Category Archives: Diet And Food

TOKYO -- Japanese YouTuber "GaaSyy," who was elected to Japan's House of Councillors on the ticket of the NHK Party, remains overseas and has not attended Diet sessions, with reports earlier this year that he was residing in Dubai. The head of the chamber's Committee on Rules and Administration has requested that he quickly return to Japan and appear in the Diet.

Many people may think that GaaSyy, whose real name is Yoshikazu Higashitani, should step down as a Diet member if he has no record of activities in his elected role. If he continues to remain absent it is possible that the upper house Committee on Discipline could discuss punishment including expelling him as a member of the chamber. But this is no simple matter.

Being voted in carries a great deal of significance for any candidate, not just GaaSyy. This is because it is the will of the people, which has the greatest value in a democracy. Diet members, in principle, have immunity from arrest during Diet sessions, though they can be arrested when caught in the act of a crime or when the house approves of it. This is stipulated in Articles 50 of Japan's Constitution, which states: "Except in cases provided by law, members of both Houses shall be exempt from apprehension while the Diet is in session, and any members apprehended before the opening of the session shall be freed during the term of the session upon demand of the House."

Article 51 of the supreme law further stipulates: "Members of both Houses shall not be held liable outside the House for speeches, debates or votes cast inside the House."

These constitutional stipulations are designed to protect the status of Diet members. It has been common throughout history and across the world -- not to mention in Russia -- for members of parliament to be arrested over words and actions that are unfavorable to the government. To ensure that such a thing never happens, Diet members in Japan are protected to a degree that may seem excessive at first glance.

Regarding the expulsion of Diet members, the second clause of Article 58 of the Constitution states: "Each House shall establish its rules pertaining to meetings, proceedings and internal discipline, and may punish members for disorderly conduct. However, in order to expel a member, a majority of two-thirds or more of those members present must pass a resolution thereon." A majority of two-thirds rather than a simple majority is a high hurdle, but still, there are deep-rooted views that this stipulation should be applied with caution.

The NHK Party says that GaaSyy is not returning to Japan because he will carry out his activities as a Diet member while living overseas. We cannot easily claim that his actions do not constitute political activities. There is a wide scope for determining what kind of activities are political. And if it turns out he is not doing his job satisfactorily, then the public has the option of voting him out in the next election.

Some people may say they cannot understand GaaSyy's approach, but if the principles protecting Diet members were loosened without caution, the move could return to haunt the country. While it is unthinkable for the current government to unfairly arrest lawmakers, we cannot rule out the possibility of a government that could do that surfacing in Japan in the future.

Parliamentary privileges stipulated in the Constitution act as a last line of defense to prevent the government's abuse of power.

(Mainichi political premier editorial division)

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Japan YouTuber Diet member's prolonged overseas absence opens can of legal worms - The Mainichi - The Mainichi

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Love CocaCola, but prefer to opt for a zero-calorie, sugar-free option? Then youve probably reached for Coke Zero or Diet Coke. Both are great alternatives to the original Coca-Cola, but what is the difference between the two?

If youre a Coca-Cola connoisseur, you may already know the answer to this question. Turns out, the difference between Coke Zero and Diet Coke really comes down to one thing: the taste.

The ingredients lists are similar for both products. They contain carbonated water, caramel color, phosphoric acid, and aspartame (among other things). But Coke Zero is formulated with the original taste of Coca-Cola in mind, while Diet Coke has a completely different blend of flavors, providing a lighter taste.

Sugar-free shouldnt have to mean having fewer options, Anna Wheeler, Health and Nutrition Manager at Coca-Cola Great Britain, wrote in an article answering this highly-debated question.

Diet Coke has a few ingredients that Coke Zero lacks (potassium citrate and acesulfame potassium), which contribute to its lighter taste. Coke Zero, on the other hand, contains citric acid, which Diet Coke does not, ultimately creating different flavors between the two.

So, while they sound similar and promise to accomplish the same thing: giving you a taste of Coca-Cola without the added sugar and calories, the blend of flavors is completely different. Can you taste the difference?

Are you wondering what the difference between Coke and Pepsi isnow? We got you covered there, too.

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Whats the Difference Between Coke Zero and Diet Coke? - LifeSavvy

How is Aluminum Made?

Aluminum is one of our most widely-used metals, found in everything from beer cans to airplane parts.

However, the lightweight metal doesnt occur naturally, and producing it is a complex process.

