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Healthy diet can relieve depression: Study

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6 years ago

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Healthy diet

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our diet not only defines our physical health but also our mental health. A healthy diet can reduce symptoms of depression.

The study, published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, found a healthier diet can significantly improve symptoms of depression.

Researchers at Western Sydney University analysed dietary interventions in nearly 46,000 people participating in 16 different trials across the world.

It was already known that poor diet can negatively impact mental health, but there was previously a lack of evidence about the impact of improving diet on ill mental health.

“This is actually good news,” said lead author, Dr. Joseph Firth of the NICM Health Research Institute at Western Sydney University.

“The similar effects from any type of dietary improvement suggests that highly-specific or specialised diets are unnecessary for the average individual,” Dr. Joseph added.

Joseph further said, “Instead, just making simple changes is equally beneficial for mental health. In particular, eating more nutrient-dense meals that are high in fibre and vegetables, while cutting back on fast-foods and refined sugars, appears to be sufficient for avoiding the potentially negative psychological effects of a ‘junk food’ diet.”

Foods high in sugar or fat activate the brain’s reward system, make us feel good, but the effect is temporary.

“The ‘comfort’ afforded by indulging in junk food could potentially lead to a vicious cycle for those who become dependent on eating high fat/high sugar foods to temporarily boost their mood – but to their long-term detriment,” Dr. Firth suggested, adding this hypothesis needed to be investigated.

The positive effects of exchanging junk foods for nutrient-dense foods were greatest among women, which Firth said may be because of biological differences, social factors, or could be driven by higher rates of depression among women.

“Fruits and vegetables contain many important nutrients including fibre, vitamins and minerals, as well as phytochemicals like polyphenols, and a variety of these foods should be consumed daily for good health,” said Dr Carly Moore, an associate lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics at Flinders University.

While the researchers said they need to do further research to understand the pathway underlying the effect, previous research has found that our microbiome (the community of bacteria in our guts) is “strongly associated” with mood-relating behaviours, including major depressive disorder. Changing our diet is a simple and effective way of shifting the balance of bacteria in our bellies.

The current analysis focused on people without clinical depression (people who had symptoms of depression, like “feeling down” or low mood, but were not being treated professionally) however, previous research has found that dietary improvements are an auxiliary approach that are both cost-effective and lead to better outcomes for those suffering clinical depression.

“Importantly, it’s not an either-or question: diet and exercise improvements provide benefits to the whole person, including their physical health, in addition to other treatments [not instead of],” said Professor Felice Jacka, director of Deakin University’s Food and Mood Centre.

“This meta-analysis, combined with recent meta-analyses showing that a healthier diet is associated with a reduced risk of depression make policy change to address our terrible food environments an urgent imperative. We need to make healthy food the cheapest, most accessible and most heavily marketed, which is the opposite of the situation we have currently.”

Know more about health related tips.

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How to turn your ideas into Ghibli-style AI images using ChatGPT

Discover how to create Studio Ghibli-style AI art for free using ChatGPT and other AI tools, with step-by-step instructions and alternative platforms.

Published

2 hours ago

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March 28, 2025

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AI-generated Studio Ghibli style art featuring fantasy landscape

A new wave of AI-generated art inspired by Studio Ghibli is taking the internet by storm, thanks to recent advancements in image generation technology. OpenAI’s latest update to ChatGPT now allows users to create visuals mimicking the dreamy, whimsical aesthetic of Japanese animation legend Hayao Miyazaki.

With just a simple text prompt, users can generate fantasy landscapes, expressive characters, and ethereal scenes reminiscent of classics like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. This trend has gained traction on social media, where Ghibli-style artworks are being widely shared.

How to generate Ghibli-style art using ChatGPT

To create these visuals, users can log into chat.openai.com and start a new chat. After entering a descriptive prompt—such as “Show me in Studio Ghibli style”—ChatGPT processes the request and displays a matching image, which can then be downloaded directly.

However, this feature is currently available only to users subscribed to ChatGPT’s Plus, Pro, Team, or other select plans. OpenAI’s CEO has acknowledged that demand has caused delays in offering image generation to all users.

Free alternatives for Ghibli-style image creation

For those not subscribed to ChatGPT’s paid tiers, several free AI tools offer similar capabilities:

  • Gemini and GrokAI: Generate detailed Ghibli-style visuals with well-phrased prompts.
  • Craiyon: A basic online AI tool that creates Ghibli-inspired imagery using simple descriptions.
  • Artbreeder: Enables users to blend and modify image styles, though some features are locked behind a paywall.
  • Runway ML, Leonardo AI, and Mage.space: These advanced platforms offer free trials and allow for intricate styling, such as capturing the soft textures or color schemes typical of Ghibli animations.

These tools open creative avenues for users to explore the world of AI art without spending a rupee.

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Lifestyle

Chaitra Navratri 2025: Kalash Sthapana muhurat and rituals for invoking Goddess Durga’s blessings

Chaitra Navratri 2025 begins on March 30 with Ghatasthapana. Learn about Kalash Sthapana muhurat, rituals, and the spiritual meaning behind the nine days of celebration.

