Venus figurines are one of the world's earliest examples of art. It was carved over 30,000 years ago in which most of them are found in Europe, but some were found in Siberia and some parts of Eurasia. It was the very firstPalaeolithic sculptural representation of a woman found in modern times.

At some point, Venus figurines were seen as symbols of fertilityor a mother goddess. It also depicted an obese or pregnant woman. But scientists have been intrigued and puzzled by this prehistoric art ever since it was discovered.

A researcher from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has offered a new explanation for Venus figurines. He believes that he has gathered evidence regarding the mystery behind these sculptures.

According to an article inPhys.org, the lead author of the study Richard Johnson, MD, said that the key to understanding the Venus figurines lies in understanding the climate change and the people's diet during the time it was created.

Johnson said that some of the earliest art were these mysterious Venus figurines that looked overweight women when it was less likely to be found during the Ice Age in Europe because it was a time of great nutritional stress.

The figurines measure about 6 to 16 centimeters in length and are either made in stone, ivory, horn, or clay. Some of these figurines were even worn as amuletsin the past.

Johnson and his c-authors from various universities around the world measured the waist-to-hip ratio of the Venus figurines and discovered thatthose found nearest the glaciers were the most obese, but are less obese in the areas where the climate is warmer and glaciers retreated. They believe these figurines were the representations of idealized body types back then.

Read Also: Climate Change May be Responsible for the Increase of Shark Attacks in Australia

According to the researchers, obesity during that time was the desired condition. After all, an obese pregnant woman has more chances of carrying the child to full-term than thosesuffering from malnutrition.

That being said, it means that people in the pastsee these figurines with spiritual; meaning that could protect the woman during pregnancy and birth.

Science Dailyalso reported that the figures looked worn out, an indication that it has been passed down from mother to daughter, becoming a family heirloom. Perhaps women in the past were given hopes by wearing one of these figurines as it was their desired body type.

"Increased fat would provide a source of energy during gestation through the weaning of the baby and as well as much needed insulation," the authors said. therefore, ensuring that the family line would carry on until the next generation.

The success of amassing evidence to explain the Venus figurines came from applying medical science and measurements to the archaeological data, as well as the behavioral models of anthropology.

Read More: Awareness on the Impact of Climate Change on the Spread of Infectious Diseases

Check out for more news and information on Climate Changeand Fertilityat Science Times.

Link:
Creation of Venus Figurines Might Be Due to Climate Change and Diet - Science Times

High blood pressure is so common these days that almost half of American adults have it. While medication may be necessary, there are lifestyle habits that can help bring it under control, including eating most or all of your diet from plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains like oats, nuts, seeds and pretty much anything you can find in the produce aisle. You also may want to limit your intake of red meat, dairy and eggs. Here is the whole story, and how these foods work to bring down that blood pressure that's increasing your risk of stroke and other life-threatening conditions.

If you or someone you love has recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure, the only consolation may be that you're not alone. An unprecedented 45 percent of all American adults have hypertension, the technical term for elevated blood pressure. according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

While medication is often the first line of defense, it may only be necessary for a short time, ifyou take the necessary steps to alter your lifestyle.Thats because you can lower and even reverse high blood pressure with the help of plant-based foods and other lifestyle habits such as daily exercise, even simply walking in the morning. Heres how to do it.

Just a few years ago, you might have thought high blood pressure was something you didnt have to worry about until you were older. That's no longer the case. High blood pressure is hitting almost every age group, even kids, teens, and young adults, according to Dana Simpler, M.D., primary care practitioner and board certified internist with Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Md.

Blame the modern American lifestyle, and diet,for driving up blood pressure in younger people. The American lifestyle is progressing in the wrong direction, says Andrew Freeman, M.D., cardiologist with National Jewish Health in Denver, Colo., whos been dubbed the Vegan Cardiologist. Not only are people under more stress, theyre also eating poorly younger in life, theyre not physically active, and theyre heavier than ever. All of these factors contribute to high blood pressure.

Surprisingly, the cause of high blood pressure changesas we age. When Simpler sees high blood pressure in youngerpatients, its often because of their being overweight. Yet blood pressure increases with age, and thats related more to what people are eating, namely the standard American diet, as opposed to weight, she says.

Chances are you may have high blood pressure and not even know it, according to the CDC which is why itis called the silent killer. Left unchecked and untreated it can get out of control, Simpler says, andhave devastating consequences. High blood pressure is damaging to the cardiovascular system and can lead to heart failure, heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure.

Thats why you need to get your blood pressure checked regularly, Simpler says. If youre not overweight, check it yearly after age 40. If, however, you are overweight, start getting it checked now, no matter what your age.

How high is too high? Whats considered healthy blood pressure has been a moving target in recent years, but in general, ideal still remains 120/80 mm Hg. If its 140/90 mm Hg, you should be on medication, Simpler says.

Fortunately, lifestyle strategies can help you keep blood pressure at that optimal level or even work to lower it. Yet do note: If youre currently taking blood pressure medications, work with your doctor to wean yourself off of them under his or her supervision. The effect of these lifestyle changes can be quick, and they need to be done under the supervision of a physician, Dr. Andrew Freeman, the cardiolgist says.

One of the most effective things you can do is shift your diet toward plant-based foods, especially if youre still eating a standard American diet comprised of red meat, dairy and daily animal products and processed foods. Theyre high in fat, sugar and salt, which can increase blood pressure, Simpler says. In fact, one study from JAMA Internal Medicine found that compared with meat eaters, vegetarians tended to have lower blood pressure.

