## Benefits of Lassi: Try This Chilled, Refreshing Drink for Summer.

 ## Benefits of Lassi: Try This Chilled, Refreshing Drink for These 10 Reasons!

Lassi can keep you hydrated during the summer season! Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Lassi is a beloved, refreshing beverage, especially during the scorching summer months. Here’s why you should make lassi your go-to summer drink:

### 1. Hydrates Your Body
Staying hydrated is crucial during the hot summer months to prevent dehydration. Lassi is a fantastic option to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, ensuring your body stays adequately hydrated throughout the day.

### 2. Cools Down the Body
Lassi, made from yogurt, has natural cooling properties that help you stay refreshed and rejuvenated. Consuming chilled lassi provides instant relief from heat, reduces body temperature, and soothes your digestive tract.

### 3. Boosts Digestion
Yogurt, the main ingredient in lassi, is rich in probiotics—beneficial bacteria that promote gut health. Probiotics like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus help maintain a healthy balance of gut flora, reducing the risk of bloating and constipation, and alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

### 4. Reduces Blood Pressure
Despite the fat content in yogurt, low-fat yogurt-based lassi can improve heart health. The potassium in yogurt helps regulate blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium. Additionally, vitamin B12 in lassi helps reduce blood levels of homocysteine, a compound linked to heart attack and stroke risks.

### 5. Aids in Weight Loss
Lassi made with low-fat yogurt is nutrient-dense, packed with fiber and protein, and low in calories. It promotes satiety, keeping you full longer and reducing overall calorie intake, aiding in weight loss efforts.

### 6. Strengthens Immunity
Rich in probiotics and essential nutrients like calcium, protein, fiber, magnesium, and vitamins B12 and D, lassi strengthens the immune system. It helps combat common colds and flu, promotes healthy gut flora, and reduces the risk of infections.

### 7. Improves Bone Health
Lassi contains essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D from yogurt and milk, crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Regular consumption of lassi can help prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures, especially in aging adults.

### 8. Promotes Youthful Skin
Vitamins and minerals in lassi, like vitamin E and zinc, contribute to skin health. Lassi’s hydrating properties keep the skin moisturized, while probiotics may help alleviate skin conditions like acne and eczema by improving gut health.

### 9. Keeps You Energetic

The natural sugars in yogurt give a quick energy boost, while proteins and fats ensure lasting energy without spikes in blood sugar levels.

### 10. Rich Source of Nutrients
Lassi is a nutrient-rich beverage containing essential nutrients such as calcium, fiber, protein, vitamin D, vitamins B12 and B2 (riboflavin), phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are vital for various bodily functions, including muscle growth, nerve function, and energy production.

So, next time the summer heat gets to you, reach for a glass of lassi. It’s not just a drink; it’s your key to a healthy and refreshing summer!.

## How to Prepare Lassi

Lassi is a versatile and delightful drink that can be prepared in two main ways: sweet and salted. Here’s how you can make both variations at home:

### Sweet Lassi

For a refreshing and delightful sweet lassi, follow these steps:

1. **Blend Yogurt:**
- Take 1 cup of chilled yogurt and blend it until smooth.

2. **Add Sweeteners:**
- Add sugar or honey to taste. You can start with a tablespoon and adjust according to your preference.

3. **Incorporate Milk:**
- Pour in about 1/4 cup of milk and blend until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.

4. **Enhance Flavor:**
- Add a pinch of ground cardamom or a few saffron strands for an exotic flavor.

5. **Garnish:**
- Once blended, pour the lassi into a glass and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a slice of fresh mango.

6. **Serve:**
- Serve chilled and enjoy the tropical goodness!







### Salted Lassi

For a savory and traditional salted lassi, follow this easy recipe:

1. **Whisk Yogurt:**
- Whisk 1 cup of chilled yogurt with half a cup of cold water until smooth and frothy.

2. **Add Salt and Cumin:**
- Add a pinch of salt and half a teaspoon of roasted cumin powder for flavor.

3. **Optional Mint:**
- You can add finely chopped fresh mint leaves for an extra refreshing twist (optional).

4. **Serve:**
- Serve chilled. This drink pairs perfectly with spicy meals or as a refreshing standalone beverage on a hot day.

