Category Archives: Lose Weight Fast

Green coffee beans are the same type of beans that you use to make coffee each morning. The difference is that the beans you use are brown because they've been roasted, whereas green coffee beans are raw beans that have not been roasted.

Green coffee is marketed as a weight loss supplement that can help you burn fat fast, without any diet or exercise. However, while there is some preliminary evidence that it could potentially help with weight loss and blood pressure, some studies have been found to be flawed and further research is required to establish its benefits.People also take green coffee for other conditions like Alzheimer's disease and bacterial infections, although there isn't much evidence that it helps.

Here's what you need to know about green coffee and its benefits and side effects.

Green coffee is sold as a beverage or as a supplement. A cup of green coffee looks and tastes similar to a green tea drink. The supplement is typically a pill containing a concentrated green coffee extract.

Green coffee contains polyphenol compounds known as chlorogenic acids, which are plant-based micronutrients. The roasting process can reduce these compounds, so regular coffee doesn't have as much chlorogenic acid as green coffee.

Like regular coffee, green coffee also contains caffeine. Green coffee extracts can contain up to 17% caffeine. The amount of caffeine you get would vary depending on the brand, method of preparation, and amount consumed.

"Green coffee is thought to have health benefits due to the high amount of chlorogenic acids, which act as antioxidants," says Rebecca Tonnessen, RDN, at the Hospital for Special Surgery's Department of Food & Nutrition Services.

However, any benefits still have to be conclusively proven by science; while there has been some research investigating the benefits of green coffee, it is still preliminary. "Many studies done on green coffee have been conducted on animals or have a very small sample size," says Tonnessen.

For instance, a small 2018 study with around 40 participants diagnosed with metabolic syndrome found that green coffee extract combined with a balanced diet helped participants lose weight. The participants also saw improvements in their blood pressure as well as some markers of diabetes, like fasting blood sugar, and insulin resistance. The participants took 400 milligrams of green coffee extract twice a day for four weeks.

According to the United States National Library of Medicine, the evidence from studies investigating the impact of green coffee on obesity and blood pressure is still inconclusive. There also isn't sufficient evidence showing that green coffee can benefit diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, or other health conditions.

"Green coffee as a drink can be safely taken as long as your daily caffeine intake does not exceed 400 milligrams," says Tonnessen. If consumed in larger quantities, caffeine can cause side effects like:

Caffeine whether from green or black coffee is also not recommended for people who have certain health conditions. For instance, people who have heart problems may be advised to avoid caffeine as it can cause the heart to start pounding harder or beating erratically.

People who experience anxiety and insomnia may also find that caffeine exacerbates their symptoms.

If you're on any medication, you should consult your healthcare provider before you take caffeine supplements.Caffeine-free green coffee capsules are on the market, but you should still take caution when using them. Consult your healthcare professional first before taking them.

"Drinking green coffee in liquid form is fine if you prefer green coffee to regular coffee. Consult with your healthcare practitioner regarding green coffee supplements. Caution should be taken with green coffee supplements due to their caffeine content and potential to interact with other medications," says Tonnessen.

There are countless supplements that are marketed as miraculous weight loss remedies, green coffee among them. While preliminary research on green coffee supplements has shown promise, its benefits have yet to be established with conclusive evidence. In fact, green coffee supplements have come under scrutiny for deceptive marketing practices and fraudulent weight loss claims. Therefore, a cautionary approach is recommended when it comes to the supplements, although drinking moderate amounts of green coffee is considered safe for most people.

"Green coffee can add variety and flavor to your morning routine and may provide some additional benefits over coffee. It may be more of a trend; however if you prefer green coffee over regular coffee, tea, or matcha, there's no harm in drinking it," says Tonnessen.

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What is green coffee? Why the supplement's weight loss benefits aren't backed by science - Insider - INSIDER

Losing weight is simple, but it's not easy. Ultimately, it comes down to being in an energy deficit (taking in less energy, or fewer calories than you expend), but this needn't be a painful experience.

If losing weight feels like punishment, chances are you'll end up regaining any weight you lose. The secret is to make tweaks and develop a sustainable way of living that you can effortlessly transition into maintenance.

Two years ago, I began a six-month weight-loss phase in which I lost 35 pounds by working on my overeating habits and my relationship with food. Before that, I'd tried all sorts of different unsustainable diets, and my weight had yo-yoed massively as a result.

