United News of Bangladesh

Mayonnaise is widely loved for its creamy texture and ability to enhance the flavour of burgers, pizzas, and pasta dishes. But is it suitable for a weight loss diet? Nutritionist Amita Gadre recently shared her views on the health effects of mayonnaise through her official Instagram page. Is Mayonnaise Good for Weight Loss?According to Amita, mayonnaise should be consumed with caution. “You could be serving up high cholesterol on a plate by eating mayonnaise,” she explained. One tablespoon (15 grams) of mayonnaise contains approximately 8 grams of fat, making it more than 50% fat. Despite this, mayonnaise is often treated like ketchup or a harmless bread spread. Amita cited the example of a burger, stating that “the deep-fried patty, cheese, and mayonnaise together amount to more than 25 grams of fat in one serving — that’s the total recommended daily fat intake.” Is It Okay to Eat Mayonnaise Occasionally?While it is acceptable to have mayonnaise occasionally, portion control is essential. Those managing weight or health conditions should limit mayonnaise consumption to special occasions or opt for healthier alternatives. Health tips: eat these four foods regularly to keep blood pressure under control What Are Some Healthy Alternatives to Mayonnaise?For those looking to replace mayonnaise in their meals, Amita suggests: ·         Avocado spread ·         Greek yoghurt ·         Hummus ·         Mustard or vegan mayonnaise Is Mayonnaise Bad for Heart Health?Yes, excessive mayonnaise intake can negatively affect heart health. Its high fat and calorie content may contribute to weight gain, elevated cholesterol levels, and increased risk of heart disease. Experts recommend enjoying mayonnaise in moderation. What Happens When You Stop Eating Mayonnaise?Cutting mayonnaise from your diet may bring positive changes. Reduced calorie and fat intake can support weight loss, while lower saturated fat consumption may help improve heart health by decreasing cholesterol levels. Some individuals may also notice improved digestion and reduced bloating. Now that you know the truth about mayonnaise, health experts encourage mindful consumption to stay fit, healthy, and happy. Source: NDTV

Getting thick, black, and luscious hair requires more than just external hair care. Regular use of hair masks, herbs, and a healthy lifestyle can work wonders, according to a report by asianetnews. Apart from maintaining hair hygiene, including certain fruits in your diet can help promote healthy hair growth. Some fruits are not only beneficial for overall health but also play an important role in improving hair quality. Here are five fruits that experts recommend for maintaining healthy hair: Amla This fruit is considered a powerhouse of nutrients for both hair and eyes. Rich in Vitamin C, amla strengthens hair roots and helps reduce hair fall. It can be consumed directly or its juice can be applied to the hair for better results. What you need to know about regularly consuming olive oil Papaya Both ripe and unripe papaya are good for hair health. Papaya contains folate, which makes hair smooth and shiny, activates hair follicles, and helps fight dandruff. Guava Guava is widely known for strengthening teeth and preventing diseases. It also contains riboflavin, a nutrient that promotes hair growth and helps reduce hair fall. Banana Bananas are great for hair and overall health. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, bananas support hair growth. Experts say you can also prepare a banana hair mask to improve hair texture. Orange Rich in Vitamin C, oranges strengthen hair roots and promote hair growth. Including oranges in your daily diet is recommended for maintaining healthy hair. Experts suggest that combining these fruits with regular hair care routines and lifestyle changes can significantly improve hair health.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. While medication is often necessary, experts say that lifestyle changes—especially dietary choices—can play a critical role in managing blood pressure levels. Factors such as stress, excessive salt intake, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption are all known to increase blood pressure. However, a healthy diet can help counteract these effects and support cardiovascular health. According to a report by Asianet News, cardiologist Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj has identified four specific foods that can help naturally lower blood pressure when included regularly in your diet. Avocado Avocados are rich in potassium and magnesium, two minerals essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure. “Potassium helps balance sodium levels in the body and reduces strain on blood vessels. Eating avocados in your daily diet, whether in salads, smoothies, or as a spread, can help lower blood pressure naturally,” says Dr. Bhojraj. Avoid coffee on empty stomach: Weight coach Banana Bananas are well-known for their high potassium content, which contributes to vascular health. “Bananas can help control blood pressure. Their high potassium content helps relax blood vessels and reduces stress on the cardiovascular system,” Dr. Bhojraj notes. Leafy Greens Leafy greens are a rich source of nitrates, which help improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure. “Leafy greens are rich in nitrates. They improve blood flow and ultimately lower blood pressure. So include a variety of leafy greens in your diet,” he advises. Garlic Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which has been shown to have cardiovascular benefits. “Garlic compounds like allicin help relax blood vessels and improve circulation, which can lower blood pressure over time,” says Dr. Bhojraj. Experts recommend combining these dietary choices with other healthy habits to effectively manage blood pressure and reduce the risk of serious health complications.

