Tuesday, September 30, 2014

An apple a day could keep obesity away: Granny Smiths promote friendly bacteria helping us feel fuller for longer

  • Scientists at Washington State University found Granny Smiths contain high levels of a compound which promotes good bacteria in the gut
  • Balance of bacteria in the gut is determined by the food a person consumes
  • Researchers believe the apple could help cut obesity-related illnesses
  • In obese people gut bacteria is often 'disturbed' encouraging hunger pangs 





  • Granny Smith apples were found to contain high levels of a compound that promotes good bacteria in the gut, helping people feel fuller for longerĀ 
    Granny Smith apples were found to contain high levels of a compound that promotes good bacteria in the gut, helping people feel fuller for longer 
    An apple a day keeps the doctor away, goes the saying.
    But a new study has found more specifically, that a Granny Smith a day could be the key to preventing obesity.
    The bright green, crisp variety helps people feel full, inhibiting the urge to eat.
    They were found to promote friendly bacteria, which invokes the feeling of being full. 

    The study, published in the journal Food Chemistry, revealed that the non digestible compounds in the fruit, which include fibre and polyphenols, do not get broken down by stomach acid.
    When they reach the colon they are fermented by bacteria in the colon which helps friendly bacteria in the gut to grow. 
    Scientists at Washington State University tested several different varieties of apple on mice, to see which caused the most growth of friendly bacteria.
    Granny Smiths worked better than Golden Delicious, Gala, Braeburn and other popular varieties, they discovered. 

    The variety, known for its slightly tart flavour, had a particularly high fibre content and compounds like polyphenols which do not break down when eaten, they reported. 
    The team analysed mouse droppings after feeding the animals, some of which were obese, different types of fruit.
    They discovered the balance of bacteria in the colon of obese people is often 'disturbed' in a way that can disrupt the metabolism and make people feel hungry.
    It was revealed that the faeces of overweight mice that had eaten Granny Smith apples had changed and become similar to that of slim mice.
    The discovery could lead to future treatments for weight problems.
    Professor Giuliana Noratto, from Washington State University said: 'We know that, in general, apples are a good source of these non digestible compounds but there are differences in varieties.
    'Results from this study will help consumers to discriminate between apple varieties that can aid in the fight against obesity.
    'The non digestible compounds in the Granny Smith apples actually changed the proportions of fecal bacteria from obese mice to be similar to that of lean mice.'
    The discovery could help cut disorders linked to obesity, including low grade inflammation.
    'What determines the balance of bacteria in our colon is the food we consume,' said Professor Noratto.
    Scientists at Washington State University believe the findings might help combat obesity. File picture
    Scientists at Washington State University believe the findings might help combat obesity. File picture








     


    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2774895/An-apple-day-obesity-away-Granny-Smiths-prevent-diabetes-illnesses-linked-overweight.html#ixzz3EpOqOHd0 
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    Will targeting women give Viagra's sales a lift? New ad sees attractive blonde address men about erectile dysfunction