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Since losing the bulk of my weight, I've continued working on my healthy habits and as a result have stayed the same size, going from about 30% body fat in December 2017 to about 17% at my most recent scan in September. I'm very happy gaining a little weight by enjoying, say, the holiday period or a vacation, because I know how to slim back down afterward if I want to.

When it comes to losing weight, you're almost definitely going to experience a little hunger, at least at the start as your body adjusts. But it needn't be horrendous.

We're all different, and what works for me may not be what works for you. But I've learned that there are certain hacks that make losing weight easier, which I employ when I want to shed a few pounds while still enjoying my life.

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8 weight-loss hacks that helped me cut my body-fat percentage nearly in half and maintain it - Insider - INSIDER

Randy Jackson has literally transformed American pop culture over the last two decades, having paved the way for game shows and reality competitions to grace our televisions today. In turn, both American Idol and America's Best Dance Crew fans have had the chance to watch his own journey to becoming an entertainment icon unfold and, in the process, a glimpse at his own personal health revolution, too.

In 2002, in the midst of his second life-changing season as a judge on American Idol, the former musician and producer was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. At the time, he told the press he weighed upwards of 350 pounds and had spent most of his life eating his way through poor habits. He surprised audiences in 2003 after undergoing gastric bypass surgery, a procedure that minimizes your stomach and streamlines your digestive tract, and later showed off serious weight loss while appearing on American Idol. But the surgery was just an initial step towards Randy's better health.

In a recent appearance on the Today show, the upcoming Name That Tune judge told anchors Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush-Hager that his health is still a work in progress. "I started on this health regimen many years ago while I was on American Idol Lost a ton of weight, started gaining it back," he explained, discussing his 100-pound-plus weight loss in the years after his surgery. "Then, [I] went on my own journey to try and discover, 'How do I keep it off? What do I do?'"

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The answer hasn't always been clear for Randy, as he's freely spoken about the challenges and obstacles he's faced since 2003 sometimes with managing his weight, other times with living with diabetes. He's undoubtedly come a long way since that fateful diagnosis, though, telling Hoda and Jenna that his new outlook on health has been "a long time running, a long time coming."

Below, we're exploring how Randy has worked at revolutionizing his own outlook on health, plus how he's managed his incredible weight loss, in his own words.

The music industry titan has always credited his experience with the disease as the motivation for the necessary shift in his health. He opened up about his initial diagnosis in a self-help health guide he wrote in 2008, called Body With Soul something that he referred to as "both a blessing and a curse."

Body With Soul

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"It's a curse to be saddled with a disease that's life-threatening and that you can't completely get rid of, though you can certainly manage it," Randy wrote in the book. "But it's a blessing to get that huge wake-up call. After that day in the ER, when my doctor burst the bubble I'd been living in, I couldn't lie to myself anymore. Right then and there, I began my journey toward better health."

After being diagnosed, Randy turned to doctors to learn everything he could about the disease, including potential side effects like heart disease, blindness or even nerve damage (and possible amputation) if left unchecked. "I realized a lot of things that can happen if you don't manage it, which is why I encourage everyone to do so," Randy told Health magazine in 2012.

In writing his Body With Soul, Randy explained how he eventually landed in a space where he could break years of bad dietary habits and it had a lot to do with his wake up call. "Diets, liquid fasts, weight-loss medications, you name it, and none of them ever worked for long. But when I wound up in the hospital, I had to face up to why all those methods failed," he shared.

Randy later told WebMD that he also tried things like liquid fasts and may have even considered apitherapy, a controversial therapy involving bee stings, before he realized why short term solutions didn't work out for him. "The problem is that those diets don't work for people who have the disease of obesity," he said in 2008.

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For Randy, the complications surrounding type 2 diabetes and its potential side effects rattled his core, and helped him realize that his determination needed to change. "Not to be overly dramatic, but it had really come down to a matter of life and death I had to figure out what would work for me, and ultimately I did."

In the 19 years since he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Randy has told the press he's managed to lose (and keep off!) 114 pounds in his new routine, People reports. But it wasn't an immediate, easy change for Randy he says that he struggled to adapt better dietary habits after undergoing gastric bypass surgery, and he actually gained some weight back after his procedure.