Olive oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil, is widely regarded as a healthy addition to the diet. Known for its high content of monounsaturated fats (MUFA), vitamins E and K, and powerful antioxidants, olive oil offers a range of health benefits, including protection against inflammation and oxidative stress. According to Swati Sandhan, the chief dietician at Jupiter Hospital in Pune, the health properties of olive oil make it beneficial in preventing various lifestyle diseases, including heart problems, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain types of cancer, as reported by asianet. The antioxidants found in olive oil play a key role in helping to protect the body from heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Just one teaspoon (about 5 ml) of olive oil contains approximately 40 calories and 4.6 grams of fat, the majority of which is heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, or MUFA. Avoid coffee on empty stomach: Weight coach Additionally, olive oil is rich in essential vitamins such as vitamin E and vitamin K. Olive oil also contains phenolic compounds that are known to help reduce the risk of heart disease. However, experts caution that overheating olive oil can destroy its antioxidants and potentially turn it harmful. Health experts recommend consuming up to two tablespoons of olive oil daily for maximum health benefits. For the best quality, choose brands labeled "cold-pressed" and "extra virgin," as these indicate that the oil has been produced using minimal processing, preserving its nutritional value. Incorporating olive oil into your daily diet could provide significant health advantages, but as with all oils, moderation is key.

For many people, summer is their favorite season, a time for cookouts, beach trips and other outdoor activities. However, summer also brings the risk of dangerously high temperatures and humidity. In the U.S., hundreds of people working or playing outside – even those who seem healthy – succumb to heat-related illnesses each year. Older adults and people in areas that historically haven’t needed air conditioning tend to see the highest rates of illnesses during heat waves, as Chicago saw in 1995 when at least 700 people died in a heat wave. Even in places where heat is recognized as a dangerous health threat, people can be caught off guard as the thermometer creeps higher, on average, each year. In some cases, dangerous heat can arise quickly. In 2021, a young family died of heat stroke on a California trail after setting out for a hike when temperatures were still in the 70s Fahrenheit (low to mid 20s Celsius). I study health risks in a warming climate as a professor of public health, and I’ve seen heat become a growing concern. Here are some of the key warning signs to watch for when temperatures rise – and ways to keep cool when the heat and humidity get too high. Signs of heat-related illness to watch for Heat-related illnesses occur across a spectrum, and mild heat stress can quickly progress to life-threatening heat stroke if a person is exposed to dangerous conditions for too long. Mild forms of heat-related illness include heat cramps and heat rash, both of which can be caused by extensive sweating during hot conditions. Cooling the body and drinking cool fluids can help. When heat-related illnesses progress into heat exhaustion, the situation is more serious. Heat exhaustion includes symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, feeling weak, thirst and getting a headache. Heat exhaustion is a signal that the body is losing its ability to maintain a stable core temperature. Immediate action such as moving to a cool, ideally air-conditioned space, drinking liquids, loosening clothes and applying wet cloths are some of the recommended steps that can help keep heat exhaustion from progressing to the most dangerous form of heat-related illness, heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. At this point, the body can no longer maintain a stable core temperature. A body with heat stroke can reach 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher rapidly, and that heat can quickly damage the brain, heart and kidneys. Typically, someone suffering heat stroke has exhausted their reserves of sweat and salt to stay cool, so sweating eventually stops during heat stroke. Their cognitive ability fails, and they cannot remove themselves from danger. Heat stroke can cause seizures or put someone into a coma as their core temperature rises. If the condition is not treated immediately, and the core temperature continues to rise, heat stroke becomes fatal. Because heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, addressing heat-related illnesses before they progress is vital. How to tell when the heat is too high Heat risk isn’t just about temperature – humidity also increases the risk of heat-related illnesses because it affects how well sweating will cool the human body when it gets hot. Instead of just looking at temperature when planning outdoor activities, check the heat index, which accounts for heat illness risk associated with temperature and relative humidity. It doesn’t take very high temperatures or very high humidity for the heat index to enter dangerous territory. However, the heat index is still a conservative measure of the impact of heat on humans, particularly for outdoor workers and athletes at summer practices. This is because temperature measurements used in weather forecasting are taken in the shade and are not exposed to direct sunlight. If someone is outside and exposed to the direct sun, the actual heat index can be as much as 15 F higher than the heat index chart indicates. A more sophisticated measurement of heat effects on human health is what’s known as the wet-bulb globe temperature, which takes into account other variables, such as wind speed and cloud cover. Neither takes into account a person’s physical exertion, which also raises their body temperature, whether working at a construction site or playing soccer. Tips for staying safe in a heat wave How can you stay cool when heat waves set in? The answer depends in part on where you are, but the main points are the same: Avoid strenuous outdoor activities in high temperatures if possible. If you start to feel symptoms of heat-related illnesses, drink fluids that will hydrate you. Find shade, rest, and use cool, damp cloths to lower your body temperature. If you see signs of heat stroke in someone else, call for medical help. Be careful with fans. Fans can be useful if the temperature isn’t too high because they wick sweat away from the body and induce evaporative cooling. But at very high temperatures, they can accelerate heat buildup in the body and lead to dangerous conditions. If indoor temperatures reaches 95 degrees or higher, using fans can actually be dangerous and raise the risk of heat-related illnesses. Find a cooling center, library or community center where you can get inside and rest in an air-conditioned space in the hottest hours. In places such as Phoenix, where high temperatures are a regular hazard, cooling centers are typically opened in summer. Northern cities are also opening cooling centers as heat waves occur there more frequently than they did in the past. Urban areas with a lot of pavement and buildings – known as heat islands – can have temperatures well above the city’s average. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drink plenty of fluids, and don’t forget about the importance of electrolytes. Heat-related dehydration can occur when people sweat excessively, losing water and necessary salts from the body. Some sports drinks or rehydration fluids restore electrolytes and hydration levels. Older adults and people with disabilities often face higher risks from heat waves, particularly if they can’t easily move to a cooler environment. Communities and neighbors can help protect vulnerable populations by providing cooling centers and bottled water and making regular wellness checks during high heat. Summer can be a season of fun. Just remember the risks, keep an eye on your friends and neighbors when temperatures rise, and plan ahead so you can beat the heat.   This is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.

