Rationality and Scientific Lifestyle for Health (University of Tehran Science and Humanities Series)

This book argues that, to be healthy, human beings should love nature and stay in balance with it as much as possible. In other words: do not unbalance nature so that your own balance is not disturbed. The best and healthiest way for human beings to live is to find balance in life and nature. In this regard, the book discusses useful, nutritious, functional foods, nutraceuticals and antioxidants, and how natural molecules, which are provided by nature, can be the best medicine for human beings. At a molecular level, stress is defined by the presence of unbalanced free radicals in the body. Most diseases -- especially type 2 diabetes, which accounts for the majority of diabetics -- can be traced back to this problem. Our scientific evidence indicates that type 2 diabetes isn't just a disease resulting from sugar, but also from stress. The book seeks to promote a healthier lifestyle by considering the psychoemotional dimension of wellness. And finally, it contends that good sleep is at the root of health and happiness for humanity, and that unbalanced free radicals are expelled from the body during restful sleep. The authors hope that this book will be a helpful guide and source of peace for readers, especially given their need for inner calm during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that the suggestions provided will show them the way to a better life Preface About This Book Contents Editor and Contributors 1 Philosophy Virtue of Nature, Mankind and Natural Health Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Exercise 3 Nutrition and Diet 4 Spiritual Beliefs 5 Reduce Stress and Anxiety 6 Sleep 6.1 Optimize Melatonin Levels in the Body 7 Activate Happiness Hormones 8 Conclusion References 2 Bioinspiration and Biomimicry in Lifestyle Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Nature-Based Technologies 2.1 Surface Engineering 2.2 Sensor Technology 2.3 Wave and Vibrations 2.4 Tissue-Engineering 2.5 Flight Technology 2.6 Energy and Environment 3 Biomimetic Drug Delivery 3.1 Bioinspired Nanostructures 3.2 Liposomes 3.3 Biomimetic Polymeric Carriers 3.4 Dendrimers 4 Bioinspired Materials for Medical Applications 4.1 Types of Biomaterials 4.1.1 Metals 4.1.2 Ceramics 4.1.3 Biopolymers 4.1.4 Composites 4.2 Application Areas and Practices 4.2.1 Orthopedics 4.2.2 Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) 4.2.3 Wound Healing 5 Artistic Design and Biomimetic Process 6 Interdisciplinary Education: Biological Inspiration 7 Biomimetic Approach in Architecture 8 Conclusion Acknowledgments References 3 Nature’s Generosity in Protecting Human Health Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Noradrenaline 3 l-Dopa (Levodopa) 4 Levothyroxine 5 Physostigmine 6 Morphine 7 Colchicine 8 Nicotine 9 Dextrorphan 10 Glyceollin 11 Epibatidine 12 Conclusion References 4 Biodiversity and Drug Discovery Approach to Natural Medicine Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Medicinal Plants with Bioactive Compounds 3 Microbial Sources as Natural Drugs 4 Marine Sources as Natural Medicine 5 Animal Sources as Natural Medicine 6 Natural Products and Biodiversity Conservation 7 Effects of Biodiversity Loss on Human Health 8 Conclusion References 5 Nutraceuticals and Superfoods Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Some Examples of Nutraceuticals and Superfoods 2.1 Curcumin 2.2 Pomegranate 2.3 Walnut 2.4 Camel Milk 2.5 Food Proteins-Originated Bioactive Peptides 3 Conclusion References 6 Spices as Traditional Remedies: Scientifically Proven Benefits Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Saffron 3 Ginger 4 Cinnamon 5 Turmeric 6 Conclusion References 7 Halal Products and Healthy Lifestyle Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Halal Food 2.1 Halal Dairy Products 2.2 Halal Meat 3 Halal Slaughtering 4 Digestion of Halal Meat 5 Microbiological Spoilage 6 Lipid and Protein Oxidation 7 Antioxidant Effects 8 Halal Cosmetics 8.1 Halal Cosmetics Ingredients 9 Detection of Halal Products 10 Conclusion References 8 Lifestyle in the Regulation of Diabetic Disorders Abstract 1 Introduction 1.1 Health 1.2 Diseasess 1.3 Health Promotion 1.4 Aging 2 Normal Cell Signaling as the Normal Cellular Language 3 New Abnormal Language by Cellular Signaling Modification 4 Lifestyle 4.1 Lifestyle Diseases 4.2 Diabetes 4.3 Unhealthy Lifestyle 4.4 Effective Elements in a Healthy Lifestyle 4.4.1 Probiotics 4.4.2 Plant-Based Diets and Phytochemicals 4.4.3 Whole Grains 4.4.4 Healthy Fats 4.4.5 Nature Close Contact 4.4.6 Negative Ions 4.4.7 Use Mobile Phone Carefully 4.4.8 Spirituality and Inner Peace 4.4.9 Hydration 5 Conclusion References 9 Healthier Lifestyle by Considering Psychoemotional Dimension of Wellness Abstract 1 Introduction 2 The Role of Psychoemotional Factors in Health 2.1 Healthy Food Diet 2.2 Healthy Mental Diet 2.3 Making Lifestyle Changes 3 The Role of Brain in Psychoemotional Health 4 The Role of Heart in Psychoemotional Health 5 Heart Rate Variability (HRV): The Symphony of the Human Body 6 Heart-Brain Connection and Coherence: The Optimized Psychoemotional State 7 Conclusion References 10 Good Sleep as an Important Pillar for a Healthy Life Abstract 1 Introduction 2 The Role of Melatonin and Adenosine in the Sleep–Wake Cycle 3 The Role of Other Hormones in the Sleep–Wake Cycle 3.1 Norepinephrine 3.2 Cortisol 3.3 Prolactin 3.4 Growth Hormone 4 Different Stages of Sleep from the Perspective of Modern Science 4.1 The First Stage of NREM Sleep or N1 4.2 The Second Stage of NREM Sleep or N2 4.3 N3 Stage of NREM Sleep or Stage 3–4 4.4 In REM Sleep 5 Changing Sleep Patterns with Age and Pregnancy 6 Introducing Important Sleep Disorders 6.1 Immune System 6.2 Obesity 6.3 Cardiovascular System 6.4 Diabetes 6.5 Mental Health 7 Important Benefits of Good Quality Sleep for Body and Health 8 The Important Events Associated with Dreaming, Nightmares, and Sleepwalking 8.1 Sleep Dreaming 8.2 Nightmares 8.3 Sleepwalking 9 Medical Problems and Diseases Caused by Insomnia 10 Important Strategies to Cope with Insomnia Problems and to Improve Sleep Quality 11 Conclusion References Index