Restructuring his diet required a lot of effort on his behalf, as Randy told WebMD in 2008 that his life in television and music meant that it wasn't always easy to eat healthily. "After the show, everybody hangs out and eats and drinks," he explained. "There are all kinds of sandwiches plus chips, cheeses, cookies, cakes, candy, beer, wine." Randy worked to completely change the foods he ate on a regular basis after his initial weight gain.

"You have to almost have a complete divorce break up and start back bit by bit and find out the things that work with your body and you also find out the allergies and really pay attention to how you feel, he told People in 2020.

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As a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Randy had grown up on recipes that were decadent in nature I grew up in Louisiana, so my diet was rich southern fried foods, he told Health and his favorites included gumbo, sausage and grits, and plenty of jambalayas. He later shared in a WebMD profile that he didn't give up all of these favorite meals entirely, but reinvented them with healthier swaps and substitutes. "It's all about being aware of who you are, knowing your body, and accepting that," he said.

"Never say 'I will never have another piece of chocolate' because it won't happen. And as soon as you say never, there is a binge coming," Randy told WebMD, adding that he supercharged his own sweet tooth by balancing occasional chocolate with frozen yogurt. It seems that moderation is at the heart of Randy's long-term commitment to health: He'll allow himself to have, say, a full serving of one kind of potatoes at a holiday meal, but not two or more carb-heavy sides.

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Before being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Randy shared with Health that he only exercised about 30 minutes each week (about two hours short of the minimum recommended amount of exercise). While exercise is necessary to help keep his weight and diabetes in check, Randy didn't immediately throw himself into an intense gym routine in fact, he began revolutionizing his fitness routine by simply walking every single day (even for just 10 minutes!). "I needed to start with something I could do that was simple," he said.

Eventually, Randy made it over to the gym for a more focused workout. He usually starts his routine by hopping on a treadmill, which he keeps right next to his bed. "It's right there staring at me, going, 'Come here.' You know you need this," he shared with WebMD.

After 35 to 45 minutes of walking or light jogging, Randy also turns to yoga, which has benefits all its own. "I have become accustomed to yoga, and I love the stretching and how it makes my body feel better and looser."

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Randy Jackson's Weight-Loss and Health Journey in His Own Words - GoodHousekeeping.com

Highlights

Let's admit it- we all try losing weight at some point in our lives. The primary step towards shedding those extra kilos is controlling what you eat. And when we say diet control, the very first idea that comes to our mind is cutting down on carbohydrate. The world is filled with various fad diets. From keto diet to paleo diet and atkin diet - almost all of these weight loss diets recommend omitting or reducing carbs from your daily meal plan.

Low-carb diet is all the rage. It restricts consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods like bread, rice, grains, sugary foods, starchy vegetables, different fruits etc. Instead, it allows you to compensate the lost energy with protein and fat. This change in diet pattern keeps you full for long and promote metabolism, which further lead to weight loss. Several evidences have proven low-carb diet to be better for quick weight loss, when compared to low-fat diet.

Although low-carb diet pattern is popular across the globe, doctors and nutritionists warn this may have negative effect on our heart health. Yes, you heard it right!

Also Read:Low Carb Versus Low Fat: Should You Follow These Diets For Weight Loss?

A study, presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ECC) Congress 2018, found low-carb diet to be unsafe and advised, "This should be avoided for healthy living." As per the researchers, people who consumed low carbohydrate diet were at higher risk of premature death due to stroke, coronary heart disease and cancer. It was found that people with lowest intake of carb had a 32 percent higher risk of all-cause death. Besides, death risk from coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and cancer increased by 51 percent, 50 percent, and 35 percent, respectively.

"Low carbohydrate diets might be useful in the short term to lose weight, lower blood pressure, and improve blood glucose control, but our study suggests that in the long-term they are linked with an increased risk of death from any cause, and deaths due to cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and cancer," stated the researchers.

In another study, presented at the American College of Cardiology's 68th Annual Scientific Session, it was found that people getting lower amount of calories from carbs (like grains, fruits and starchy vegetables) may have significantly increased risk atrial fibrillation - the most common heart rhythm disorder that often lead to stroke or heart failure. Hence, the researchers suggest that low-carb diet to control weight must be recommended cautiously to avoid its negative effects.