    The maker of the world's top-selling erectile dysfunction drug on Tuesday will begin airing the first Viagra TV commercial that targets the less-obvious sufferers of the sexual condition: women.
    In the new 60-second ad, a British woman reclining on a bed in a tropical setting addresses the problems couples encounter when a man is impotent.
    'So guys, it's just you and your honey. The setting is perfect. But then erectile dysfunction happens again,' she says before encouraging men to ask their doctor about Viagra. 'Plenty of guys have this issue — not just getting an erection, but keeping it.'
    Scroll down for video 
    The new face of erectile dysfunction: Pfizer will today begin airing the first Viagra TV commercial that targets the less-obvious sufferers of the sexual condition: women
    The new face of erectile dysfunction: Pfizer will today begin airing the first Viagra TV commercial that targets the less-obvious sufferers of the sexual condition: women
    New approach: In the new 60-second ad, a British woman reclining on a bed in a tropical setting addresses the problems couples encounter when a man is impotent
    New approach: In the new 60-second ad, a British woman reclining on a bed in a tropical setting addresses the problems couples encounter when a man is impotent
    Having a woman speak directly to men about impotence is a unique strategy for Pfizer Inc. The world's second-biggest drugmaker is looking for ways to boost sales of Viagra, Pfizer's No. 6 seller, at a time when it is encountering new competition.
    Viagra has faced competition from cheaper generic versions in Europe since its patent expired there 15 months ago. Sales fell 8 per cent last year, to $1.9 billion. And in three years, Viagra will get generic competition in the U.S., where it costs about $35 a pill. Meanwhile, new competitor Stendra just got approved.
    Patents give a drug a monopoly, generally for 20 years. But when those patents expire, cheaper generic versions flood the market, often wiping out most of the brand-name drug's sales within a year.
    Pfizer has seen generic competition for several of its other drugs cut revenue by billions, so it is hoping to stem the revenue losses for Viagra.
    The market for ED drugs is big. About half of men over 40 suffer from ED, occasionally or always, yet only 10 per cent take medicine regularly, said Dr. Irwin Goldstein, who directs the San Diego Sexual Medicine center and has researched sexual disorders for decades. 
    Competition: Having a woman speak directly to men about impotence is a unique strategy for Pfizer Inc
    Competition: Having a woman speak directly to men about impotence is a unique strategy for Pfizer Inc
    Having a woman in ads makes sense because women often are more upset by ED than their man, he said. They often lose interest in sex and even find it painful, said Goldstein, who has done patient testing of multiple ED pills and received consulting fees from their makers.
    He said men generally dislike going to doctors, and when older ones do, they often linger as the doctor finishes, shifting from one foot to the other in what doctors call 'the Viagra shuffle.' Doctors then ask if the man wants Viagra, he said.
    It's definitely a unique strategy that could work. The more people they can get loyal to their brand, the better
    Executives at New York-based Pfizer hope the new ad campaign, which includes print ads in publications such as Esquire and Time, will nudge women to broach the subject with their mates. In the ad, the actress also uses the word 'erection,' instead of the industry euphemism, 'ED.'
    Pfizer's marketing chief, Vic Clavelli, told The Associated Press that the company is trying to take a more direct approach in ads, unlike past ones 'built around very subtle innuendo.'
    Until now, women have been absent or played background roles in the many ads for ED drugs since the first, Viagra, was launched in 1998. Viagra gave men an alternative to penile suppositories, surgery and injections, and 50 million worldwide have since taken it.
    Little blue pill:Ā The market for ED drugs is big. About half of men over 40 suffer from ED, occasionally or always, yet only 10 per cent take medicine regularly
    Little blue pill: The market for ED drugs is big. About half of men over 40 suffer from ED, occasionally or always, yet only 10 per cent take medicine regularly

    Ads for rival Cialis have featured couples getting frisky during everyday activities, then lounging in his-and-hers bathtubs. Viagra ads typically show middle-aged men doing things such as construction work and deep-sea fishing.
    'It's definitely a unique strategy that could work,' said Edward Jones health care analyst Ashtyn Evans. 'The more people they can get loyal to their brand, the better.'
    But some question whether the ad, which is slated to appear on shows including 'CSI,' ''Blue Bloods' and '48 Hours,' will build loyalty.
    'I'm not sure it will result in more sales,' said Les Funtleyder, health care portfolio manager at Esquared Asset Management. 


    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2774693/Viagra-ads-target-women-1st-time.html#ixzz3EpMR7mA6 
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    Monday, September 29, 2014

    Leading pediatrician group says teenage girls should have a hormonal implant or an IUD over the birth control pill

  • IUDs or hormonal implants are long-acting birth control methods
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics says condoms also should be used every time teens have sex, to provide protection against STIs




