Protein insufficiency affects about 1 billion individuals globally and is rare in the industrialised world. Insufficient protein consumption leads to a variety of health complications, including muscle loss and an increased risk of bone fracture, among others.

9 Hidden Signs of Protein Deficiency

What are Proteins?

Proteins are the large molecules, building blocks of tissues that are required by our body to perform various functions. Proteins are generally required for : 

Cells require protein to produce enzymes and hormones. 

Protein helps in the healing of body tissues.

It helps in blood clotting.

It makes the immune system strong.

Protein plays a vital role in the absorption of essential nutrients in our body.

It is the foundation of your hair, body muscles, and skin.

It helps in transporting oxygen.

In an emergency (due to low carbohydrate), protein also provides energy to the body. 

How Much Protein is Required? 

The body's protein requirement is based on various factors such as age, gender, and physical activity of an individual. Since protein is required to perform different metabolic functions, the protein requirement varies for every individual. However, according to RDA(Recommended Dietary Allowance), adults need .8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight every day.

Look Out for Nine Hidden Signs of Protein Deficiency

Doctors prescribe a balanced diet with an adequate quantity of protein for healthy living. Protein deficiency has significant health hazards for individuals. The following nine hidden signs of protein deficiency should never be overlooked :

1)  Weak Immune system  

Deficiency of protein results in a weak immune system. As a result of protein deficiency, an individual falls sick very frequently.

2)  Changes in your skin, hair, and nails

Brittle nails, dry skin, hair loss, and dull hair are also signs of protein deficiency.  

3)  Your body healing suffers.  

Proteins help repair and rebuild new cells and tissues in our bodies—the deficiency of protein results in the body's slow healing process.

4)  Bones fracture easily

   Your body needs a sufficient quantity of protein to build muscles and increase bone density. The deficiency of protein results in muscle wasting and increases the threat of bone fracture.

5)  Loss of concentration 

Lack of concentration or difficulty focusing on things and problems in retaining information also indicates protein deficiency. Proteins are required for the proper functioning of neurotransmitters in your brain. The lack of protein thus results in poor concentration.

6)  Difficulty in sleeping 

Protein is required to create neurotransmitters like serotonin that regulates the sleep cycle. The deficiency of protein causes serotonin deficiency leading to insomnia.  

7)  Mood swings and depression 

Mood controlling neurotransmitters such as dopamine are synthesized by protein. These compounds, when available in less quantity due to protein deficiency results in mood swings or depression.

8)  Loss of stamina or fatigue 

Protein intake facilitates the absorption of vital nutrients such as iron in our body. With a low nutrient intake body, stamina suffers adversely. A person feels fatigued quickly, another hidden sign of protein deficiency.

9)  Unexplained hunger 

The protein-rich diet reduces ghrelin levels, a hormone responsible for stimulating hunger. Thus protein deficiency can lead to increased sugar cravings and body weight gain.

What Are The Diseases Caused Due To The Deficiency of Protein?  

Two major diseases caused due to protein deficiency are-

1)  Kwashiorkor - Some common symptoms of kwashiorkor are :

Ø Edema

Ø Failure of growth

Ø Moon face

Ø Skin and hair changes

Ø Irritable behaviour

2)  Marasmus -  Some common symptoms of Marasmus are:

Ø Muscle wasting

Ø Failure to thrive

Ø Growth failure

Ø Different kind of infections

Both the diseases caused due to deficiency of protein intake is frequently detected among poor young children in developing nations.

How big is the problem of protein deficiency in India?

According to the recent studies conducted by IDA (Indian Dietetic Association), the protein consumption among Indians is deficient. Studies further elaborated that nearly 84% population in the country are protein deficient. Moreover, inferior health muscle is prevalent among 71% of Indians. The problem of protein deficiency is found in both urban and rural India.

How is Protein Deficiency Detected?

The deficiency of protein in the body can be easily detected through blood tests. Test to determine the level of protein in the blood is called the total protein test. By identifying the level of two proteins, namely, albumin and globulin in the blood, protein deficiency can be ascertained.