Also Read:Cutting Down On Inflammatory Foods May Lower Heart Risks; Experts Suggest 5 Foods To Avoid

Low-carb diet should be avoided for healthy heart

When we asked consultant nutritionist Rupali Datta about the link between low-carb and heart risk, she explained, "There have been some studies on this link. Most of them say that when you remove carb from your diet, you invariably land up adding more fat and protein (especially animal protein). This means, you are anyway adding more saturated fats, cholesterol and removing the healthy fibres, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals that come along with healthy carbs. The lack of these essential nutrients may lead to several health risks."

Hence, experts suggest, balanced diet is the key to good health. "A low carb diet works differently on different bodies. Most of the weight, which one loses during a low-carb diet is water weight. Fluctuating insulin levels found in many overweight individuals cause the body to retain sodium and water. A high-fat, low-carb diet stabilizes insulin levels, which leads to losing water weight and fat. However, there is a possibility that the body might react poorly to the low-carb intake leading to bloating, dehydration and constipation," stated fitness and nutrition expert Rohit Shelatkar.

"Whether one should increase or decrease their carb intake depends on personal goals, health and lifestyle. The drastic change of moving to a low-carb diet can lead to weight loss, much of which is from water weight and it is short-term in nature. Hence, it is imperative that individuals have a balanced diet filled with carbs, proteins and fats and restrict the number of calories versus the ones burned in a day," he added.

Considering the above factors, we say, balanced and nutritious diet is the key to healthy living.

Eat healthy, stay fit!

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About Somdatta SahaExplorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day.

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Is Low-Carb Weight Loss Diet Good For Your Heart? Here's What Experts Reveal - NDTV Food

NEW YORK, Jan. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --The Dynamic Three-Oconsisting of a nationally renowned nutritionist, fitness expert and editor and fashionista, introduce The Skinny Line, a collection of 100% all-natural weight lossand wellness products created by women for women. The Skinny Line is more than a supplement and diet program, it isa supportive community and movement designed by women, to give women all the facts they need about weight loss as it pertains to women, without the fat.

The company founders: fitness expert Lisa Avellino, highly regarded nutritionist Jacqui Justice and fashionista and editor of Resident Magazine Julie Sagoskin, introduce the The Skinny Line Collectionof professional-grade nutritional supplementsmade with the highest quality and safest ingredients. The Skinny Line Movementis also a radio show, podcast, website, and social media outlet designed to engage, connect, and motivate women to take control of their diet, weight, and life.

It is also important to note that since the pandemic began, dozens of studies have reported that many of the sickest COVID-19 patients have been women with obesity and that there has been a marked increase in weight gain during this time. The study found that people with obesity whocontracted COVID-19 were 113% more likely than people of healthy weight to land in the hospital, 74% more likely to be admitted to an ICU, and 48% more likely to die.

The Skinny Line Collectionconsists of a variety of FDA-approved, 100% all-natural products including tablets, creams, sprays and shakes such as: Skinny Spritz, Skinny Sculpt, Skinny Suppress, Skinny Shake, Skinny Boost and Skinny Energize, all designed to work easily for all types of women to achieve maximum weight loss. The Skinny Line Collection work synergistically with your body to allow for quick and safe weight loss while also boosting energy levels, controlling appetites, and promoting a healthy gut. The recommended start to the program is the 30-Day Skinny Diet which includes the complete line up of products and information.

"It's easy to make a New Year's weight loss resolution, but very hard to stick to it," says Co-Founder and Nutritionist Jacqui Justice."The Skinny Line Collection and Movement erase the common roadblocks to weight loss which are increased cravings and hunger and low energy, and make it easier to stay on the diet plan and reach your goals. We The Skinny Line Ambassadors are here to support our customers every step of the way," adds Justice.

The 30-Day Skinny Diet Plan is recommended to get started on a lifetime of health and wellness. This is a 30-day trial is a body bloat-busting, fat- burning plan that includes The Skinny Line Collection and an optimal weight loss food and menu plan.

The Skinny Line Movementinvolves the three Co-Founders and includes a new weekly radio show entitled "Ladies, It's Not Our Fault, It's Our Hormones and High Heels" to engage and support women and to give them access to a community both on air and online at http://www.theskinnyline.com The Dynamic Three-O host the radio show which airs on on AM 970 The Answer/WNYMevery Saturday. By combining Julie's insider perspective of the fashion industry, Jacqui's nutritional and medical knowledge and Lisa's extraordinary understanding of how the female body functions, the radio show offers a groundbreaking platform that leaves their listeners looking and feeling gorgeous from the inside out. Esteemed guests have included supermodel Beverly Johnson, veteran journalist Joan Lunden and fashion designer, Josie Natori. As industry leaders, lifestyle experts and the ultimate entrepreneurs, they go the extra mile to bring their expertise to their listener's homes with The Skinny Collection. For more information on the The Skinny Line and to get started go to TheSkinnyLine.com.

