benefits of your sushi while reducing the risk of negative effects.