The path to sustainable weight loss depends not just on what we eat, but also on our daily habits—particularly those followed right after waking up. According to a weight loss coach, adopting the right morning routine can significantly influence metabolism, energy levels, and fat-burning potential throughout the day, as reported by Hindustan Times. Here are five key actions to incorporate into your morning: 1. Start with hydration Drinking a glass of water as soon as you wake up helps rehydrate your body after several hours of sleep. “Proper hydration helps kickstart metabolism and supports overall bodily functions, including fat burning,” the coach said. For added benefits, one can try apple cider vinegar (ACV) water or water infused with soaked and boiled cumin (jeera), fennel (saunf), or fenugreek (methi). 2. Move your body Engaging in some form of physical activity in the morning—be it a brisk walk, a jog, yoga, or a short workout—can help increase your metabolism. “Morning physical activity helps rev up your metabolism and increases calorie burn throughout the day,” the expert noted. 3. Prioritise a protein-rich breakfast A high-protein breakfast is essential to keep hunger at bay. “A breakfast high in protein keeps you full longer, curbs unnecessary cravings, and stabilises blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of overeating later in the day,” the coach said. Suggested options include eggs, Greek yogurt, tofu, or protein smoothies. Dhaka Flow's 2nd Annual Youth Wellness Fest wraps up in high spirits at EWU 4. Sip smartly on coffee or tea Though coffee offers focus and stress-relief benefits, it should not be consumed first thing in the morning. “Avoid having it first thing in the morning or on an empty stomach. Instead, pair it with your breakfast,” advised the coach. For those who prefer alternatives, green tea is recommended for its antioxidant benefits. 5. Skip the sugar Sugary breakfasts can derail fat loss goals. “Avoid sugary cereals, pastries, and sweetened beverages,” the expert warned. Instead, opt for whole, nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, oats, and whole grains to maintain steady energy levels and support weight loss efforts. By making these small but impactful changes, individuals can align their mornings with their fat-loss goals.