About the Founders: As a nutritionist and leading expert in Weight Loss Resistance, Digestive Wellness and Menopause Management, Jacqui Justice brings over 20 years of experience to The Skinny Line for Women. Additionally, Lisa Avellinois a top health and fitness expert with over 30 years of industry experience. Julie Sagoskin is a journalist, editor, and fashion consultant. Jacqui, Julie, and Lisa co-host and bring their unique perspectives to the Skinny Line and The Skinny Movement

Julie Sagaskin, Lisa Avellino and Jacqui Justice are influencers and the creators behind Theskinnyline.com

About The Skinny Line Brand: The Skinny LineCollectionof 100% natural weight loss and specially formulated wellness products, as well as an information source for women on health, diet, and beauty.

The Radio Show entitled "It's Not Our Fault. It's Our Hormones and High Heels," is a cheeky resource to all things fashion, beauty, wellness, fitness top celebs and key personalities. The Radio Show covers all topics relating to health, wellness, beauty, and fashion.

The mission is for women to come to any of our platforms and leave with accessible value that they can implement into their everyday lives and be the best version of themselves.

http://www.theskinnyline.com

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Media Contact: Stacey Bender 973.405.4600 [emailprotected]

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Get the Skinny on the Revolutionary Weight Loss Movement Designed to Take the Negative Out of Skinny - PRNewswire

Adele has had one of the biggest celebrity weight loss transformations of the past decade. The Hello singer followed the sirtfood diet that helped her lose nearly 100 pounds since the start of her music career. Since New Years resolutions to be healthier are at an all-time high, heres how you can follow Adeles diet.

UK nutritionists Aidan Goggins and Glen Matten,published a guidebook to the sirtfood diet in 2016. The first step of this diet is eating foods that can activate proteins in your body called sirtuins. These foods like berries, dark chocolate and wine boost your metabolism and decrease inflammation.

SEE ALSO: ALL ABOUT THE SIRTFOOD DIET THAT HELPED ADELE LOSE 100 POUNDS

This diet works intwo phases.In the first week of following the diet, the calorie intake is restricted to about 1,000 calories. Most people that follow the diet drink three cups of green juice per day and have one meal full of sirtfoods. In the second phase of the diet, it is common to drink one cup of green juice along with three balanced meals rich in sirtfoods a day for two weeks.

After these three initial weeks, you are still encouraged to eat meals rich in sirtfoods and continue drinking green juice. This is a New Years diet that actually works but make sure you read up on how the diet can be a bit restrictive. Calorie controlled diets can have varying results.

Eating better is only half of the process. The next step is to make sure you are staying active. Adele was hitting the gym pretty hard to achieve this weight loss. Sheworked with a personal trainerthree times a week to get in some intense workouts. Adele also took up pilates to gain more strength and stamina for when she is on stage. She also lifts small free weights.

Adele first looked to improve her diet in 2012 after giving birth to her son Angelo. She cut out drinking her usual 10 cups of sugary tea a day and smoking cigarettes. In 2017 after touring, she continued to lose weight to help improve her stamina. Oftentimes, she likes to workout at home. Shes not the sort to exercise in front of others, so she follows regimes and plans at home, using their videos and tutorials, a source told The Sun.

Adele does not typically post pictures on Instagram very often, but when she does, the world is always talking about her weight loss. I know I look really, really different since you last saw me, she said when she hosted SNL in October. But actually, because of all the Covid restrictionsI had to travel light and I could only bring half of me. And this is the half I chose.

SEE ALSO: ADELE SHOCKS FANS WITH EXTREMELY SLIM BODY IG POST AFTER A LONG BREAK FROM SOCIAL MEDIA

If you are interested in trying the sirtfood diet, you can find recipes rich in sirtfoods here.

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Step By Step: Follow Adele's Weight Loss Sirtfood Diet That Led To Her Shocking Transformation - Talent Recap

Today we come with a very motivating topic for those who want to loss their weight. Now days, weight gain is one of the major health problem for a large number of people in our society. Being overweight is an issue most people including celebrities battle with.

