COVID-19 Variant: What We Know About This New Mutation

COVID-19 Variant: What we know about this new mutation

In early December a new variant of COVID -19 was detected in the UK, raising concerns across the world. SARS-CoV-2 has already significantly impacted the world, with 84 million cases worldwide and nearly 2 million deaths. Could the new variant cause further havoc? Is it something we should be worried about? Today we will have a look at what we know so far about the virus.

MUTAGENESIS

To start with we should go over viral mutations. Unlike complex organisms, viruses are highly prone to genetic mutations, even more than bacteria. All organisms including humans, birds, even worms, are prone to mutations as well. However due to their complexity, there is much higher risk of mutations causing significant problems with their cellular and genetic processes, problems that are often incompatible with life, or lead to cancer. For this reason, there are significant genetic roadblocks present to prevent such mutations from occurring.

Viruses on the other hand have genetic replication machinery of poor “quality”, prone to introducing mutations. Since they replicate quickly, with little care on which viral particles survive, it matters little if hundreds of viruses do not survive, as further thousands will and continue to spread in their host. It is for this reason we have such difficulty treating viruses or making viruses against them .

COVID VARIANT

The variant was first picked up by the COVID-19 Genomics UK consortium, which undertakes random genetic sequencing of positive COVID-19 samples across the UK. Since April they have sequenced 140,000 virus genomes, to identify and track outbreaks across the UK. The strain was first identified in September and sequenced in early October. However, the significance of this strain was not realized until the end of the year. By 13th December 1108 cases had been identified across 60 different locations, though the true number is likely much higher. In Norfolk, it accounts for nearly 20% of all samples.

17 Variations have been identified, most significantly in the spike protein the virus uses to bind to the ACE2 receptor found in the lungs. Changes in this protein may have resulted in it being more infectious and spreading more quickly between people. A review of current evidence has shown the rate of transmission was 71% higher than the other variants and may also have a much higher viral load. This has given it an advantage over the other COVID-19 strains- it has already been detected in South Africa, Europe, and America, and it is likely to become the dominant global strain in the near future.

It appears children are more susceptible to catching this virus. The virus propagated at a time when schools were open and running, whilst the rest of the country remained in lockdown. This may have provided a larger pool of children for the virus to spread in, resulting in this change. However, this does not mean that the virus “attacks” children, rather it is able to attach to ACE2 receptors in children’s lungs with greater ease and spread quickly.

VACCINE

The most important question on everyone’s mind – will the vaccine be effective against this new strain? If not, lockdown rules may be extended until new vaccines are discovered, and by then newer strains may leapfrog ahead and make the new vaccines irrelevant again.

So far experts believe that the new variant is unlikely to make vaccines ineffective. The vaccines all produce antibodies against the viral spike protein, but so far it appears the mutation has not changed the shape or function of the spike protein enough for antibodies to fail against it. The antibodies should be able to recognize enough sites on the spike protein to successfully attach, neuter the protein, and present the virus for destruction by the body’s immune system. Unfortunately, it will take some time to fully understand the effects of the mutation, though we can remain hopeful for now

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From Weight Loss to Heart Health: The Comprehensive Benefits of Eating Figs

Introduction to the Health Benefits of Figs

Figs are a delicious and nutritious fruit that have been enjoyed for centuries. Packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, figs offer numerous health benefits. Whether you eat them fresh or dried, figs can be a valuable addition to your diet. In this blog, we will explore the many advantages of eating figs, from aiding weight loss to improving heart health.

Figs for Weight Loss Benefits

If you're looking to shed some pounds, figs can be a fantastic addition to your weight loss plan. Figs are low in calories but high in dietary fiber, which helps you feel full longer and reduces overall calorie intake. The fiber content in figs promotes satiety, making you less likely to overeat.

Additionally, figs have a natural sweetness that can satisfy your sugar cravings without the added calories of processed sweets. Incorporating figs into your weight loss diet is easy. Enjoy them as a snack, add them to your salads, or blend them into your morning smoothie. The benefits of eating figs for weight loss are truly impressive, making them a great choice for anyone aiming to achieve a healthier weight.

Figs for Heart Disease Prevention

Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, but the good news is that figs can help protect your heart. Figs are rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation, two major factors in heart disease. The nutrients in figs, such as potassium and magnesium, are also essential for heart health.

Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, while magnesium supports healthy heart function. Studies have shown that consuming figs can improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and improving blood vessel function. By including figs in your diet, you can reduce your risk of heart disease and enjoy better overall cardiovascular health.

Figs for Cholesterol Reduction

High cholesterol levels can lead to serious health problems, but figs can help keep your cholesterol in check. Figs are packed with soluble fiber, which is known to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels while raising HDL (good cholesterol) levels. This balance is crucial for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and preventing heart disease.

Incorporating figs into a heart-healthy diet is simple. Add them to your oatmeal, mix them into yogurt, or use them as a topping for desserts. The benefits of eating figs for cholesterol reduction make them a valuable food for anyone looking to improve their heart health.

Figs for Blood Pressure Regulation

Maintaining healthy blood pressure levels is essential for overall health, and figs can play a significant role in this. Figs are high in potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure by balancing the effects of sodium in your body. This balance is crucial for preventing hypertension and reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease.

The benefits of eating figs for blood pressure regulation are supported by research, which shows that potassium-rich foods like figs can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Incorporate figs into your diet by enjoying them as part of a balanced meal with other potassium-rich foods like bananas and spinach.

Other Advantages of Eating Figs

Beyond their benefits for weight loss and heart health, figs offer numerous other health advantages. Figs are excellent for digestive health due to their high fiber content, which helps promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. They also contain prebiotics, which support a healthy gut microbiome.

Figs are beneficial for bone health as well. They are rich in calcium and magnesium, two minerals essential for strong bones. Regular consumption of figs can help prevent bone-related conditions like osteoporosis.

Additionally, figs are great for skin health. The antioxidants and vitamins in figs help protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals, promoting a healthy and youthful complexion.

How to Add Figs to Your Daily Diet

Adding figs to your daily diet is easy and delicious. Here are some simple recipes and serving suggestions:

Snack on Fresh Figs: Enjoy fresh figs on their own for a quick and nutritious snack.
Fig and Walnut Salad: Toss sliced figs with walnuts, arugula, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a tasty salad.
Fig Smoothie: Blend figs with your favorite fruits and a splash of almond milk for a refreshing smoothie.
Fig Bars: Make homemade fig bars using dried figs, oats, and honey for a healthy treat.
Fig Chutney: Use figs to make a savory chutney that pairs well with cheese and crackers.

When choosing figs, opt for fresh, ripe figs for the best flavor and nutritional benefits. If fresh figs are not available, dried figs are a great alternative. Store figs in a cool, dry place and enjoy them regularly to reap their many health benefits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, figs are a powerhouse of nutrition and offer a wide range of health benefits. From aiding weight loss to preventing heart disease and regulating blood pressure, the advantages of eating figs are vast. Incorporate figs into your daily diet to improve your overall health and well-being. This makes them a must-have fruit for anyone looking to enhance their health naturally.