There are endless articles on weight loss and the effects of food on our health; from the Mediterranean diet to metabolic supplements. I highlight a few recent research findings:
Calorie Restriction in Normal Weight Adults - Improved Sex, Mood and Sleep
In a study over two years, by restricting calories by 25% adults had an average 16 pound weight loss (about 10% of original weight) , but reported significant improvements in mood, quality of life, sleep and sex.
JAMA Intern Med 2016 May 2
Some Fats are Good for You
In another study of over 32,000 participants over 32 years, researchers found that a diet higher in polyunsaturated fats actually had lower mortality by up to 20%. For specific dietary fats, total mortality was 19% lower among those with the highest intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids and 11% lower among those with the highest intake of monounsaturated fatty acids; in contrast, risk for premature death was 8% higher and 13% higher among those with higher intakes of saturated fats and trans fats, respectively. The benefit of high polyunsaturated fat was attributable mostly to linoleic acid intake. This was not only related to heart disease but death by any cause. The most important thing to remember is to stay away from saturated and trans fats. Check the AHA for information.
JAMA Intern Med 2016 Jul 5
Brain versus Brawn
The stereotype of the dumb muscle man may actually have some basis in fact! Many, if not all body builders, use anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass. So do many elite athletes (like Lance Armstrong the cyclist). In a recent study, it was found that users had significantly decreased brain volumes which continued as long as they used the drugs. This also probably increased their risk for early Alzheimers.
Biol Psychiatry 2016 Jun 30
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