  • Teen girls who have sex should use IUDs or hormonal implants - long-acting birth control methods that are effective, safe and easy to use, the nation's most influential pediatricians' group recommends.
    In an updated policy, the American Academy of Pediatrics says condoms also should be used every time teens have sex, to provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases that other forms of birth control don't provide, and to boost chances of preventing pregnancy.
    Condoms alone are the most common birth control choice among teens, but with typical use they're among the least effective methods at preventing pregnancy. 
    Teen girls who have sex should use IUDs or hormonal implant, (pictured) the nation's most influential pediatricians' group recommends (stock photo)
    Teen girls who have sex should use IUDs or hormonal implant, (pictured) the nation's most influential pediatricians' group recommends (stock photo)
    Both long-acting methods are nearly 100 percent effective, with lower failure rates than birth control pills, patches and injections, the academy says.
    IUDs and hormonal implants cost more, usually hundreds of dollars, because inserting them involves a medical procedure typically done in doctors' offices. 
    But they're less expensive in the long run than over-the-counter condoms or prescription birth control pills, said Dr. Mary Ott, an adolescent medicine specialist and associate pediatrics professor at Indiana University. 

    LONG-ACTING BIRTH CONTROL METHODS: IUD AND IMPLANT

    IUDs — intrauterine devices — are small, T-shaped devices containing hormones or copper that are inserted into the womb to prevent pregnancy. 
    IUDs with more copper are more than 99 percent effective. This means that fewer than one in 100 women who use an IUD will get pregnant in one year. IUDs with less copper will be less effective 
    Hormone-containing birth control implants are matchstick-size plastic rods placed under the skin of the upper arm.
    If implanted correctly, it's more than 99 percent effective. 
    Fewer than one woman in 1,000 who use the implant as contraception will get pregnant in one year. 
    She is the policy statement's lead author.
    Teens have to remember to use pills and condoms consistently. 
    By contrast, IUDs typically work for three to 10 years after insertion, while implants typically last three years.
    The new guidance was published Monday in Pediatrics. 
    It echoes 2012 recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
    The policy emphasizes that abstinence is 100 percent effective at preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases and says pediatricians should encourage teens to delay sexual activity 'until they are ready.' 
    But since many teens don't heed that advice, the policy also says pediatricians need to provide birth control guidance.
    IUDs — intrauterine devices — are small, T-shaped devices containing hormones or copper that are inserted into the womb to prevent pregnancy. 

    Hormone-containing birth control implants are matchstick-size plastic rods placed under the skin of the upper arm.
    Both long-acting methods are nearly 100 percent effective, with lower failure rates than birth control pills, Ā (pictured) patches and injections, the academy says
    Both long-acting methods are nearly 100 percent effective, with lower failure rates than birth control pills,  (pictured) patches and injections, the academy says
    'All methods of hormonal birth control are safer than pregnancy,' Ott said.
    These include pills, patches and injections.
    The academy's new advice updates a 2007 birth control policy that didn't recommend specific methods other than condom use.
    For the first time, the new policy addresses obese teens because pediatricians are seeing increasing numbers of patients whose excess weight may affect birth control effectiveness, Ott said. 
    For example, hormonal patches may be less effective in girls weighing more than 198 pounds, the policy says. 
    Also, obese girls are more likely to gain weight with hormonal injections than with birth control pills


    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2772874/Pediatricians-urge-IUDs-implants-teen-girls.html#ixzz3EiURgWfm 
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    Sunday, September 28, 2014

    Paracetamol taken during pregnancy may increase a child's risk of ADHD

  • Drug is the one most commonly used to relieve pain during pregnancy
  • A New Zealand researcher said the new findings were 'alarming' 
  • But other drugs taken such as aspirin and antacids had no effect 





