Sugar or sweeteners, the choice is yours

Another interesting article from the economist (2/16 issue). A recent study by Purdue University found out that rats that are being fed yogurt with sweeteners gained more weight that those eating yogurt sweetened with sugar. The reason being that those eating sugar reduced their calories intake in subsequent meals while those on sweeteners did not.

The sweet taste without the calories (sweeteners effect) disrupts the brains connections between sweetness and calories. After a period the brain forget the connection and fails to stop the animal eating at an appropriate point.

But after all, we are humans, we rationalize, and know exactly when to stop eating, don't we? ;-)

Checkout the full article.

Sex & Chocolate

The economist released quite an interesting chart about sex and chocolate. Check it out click here and see where you measure up ... comments welcome.

I am sure all 40+/- members are off this chart ;-)

Cancer Prevention

The latest study on the links between food, physical activity, and Cancer is all over the media. On the flight today, I came across it again on the Economist 11/3 issue. I wanted to summarize and email to Nadia and the kids, but then decided to include family and friends. So here it goes:

• Conducted by World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF).
• Six years of research, nine research institutes, 500000 publications reviewed (cut down to 7000 relevant ones).
• Roughly 3 main categories equally responsible for cancer cases:
• Smoking is responsible for 3rd
  
• Poor food and lack of exercise another 3rd
• Other (genetic predisposition, ultraviolet sunlight ..etc) is responsible for the final third.
• To reduce the risk of cancer, in addition to not smoking, do the following(see report/article for additional details):
  
• Keep body mass index (BMI) between 21 and 23 (BMI= Weight in Kg divided by Height in meters squared). This is very important, it used to be 18.5-24.9. You can calculate your BMI by clicking here. on http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/.
  
• Be physically active. At least walk briskly 30 mins a day.
• Limit consumption of energy-dense foods. Avoid sugary drinks.
  
• Limit intake of red meat to no more than 300g/week.
  
• Avoid processed meat.
• Limit consumption of salt to less than 5 grams a day.
• Avoid moldy serials. (whatever that is) ..
  
• Meet nutritional needs through diet alone (do not use dietary supplements).

• The article is available on economist.com (has a lot of very interesting information).
  
• The report is available at http://www.wcrf.org/