Whether you prefer the sweet or salted version, lassi is a versatile and delicious way to stay refreshed and hydrated. Enjoy the taste and health benefits of this traditional drink!.

Machine learning and fMRI reveal brain activity patterns for sustained pain and pleasure:

## Introduction

A groundbreaking study has unveiled how the human brain processes emotional information related to sustained pain and pleasure. Utilizing functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and advanced machine learning techniques, researchers have mapped the brain activity patterns associated with these intense emotional experiences. The findings, published in the journal *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, highlight the complex neural mechanisms that underpin our experiences of pain and pleasure.

Functional brain networks that are connected to the affective intensity and valence information. Left: The affective valence information is connected to the limbic and default mode networks, and the affective intensity information is connected to the ventral attention network. Right: The probability that the affective intensity and valence is connected to each of seven functional brain networks. Credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

## Functional Brain Networks and Affective Information

### Affective Valence and Intensity
The research identified two key types of affective information processed by the brain: valence (the emotional value of an experience, whether positive or negative) and intensity (the strength of the emotional experience). The affective valence information is primarily connected to the limbic and default mode networks, while the affective intensity information is linked to the ventral attention network. These connections provide a detailed map of how different brain regions collaborate to process sustained emotional states.

### Probability of Connection
The study also quantified the probability that affective intensity and valence are connected to each of seven functional brain networks. This analysis offers a comprehensive view of how different aspects of emotional experiences are distributed across various brain regions.

## Study Design and Methodology
### Participants and Procedure
The experiment was conducted by a team led by Lee Soo Ahn and Woo Choong-Wan at the Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR) within the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), in collaboration with Choi Myunghwan at Seoul National University and Tor D. Wager at Dartmouth College. The study involved 58 participants who underwent fMRI scans while experiencing sustained pain and pleasure induced by capsaicin (a component of chili peppers) and chocolate fluids, respectively.

### Fluid Delivery System
An MR-compatible fluid delivery system, known as a gustometer, was used to administer the capsaicin and chocolate fluids directly into the participants' mouths. The fluids were delivered twice during the scan, with each capsaicin session lasting 1.5 minutes and each chocolate session lasting 3 minutes. A suction device was employed to remove the fluids after delivery, ensuring a controlled and precise administration process.

### Real-Time Reporting
Throughout the experiment, participants continuously reported their moment-by-moment experiences of pleasantness and unpleasantness. This real-time data collection allowed researchers to capture the dynamic nature of emotional experiences as the participants encountered sustained pain and pleasure.

Overview of the fMRI experimentLeft: Fluids were delivered using an MR-compatible fluid delivery system (gustometer) and removed from participants’ mouths during the experiment using a suction device.Middle: Capsaicin or chocolate fluid was delivered twice during the scan, with a duration of 1.5 minutes each for capsaicin fluid and a duration of 3 minutes each for chocolate fluid. The entire run lasted 14.5 minutes.Right: Participants continuously rated pleasantness or unpleasantness (purple: pain, yellow: pleasure) while receiving capsaicin and chocolate (n = 58). Credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

## Key Findings

### Brain Activity Patterns
Using sophisticated machine learning techniques, the researchers decoded the brain activity patterns that correspond to pleasant and unpleasant emotions, as well as the magnitude of sustained pain and pleasure. This analysis revealed distinct yet interconnected neural pathways for processing pain and pleasure, offering new insights into how these seemingly opposite experiences are managed by the brain.

### Human-Centric Insights
While previous studies have identified brain regions responsive to both pain and pleasure, they have largely relied on animal models. This study is significant in that it directly compared the brain representations of pain and pleasure within the same human participants, providing a more nuanced understanding of these complex emotional experiences.

The study's innovative use of fMRI and machine learning has opened new avenues for exploring the neural mechanisms of pain and pleasure. By identifying the specific brain networks involved in processing these emotions, researchers have taken a significant step towards understanding how the brain balances these intense and often conflicting experiences. The findings hold promise for developing targeted interventions to manage pain and enhance pleasure in clinical settings.

## Dynamic Changes in Pain and Pleasure: Insights from Brain Imaging

### Participant Experiences and Data Collection
During the experiment, participants' subjective reports of pleasantness and unpleasantness gradually increased and persisted while they were exposed to capsaicin and chocolate fluids. These sensations decreased once the deliveries ended. By inducing these dynamic changes in sustained pain and pleasure, the research team aimed to identify the specific brain regions activated by both experiences.

