June.17 : IN A CAPSULE
Women should eat fruits to decrease obesity
Fruit, vegetable and dietary fibre intake have been associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about their role in obesity prevention. An interesting study, recently published in the Journal of Nutrition found that women who ate fruits and not vegetables have lower risk of becoming overweight or obese.
The participants were 18,146 women aged 45 or older with normal BMI. Intakes of total fruits and vegetables, fruits and dietary fibre were not associated with changes in body weight, whereas higher vegetable intake was associated with greater weight gain.
Four eggs a week can reduce risk of diabetes
Eating four eggs a week can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in men by more than a third, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. It also lowers blood sugar levels. The research examined the eating habits of 2,332 men aged between 42 and 60. It found that those who ate four eggs per week had a 37% lower risk than men who only ate one egg per week.
The study said that eggs contained many nutrients that could effect glucose metabolism and low-grade inflammation. However, consumption of more than four eggs did not bring any significant additional benefits.
Adding peanuts to a meal may benefit vascular health
A study of peanut consumption showed that it maintained normal vascular function. Typically after a high fat meal, vascular function is reduced, until the fat that is in the blood is cleared.
The finding, reported in Science Daily, indicates that the protective effect of peanut consumption could be due to its beneficial effect on artery health. Peanuts are nutrient and energy dense. Thus, they can replace other calorie sources in the diet.
HEALTH NEWS
Good
• Chocolate can prevent diabetes
• Prebiotics improve sleep
• Breastfeeding may reduce mother’s risk of diabetes
Bad
• Too much red meat may harm kidneys
• Low Vitamin D may up bladder cancer
• Hot tubs can give you infection