Today we are coming with such a news where the weight loss is a journey itself. Yes we are talking about none other than, Hollywood star Jorge Garcia. The journey of his weight loss started when the producer asked him to loss some weight.

Before starting the discussion of his weight loss journey, its very important to know how he gain weight?

The weight is mainly gained by bad and uncontrollable eating habits. The case of Jorge Garcia is also not an exception. Unhealthy food eating habits is the main reason behind his weight gain.

But the weight is not a headache for him. But too much weight is not good for the health. So, his near ones advised him for losing some weight.

At least, his latest movie producer asked him to loss weight for his film. As the character doesnt suit him with heavy weight.

His weight loss journey started with the advice of doctors and dietitian. He appoint a personal physical trainer for him. Push-up, sit up, jogging etc are include in his physical training. Beside this, his meals are mostly made by fruits and vegetables. He was totally away from fatty foods, alcohol etc.

By strictly following this, he loss about 100 pounds from his initial weight of 400 lbs.

In present his weight is about 386 lbs or 175 kg.

From this above journey, you understand that, weight loss is not a very difficult deal at all. But you have to only consult a professional before starting.

Thats all for today. Stay tuned with us for getting such interesting articles.

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Jorge Garcia Weight Loss Journey of the Hawaii Five-0 star - Stanford Arts Review

Slow weight loss may not sound that appealing to you, but it is the best option. You can certainly boost your weight loss process by following some simple tricks like:

Staying hydrated: Sufficient amount of water intake is important for your body to function properly and shed kilos. It prevents you from overeating, unhealthy munching and boosts your metabolism.

Having a balanced diet: Most people when trying to shed kilo only focus on their protein intake. For weight loss carbs and fat are equally important.

Drinking herbal tea: Green tea or herbal tea have known to boost weight loss. So it is recommended to add them to your diet. Swap your regular cup of coffee and tea with these health-friendly options.

Strength training: Strength training exercises help you burn calories at rest and even build muscles. At least twice in a week perform strength training exercises in your routine.

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Weight loss: Is it healthy to lose weight fast? | The Times of India - Times of India

The coronavirus pandemic has dominated the headlines and our daily lives for most of this year. Medical News Today have covered this fast-moving, complex story with live updates on the latest news, interviews with experts, and an ongoing investigation into the deep racial disparities that COVID-19 has helped unmask.

However, this hasnt stopped us from publishing hundreds of fascinating stories on a myriad of other topics.

In the first Recovery Room of 2021, we begin with the latest edition of our Medical Myths series, which debunks 11 misconceptions about weight loss. We also look at nostalgia and how it may enable people to move forward with greater confidence, which is particularly important as a new year begins.

We then report on evidence for the benefits that eating avocados may have on the gut microbiome, as well as how the microbiome might influence the quality of a persons sleep.

Other articles featured this week expose the threat that plastics in our environment pose to our health, look at why dogs and their owners often develop diabetes together (while cats and their owners do not), and investigate why smiling makes getting a shot up to 40% less painful.

Finally, far from being a sign of a mental health condition, we look at how talking to oneself may actually be beneficial.

Below are 10 recent stories that may have gone unnoticed amid all the COVID-19 fervor.

Many people aim to lose a little weight at this time of the year, so the first Medical Myths feature of 2021 is well-timed. This week, Senior News Editor Tim Newman investigates 11 misconceptions about weight loss.

Does skipping breakfast help? Do fat-burning foods or weight loss supplements work? What about cutting out sugar, snacking, and treats? Is it possible to target fat in specific areas of the body? These are just a few of the myths we look at this week.

If you or someone you know is embarking on a weight loss journey this month, its an article well worth reading.

Learn more here.

In this Special Feature, Maria Cohut, Ph.D.,looks at the history of nostalgia. Views on what nostalgia is, who experiences it, and whether it is a mental health issue have shifted over the years.

These days, experts see nostalgia as an emotional experience that may unify our sense of self and even help us build a sense of who we want to be in the future, which is particularly relevant at the beginning of a new year.

This thoughtful Special Feature moves from a historical perspective to a detailed consideration of the value of nostalgia in the present day. Looking back may help a person move forward with confidence.

Learn more here.

Ibogaine is a powerful psychedelic drug prepared from the root of the iboga plant, which is native to West Africa, where local people use it in rituals. It has also served to treat depression and addiction in clinical settings, as well as in more informal settings. However, its use has been linked to several deaths.