The above infographics use data from the USGS, Aluminium Leader, and other sources to break down the three stages of aluminum production.

Each year, the world produces around 390 million tonnes of bauxite rock, and 85% of it is used to make aluminum.

Bauxites are rocks composed of aluminum oxides along with other minerals and are the worlds primary source of aluminum. After mining, bauxite is refined into alumina, which is then converted into aluminum.

Therefore, aluminum typically goes from ore to metal in three stages.

Bauxite is typically extracted from the ground in open-pit mines, with just three countriesAustralia, China, and Guineaaccounting for 72% of global mine production.

Australia is by far the largest bauxite producer, and its also home to the Weipa Mine, the biggest bauxite mining operation globally.

Guinea, the third-largest producer, is endowed with more than seven billion tonnes of bauxite reserves, more than any other country. Additionally, Guinea is the top exporter of bauxite globally, with 76% of its bauxite exports going to China.

After bauxite is out of the ground, it is sent to refineries across the globe to make alumina, marking the second stage of the production process.

In the 1890s, Austrian chemist Carl Josef Bayer invented a revolutionary process for extracting alumina from bauxite. Todayover 100 years latersome 90% of alumina refineries still use the Bayer process to refine bauxite.

Here are the four key steps in the Bayer process:

The impurities or red mud left behind in the alumina production process is a major environmental concern. In fact, for every tonne of alumina, refineries produce 1.2 tonnes of red mud, and there are over three billion tonnes of it stored in the world today.

China, the second-largest producer and largest importer of bauxite, supplies more than half of the worlds alumina.

Several major producers of bauxite, including Australia, Brazil, and India, are among the largest alumina producers, although none come close to China.

Alumina has applications in multiple industries, including plastics, cosmetics, and chemical production. But of course, the majority of it is shipped to smelters to make aluminum.

Alumina is converted into aluminum through electrolytic reduction. Besides alumina itself, another mineral called cryolite is key to the process, along with loads of electricity. Heres a simplified overview of how aluminum smelting works:

China dominates global aluminum production and is also the largest consumer. Its neighbor India is the second-largest producer, making only a tenth of Chinas output.

As is the case for alumina production, some of the countries that produce bauxite and alumina also produce aluminum, such as India, Australia, and Russia.

Roughly a quarter of annually produced aluminum is used by the construction industry. Another 23% goes into vehicle frames, wires, wheels, and other parts of the transportation industry. Aluminum foil, cans, and packaging also make up another major end-use with a 17% consumption share.

Aluminums widespread applications have made it one of the most valuable metal markets. In 2021, the global aluminum market was valued at around $245.7 billion, and as consumption grows, its projected to nearly double in size to $498.5 billion by 2030.

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Mapped: The 3 Billion People Who Can't Afford a Healthy Diet - Elements by Visual Capitalist

A new study led by Washington State University and Texas A&M University adds to a growing collection of evidence that bears are not carnivores. The research suggests that bears are omnivores like humans even though they are fed high protein diets like carnivores while in captivity.

Bears are not carnivores in the strictest sense like a cat where they consume a high-protein diet, said study lead author Professor Charles Robbins. In zoos forever, whether its polar bears, brown bears or sloth bears, the recommendation has been to feed them as if they are high-protein carnivores. When you do that, you kill them slowly.

The WSU Bear Center is the only research institution in the United States with a captive population of grizzly bears. Professor Robbins, who founded the center, has studied bear nutrition for decades. In a previous project, he and his graduate students discovered that grizzly bears gain the most weight when they are fed a combination of protein, fats and carbohydrates.

For the latest study, the researchers set out to investigate the food preferences of captive giant pandas and sloth bears by conducting feeding studies. Under human care, sloth bears are dying up to 20 years early, and there is a lack of data on their nutritional requirements. One theory is that the bears are fed too much protein, which is causing cancer and disease.

Consumption of diets with inappropriate macronutrient profiles has been associated with increased energy expenditure, ill health, failed reproduction, and premature death. Consequently, we conducted feeding and preference trials with giant pandas and sloth bears, a termite and ant-feeding specialist, wrote the study authors.

We found that giant pandas are low-protein, high-carbohydrate omnivores, whereas sloth bears are low-protein, high-fat omnivores. The preference for low protein diets apparently occurred early in the evolution of ursids and may have been critical to their world-wide spread.