In a bright indoor pool adorned with fish-themed decorations, young children cautiously kicked and floated during what appeared to be a basic swim class. But this session was far from ordinary. Each child received focused attention — one-on-one or even two instructors per child — with visual aids replacing verbal instructions. Whistles were absent, replaced by a calm, sensory-friendly environment. All of the participants at the Small Fish Big Fish swim school had autism, a condition that significantly increases the risk of drowning. While this danger has long been known to parents and professionals, recent data underscores its severity. In Florida alone, more than 100 children with autism or undergoing diagnosis have drowned since 2021, according to the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County. This reveals a critical issue: Children with autism urgently need swimming instruction, yet accessing it can be a challenge. GamePlay, Hero League launch Guinness World Record-holding One Run Marathon 2025 “It’s life-changing,” said Lovely Chrisostome, who panicked earlier this year when her 6-year-old son wandered away from home in a neighborhood filled with lakes. Previous attempts to get him into swim lessons failed—he wouldn’t even enter the pool. But in the tailored environment at Small Fish Big Fish, he participated. When he became uncomfortable getting his head wet, the instructor gently shifted his position, keeping him relaxed. Autism affects about 1 in 31 children in the U.S., and the need for water safety has become more urgent in the wake of tragic incidents, such as the 2014 drowning of Avonte Oquendo, a New York teen with autism. Although formal studies are limited, 2017 research found that individuals with autism are at a significantly higher risk of drowning, largely due to their tendency to wander and limited perception of danger, said Dr. Guohua Li, a Columbia University researcher and parent of a child with autism. Local examples are heartbreaking. One child escaped through a dog door and drowned in a backyard pool. Another slipped through a playground fence and died in a canal. A third managed to bypass a makeshift barrier and drowned in a nearby lake. In response, officials are now compiling a national database of such cases. Dr. Li argues that swimming instruction should be considered a primary intervention for children with autism. Some children with autism thrive in the water, as highlighted in the 2017 documentary Swim Team. Others can learn essential survival skills in just a few sessions of specialized aquatic therapy, said occupational therapist Michele Alaniz. Still, many families hesitate to enroll their children in swim lessons. They fear overstimulation from loud noises or group settings, and some children are even removed from mainstream programs that aren’t equipped to support their needs. While private lessons offer a solution, they can be prohibitively expensive. “Having instructors who understand autism — how to communicate, how to prevent meltdowns, especially in a pool setting — is crucial,” said Lindsey Corey. Her son didn’t benefit from traditional or in-home private lessons but made meaningful progress in a program where teachers had specialized autism training. Efforts to address this gap are growing. Autism Swim, an Australian nonprofit, reports that over 1,400 instructors globally have completed its training since 2016. In Palm Beach County, local officials allocated $17,000 to the Autism Society of America to train swim instructors, along with another $13,500 to support the program at Small Fish Big Fish, according to Jon Burstein, the researcher behind the county’s drowning data. The current class includes a dozen children from a local autism-specific charter school. Although initially hesitant even to board the bus, by April, they were stepping into the pool more confidently. One girl practiced holding her breath while floating on a board. Another beamed as she swam with a foam noodle. Her mother, Jana D’Agostino, said the lessons are critical because her daughter is “fearless” and would jump into any body of water without knowing how to swim. At the pool’s edge, a boy carefully entered the water to join Small Fish Big Fish founder Melissa Taylor. After copying her underwater dip, he retreated, using hand gestures to signal he was done — which the instructors quickly respected. “It takes time to build trust,” said Taylor, who also knows how to interpret repetitive movements as signs of excitement rather than distress. As the class continued, Chrisostome’s son emerged from the water with a beaming smile. He had learned valuable skills — but for his mother, what mattered most was something simpler: “The happiness that he has.”

Documentary filmmaker and photographer Mohammad Rakibul Hasan's solo photographic exhibition ‘Keeping Childcare in the Picture: A photographic exhibition on childcare practices in Bangladesh' was opened on Sunday at Drik Gallery in the capital, organized by International Labour Organization and Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies-BILS. The opening ceremony of the exhibition was joined by Mamtaz Ahmed, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs as the chief guest. Keya Khan, Director General at the Department of Women Affairs, also joined the ceremony as the special guest. Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed, Executive Director of BILS and Chairman, Labour Reform Commission, and Anne Drong, National Project Coordinator, ILO, were also present at the event, among the speakers. BILS Director Nazma Yesmin moderated the opening ceremony of the exhibition. With an increasing number of women joining the workforce, the demand for childcare services in Bangladesh is rising. To meet this demand, different types of childcare models are in operation, both formally and informally.

