HEALTH & SCIENCE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013 Non-surgical solution for weight loss by BSBC For the first time in the ME a breakthrough KUWAIT: Bader Sultan & Brothers Company (BSBC) recently hosted a seminar for the leading bariatric surgeons in Kuwait which shed the light on the latest innovative non invasive weight loss technology “OBALON”. Well renowned Prof. Alfredo Genco - Chairman of the Department of Surgical Science - Surgical Endoscopy Unit, Multidisciplinary Centre for the treatment of morbid obesity policlinico umberto / Hospital -Sapienza University, Italy, conduct- ed the seminar and discussed the advan- tages, safety and simplicity of OBALON, the noninvasive weight loss treatment which will be available in December. Prof Genco highlighted how this novel non-surgical, fully-reversible device for weight loss will offer a new and different approach for people who have struggled with dieting in the past but haven’t succeed- ed in losing weight. He also highlighted how this device works, what it consists of and how easy it is to insert and remove the Obalon after the desired weight is reached. Prof Genco explained that Obalon balloon consists of a capsule containing a balloon that is swallowed and then inflated and as such it will occupy the upper space in the stomach to create a feeling of fullness to help people eat less. Additional balloons can be swallowed and inflated during the treatment period depending on the response of the patient. At the end of the treatment period, the balloons are removed through a short endoscopic procedure. The entire procedure takes only 15 min- utes with no sedation required. Emad Al Zaban, General Manager Bader Sultan & Brothers Company (BSBC) said: “Obesity is a worldwide epidemic. Although bariatric surgery has demonstrated very good weight loss results, the surgeries are costly, irreversible and may be risky. We are happy to be the pioneer in introducing such a breakthrough technology to the Middle East. He further stressed how this revolution- ary method, “Obalon balloon”, will offers an easy, discreet non-surgical weight loss solu- tion which will definitely change the lives of many. The seminar shed light on how obese patients struggle with losing weight and how with Obalon doctors will soon be able to offer patients an effective and safe non-surgi- cal solution for weight loss which will for sure be the number one choice for physicians and patients as well. NEW DELHI: Jamun not only acts as a pow- erful antioxidant that helps to improve immunity but its most profound benefit lies in its being of special use in the treat- ment of diabetes. The fruit is acidic and astringent in nature and has a sweet taste. Glucose and fructose are the major sugars found in the ripe fruit, it is also laden with minerals, and provides fewer calories, as compared to other fruits, Diabetic Living India reported. Jamun is believed to be of special use in treatment of diabetes. In Unani and Ayurvedic systems, it is used for digestive disorders. The leaves, bark, and seeds are the most useful parts among which the seeds are popular for their anti diabetic properties. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine Jambolan was used to help with thirst, diar- rhea, and in healing of wounds. The key ingredient that shows anti-diabetic action is jamboline (a chemical) in the seeds. Extracts of the bark, seeds and leaves have been found to cause a marked prolonged decrease in blood sugar and glycouria (sugar in urine). Several studies have shown that jamun has hypoglycemic effects with up to 30 percent reduction in blood sugar. Seeds are rich in alkaloids which have the hypo- glycemic effects. Diabetic patients can consume jamun fruit daily to control their sugar levels, which certainly helps to enhance the insulin activity and sensitivity. In addition, seeds powder can be taken as an adjuvant both for type-2 diabetes, insulin dependent or non-insulin depend- ent. The real benefit is at the stage of IFG (Impaired fasting glucose) which can be well-controlled with jamun, both with fruit as well as the seed powder. Regulation of IFG prevents the early onset of diabetes and further conditions. Since it is a good source of vitamin A and C, so is very beneficial for eye and skin health. Jamun acts as a coolant and also possesses anti- diarrhoeal properties, so is beneficial for the digestive system. It is also used in the treatment of sore throat and asthma in Ayurveda. Jamun leaves were used for healing pus-filled wounds in the ancient days, which sug- gests that it has anti-bacterial and healing properties too. Being rich in antioxidants, it improves immunity and helps to prevent cancer. ‘Jamun’ beneficial for diabetics