  • Women who take paracetamol during pregnancy may increase the risk of their child developing ADHD
    Women who take paracetamol during pregnancy may increase the risk of their child developing ADHD
    Women who take paracetamol during pregnancy may increase the risk of their child developing ADHD, new research has found.
    While it is the most common drug taken to relieve pain, a New Zealand researcher said the new findings were 'alarming'.
    The Auckland University backs a Danish study from earlier this year which linked the popular painkiller to behavioural disorders.
    The study analysed data from a study of 871 European infants.
    The researchers analysed the drug use of paracetamol, aspirin, antacids, and antibiotics during pregnancy.
    They then measured behavioural difficulties and ADHD symptoms in children at age seven and age 11.
    Almost half of the study mothers took paracetamol during pregnancy and their children were more at risk of behavioural difficulties and ADHD.
    The other drugs caused no significant differences in behaviour, the study found.
    ‘The finding that even low doses of paracetamol (indicated by the number of weeks of drug exposure) can affect behaviour seven years later is alarming because it is the most commonly used antenatal drug,’study leader Dr John Thompson said.
    VIDEO Scroll down for advice on paracetamol use when pregnant 
    But the study did not have data on whether the ADHD symptoms continued in puberty, if the parents had ADHD, or what kind of dosage and in which trimester the mothers had used paracetamol.
    ‘More research is needed to provide a more precise assessment of the risk and consequences of taking this pain killer during pregnancy,’ Dr Thompson said.
    Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD affects five to 10 per cent of school-age children in New Zealand, making it the most common neurodevelopmental disorder for the age group.
    Paracetamol is the most common drug taken to relieve pain during pregnancy
    Paracetamol is the most common drug taken to relieve pain during pregnancy


    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2770320/Paracetamol-increase-risk-children-suffering-ADHD.html#ixzz3EeYdAwsc 
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    Does bread REALLY make you fat? The answer may surprise you

  • New research reveals bread isn't the cause of weight gain
  • 20% of Aussie women feel guilty when they eat bread
  • National study of more than 1,000 Australian women aims to bust those bread myths
  • More than a third of Aussie women indicated they are looking for healthier bread options 
  • 'There's no evidence on its own that bread contributes to weight gain,' according to nutritionist Sharon Natoli
  • Significant nutritional benefits of wholegrain bread including fibre, B vitamins, magnesium and iron 




  • It's the age old question that most woman are dying to find the answer to.... does bread really make you fat? 
    Australian women it seems are choosing to believe what they hear, or the so called myths, about consuming bread in their daily diet, with a number steering clear of the carb.
    New research has found that in fact 43 per cent of woman avoid eating bread when trying to lose weight, 20 per cent feel guilty when they eat bread, while more than half of women find the healthy bread category overwhelming and confusing.
    MMMHHH carbs! New research has revealed that bread isn't the cause of weight gain or bloating althoughĀ 43 per cent of woman avoid eating bread when trying to lose weight
    MMMHHH carbs! New research has revealed that bread isn't the cause of weight gain or bloating although 43 per cent of woman avoid eating bread when trying to lose weight
    New research commissioned by Baker Delights has found more than half of Australian women find the healthy bread category overwhelming and confusing
    New research commissioned by Baker Delights has found more than half of Australian women find the healthy bread category overwhelming and confusing
    Is this healthy or isn't it? : a lot of women find the healthy bread category confusing and despite research claiming eating bread isn't the cause of weight gain, 20 per cent are still guilty when they eat it
    Is this healthy or isn't it? : a lot of women find the healthy bread category confusing and despite research claiming eating bread isn't the cause of weight gain, 20 per cent are still guilty when they eat it
    The national study of more than 1,000 women aged between 25 and 65 taken on behalf of popular bakery, Bakers Delight, is aiming to bust those bread myths and change attitudes towards eating bread.
    Once seen as a relatively healthy part of our diets, bread these days is getting a bad wrap, touted as the reason why we gain weight, blamed for putting on the bloat, while the gluten used in bread is being seen as the all round bad guy.

    The research also found that more than a third of Aussie women indicated they are looking for healthier bread options with 65 per cent believing information about healthier bread alternatives should be more accessible.
    Parents are also limiting their kids' bread intake with 15 per cent of Aussie mums cutting back because they don't want them to get overweight.
    The statistics : National survey of more than 1,000 Australian women has busted some of the myths about eating bread
    The statistics : National survey of more than 1,000 Australian women has busted some of the myths about eating bread
    Tasty? While some women avoid bread, there's no denying they can't resist bread for it's taste, the survey revealing a high 83 per cent of women eat it because it is delicious
    Tasty? While some women avoid bread, there's no denying they can't resist bread for it's taste, the survey revealing a high 83 per cent of women eat it because it is delicious
    Nutritionist and health expert, Sharon Natoli of Food and Nutrition Australia says since Dr Atkins published his new ‘Diet Revolution’ in the 1990’s and other low carb fad diets quickly followed, it has created a stigma associated with eating carbs.