What Are The Causes of Protein Deficiency? 

There are different causes of protein deficiency in the body. Some of these causes are discussed below.

1) The poor dietary choice is one of the prime reasons for protein deficiency. A large section of Indians are vegetarians that augment the problem of protein deficiency.

2) Liver and kidney disorders are also responsible for protein deficiency in the body.

3) Lack of awareness among the general population regarding the requirement of an adequate protein intake quantity is another major factor for protein deficiency.

4) Celiac disease can also lead to protein deficiency.

5) Inflammatory bowel disease is another cause of deficiency of protein in the body.  

Summary 

Protein is an essential nutrient for a healthy human body. The proteins are required to perform various normal body functions; hence protein deficiency may result in health impairment. Therefore, it is advisable to consume sufficient protein quantity in our daily diet to remain healthy.

The Montreal Jazz Festival is a musical extravaganza that draws music lovers from every corner of the world. A total of 3,000 performers and musicians from over 30 nations entertain audiences in a variety of indoor and outdoor shows.

Montreal Jazz Festival  

Experience The Wonder Jazz

Have you heard about one of the most enigmatic music fests in the world? Yes, I am talking about the Montreal Jazz festival, the one with admirers around the world. If not, then do scroll down and read more about this fantastic event organized every year for music lovers.

 

Montréal International Jazz Festival organized in Quebec, Canada is one of the most sought-after musical events in the world today. For ten days music enthusiasts from across the globe converge in Montreal to witness and be part of, one of the most massive Jazz musical extravaganzas in the world. Yeah, you read it right, ten days of complete madness, isn’t it cool? The festival has flourished as a melting point of different styles of jazz music, much to the joy of the audience.

Part of history

Montreal Jazz festival inaugurated in 1980 with a limited audience and music bands have grown to become an annual pilgrimage for musicians and enthusiasts. Such is the craze that the audience, musicians, singers, technicians, organizers, wait in anticipation throughout the year to be part of the much-celebrated event on the calendar. You will be amazed to know that people plan their lives around the jazz festival.

The annual jazz festival has great significance for local Canadians who brave long harsh winters. The music event that falls during summer is a perfect excuse for Canadians to come out in large numbers and party. After all, who wouldn't like to have some fun after unforgiving, cruel winters?

 

Montreal Jazz Festival Line-up

Montreal jazz festival is the largest in terms of the crowd. Each year the music event is attended by more than 2 million people with a sizeable (12.5%) being tourists. The musical extravaganza also holds the Guinness World Record (2004) of being the most significant jazz event organized in any part of the world. If you don't believe it witnesses the event and comment :)

 

The performance of more than 3000 artists from different parts of the world adds to the diversity and popularity of the musical blowout. The concerts are organized in both outdoor and indoor venues. Throughout the ten days, around 650 shows, the majority of them free (about 450) enchants the audience.

 

It's all the climate Stupid.

One major contributing factor to the success of the Montréal jazz festival is the ideal climate during that part of the year. As the warm weather approaches Montreal city, it transforms into a gracious host, the ultimate destination for music lovers. It is the time of the year when thousands of musicians, enthusiasts groove to the rhythmic melodies of Jazz.

 

The city administration, on its part, enforces a significant shutdown of city traffic to facilitate the outdoor venues that organize concerts. The performances by artists typically begin at noon and continue till early morning. Approximately 100,000 to 200,000 people attend each site, and the number swells by weekends. There are live jazz performances held at small indoor venues for a limited audience.

 

The Jazz

Jazz music originated in Africa and traversed a long path to become part of the urban music scene in the Northern hemisphere. The rhythmic music was passed on from one generation to another before eventually taking the center-stage in western nations like Britain, Canada, and America. The penetration of the Jazz continued throughout the 1900s and gradually became popular among the general population.

 

As it transcended racial boundaries, its popularity breached geographical limits. The original tradition of swinging to beats, clapping, and performing songs to reflect human emotions is still the crowd puller. The soulful jazz music has evolved over some time with many new forms added much to the joy of the young generation.