### Machine Learning and Brain Activity Patterns
The team collected brain imaging data alongside moment-by-moment changes in pleasantness or unpleasantness ratings from 58 participants. Utilizing advanced machine learning techniques, they analyzed the brain data and identified a set of brain regions that responded to both sustained pain and pleasure.

### Predictive Models for Affective Experiences
Based on the identified brain activity patterns, the researchers developed two predictive models:
1. **Affective Intensity Model:** This model captures the magnitude of affective experiences, whether pleasant or unpleasant.
2. **Affective Valence Model:** This model measures the magnitude of pleasantness or unpleasantness.

These models successfully predicted affective intensity and valence information for both the original 58 participants and an independent test dataset of 61 new individuals.

### Key Brain Regions in Predicting Affective Information
Important brain regions involved in predicting affective information related to pleasure and pain were identified. These regions include:
- **Affective Intensity:** Ventral anterior insula, right ventral amygdala, and left dorsal amygdala.
- **Affective Valence:** Left centromedial amygdala, right superficial amygdala, and ventromedial prefrontal cortex.

The activity patterns predictive of affective intensity and valence were spatially distinguishable, connecting to distinct functional brain networks. This suggests that affective intensity and valence information represent multiple aspects of the brain mechanisms underlying pain-pleasure interactions.

### Implications and Future Research
Dr. Woo Choong-Wan, associate director of IBS, highlighted the significance of this research, noting that while there have been separate studies on pain and pleasure, rarely have these experiences been compared within the same individuals.

Lee Soo Ahn, a doctoral candidate and the first author of the study, emphasized the shared underlying emotional information on pleasantness and unpleasantness in both pain and pleasure.

This study provides a comprehensive understanding of how the brain processes sustained pain and pleasure, offering potential pathways for developing targeted interventions for chronic pain and emotional disorders.

# Satisfaction vs. Happiness: Which is More Important for a Healthy Life?

 # Satisfaction vs. Happiness: Which is More Important for a Healthy Life?

You can be happy in life by living a healthy life. Image courtesy: Freepik

Understanding the distinction between satisfaction and happiness is crucial for leading a balanced and fulfilling life. Though often used interchangeably, these concepts have unique implications for our well-being. Let's explore what each term means, their differences, and why striving for both might be essential.

## What is Satisfaction?

Satisfaction occurs when you receive something you desire or accomplish a task you love. It's the feeling you get when things go your way, aligning with your plans and visions. Satisfaction is often tied to achieving goals and experiencing meaningful relationships and bonds. Psychiatrist Dr. Sonal Anand explains that satisfaction comes from achieving what you've planned and desired.

### Key Points:
- Achieved through goal accomplishment
- Tied to meaningful relationships
- Long-term feeling

## What is Happiness?

Happiness is a state of joy and contentment, often experienced in the moment. It can come from various activities like achieving good marks, fulfilling dreams, traveling, or checking off bucket list items. Happiness is associated with emotions that make you want to smile, dance, or sing. It's about feeling good in the present, whether it’s spending time with friends or enjoying your favorite activities.

### Key Points:
- Experienced in the moment
- Associated with joy and contentment
- Short-term feeling

## Satisfaction vs. Happiness: What is the Difference?

While satisfaction and happiness may seem similar, they are distinct. Satisfaction is the end result of a journey, whereas happiness is the journey itself. For example, how you feel during your work determines your happiness, while performing well and meeting goals brings satisfaction. Happiness is a state of bliss, while satisfaction is about contentment. Dr. Anand notes that happiness fades when you fail to achieve something, whereas satisfaction gradually decreases if you don’t reach your dreams.

### Differences:
- **Happiness**: Momentary joy, living in the present
- **Satisfaction**: Long-term contentment, achieving goals

## Which Should You Strive For?

Satisfaction vs happiness: Know the difference. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

To lead a balanced and fulfilling life, it's essential to strive for both happiness and satisfaction. Happiness allows you to enjoy the present moment, bringing joy and positivity. Satisfaction provides long-term pleasure, helping you feel content after achieving specific goals. Striving for both ensures you can enjoy life fully, savoring both the present and the future. As Dr. Anand recommends, achieving a balance between happiness and satisfaction is key to living life to the fullest.
- **Happiness**: Important for enjoying the present
- **Satisfaction**: Essential for long-term contentment
- **Strive for both**: To achieve a balanced and fulfilling life

Understanding and balancing both satisfaction and happiness can lead to a healthier, more content life. Embrace both to enjoy every moment and to feel fulfilled in the long run.