When presented with unlimited avocados, baked yams, whey and apples, the sloth bears almost exclusively preferred the fat-rich avocados. The exports said that this high-fat, low-carb diet is similar to their wild diet of termites and ants as well as their eggs and larvae.

The researchers also found that giant pandas preferred the carbohydrate-rich bamboo culm found in the woody stalks over the more protein-rich leaves. The results of the study suggest that, when given the chance, bears know what to eat to maximize their health and fitness.

Theres certainly this long-standing idea that humans with PhDs know a lot more than a sloth bear or a brown bear, said Robbins. All of these bears started evolving about 50 million years ago, and in terms of this aspect of their diet, they know more about it than we do. Were one of the first to be willing to ask the bears: What do you want to eat? What makes you feel well?

The study is published in the journal Scientific Reports.

Check us out on EarthSnap, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

By Chrissy Sexton, Earth.com Staff Writer

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Bears are not carnivores, and they crave a healthy diet - Earth.com

According to a new study published this month in the Journal of Affective Disorders, vegetarians experienced depressive episodes twice as often as those who ate meat.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics explains that vegetarianism is defined in various ways, with some people opting to still consume dairy and/or eggs. However, the common thread in all forms of vegetarianism is the avoidance of meat.

Vegans, on the other hand, do not eat any animal products at all, including honey.

There are many reasons that people choose to eat a meatless diet, including ethical considerations, concern for the environment, religious beliefs, and health benefits.

The survey looked at 14,216 people in Brazil between the ages of 35 to 74. A food frequency questionnaire was used to determine whether people followed a meatless diet.

A diagnostic tool called the Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised (CIS-R) was used to determine whether people had episodes of depression.

The researchers found, upon analysis of the data, that meatless diets were associated with twice the frequency of depressive episodes. Further, this association was independent of socioeconomic factors as well as lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity levels, and body mass index (BMI). The exact reason for these findings is unclear.

Mary Mosquera-Cochran, a registered dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center who was not a part of the study, said that due to the way the study was designed analyzing data rather than conducting a controlled experiment it cant be concluded whether a meatless diet actually does cause depression.

The researchers found that diet quality was somewhat associated with higher rates of depression, but it did not fully explain the association, said Cochran.

She further explained that the researchers hypothesized that this link might exist because people who are depressed are more likely to try dietary changes (like cutting out meat, for example) because they are hoping to feel better.

Cochran said that the study was done on Brazilian citizens, so it also may not apply to other populations.

She additionally pointed out the fact that it was only a very small percentage of people in the sample studied were actually vegetarians 82 people out of around 14,000 total.

The authors note that its currently estimated that 5-14% of Brazilians currently follow a vegetarian style diet, so this sample may not be reflective of all vegetarians in Brazil either, said Cochran.

Though the authors also note that they adjusted for factors like protein and micronutrient intake, concluding that they believe nutrient deficiencies do not explain this association, other experts disagree.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson Monique Richard, said meatless diets and depression could be linked for a variety of reasons, with one being nutrient deficiencies.

Whenever an individual excludes an entire food group, in this case, protein and fat sources, and does not replace it with equally nutritionally-adequate options, it will affect a variety of systemic and physiological functions such as cognitive health, she said, noting that it is important to look deeper into the dietary patterns of these individuals to learn whether this might have been the case.

If an individual does not have an adequate intake of nutrients such as B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein, certain enzymes and proteins may be compromised, altering specific pathways in the body, said Richard. This could affect mood, anxiety, memory, perceived stress, sleep, etc.

As an example, she cites the amino acid tryptophan, which is needed to make serotonin, an important neurotransmitter that has been linked to mood disorders like depression.

Tryptophan is found in meat as well as oats, nuts, and seeds, explained Richard. But its important that people are educated on what foods contain it and how to consume enough to meet their own personal needs.

Other factors that would be important to assess would be if the person felt isolated or disconnected from others related to their dietary choice, said Richard. Is there a personal, religious, or moral consideration for the choice that may also be contributing to these feelings and state of mind?

Dr. Mary-Jon Ludy, Chair of the Department of Public and Allied Health and Associate Professor of Food and Nutrition at Bowling Green State University, advised that [w]ith or without meat, it is important to follow a healthy, high quality eating pattern that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

Eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods as well as limiting added sugars, solid fats, and sodium is key, she said.

According to Samantha Coogan, Program Director of the Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the main vitamins and minerals of concern when it comes to depression are the B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, and selenium.