 

At the Montréal Jazz festival, music fans can enjoy different genres and styles of Jazz in one place. Although the festival was conceptualized for jazz fans,  another type of music that is influenced by Jazz is additionally performed now. The variety of jazz forms, including Gypsy jazz, Bebop, Modal Jazz, Latin Jazz mesmerize the audience. Apart from it, music forms inspired by Jazz such as jazz fusion, hip-hop, electronica also enthralls the audience. The versatility ensures there is something available to match the musical tastes of every individual irrespective of age.

 

An Abundance of Talent- Local and Foreign

Montreal jazz festival also serves as an excellent podium for emerging local talent in Canada to showcase their skills. Competitions are organized amongst different Canadian music bands much to the delight of the audience. Awards to budding musicians is a token of appreciation and encourage them to work hard.

 

The rich diversity of the music festival is also due to the plethora of world-class jazz artists apart from the local talent. The music at the festival spans classic Jazz to chart hopping reggae. There are even roaming bands that perform on the pedestrian section for free. The music blended with fun and comradeship captivates the audience. I am loving it.

 

Its also about Money Honey.

Festivals are an inherent part of the jazz culture and are sprinkled in different parts of the world. These festivals embrace the local flavors and enrich the overall music scene. Moreover, these festivals also give a significant boost to the local economies.

 

According to organizers, the Montréal jazz festival contributes more than $100 million to the local economy. It is a perfect outing for the whole family to visit the venue. Besides music, people can indulge in a variety of food cuisines to satisfy their taste buds. Apart from different cuisines food trucks selling street food are also in high demand—the organizers at Montréal jazz festival boost of sales of food and beer worth millions every year. I want golgappas too :)0

Multiple benefits

Music festivals provide opportunities and are beneficial to host countries, and the Montréal jazz festival is no different. But the massive scale of opportunities created by the Montreal festival makes it unique. Apart from providing a platform to local evolving music talent, the festival has far-reaching economic benefits to add to its legacy. Don't we need such festivals in India too?

Finally

The Montréal jazz festival conceptualized by Alain Simard and André Ménard as a pure jazz venue has evolved in the last 40 years. Today, a broad spectrum of events such as seminars, music workshops, competitions for specific instruments organized in the ten-day festival for spectators, and music enthusiasts is an added attraction.

 

What makes the Montréal International jazz festival spectacular is, it has something special for everyone; a tiny piece of souvenir in the form of memories to cherish and take home and a promise to come back next season. It has emerged as a major tourist destination where the tourists flock in droves to witness an enchanting life-changing moment. Impressive indeed. 

Image Courtesy - Google

A cryptocurrency is a type of digital currency that was generated employing encryption algorithms.

 Factors that Affect Cryptocurrency Prices 

What we all know about crypto?

Cryptocurrency, a type of digital currency operating on blockchain technology, was non-existent about a decade ago. Today, over 6,700 different types of cryptocurrencies are publicly traded demonstrating its popularity among investors and speculators alike.

But one intriguing issue is the fluctuation in cryptocurrency prices. With current (total) valuations of all digital currencies pegged at $645.7 billion, have you ever wondered what factors affect the cryptocurrency prices? Here, we discuss important factors that drive the cryptocurrency prices.

Now, the factors

v  Supply and Demand 

     One important factor affecting/influencing the prices of cryptocurrency is the supply-demand scenario. Increase in demand from end-users is what fuels the price value, higher the demand higher the prices and vice-versa.

v  Mining costs

     The cost of mining cryptocurrency influences its prices in the market. The cost of mining also includes the validation and the addition to the blockchain process. 

v  Legal issues

   There is no uniformity in regulating the cryptocurrencies around the world. Some countries are more receptive of the idea, while others have banned their use. The evolving rules and regulations to regulate digital currency impact cryptocurrency prices. 

v  Media analysis

   Sentiments drive the markets, and the media plays a pivotal role in creating market sentiment. Positive analysis, imparting knowledge on cryptocurrency and related news help in better understanding affecting the prices.

v  Financial volatility

    In case of any financial crisis, investors often flock to alternate places to park funds. One popular place to invest in the cryptocurrency market as the virtual market is insulated. The increase of participation results in fluctuation of prices of digital currency.

