1. Smaller plates don’t make you eat less when you’re hungry
Want to eat less? Eat on smaller plates. This popular theory for reducing portion sizes has officially been debunked. A new study out of the University of Negev found that when people are hungry they perceive portion sizes to be the same whether on a large plate or a small plate. (Science Daily)
2. Ginger – a natural breath freshener
A study out of the Technical University of Munich found a compound in ginger, 6-gingerol, to be effective at breaking down sulfur-containing substances in the mouth that cause bad breath. (Science Daily)
3. Caffeine not an effective appetite suppressant
Many popular diet supplements include caffeine in them, claiming it can help to suppress appetite. However, a new study featured in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that caffeine in the morning reduced food intake at breakfast by 10%, but did not impact food intake the rest of the day or impact participants perception of appetite levels. (Science Daily)
4. A new drug derived from chili peppers shown to cause long-term weight loss in animal trials
A new drug derived from capsaicin, the active compound in chili peppers that gives it its spicy flavor, has been shown to create “marked improvements in blood sugar and cholesterol levels, insulin response, and symptoms of fatty liver disease in mice,” and reverse the damaging effects of a high fat diet. Here’s to adding some hot sauce to your eggs! (Science Daily)
5. Increased dementia risk for older African Americans taking Metformin
New research presented at the 2018 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference tracked the dementia risk for a group of 953 African Americans – average age 75 – from 1992-2011. Of those participants, 150 were taking Metformin and 87 of those people developed dementia. (Neurology Advisor)
6. Breaking records at 81 years old
At 81 years old, Jeanne Deprano is not only breaking records in running and rowing, she is also breaking stereotypes of healthy aging, showing that with the right mindset and the right training, you can stay healthy and fit at any age! (CNN)
7. Aspirin won’t help to prevent heart attacks if you’re over a certain weight
Aspirin has been shown to help prevent heart attacks and stroke, however, a new study published in The Lancet, showed that the benefits only existed for people 110-154lbs. For people over 154lbs, there was little to no benefit. (Healthline)