Vitamin B12, in particular, is only found in animal products, said Coogan. However, it, along with other B complex vitamins, are responsible for mood regulation and brain function.

B vitamins can be found in fortified breakfast cereals, and B12 in fish, eggs, meat, and milk products, she said. Additionally, most people who dont eat meat will need to take a B12 supplement.

She further notes that a B complex supplement may be a better option since youll get the amount of B12 that you need along with the other B vitamins.

Zinc may play a role in endocrine pathways that may lead to increased levels of cortisol, and the regulation of neurotransmission as a potential mechanism of action, so a deficiency could disrupt usual neurotransmitter firing/signaling to other areas of the body, such as elevating the expression of the hippocampus and decreasing cortisol, explained Coogan.

She noted that zinc is mainly found in red meat, crab, and oysters, making it difficult for a vegan or vegetarian to get enough. However, it can also be found in nuts, whole grains, fortified cereals, and dairy products.

Coogan further explained that magnesium is responsible for the activation of more than 300 enzyme systems that play important roles in brain function.

Low magnesium can lead to inflammation, dysregulation of oxidative pathways possibly inducing oxidative stress, and may dysregulate the release of serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, and sleep cycles (i.e. interrupting sleep/insomnia), she said.

But, when it comes to getting enough magnesium, plant eaters are in luck, according to Coogan. This important mineral is found mostly in plant-based foods, including leafy greens, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

Lastly, selenium deficiency can cause thyroid dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, and dysregulation of important mood regulators like serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline.

Selenium is primarily found in seafood, poultry, meat, eggs, and fish, said Coogan. However, it can also be found in bread and grains.

Ludy concluded by stating, If in doubt, meeting with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) can be a great resource for planning a well-balanced diet.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics maintains a database of RDNs on its website, or you can ask your primary care provider for a referral.

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Experts Have Beef with Study Linking Depression and Vegetarian Diet - Healthline

Gary, an 8-week-old puppy in California, fights a Diet Coke can in his front yard. (Lois Gray via Twitter)

Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes

THE FRONT YARD Utah is known for its love of soda. From Swig to Sodalicious, it's easy to get your hands on a "dirty" Diet Coke a Diet Coke with coconut syrup, a lime and a splash of half and half.

Some Utahns have even started making their dirty Diet Cokes at home, splurging on pebble ice machines and ordering the syrups for themselves.

From time to time usually around Jan. 1 people have made a goal to steer away from the bubbly drink with different levels of success. One puppy in California decided to battle against soda just like those goal-oriented Utahns. But was it successful?

Gary, our 8 week old terrier foster puppy, takes on this innocent Diet Coke can in a fierce battle. It's the intersection of @darth and @jenntakahashi content, basically.

Spoiler: The pup wins. pic.twitter.com/Iqq2Cl9uMw

Gary, an 8-week-old dog, spotted a can of Diet Coke near his house and the battle commenced. After attempting and failing to fit the can in his mouth and defeat it by sheer force, Gary had to try a new strategy scaring it to death with his fierce bark.

Is this a case of a dog's bark being worse than its bite? I'm not sure. While Gary's owner thought Gary won, the can seems pretty intact to me.

Gary's unconquerable puppy spirit still remains after the battle, so for now we will say he was victorious. And for those of us still battling against Diet Coke, we can take inspiration from Gary's no-quit attitude. If the first strategy doesn't work, there's probably another way!

Lisi Merkley is a news producer for KSL.com. Prior to joining KSL in May 2021, she was editor in chief of The Daily Universe at Brigham Young University, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications and Spanish.

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Have You Seen This? Puppy takes on fierce enemy Diet Coke - KSL.com

Hydration is one of the main aspects of being healthy and fit. But we must all agree, if there is one thing we take for granted, is drinking enough water. Water is certainly the elixir of life, yet we neglect to have sufficient water.

Lack of hydration can lead to various health issues such as headache, fatigue, low blood pressure, skin concerns, and many more. A well-hydrated body helps all the organs to function properly and also aids in releasing toxins from the body. So, consuming water is extremely important and beneficial for health.

Well, if you are someone who is not a conscious water drinker, then we have got a solution for you. You can give your body much-needed hydration through fruits as well. Fruits are not only loaded with vitamins, minerals, and enzymes but there are fruits that are high in water content that keeps the body hydrated.