The final verdict

    Cryptocurrency is a speculative and risky asset to buy with multiple factors driving the prices. The volatility in the cryptocurrency prices is generally due to the above-mentioned factors, but other factors like manipulation by vested interests can not be ruled out. Cryptocurrency is not a uniformly recognized legal tender and hence needs caution to add to your portfolio. 

Images: Google images

As a result of the economic lockdown and recession, more students may have difficulty finding employment or internships, which may negatively impact their future employment prospects.

How Has The Current Lockdown Situation Impacted A Student's Career? 

Coronavirus pandemic has emerged as a formidable challenge to humanity. The worsening health crisis prompted governments across the world to impose lockdown. In India too, all schools and colleges were temporarily shut down as a precautionary measure by the government.

The temporary measure to close down educational institutions had a domino’s effect on the entire education sector. From board examinations to competitive exams in universities, everything got cancelled, much to the horror of students who are stuck in the limbo and are staring at the wastage of an academic year.

Impact of lockdown on schools

The school lockdown disrupted academic activity immensely. To start with, there were no nursery admissions in schools; similarly, board examinations across the nation were cancelled. One of the significant drawbacks of the lockdown was the complete breakdown of the teaching system in the majority of our schools. 

In our country, most of the state-run government schools and a large number of low-income private schools do not have access to technology-driven e-learning solutions. As the vast majority of students are admitted in these schools, there is complete floundering of their academic activities.

On the other hand, only a small number of private schools, with limited enrolled students, have the ability to impart education, through e-learning programs.

The lack of e-learning facilities due to paucity of resources is a significant roadblock today. It has severely dented the continuation of the academic session in the majority of our schools. With no certainty emerging on the schedule for reopening of schools, the bleak outlook for students is likely to continue in the immediate future.

Colleges and Universities

Not just schools even the academic session in colleges and universities are impacted severely. The significant disruption in higher education is, however, limited in scale because of access to e-learning solutions.

The situation is, however, different for students applying for courses in various universities abroad. The pandemic badly hits many of the countries where students migrate to study—these countries such as USA, China, UK. Etc have barred the intake of international students in the present academic year. 

Similarly, students who have applied for higher education within the country are also feeling the pressure because of the mass cancellation of entrance exams in these universities. However, there are various initiatives taken by private individuals and socities to ensure students can study online from the comfort of their homes.

Job Scenario

The long term impact of the pandemic on various sectors is still under review, but the short term repercussions on the economy are beginning to take its toll on students.

Due to faltering economic activity, most of the graduates, around 33 lakh from arts, commerce and related fields and 16 lakh from engineering and management field are facing grim professional job scenario. Most of the companies have deferred the interviews for fresh hiring of students due to stagnant growth and uncertain economic activity.

As the businesses are affected worldwide, private companies are less enthusiastic and have scaled-down their attendance to hire students through on-campus placement drives.  

In cases where jobs are being offered, the companies have postponed the joining dates and in some cases even withdrawn the appointments.

According to the estimate, the slump in employment activity has pushed the early April unemployment rate to 23 per cent from 8.4 per cent in March. The worrying part is, the urban unemployment rate could be as high as 30.9 per cent.

Sensing the fear of fresh graduates to the withdrawal of job offers the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has urged the corporates to honour their job commitments. 

There is no denying the fact that the enforced lockdown has jeopardized the already stressed job market. The slowing economy will further deteriorate the prospects of students to secure job. 

Under present circumstances, the students who have availed education loans for higher studies are facing a double whammy. Not only faltering job prospects even loan repayment is a major headache for them. 

Summary

The lockdown has disrupted the education sector immensely and threatened the education of 285 million students temporarily. With the pandemic situation worsening and no respite in sight due to lockdown, the students have to bear the maximum brunt of the emerging scenario. The long term impact of the pandemic induced lockdown on students will be assessed only later, but the aspirations of young learners are curtailed for now.