This week, we reported that scientists have created a less toxic water-soluble version of ibogaine, called tabernanthalog (TBG). Research in animals suggests that TBG might help treat depression and also promote the growth of connections between nerve cells.

TBG may modify key brain circuits that underlie not only depression but also anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addiction, so further investigation is needed.

Learn more here.

Earlier this week, MNT launched two new hubs focusing on nutrition and vitamins, minerals, and supplements. Both provide science-backed advice and resources to help guide people through the complex world of healthful, sustainable eating.

One food that often features in lists of healthful ingredients is avocado. This week, we reported on new research findings that eating avocado with at least one meal each day leads to more healthful microbes making their home in a persons stomach and intestines.

Our article investigates how the research team ran the study and who funded it. It also suggests possible alternative probiotic foods to include in your diet.

Learn more here.

Gut microbes also feature in another study that we covered this week. New research from researchers in Japan suggests that gut bacteria may affect normal sleep patterns by influencing the production of neurotransmitters.

The researchers gave one group of mice access to water containing a range of broad-spectrum antibiotics, while mice in the control group had access to water without antibiotics.

After 4 weeks, 60 normal metabolites linked to the production of neurotransmitters were missing in the guts of the mice that drank the antibiotic-laden water. The researchers also found disturbances in the sleep patterns of mice in this group. They note that these may be related to changes in the levels of neurotransmitters, specifically those of serotonin.

For more in-depth articles on this topic, please visit our resource hubs focusing on the microbiome and the science of sleep.

Learn more here.

MNT have reported before on the potential health risks of plastics in seafood. This week, we covered a new report highlighting how exposure to plastics can disrupt an individuals endocrine system, potentially causing serious health issues.

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can adversely affect a persons endocrine system. Today, there are more than 1,000 widely used chemicals that can have this effect.

Manufacturers use plastics containing EDCs in packaging, cookware, childrens toys, furniture, electrical goods, textiles, cosmetics, and vehicles. The lead author of the report concludes, Definitive action is needed on a global level to protect human health and our environment from these threats.

Learn more here.

According to a recent study that MNT covered last month, if a dog has diabetes, there is an increased risk that its owner will, too. This was a large study that looked at 208,980 owner-dog pairs. The researchers found that people who owned a dog with diabetes had a 38% greater likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes than those who owned a dog without diabetes.

The researchers found no such association between diabetes in cats and their owners.

For more evidence-backed resources for people living with diabetes, visit MNTs new diabetes hub.

Learn more here.

As well as reporting on the findings of this recent study, our article also summarizes how cancer develops and the link between telomeres and biological aging.

The research is important as it demonstrates, for the first time, that telomere shortening could prevent cancer. It also provides insights into how a wider range of human diseases may develop over a lifetime, and how telomere shortening therapies could potentially suppress them.

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At a time when many millions of people are expecting to be vaccinated in coming weeks and months, this new research will come as good news.

Researchers investigated the possible links between facial expression and pain sensation. They concluded that a genuine smile or a grimace could reduce the pain associated with a vaccine-like needle injection by up to 40%.

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Our team investigated self-talk this week. For most people, its a perfectly normal behavior rather than a sign of a mental health condition. In fact, self-talk may have some benefits, such as improved performance when completing certain tasks. It may also aid a persons understanding when following instructions.

If you or someone youre with chooses to verbalize their internal monologue, dont worry, its very common and may even be beneficial.

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We hope that this article provides a taste of the stories that we cover atMNT. Well be back with a new selection next week.

We publish hundreds of new stories and features every month. Here are some upcoming articles that may pique our readers interest:

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The Recovery Room: News beyond the pandemic January 8 - Medical News Today

Oat-based meals are a popular breakfast food in many countries around the world, including the US, Switzerland, and Finland, which are touted as beneficial for weight loss due to a healthy mix of fiber, complex carbs, and protein. Oatmeal is rich in nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and fiber, which can help lower cholesterol, aid in weight loss, and lead to better gut health.

"Oats help people feel full, decrease sugar spikes, and decrease insulin. Those are the properties that make you feel full so you stop eating," says Chaim Ross, MD, a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone at Great Neck Medical.

However, not all oatmeals are equal. The difference is in the oats used to make the oatmeal.

There are several types of oatmeal, including steel-cut or Irish oats, Scottish oats, rolled or old-fashioned oats, and quick or instant oats. However, if you're looking for the least processed forms then steel-cut and rolled oats are your ticket and also deemed healthiest.