Also Read:5 Quick And Easy Fruit-Based Recipes You Must Add To Your Weight Loss Diet

Apples contain almost 86% water, hence it is a great fruit to consume to add hydration to your body. Apples are not just delicious but consuming them regularly can help with heart health, blood sugar levels, and many more. Include apple as a part of your breakfast or munch on it as a snack, it will help you to keep your water level in check.

Watermelon is one of the most popular hydrating fruits. It contains 96% water, hence watermelon is a favorite fruit to have during summers to quench thirst. Apart from being heavy on water content, watermelons contain vitamins A and C which are essential vitamins for the body. Also, watermelons are low on calories making them the perfect snack for people who are on their weight loss journey. Watermelon smoothie can be a great breakfast option that will keep you full and also will act as the perfect alternative for water.

Containing 88% of water, papaya is another excellent source of water for the body. It also comes with the goodness of vitamins C, A, E, and antioxidants. Consumption of papaya significantly improves heart health, fights against inflammation, and aids in digestion as well. You can have a few papaya slices on their own or add some to your fruit bowl.

Oranges are filled with health benefits and one of them has to be providing hydration to the body due to its high water content. A very potent source of vitamin C and potassium, oranges are great to build a strong immune system. Oranges also aid in getting clear and bright skin. Have it as an afternoon snack or squeeze out an orange for a refreshing juice to get the maximum benefits of oranges.

Strawberries have 91% water in them. These tasty fruits have multiple health benefits. Strawberries are packed with fiber, manganese, vitamin C, and folate which are beneficial for a healthy body. Since strawberries are high in fiber they aid in digestion. It prevents inflammation as well which can further protect you from heart risks. Make a delicious strawberry smoothie or add them to your salad, and enjoy the health benefits of strawberries.

Never keep your body deprived of water. Add these hydrating fruits to your daily diet and always be hydrated.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

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5 Fruits To Add To Your Diet To Stay Hydrated - NDTV Food

Getting children to eat a balanced and healthy diet is a challenge for most parents. From limited food preferences, developing tastes and tantrums to being plain restless, there are several reasons why children struggle to finish a plate of healthy food.

While the basics of a healthy diet remain the same for all age groups - eat mostly fruits and vegetables, followed by carbohydrates such as whole grains, then dairy and fats - children need more calcium for their growing bones, protein for increasing muscle mass and antioxidants to enhance their immunity. Children grow about 2.5 inches (6 to 7 centimetres) each year and gain about 2-3 kg per year until puberty starts, which means they need plenty of nutrition.

Also Read:11 Best Healthy Recipes | Easy Healthy Recipes

Prakriti Poddar, spokesperson, RoundGlass Living, recommends four Indian ingredients that can give your child the extra edge to grow and live with health and happiness. As a mother of three young children, she is more than familiar with the challenges of getting children to eat healthy and how their diet can be optimized to provide adequate nutrition. Include these ingredients in their regular diet and see your little one bloom into a healthy young adult.

This bright-coloured sour fruit grows mainly in the Western Ghats, and is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients with anti-inflammatory properties and even anti-cancer activity. The fruit is packed with anthocyanins, antioxidants that give it its rich colour and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in boosting the immunity of children and keeps their gut healthy.

How to use: Consume it in form of a juice prepared by soaking kokum overnight and then extracting its juice. Add kokum to curries and dals for a dash of sourness and health.

This unique ingredient looks like ginger, tastes like raw mango and belongs to the turmeric family. It is a rich source of antioxidants and nutrients and is used in traditional medicinal systems as an appetizer, anti-pyretic, emollient, expectorant and laxative. This means it can help with common health challenges faced by growing children, such as frequent coughs and colds as well as constipation. Called aamba haldi in Hindi, mango ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties that help in healing skin injuries and skin diseases.

How to use: Mango ginger is mostly used as a pickle. Its juliennes can be added to soups and salads or used to prepare the salad dressing. Or prepare a chutney using mango ginger and other complimentary ingredients.

This flowering plant from the mint family is an integral part of Indian culture and holds religious and culinary significance for many communities. But its nutritional properties make it an essential ingredient to include in the diet of children. For instance, tulsi contains powerful nutrients like vitamin C that help boost the immune system of children. Eugenol, an antioxidant, helps fight skin disorders such as acne that frequently affect adolescents. It also helps in reducing cold and congestion in the chest. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a soothing ingredient for the seasonal fevers that commonly afflict children.

