Most Frequently Asked Health Queries

1.Is Soya Protein complete?Are there any negatives to consuming defatted soyabeans?

Marilyn via E-mail.

Yes,soya protein is now considered a complete or a "first class" protein.Until a few years ago,it was not considered a complete protein,since it was compared with the protein requirements for the growth of mice.However,now it has been resolved that it compares well with human growth requirements.

There are no obvious negatives to eating defatted soya.However,soyabean oil has a very favourable fatty acid(PUFA:MUFA)profile.So,again,if you are normal healthy weight,then soya -the bean-can very well from a part of your diet.As you know,it is one of the richest sources of "first class" protein for vegetarians besides milk and milk products.

2.Are the substitutes for sugar like Sugar Free and Equal safe for a diabetic and overweight person to take?

A.K. Patel,Baroda,India.

Sugar Free & Equal are safe when used upto 2-3 pills per day.More than that can be detrimental to the health of a diabetic.

3.I am 22 years old.I am overweight(102 kgs).Please help.

Carrie Ann Williams,Florida,USA.

You should have a low-calorie diet and do a lot of exercises.A routine medical check-up will help in ruling out any health problem which can also cause obesity.Have lots of green vegetables,low-fat curd and citrus fruits.Avoid rice,heavy cereals,potatoes and sweets.

4.What is Tubectomy operation?Please elaborate.

Mrs.M. Chawla via E-mail.

Tubectomy means cutting of tube.Tubes in general terms meant Fallopian Tubes,which are 2 in number and are situated in the lower part of the abdomen.The length of each Fallopian tube is about 10 cm.These tubes are attached on one end to uterus and the other end is open in the abdomen.When the ova is released from the ovary,it is picked up by fallopian tube and is transmitted to the uterus.If sperms are present in the Fallopian tubes,ova is fertilised and then that is embedded in the uterus.In short,we can say that Fallopian tubes are responsible fro transmitting ova from ovaries to uterus.In Tubectomy operation the tubes are divided by cutting the tubes so that ova are not transmitted to uterus.This is the reason that after tubectomy operation pregnancy cannot take place.