## How to Be Happy in Life

Satisfaction is when you get what you want in life. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Happiness is a journey, and these steps can guide you along the way:
### Focus on Your Health
- **Stay Healthy**: Eat a nutritious diet to boost your immunity and keep infections at bay.
- **Sleep Well**: Aim for eight hours of sleep each night to feel refreshed and happy the next day.
- **Exercise Regularly**: Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise.

### Positive Habits
- **Compliment Others**: Spread positivity by complimenting those around you.
- **Practice Gratitude**: Keep a gratitude journal to remind yourself of the good things in life.
### Lifestyle Changes
- **De-clutter Your Home**: Create a peaceful environment by keeping your living space tidy.
- **Accept and Move On**: Face challenges head-on and don’t rely on others for your happiness.

### Enjoy Life
- **Spend Time in Nature**: Get enough sunlight and spend time outdoors to boost your mood.
- **Meditate and Practice Self-Care**: Follow a structured routine that includes meditation and self-care.
- **Socialize**: Spend quality time with family and friends.
- **Prioritize “Me” Time**: Follow a hobby or activity you enjoy and limit screen time.

## How to Be Satisfied in Life

For long-term satisfaction, consider these steps:

### Practice Self-Love
- **Be Honest with Yourself**: Appreciate yourself as you are and don’t compare yourself to others.

### Set and Achieve Goals
- **Be Persistent**: Set goals and work tirelessly to achieve them. Don’t give up until you see results.

### Let Go of the Past
- **Move On**: Release emotional baggage from the past and focus on the future.

### Career Satisfaction
- **Change Your Work Profile**: If your current job doesn’t bring satisfaction, consider switching to something more fulfilling.

### Figure Out Your Goals
- **Identify What You Want**: Determine whether you want a successful career, a family, self-development, or something else. Focus on excelling in what truly matters to you.

### Balance Happiness and Satisfaction
- **Nurture Both**: Understand that happiness and satisfaction go hand in hand. Take care of your body to stay happy and strive for satisfaction to nourish your soul.

# The Miraculous Benefits of Rose Water for Skin, Hair, and Eyes

 # The Miraculous Benefits of Rose Water for Skin, Hair, and Eyes

Rose water has a host of beauty and health benefits. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Rose water, a time-honored elixir, has been widely used for centuries, even dating back to the Middle Ages. This fragrant liquid, derived from distilling rose petals in water, offers numerous benefits for skin, hair, and even eyes. Let’s explore the remarkable advantages of rose water and how to incorporate it into your beauty routine.

## What is Rose Water?

Rose water is a fragrant liquid created by distilling rose petals in water. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, rose water helps to moisturize and nourish the skin and hair, making it a staple in beauty regimens.

## Benefits of Rose Water for Skin

### 1. Hydrates and Nourishes the Skin

Rose water acts as a humectant, drawing in and retaining moisture, making it ideal for dehydrated skin. It helps to enhance the skin’s hydration levels and maintain moisture, ensuring your skin remains supple and hydrated.

### 2. Soothes Irritated Skin

Know ways in which rose water is beneficial for you. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

With its anti-inflammatory properties, rose water can calm and soothe irritated skin. It provides a cooling sensation that helps reduce itchiness, redness, and inflammation caused by conditions like rosacea and dry skin.

### 3. Maintains pH Balance

Environmental stressors like dirt and pollution can disrupt the natural pH balance of our skin. Rose water, with a pH of 4.0 to 4.5, helps to restore and maintain the skin's natural pH levels, reducing irritation and preserving a healthy complexion.

### 4. Improves Skin Texture

The natural oils in centifolia roses enhance skin texture. Rose water moisturizes and softens dry or rough areas, leaving the skin feeling smooth and supple.

### 5. Soothes Sunburn

Rose water offers a calming and cooling effect that aids in sunburn relief. Spraying or gently applying it with a cotton ball to sunburned areas can reduce inflammation and swelling while hydrating the skin to prevent peeling.