Dhaka Flow’s second annual Youth Wellness Festival officially wrapped up on Monday at East West University (EWU), completing a powerful tour across 10 major universities in Dhaka. Reaching thousands of students through transformational programming on mental health, movement, mindfulness, and leadership, the festival has become a beacon for a new era of youth, according to its organizers. Kicked off on April 13, the Dhaka Flow Youth Wellness Fest 2025 has touched hearts and minds across NSU, IUBAT, Canadian University, ULAB, IUB, Presidency University, UCB, BRAC University, AIUB, and lastly EWU on Monday, spreading the message that wellness is strength, therapy is courage, and every student deserves tools to thrive.

Black dandyism is taking center stage at the Met Gala, with cultural powerhouses leading this subversive, sharply tailored style into the global fashion spotlight. As a gala host committee member, Janelle Monáe and other trendsetters are helping shape the conversation, framing Black dandyism as a proud tradition — rather than a mere trend — claiming its long-overdue moment of visibility. “It’s always important to educate and reeducate to the world as much as we possibly can through art and through our greatness,” said Monáe, the Grammy-nominated performer who had made dandy style a signature of her fashion. Monáe, inspired by family members who proudly sported the look throughout her upbringing, views the spotlight as an opportunity to pay homage to the past and inspire the future. “Dandyism is pretty much a part of my fashion DNA through tailoring and suiting,” the singer-actor said. “I’ve honored my ancestors and my family who wore their uniforms, wore their suits to serve our community. It fell right in line with who I am, and the people I want to bring with me that helped build this country.” On Monday, with the world watching, a wave of fashion disruptors and stylists will usher Black dandyism from the margins to the Met Gala, as the Metropolitan Museum of Art unveils its new costume exhibit, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” It marks the Met’s first show centered exclusively on Black designers and the first in more than two decades to spotlight menswear. It’s also a tribute to the rich legacy of dandyism, a style that has long carved space for radical self-expression, especially for those overlooked or misunderstood. An ode to Bangla grunge: junkhEäd's maiden track 'Shamprotik' enamors rock aficionados “It’s been a long time coming,” said Kyle Smith, the NFL’s first-ever fashion editor, who has styled the league’s top players, including Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, Los Angeles Rams wideout Puka Nacua and receiver Kenny Stills. “It’s great to see the recognition that Black culture is having or has in fashion for years,” Smith said. “It’s been there and very subtle, or just not recognized. I think this year’s theme is long overdue. I’m excited to see everybody’s outfits and how they interact with the idea of Black dandyism.” Pillars of Black dandyism This year’s Met Gala co-chairs include Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky and honorary chair LeBron James, with Monáe joining the host committee alongside the likes of Simone Biles, Spike Lee, Ayo Edebiri and André 3000. “I think honoring minorities, honoring Black and brown people in these spaces and outside every day, is important,” said Monáe, who plans to use the red carpet to debut an exclusive collaboration with 1800 Tequila. “The ones who have dedicated their lives to this country to serve, build and give us art to sustain us for a lifetime. We should continue to honor them and push forward and stand on their shoulders.” Several trailblazers helped popularize Black dandyism, a style whose roots trace back to the trans-Atlantic slave trade. From the beginning, dandyism served as a sartorial declaration, reclaiming elegance and luxury as tools of empowerment, challenging stereotypes and honoring Black legacy. This Met Gala moment stands on the shoulders of icons like Frederick Douglass, who wielded sharp dress as a form of power, and Duke Ellington, who transformed suiting into cultural brilliance. Host committee member Dapper Dan reimagined Harlem fashion, remixing luxury into bold statements of Black pride, while the late André Leon Talley — with his capes and commanding presence — redefined fashion authority. Today’s Black dandies carry that legacy forward, blending tradition and rebellion in every lapel for a style that speaks volumes before a word is ever spoken. “We are the walking versions that they imagined,” said El Lewis, an Atlanta-based stylist, who has worked with several entertainers including Usher, Young Thug, Chloe and Halle Bailey, and Justin Skye. “A lot of these people died not being able to have these realities come to fruition. We have a lot of autonomy to ourselves, and I think that’s what they were probably seeking. They wanted to be able to do anything at any moment at any time. And I think that’s what they get to see us do.”