    She says the survey results were reflective of current nutritional debates which continue to fuel uncertainty around healthy bread options.
    'It reflects a loss of basic nutritional knowledge around healthy bread options,' she said.
    'Many women are unaware of the long list of benefits offered by wholemeal and low GI breads, and often gluten free diets can be more harmful than good in terms of increased sugar levels.' 
    'The right bread choice can offer numerous health benefits including digestive health, sustained energy and an all round healthier heart mind and body,' said Ms Natoli.

    She says there's no evidence on its own that contributes to weight gain.
    'Large studies of populations show that people who have higher intakes of whole grain foods, such as whole grain breads, are less likely to be overweight or gain weight over time.
    'Many women are unaware of the significant nutritional benefits of wholegrain bread including fibre, B vitamins, magnesium and iron,' she said.
    'Large studies of populations show that people who have higher intakes of whole grain foods, such as whole grain breads, are less likely to be overweight or gain weight over time, ' according to nutritionist and health expert Sharon Natoli
    'Large studies of populations show that people who have higher intakes of whole grain foods, such as whole grain breads, are less likely to be overweight or gain weight over time, ' according to nutritionist and health expert Sharon Natoli
    More info please! Women say they want more information to make the right choice on what bread to buy according to their needs and lifestyle
    More info please! Women say they want more information to make the right choice on what bread to buy according to their needs and lifestyle
    'People concerned about heart health may prefer a bread that is high in seeds and wholegrains,' says nutrition and health expert Sharon Natoli
    'People concerned about heart health may prefer a bread that is high in seeds and wholegrains,' says nutrition and health expert Sharon Natoli
    Ms Natoli agrees it very important for every consumer to have access to all the information they need to make the right choice when buying bread to make their needs and lifestyle.
    'Kids may benefit from bread that provides omega 3s along with the usual benefits of fibre and B vitamins while people concerned about heart health may prefer a bread that is high in seeds and wholegrains.
    'There are many different breads on the market so understanding your needs and matching this with the benefits of the loaf is important,' she said. 
    'Bread is a food that national health authorities recommend daily as part of a healthy, balanced diet due to its important contribution to nutrient intakes, so there is no reason to feel guilty about eating bread.' 
    'While some people can find bread contributes to bloat, it is important not to mistake this for other causes of bloating and have these investigated first, before cutting bread out of your diet,' she said.
    Can't resist a slice! Despite some Aussie women cutting back on bread because of myths that it causes weight gain, on average they eat bread about five times a week
    Can't resist a slice! Despite some Aussie women cutting back on bread because of myths that it causes weight gain, on average they eat bread about five times a week
    New research commissioned by Baker Delights has found more than half of Australian women find the healthy bread category overwhelming and confusing
    New research commissioned by Baker Delights has found more than half of Australian women find the healthy bread category overwhelming and confusing
    A case study of 42 year old mother of two, Angela, also found that ditching the carbs won't make much of a difference.
    She completely cut out bread from her diet for a while but reported seeing no difference in her weight and felt no less bloated.

    Despite those shying away from bread, research tells us that a number of Aussie women are still happy to munch down on carbs, with on average, women eating bread at least five times a week.
    And there's no denying most can't resist bread for it's taste, the survey revealing a high 83 per cent of women eat it because it is delicious.
    And there's also the convenience factor of quickly putting together a sandwich or chucking it in the toaster, 73 per cent admitted they eat bread because it is convenient. 


    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2772400/Busting-bread-myths-does-really-make-fat-NO-says-new-research-women-continue-steer-clear.html#ixzz3EdlB6Jct 
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