### 6. Helps Remove Dead Skin Cells

The cleansing properties of rose water help to remove pollutants, oil, and debris from the skin. It unclogs pores and prevents acne by eliminating excess oil and dirt.

### 7. Reduces Dark Circles and Under-Eye Puffiness

The cooling properties of rose water help to diminish puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties also help reduce redness and acne, improving overall complexion.

### 8. Prevents Early Signs of Aging

Rose water helps prevent early signs of ageing! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Rich in vitamins A and C, rose water combats free radicals and oxidative stress, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Regular use enhances skin’s suppleness and firmness.

### 9. Tightens Skin Pores

Rose water tightens skin pores, reducing the likelihood of acne and blackheads. It minimizes pore size, improving the skin's overall appearance and can be used as a toner.

### 10. Improves Mood

Rose water has strong antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties. Studies show it can relax the central nervous system, providing a calming effect on the mind.

## How to Use Rose Water

### For Skin

1. **Toner**: Apply rose water to your face with a cotton pad after cleansing to tighten pores and refresh your skin.
2. **Hydrating Mist**: Spritz rose water on your face throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and refreshed.
3. **Soothing Compress**: Apply rose water with a cotton ball to soothe sunburn or irritated skin.
4. **Under-Eye Treatment**: Dab rose water under your eyes to reduce puffiness and dark circles.

### For Hair

1. **Hair Rinse**: After shampooing, rinse your hair with rose water to add shine and manageability.
2. **Scalp Treatment**: Massage rose water into your scalp to soothe irritation and reduce dandruff.
3. **Hydrating Spray**: Spray rose water onto your hair to refresh and add moisture.

### For Eyes

1. **Eye Wash**: Use rose water as a gentle eye wash to soothe tired or irritated eyes.
2. **Eye Drops**: Add a few drops of rose water to your eyes to reduce redness and refresh your vision.

Incorporating rose water into your daily routine can enhance your skin, hair, and eye health, providing a natural and effective solution for various beauty concerns.

# The Versatile Benefits of Rose Water for Your Face, Hair, and Eyes

Rose water, a fragrant elixir made by distilling rose petals, has been cherished for centuries for its beauty benefits. From skincare to haircare, and even eye care, rose water offers a natural and effective solution. Here’s how to incorporate rose water into your beauty routine for radiant skin, lustrous hair, and refreshed eyes.

Uses of rose water for Face

### 1. As a Toner
Cleanse your face thoroughly before spritzing rose water lightly over it. Alternatively, apply rose water with a cotton pad, let it partially absorb, and follow up with your favorite serum and moisturizer. Rose water effectively removes dirt and impurities, leaving your skin refreshed and smelling delightful.

### 2. As a Cleanser
For a gentle cleanse, apply rose water to cotton balls and softly wipe your face and neck. This helps remove impurities without stripping your skin of its natural oils.


### 3. Added to DIY Face Masks
Enhance the benefits of your homemade face masks by adding rose water. It boosts hydration and adds a soothing effect to the mask.


## How to Use Rose Water for Hair

While rose water is well-known for its skincare benefits, it also works wonders for hair. Its moisturizing properties help to reduce dryness and frizz, while its anti-inflammatory nature soothes an irritated scalp and reduces dandruff. The antioxidants in rose water protect hair from damage caused by free radicals.

### 1. Hair Rinse
After washing your hair, rinse it with rose water to remove excess oil and hydrate your hair. Boil seven to eight rose petals in distilled water, let it cool, and use this rose water as a rinse.

### 2. Rose Water Hair Mist
Rose water’s mild fragrance makes it a natural hair perfume. Its astringent properties help to remove dandruff and oiliness from the scalp while rehydrating your hair to prevent frizz.

### 3. Scalp Massage
Massage rose water into your scalp to ensure even distribution. Leave it in for 15-20 minutes before washing it off. This helps soothe the scalp and balance oil production.

## How to Use Rose Water for Eyes

Rose water can also be used to refresh and soothe your eyes.

### Soothing Eyewash
For a gentle eyewash, simply use rose water to cleanse your eyes. This can help reduce redness and provide a refreshing feeling.

By incorporating rose water into your daily routine, you can experience its natural benefits for your skin, hair, and eyes. This versatile elixir offers a simple and effective way to enhance your beauty regimen, providing hydration, soothing irritation, and promoting overall health.