Fat Land Makes A Shocking Read
I’m just finished reading ‘Fat Land’ by Greg Critser which chronicles how Americans have become the fattest people in the world. He pulls no punches explaining how it is that more than 25% of teenagers are now overweight or obese.

The books charts the changes to food consumption. From the introduction of extremely unhealthy fats such […] (more…)

Population variation and differences in serum leptin independent of adiposity: a comparison of Ache Amerindian men of Paraguay and lean American male
Background:
Serum leptin variation is commonly associated with fat percentage (%), body mass index (BMI), and activity. In this investigation, we report population differences in mean leptin levels in healthy men as well as associations with fat % and BMI that are independent of these factors and reflect likely variation resulting from chronic environmental conditions.
Methods:
Serum leptin levels, fat %, and BMI were compared between lean American distance runners and healthy Ache Native Americans of Paraguay. Mean levels were compared as were the regressions between fat %, BMI, and leptin. Comparisons were performed between male American distance runners (n = 13, mean age 32.2 +/- 9.2 SD) and highly active male New World indigenous population (Ache of Paraguay, n = 20, mean age 32.8 +/- 9.2) in order to determine whether significant population variation in leptin is evident in physically active populations living under different ecological circumstances independent of adiposity and BMI.
Results:
While the Ache were hypothesized to exhibit higher leptin due to significantly greater adiposity (Ache 17.9 +/- 1.8 SD%; runners 9.7 +/- 3.2%, p (more…)

Can Needles Really Manage Your Weight?
Over weight or obesity is identified as one of the risk factors for heart disease. As such, many forms of weight loss or weight management have been put into the market to help people who are over weight or obese, and those who wish to maintain good body shapes. Recently, a new way of weight loss solution has become popular using needles. What is this? Another sales gimmick? Not really! It is a technique used by TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) practitioners known as “Acupuncture”. The needles used are not ordinary ones: they are very thin needles specially made of various sizes just for the purpose of acupuncture. These needles are termed as acupuncture needles. Reports showed that there are people, who have tried every possible means to trim themselves down but in vain, can finally stay away from the circle of obesity with the help of this kind of treatment. (more…)

5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Metabolism
Exercise is essential, but you can also burn more calories at rest by watching what and when you eat. #1 Don’t Skip Breakfast The morning meal jump starts your metabolism and helps to prevent bingeing later in the day. A cup of coffee does not count — the caffeine and added sugar may give you a bit of energy and suppress your appetite for a little while it is sure to back fire into severe hunger and you will be more likely to overeat later. Breakfast should include complex carbohydrates like whole grain (granola or oatmeal), along with some protein and fat (low-fat yogurt or milk), will keep your energy levels even and hunger in check. #2 Eat more often Get into the habit of eating every three to four hours or at least four times a day. Eating frequently stabilizes blood sugar, when blood sugar drops too low you want to eat…a lot. By keeping your blood sugar stable you can control your appetite and keep you metabolic rate high. When you go many hours without eating your body will compensate by slowing down to conserve energy…this effect hurts your weight loss efforts. #3 Eat protein at every meal Protein will help to reduce your appetite, it takes more energy and time to digest, in effect you feel full longer than eating carbohydrates alone. Research shows that eating more protein can help you lose weight without cutting calories. Try these protein possibilities: turkey on whole wheat; hummus and pita; vegetarian chili; fruit and nuts; or protein snack bars that contain 12 or more grams of protein. #4 Hold off on snacking Many of us grab a snack for quick energy when we are feeling tired. But do not confuse true hunger with fatigue. If you are feeling tired go for a 15-20 minute brisk walk. This will raise your heart rate and give you a boost of energy. Follow it up with a large glass of cool water. If you are truly hungry have a protein and complex carbohydrate rich snack like; whole wheat crackers and peanut butter or cheese. #5 Consume enough for your body’s needs Eating too little slows your body’s metabolism the same way eating to infrequently does. If you want to lose weight, do not slash your calories too drastically. Instead, cut out some of the extras in your diet — things like soda, juice, packaged goods or candy. Processed foods tend to be high in fat and calories and low in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Marjorie E. Nolan is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Personal Trainer. Marjorie offers expertise advice and counseling on child and adolescent weight loss and healthy lifestyle coaching for the entire family. For free tips to learn how you and your family can lose weight and keep it off visit Marjorie at http://www.NoDiet4Kids.com or email her at Marjorie@NoDiet4Kids.com (more…)

Differential effects of curcumin on vasoactive factors in the diabetic rat heart
Background:
Increased oxidative stress has been associated with the pathogenesis of chronic diabetic complications, including cardiomyopathy. Recent studies indicate that curcumin, a potent antioxidant, may be beneficial in preventing diabetes-induced oxidative stress and subsequent secondary complications. We have investigated the effects of curcumin on the nitric oxide (NO) pathway in cardiac tissues and cultured cells.
Methods:
Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were treated with curcumin for a period of one month. Heart tissues were then analyzed for endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression. Oxidative protein and DNA damage were assessed by immunohistochemical analysis of nitrotyrosine and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Heart tissues were further subjected to endothelin-1 (ET-1) mRNA expression. In order to further characterize the effects of curcumin, we assayed microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs). Cultured MVECs, exposed either to glucose or glucose and varying concentrations of curcumin, were assessed for alterations of NOS expression and activation of nuclear factor-?B (NF-?B) and activating protein-1 (AP-1). Oxidative stress and ET-1 expression levels were also assayed.
Results:
Our results indicate that one month of diabetes causes an upregulation of both eNOS and iNOS mRNA levels, and nitrotyrosine and HdG immunoreactivity in the heart. Treatment of diabetic rats with curcumin reduced eNOS and iNOS levels in association with reduced oxidative DNA and protein damage. Interestingly, curcumin further increased vasoconstrictor ET-1 in the heart. Exposure of MVECs to high glucose increased both eNOS and iNOS levels and oxidative stress. Curcumin prevented NOS alteration and oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner which was mediated by nuclear factor-?B and activating protein-1. Exposure to curcumin also increased ET-1 levels in the MVECs.
Conclusion:
Our studies indicate the differential effects of curcumin in vasoactive factor expression in the heart and indicate the importance of tissue microenvironment in the treatment of diabetic complications. (more…)

Mango & Ginger Sorbet
This is a favorite dessert for refreshing the palate after a curry (a healthy, home made one, of course). Not only does it taste great but it supports my healthy eating plans thanks to xylitol which is a sugar substitute with a very low glycemic load (GL).

I encourage you to make your own desserts. […] (more…)

Thinking of Getting A Tummy Tuck?
Here’s What You Need to Know Before Getting A Tummy Tuck (more…)