How to use: Add some leaves to boiling water to make herbal tea and offer it to your child daily to help maintain immunity. Rub tulsi oil on the skin of your child to keep her safe from mosquito bites when she goes out to play.

This relatively less-known root grows in the Himalayan region, as well as in coastal areas. It has many skin-healing properties that can be handy for managing teen acne and other skin disorders. It has blood-purifying properties that can prevent the appearance of pimples. In addition, it could potentially also be used to manage blood sugar in children with co-morbidities.

How to use: Dried roots can be brewed in hot water to make herbal tea which can be consumed as per requirement. Your child may initially find its herb.

Author Bio:Prakriti Poddar is Global Head, Mental Health and Wellbeing, RoundGlass, a global Wholistic Wellbeing organisation where she is actively involved in creating an integrated platform for Wholistic Wellbeing.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

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4 Indian Ingredients To Include In The Diet Of Children To Ensure Growth And Health - NDTV Food

IN order to become a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, you're going to have to make some sacrifices.

Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt, 33, has done just that throughout his career, becoming renowned for his intense workout regime and almost obsessive dedication to his craft.

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So exactly what does it take to keep yourself in such a peak physical condition? Well, for the Wisconsin native, it means cutting out the cheese curds.

The recommended caloric intake for an average adult male is approximately 2,500 calories.

According to Sportskeeda, the average intake of an NFL player is around 5,000 calories.

Watt, meanwhile, hits 9,000 per day thanks to his semi-keto, semi-Paleo diet rich in fats such as avocados, olive oil, and bacon.

Healthy carbohydrates are then mixed in, in the form of sweet potatoes, for example.

Back in 2019, Watt told People: "Some days it can feel like all Im doing is eating.

"It's all about giving my body the tools it needs to perform at a high level."

However, when speaking to GQ, the then-Houston Texan explained that calorie counting isn't his priority.

Watt explained: "I'm not strict on my calorie count, I just pay attention to my body.

"Over the years I've learned a lot about nutrition and about myself, so its a lot more based on feel.

"I stopped putting a number on it because people were analyzing it too much."

They report that he consumes two breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on a daily basis.

According to an interview with GQ back in 2016, Watt laid out an example of his daily meals.

He begins with oatmeal with strawberries and blueberries, six eggs, and a banana and an apple.

He'll kick-off his second breakfast with another four eggs, along with two slices of wheat toast teamed with peanut butter, banana, and honey, and then another two slices of wheat toast, this time accompanied by jelly.

Moving on to his first lunch, and Watt again remains on the whole wheat train, teaming pasta with three chicken breasts, Italian dressing, and a side of broccoli.

His second helping of lunch can include yet more chicken breasts, alongside mashed sweet potatoes, and steamed carrots.

To finish off the day, Watt adds to his whole wheat intake with more pasta, lamb chops, and grilled asparagus.

His second dinner, and final meal of the day, consists of, you guessed it, whole wheat pasta, steamed broccoli, and a filet.

Watt has spoken about how his workout regime has had to change multiple times over the years - especially thanks to his growing injury history.

But that doesn't mean he takes it easy.

According to Sportskeeda, Watt wakes up between 5 and 6 am, and starts his day with a 30 to 40 minute warm up. This is supposedly performed barefoot to help promote "balance and ankle stability."

One of the primary aims of this session is to make sure his core is sufficiently prepared before moving onto weight based exercises.

His warm ups reportedly consist of planks, glute extensions, side planks with a raised leg, lateral leg walks with bands, bird-dogs, and dead-bugs.

Watt's session also entails glute and low ab work, "with an emphasis on the groin and pelvic floor strength and stability."

The five-time First-Team All-Pro works out for around 90 minutes per day, and consists of free weights, functional training, conditioning, footwork drills, and resistance band exercises.

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Inside JJ Watts diet and workout plan with NFL icon eating 9,000 calories a day and 90-minute workout s... - The US Sun

Obesity can seriously compromise a persons physical and mental health. It is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health and is a known risk factor for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancersall of which are leading causes of preventable, premature death.

Rates of obesity have tripled since 1975, over 41% of adults and almost 20% of children in the U.S. are classed as obese. People are considered obese if they have an excess of body fat and a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30.

BMI is a simple but rather controversial measurement, defined as a persons weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters (kg/m2).

Recently, researchers at Baylor College of Medicine suggested that obesity risk in humans may be determined by environmental and genetic factors during early development and argue that obesity should be considered a neurodevelopmental disease.

