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Dieters put on more fat than they originally lose
Written by Janet LakinA recent study showed that when dieters put weight back on (as they often do) they end up with more fat than they originally lost and with less muscle. This has important consequences for our long term health goals. How can it be avoided?
Is a 600 calorie diet the only way to crack type II diabetes?
Written by Elspeth Stewart
There has been some great new research into a 600 calorie diet reversing markers of type II diabetes in a matter of days. This study was carried out in conjunction with Newcastle University and published in Diabetologica1. Participants were given shakes which consisted of a balance of protein, carbohydrates and fat and on top of this they were allowed to consume 3 portions of non-starchy vegetable each day. I think it is great that more research is being done into non-pharmaceutical approaches to turning back type II diabetes - this is important information that can really change lives in a cost-effective way and without any side effects.
However, its important to also make people aware that severe calorie restriction is not the only way to tackle type II diabetes - at least, if action is taken early.
Protein for breakfast linked to reduced food cravings
Written by Janet LakinA pilot study by researches at the University of Missouri found that eating a high protein breakfast may increase satiety and reduce food cravings. This is interesting news for those wishing to manage their weight. Yet breakfast is often the one meal of the day which is the most lacking in protein.
I just found out about a recent study linking apples to lower cholesterol. We have been brought up on the saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" and now it seems there is some real medical research to support this claim.
Sugar has had a pretty bad image for a long time now, we think of it as something that rots our teeth, makes us fat, and can lead to developing type 2 diabetes. New research is adding yet another ugly string to the bow of sugar: cancer. Cancer now affects 1 in 3 people in the UK, and according to Cancer Research UK at least 50% of cancers are preventable through dietary or lifestyle change1.
Pesticide exposure during pregnancy linked to lower IQ in children
Written by Elspeth Stewart
A new study has suggested that pesticide exposure during pregnancy may influence the health and development of children. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley's School of Public Health have found that prenatal exposure to organophosphates, a pesticide widely used on food crops, is related to lower intelligence scores at age 7.
The researchers measured an IQ score average variation of 7 points between those with mothers recording the highest exposure and those with the lowest exposure. Organophosphates are classed as neurotoxic, with many being banned over the years due to the potential health risk for children.
Do optimal vitamin B12 levels during pregnancy lead to calmer babies?
Written by Elspeth Stewart
An interesting piece of new research has highlighted a link between low vitamin B12 status during pregnancy and a baby’s likelihood to cry often in the first few months after birth.
It's that time of year again when, if you experience hayfever, you will unfortunately begin to suffer . Sneezing, runny nose, watering eyes and feeling bunged up are some of the most common symptoms.
From a nutritional point of view there are several nutrients which may be helpful including quercetin, bromelain and vitamin C.
Mum’s diet may play a role in the earlier development of diabetes
Written by Elspeth Stewart
It is widely acknowledged that a healthy diet during pregnancy can make a difference to the health of both mother and child. A new piece of research coming out of Cambridge University, in a study lead by Susan Ozanne, has highlighted how maternal diets may be linked to the earlier progression of type II diabetes in the next generation.
New research from a collaboration between an American and two Australian universities has shown that measuring waist circumference in children/teens is better than using Body Mass Index (BMI) as a predictor for future risk of Cardiovascular disease and Diabetes.