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3 hours ago

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March 28, 2025

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Chaitra Navratri 2025

As the auspicious festival of Chaitra Navratri 2025 approaches, devotees are gearing up to observe the traditional Kalash Sthapana, also known as Ghatasthapana, on Sunday, March 30. This sacred ritual marks the start of the nine-day celebration dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms.

Significance of Kalash Sthapana

The ritual of Kalash Sthapana is more than just a tradition—it signifies the establishment of a sacred space that welcomes the divine feminine energy. The Kalash, or sacred pot, symbolises purity, fertility, and prosperity. Performing this ritual during the correct muhurat is considered essential to invoke Goddess Durga’s blessings for health, fortune and spiritual growth.

To prepare for the ritual, the puja space is thoroughly cleaned and sanctified. A wooden platform or chowki is adorned with a red cloth, and nine varieties of grains are arranged over it before placing the Kalash. Devotees fill the Kalash with water, turmeric, vermilion, and five mango leaves. In front of it, barley seeds are sown in a clay pot, symbolising abundance and the beginning of creation.

Chaitra Navratri 2025 Ghatasthapana date and shubh muhurat

  • Date: March 30, 2025
  • Morning Muhurat: 6:13 am to 10:22 am
  • Abhijit Muhurat: 12:01 pm to 12:50 pm

Performing Kalash Sthapana within this time frame is believed to bring spiritual and material success.

Ritual guidelines for devotees

During Chaitra Navratri, devotees engage in rituals such as fasting, chanting, temple visits, and pujas dedicated to the Navadurga, the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga. A few key points for Kalash Sthapana include:

  • Position the Kalash before the idol or image of Goddess Durga
  • Light an Akhanda Deep, an uninterrupted lamp, next to the Kalash
  • Chant mantras to invoke the presence of the goddess

Nine days of Navadurga worship

Each day of Chaitra Navratri holds unique significance, with specific pujas performed for each avatar of Goddess Durga:

  • March 30 – Pratipada: Ghatasthapana & Shailputri Puja
  • March 31 – Dwitiya: Brahmacharini Puja
  • April 1 – Tritiya: Chandraghanta Puja
  • April 2 – Chaturthi: Kushmanda Puja
  • April 3 – Panchami: Skandamata Puja
  • April 4 – Shashti: Katyayani Puja
  • April 5 – Saptami: Kalaratri Puja
  • April 6 – Ashtami: Mahagauri Puja & Kanya Pujan
  • April 7 – Navami: Siddhidatri Puja & Ram Navami

Chaitra Navratri is celebrated during the spring season and is one of the two major Navratris in the Hindu calendar. The festival underscores the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, with each day promoting spiritual discipline and devotion.

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Lifestyle

Happy Nowruz 2025: Wishes, messages, and quotes to celebrate Persian New Year

Nowruz 2025, the Persian New Year, is celebrated on March 20, marking the arrival of spring. Share these wishes, messages, and quotes with your loved ones.

Published

1 week ago

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March 20, 2025

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Nowruz 2025 celebrations with festive decorations and Persian traditions

Nowruz, also known as Navroz, marks the beginning of the Persian or Iranian New Year and is celebrated with great enthusiasm in several countries around the world. Observed during the vernal equinox, this festival symbolizes renewal, hope, and joy as the days begin to grow longer. In 2025, Nowruz falls on March 20, bringing with it celebrations filled with traditions, prayers, and festivities.

The significance of Nowruz

Nowruz is derived from two Persian words—”Now” meaning new and “Ruz” meaning day—translating to “New Day.” The festival marks the arrival of spring and is deeply rooted in Persian history and culture. It signifies new beginnings, optimism, and the triumph of light over darkness.

Where is Nowruz celebrated and how?

Nowruz is widely observed in regions across Central Asia, the Middle East, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and the Black Sea Basin. Countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Turkmenistan officially recognize Nowruz as a public holiday, allowing people to partake in grand celebrations.

In India, the Parsi community celebrates Nowruz with religious and cultural significance. Families visit Fire Temples to offer special prayers, clean their homes as part of the ritual of renewal, and prepare traditional delicacies like fried fish, herb rice, and sweet desserts to mark the occasion. Loved ones gather to share meals and extend best wishes for the new year.

Nowruz 2025 wishes, messages, and quotes

Celebrate Nowruz by sharing heartfelt wishes with your family and friends:

  • “As the new year blooms, may it bring fresh opportunities, abundant health, and lasting happiness. Nowruz Mubarak!”
  • “Nowruz Mubarak! May the spirit of renewal and growth bring you peace and happiness in the year ahead.”
  • “Wishing you and your family a joyful Nowruz! May the upcoming year bring you happiness, health, prosperity, and good luck.”
  • “May the first day of the month of Farvardin bring hope and light to you. Happy Nowruz!”
  • “Sending warm wishes for a happy Nowruz to you and your loved ones. May the year ahead bring joy and prosperity in abundance.”
  • “On this auspicious day, let me wish you love, luck, prosperity, and a whole lot of warmth.”
  • “Happy Nowruz! May this occasion mark the beginning of new opportunities and the fulfilment of your aspirations.”

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