Tomatoes

London: Finding it hard to raise levels of Vitamin D, popularly known as the sunshine vitamin? Scientists have developed gene-edited tomatoes that could be a simple and sustainable innovation to address the global health problem. Researchers John Innes Centre in the UK used gene editing to turn off a specific molecule in the plant's genome which increased provitamin D3 in both the fruit and leaves of tomato plants. It was then converted to Vitamin D3 through exposure to Ultraviolet B light. Vitamin D is created in our bodies after skin's exposure to UVB light, but the major source is food. This new biofortified crop could help millions of people with Vitamin D insufficiency, a growing issue linked to higher risk of cancer, dementia, and many leading causes of mortality, according to the study, which appears in the journal Nature Plants. Tomatoes naturally contain one of the building blocks of Vitamin D3, called provitamin D3 or 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC), in their leaves at very low levels. Provitamin D3, does not normally accumulate in ripe tomato fruits. Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to make revisions to the genetic code of tomato plants so that provitamin D3 accumulates in the tomato fruit. The leaves of the edited plants contained up to 600 microgram of provitamin D3 per gram of dry weight. The recommended daily intake of vitamin d is 10 micrograms for adults. When growing tomatoes leaves are usually waste material, but those of the edited plants could be used for the manufacture of vegan-friendly Vitamin D3 supplements, or for food fortification. "We've shown that you can biofortify tomatoes with provitamin D3 using gene editing, which means tomatoes could be developed as a plant-based, sustainable source of vitamin D3," said Professor Cathie Martin, corresponding author of the "Forty per cent of Europeans have vitamin D insufficiency and so do one billion people world-wide. We are not only addressing a huge health problem, but are helping producers, because tomato leaves which currently go to waste, could be used to make supplements from the gene-edited lines," Martin added. The study noted that the provitamin D enriched tomatoes could be much helpful for people adopting a plant-rich, vegetarian or vegan diet, and for the growing number of people worldwide suffering from the problem of vitamin D insufficiency. (Agency) Read More► High-Fibre Rich Diet Can Help Fight Antibiotic Resistance

A balanced diet and regular workouts are essential for staying healthy in modern times. Food not only provides energy but also improves the daily functions of the body. Vitamins and minerals are found in abundance in foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, which are helpful in keeping the body healthy. Iron is essential for blood, calcium is essential for the formation of bones, and zinc immunity. Especially women should pay special attention to their diet. Due to hormonal changes, women have to go through many types of problems. For this, these 5 beneficial things must be included in the diet. They have a favorable effect on mental and physical health. Let's know these beneficial things. 1.Spinach Different types of nutrients are found in spinach. Spinach is very beneficial for skin and hair. Also, the consumption of spinach removes the lack of water in the body. Spinach contains 90% water. In addition, spinach contains lutein, potassium, fiber, folate, and vitamin-E. All these qualities make spinach a superfood in winter. It also contains magnesium which reduces the effect of PMS symptoms. Spinach is also beneficial for bones. This keeps blood sugar under control and reduces the risk of asthma. 2.Linseed Linseed is the major source of omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are effective ingredients to keep the retina of the eye healthy. Therefore, flaxseeds are considered beneficial for the eyes. Also, flaxseed is beneficial for heart and blood sugar levels. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. This lessens the effects of irritable bowel syndrome. 3.Cranberry Cranberries are very tasty in taste. It removes the problem of urinary tract infections. Also able to remove tooth decay. Cranberries are called energy powerhouses. For this, women must consume cranberries. 4.Tomatoes Many people take tomatoes lightly, but the tomato is a very beneficial vegetable. It contains lycopene, which reduces the risk of breast cancer and heart diseases. Also strengthens bones and controls cholesterol. 5.Oats In addition to strengthening the digestive system, keeping the heart healthy, oats control blood pressure. Oats also reduce mood swings from PMS. Fiber is found in high amounts in it, which reduces cholesterol and continues the digestion process smoothly. Story tips and suggestions are for general information. Do not take these as the advice of any doctor or medical professional. In the case of symptoms of illness or infection, consult a doctor.