A woman’s attitude during pregnancy affects weight gain

Overweight or obese women with the mentality that they are “eating for two” are more likely to experience excessive weight gain while pregnant, according to researchers at Penn State College of Medicine.Cynthia Chuang, associate professor of medicine and public health sciences, studied the attitudes and habits of women who gained appropriate weight and those who exceeded guidelines.

Diet high in calories and carbs could slow ALS progression

If you want to lose weight, then adopting a diet high in carbohydrates and calories is probably not the best way to go about it. But for individuals with motor neuron disease, such a diet could slow progression of the condition. This is according to a study recently published in The Lancet.

Fructose not responsible for increase in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common chronic liver disease in developed countries, affecting up to 30 per cent of their populations.Since the disease is closely linked to obesity and Type 2 diabetes, there’s a growing debate in the medical community about whether diet plays a role in its development, specifically the consumption of fructose.

Red meat and exercise could be the key to keeping body and mind in peak condition as we age

Protein loading to improve muscle performance isn’t just for athletes and bodybuilders, with Deakin University researchers finding that a protein rich diet incorporating lean red meat combined with strength training improved the size and strength of muscles in elderly women.

Blood pressure-reducing diet may also diminish kidney stone risk

A diet high in fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts, moderate in low-fat dairy products, and low in animal proteins, refined grains and sweets may reduce risk for developing kidney stones, according to a new study published in the National Kidney Foundation’s American Journal of Kidney Diseases.

Boosting the immune system with vitamin A may help in the fight against tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a major global problem, affecting 2 billion people worldwide and causing an estimated 2 million deaths annually. Western countries are once again tackling the disease, with recent outbreaks in Los Angeles and London.

Immune function may be compromised by Vitamin D deficiency

Older individuals who are vitamin D deficient also tend to have compromised immune function, according to new research accepted for publication in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM).Vitamin D plays an important role in helping the body absorb calcium needed for healthy bones. The skin naturally produces vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight.

How your mood affects your food choices

Previous research has found that emotions affect eating, and that negative moods and positive moods may actually lead to preferences for different kinds of foods. For example, if given the choice between grapes or chocolate candies, someone in a good mood may choose the former while someone in a bad mood may choose the latter.

Unsaturated fat prevents abdominal fat accumulation increases muscle mass

New research from Uppsala University shows that saturated fat builds more fat and less muscle than polyunsaturated fat. This is the first study in humans to show that the fat composition of food not only influences cholesterol levels in the blood and the risk of cardiovascular disease but also determines where the fat will be stored in the body.

Eating grilled meat ‘increases risk of Alzheimer’s and diabetes’

There is no denying that Americans are big fans of barbecues. In fact, figures state that 62% of us use our grills all year round. But new research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that consuming heat-processed animal products, such as grilled or broiled meats, may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.

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