Study lead Dr. Robert A. Waterland, professor at Baylor College of Medicine, told Medical News Today:

[] genetic variation certainly contributes to individual differences in body weight, early environmental influences on the development of body weight regulatory mechanisms (developmental programming) may, in general, play a bigger role in determining individual propensity to obesity.

The work published in the journal Science Advances uses epigenetics to show that obesity is linked to nutrition during certain phases of development.

A number of things such as poor diet, lack of physical exercise, and a lack of good sleep, are known to increase the risk of obesity.

The type and amount of food eaten are also directly linked to obesity risk, consuming an excess of calories and burning very few will create a calorie surplus leading to weight gain. That said, the public health message to eat less and exercise more hasnt stemmed the tide of obesity.

Once seen as a result of a lack of will and self-restraint, the biological nature of obesity has been shown to be much more complex. Indeed, prenatal and early life studies have linked undernutrition to obesity in rats.

The effect of nutrition during early development in human studies has shown famine during the first trimester of pregnancy resulted in higher obesity rates, but famine during the last trimester and the first months of life was linked with lower levels of obesity.

It is widely accepted that body weight is also influenced by genetics. The CDC reports over 50 different genes that have been associated with obesity. Genes determine the signals that are transmitted by hormones to the brain, where they direct the body to eat or move.

Large-scale human genome studies have found changes in genes linked to BMI are expressed in the developing brain.

Epigenetics studies the way genes work, allowing scientists to study how behavior and environment can alter how genes work. Epigenetic changes dont change the sequence of the DNA, they change how the body reads the DNA sequence.

For this study, mice ages 2 to 4 months were monitored through pregnancy and their pups were studied through post-natal development.

Whole genome analysis and RNA sequencing were completed on neuron and glia cells and studied for epigenetic markers and gene expression. Specifically, the researchers used tissue from the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus of the brain, the area that controls hunger and satiety.

The researchers noted the post-natal period in mice is critical for epigenetic changes linked to obesity and energy balance regulation, suggesting obesity could be a consequence of dysregulated epigenetic maturation, according to Dr. Harry MacKay, the studys first author.

Interestingly, when comparing the epigenetic data with data from human genome studies the investigators found a strong correlation between regions of the human genome linked to BMI and the areas of epigenetic changes in mice, leading to the suggestion that adult obesity may be determined in part by epigenetic development in the arcuate nucleus.

The authors propose this new understanding may create effective interventions to prevent obesity this work provides the argument that prenatal and early postnatal development can at least in part determine human obesity risk.

[E]vidence from the last several decades indicates that once an individual is obese, it is extremely difficult to achieve a normal body weight. And, when obese adults do succeed in losing substantial weight, it is extremely difficult to maintain the weight loss in the long term. It is our hope that an improved understanding of the developmental neuroepigenetic mechanisms underlying the establishment of body weight regulation will enable effective approaches to prevent obesity. Dr. Robert A. Waterland

When asked if the work could lead to new nutritional recommendations for pregnancy, Dr. Waterland commented that the current research, which was conducted in mice, does not provide a basis for making nutritional recommendations for humans. Although we dont yet have the data, it is a reasonable guess that the postnatal epigenetic maturation we cataloged in this mouse study occurs during late fetal development in humans.

[] such data would bolster existing recommendations that women try to achieve a healthy body weight prior to becoming pregnant, as maternal obesity during pregnancy not only raises the risk of pregnancy complications like preterm birth and gestational diabetes but also appears to promote lifelong positive energy balance in her developing child, he added.

The study is not without limitations.

The nature of the ever-changing cell population during early development makes interpreting the data complicated, it is possible that changes in the cell population between the time points may affect the results.

The authors plan to overcome this in future studies by using more time points and using computational modeling.

The next step for the research is to extend it into human studies.

[] an obvious next step is to determine when this BMI-associated epigenetic maturation occurs in humans. Because many neurodevelopmental processes occur earlier in humans than in mice, it is likely that this hypothalamic epigenetic maturation occurs during late fetal development in humans, said Dr. Waterland.

[A]n obvious next step would be to try to determine if maternal obesity during pregnancy somehow impairs these developmental changes, resulting in persistently impaired regulation of energy balance in her child. Dr. Robert A. Waterland

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Does obesity have more to do with the brain than we initially thought? - Medical News Today