Here are the advantages of eating oatmeal in relation to weight maintenance, along with some potential drawbacks.

Oatmeal contains a healthy mixture of fiber, complex carbohydrates, and plant-based protein that makes it beneficial for weight loss. A half-cup of dry Old Fashioned Quaker Oats contains 150 calories, three grams of fat, 27 grams of carbohydrates, five grams of protein, and one gram of naturally occurring sugar. It contains four grams of dietary fiber with two grams of soluble fiber.

Here are some health and weight loss-related benefits of this nutritious meal:

Oatmeal keeps you feeling full and helps regulate bowel movements: Dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber, softens stool, making it easier to pass. It also regulates hunger by creating a feeling of fullness. "Oats have soluble fiber, which forms a gel-like formula that can leave people feeling full," Ross says.

Oatmeal helps to keep blood sugar from spiking: Another perk of eating oatmeal is that the rolled oats version qualifies as a lowglycemic index food. The glycemic index (GI) is a ranking of foods based on how much they raise blood sugar. Therefore, a low GI means that oatmeal keeps your blood sugar from spiking too high during and after meals, which may help fend off hunger longer, Ross says. Spikes in blood sugar can also cause fatigue and headaches.

Keeping your blood sugar in a healthy range, particularly for people with diabetes, may prevent long-term health complications such as heart disease. The GI of rolled oats is about 55, which, for comparison, is about 25 points lower than whole wheat bread.

Oatmeal helps control insulin: As blood sugar levels rise, the pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that helps cells absorb glucose, aka blood sugar. Foods with a low glycemic index, like oats, are digested more slowly which causes a more gradual rise in blood sugar. Because insulin allows cells to absorb blood sugar which the body converts to fat if there is too much of it, low insulin levels are associated with weight loss.

Oatmeal may help boost the immune system: One type of soluble fiber, beta-glucan, is found inoats andhelps activate your infection-fighting blood cells.Staying healthy means you can be active, keep a regular exercise schedule, and either lose or maintain weight.

Though oatmeal has several health benefits, people should be mindful of the potential drawbacks, Ross says. Here's what to avoid or stay mindful of when incorporating oatmeal into your diet:

Don't add too much sugar and mix-ins: It may be tempting to add some sweetness and fat to oatmeal, which by itself is generally very bland. But calories from brown sugar, butter, and syrup add up quickly, Ross says. Instead, opt for fruit. "Throwing a couple of blueberries on it is a great idea," he says. "Throwing sugar on it, not a great idea."

Pay attention to portion size: While the recommended portion size of half a cup of dry oats is healthy, oatmeal can be very caloric and too carb-heavy in high amounts, Ross says. That could interfere with weight-loss goals. However, depending on your age, height, weight and physical activity level one cup or more of oats may be ok.

Stay away from instant or flavored oats: Although the calories, fat, carbohydrates, and protein content in various oats are similar, their effects on blood sugar are not. Because instant oats are more highly processed, they have less fiber and therefore a higher glycemic index.

A well-balanced, low-fat, healthy diet should include more minimally processed foods, such as whole grains, which have low-GI values. Similarly, flavored oats should also be avoided, as they are frequently full of processed sugar that the fiber doesn't offset.

Avoid eating too much too soon: "When I recommend fiber, I tell people to start slow, ease into it," Ross says. Otherwise, your body may have a hard time processing all the fiber, which can cause bloating, constipation, and stomach pain.

People should start with oatmeal two to four times a week and work their way up to daily servings, he says. It may be beneficial to have a large glass of water with oatmeal to help move the fiber through the GI tract to reduce bloating and stomach pain.

Oatmeal can be a nutritious and filling addition to a healthy diet. Its low glycemic index combined with soluble fiber can help with both constipation and weight loss.

Although no research directly links eating oatmeal with weight loss, studies have found it to be effective for appetite control. Its ingredients and nutritional content make it an ideal addition to a weight-loss regimen.

Those introducing oatmeal to their diet should start slowly and avoid instant and flavored oats.

"I recommend that people eat the most natural oat they can find," Ross says. "If eaten in the right portions, it can help with GI issues and weight loss. Everything in moderation."

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Yes, oatmeal can be good for weight loss here's how to eat it as part of a healthy diet - Insider - INSIDER