Instead, focus exclusively or almost exclusively on a whole-food, plant-based diet. The evidence is clear that people who are near vegan get most or all of the same health benefits as people who are perfectly vegan, Simpler says, adding, though, that this doesnt include vegan junk food which can still be loaded with unhealthy ingredients and push blood pressure up. If you are going to eat animal products, limit them to under five percent of your diet.

By eating plants, youll dramatically cut your salt (fat and sugar, too) intake and increase your potassium intake, which can counter the effects of blood pressure. Freeman says.

Potassium has been shown to lower blood pressure, according to research published by the American Heart Association, since potassium counteracts the effects ofsodium in the bloodstream and reduces the tension in the walls of the blood vessels.

Eat high-potassium foods like bananas, kiwi, potatoes andavocados, which are high in potassium. Simpler recommends shooting for about 4,000 milligrams a day (a banana has about one tenth of that). Other high-potassium foods are Honeydew melon and cantaloup, mushrooms, sweet potatoes and beans.

Next, add in nitrate-rich foods such as dark leafy greens and beets, which help your body producenitric oxide, which helps relax the arteries to normalize blood pressure. Aim for at least two cups of leafy greens per day, more if you can tolerate and desire it, Simpler says.

Other foods that benefit blood pressure are berries, and in a study of 34,000 people with hypertension, those who at the highest levels of anthocyanins, found in blueberries and strawberries, reduced their high blood pressure risk by 8 percent.

Garlic has been shown to lower blood pressure, and a studydivided subjects with hypertension into seven groups and the one group that ate the most amount of garlic also saw the greatest improvement in their blood pressure over 24 weeks.

Hibiscus tea has been shown in studies to help lower blood pressure,due to its high antioxidant content, saysSimpler. She recommends cold steeping hibiscus tea in eight to 16 ounces of cold water for five minutes.

If you want to avoid the meds, then make sure youre logging 30 minutes of breathless or cardio exercise a day, which studies show can prevent and improve high blood pressure, Freeman says. Onestudy from the journal Hypertensionfound that women who met physical activity guidelines of 30 minutes of moderate activity (mainly through walking) per day had a significantly lower risk of developing high blood pressure. Choose any activity you enjoy but just work hard enough that you lose your breath. Then quell stress by engaging in whatever helps you ease your worries, whether thats meditating, walking your dog or listening to music.

By following these strategies, you should see improvements in your blood pressure within a few days to a few weeks.

Read more from the original source:
How to Lower Blood Pressure Naturally through Diet and Exercise - The Beet

One of the greatest challenges faced by people who have spent the past several months in self-isolation is certainly the extra pounds they have put on. This was inevitable given the time we have all been spending on the couch and confined to the house with minimal movement. However, there is no better time than this to focus on our health to achieve optimal fitness.

Lets take this opportunity to try out some of the many nutrition and diet systems that are trending for losing weight, feeling energetic and feeling younger.

Following are some of the most popular diet and nutrition trends of 2020.

1. Intermittent fasting (IF): This is currently one of the worlds most popular health and fitness trends. People everywhere are observing it to lose weight, improve their health, and lifestyles in general. When you look it up online, you will find many studies that show it can have powerful effects on your body and your brain. It could also help you live longer. So, how does this diet system work? The beginners guide to intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. It doesnt emphasize the types of foods you should eat, but rather when you should eat them. In this respect, its not exactly a diet in the conventional sense but more accurately a sort of nutritional regime. The most common intermittent fasting methods involve 16-hour fasts daily or fasting for 24 hours, twice a week.

2. Plant-Based Eating: Although often confused with veganism, plant-based diets dont necessarily eliminate animal products. This diet focuses on eating plants for the most part, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Plant-based diets also emphasize eating whole foods or foods that have undergone little to no processing and are as close to their natural state as possible.

3. The Ketogenic diet (Keto Diet, Ketofy Diet, Ketosis): Another popular nutrition regime is the keto diet. Its a low-carb, high-fat diet that offers numerous health benefits. In fact, many studies show that this type of diet can help you lose weight and improve your health. Ketogenic diets may even have benefits that include reducing the chances of developing diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, and Alzheimers disease. Here are some of the basics of the keto diet.

Firstly, it shares many similarities with the Atkins and low-carb diets. It involves drastically reducing carbohydrates and replacing them with fat in your meal plan. This reduction in carbohydrates puts your body into a metabolic state known as ketosis. Your body then becomes incredibly efficient at burning fat for energy. It even turns liver-fat into ketones, which can supply energy to the brain.

Ketogenic diets can cause significant reductions in blood sugar and insulin levels and there are several versions of the ketogenic diet. However, only the standard and high protein ketogenic diets have been studied extensively.

4. The Primal Diet: This is an eating pattern thats high in protein and fat, low in carbohydrates, and designed to closely resemble the diet of early humans. Like the paleo diet, the Primal Diet is based on the idea that dietary habits diverge too greatly from those of traditional hunter-gatherers.

Advocates of this diet claim that it aids weight loss, reduces inflammation, helps improve sleep, and also improves heart and skin health. In fact, the Primal Diet includes recommendations for more physical activity, mental stimulation, exposure to nature, and regular sleep. It also tends to be less restrictive than the paleo diet, allowing for moderate amounts of coffee, and raw or fermented whole fat dairy. The Primal Diet is based on Mark Sissons book The Primal Blueprint. The diet includes vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, and poultry. It discourages the consumption of grains, heavily processed foods, and refined oils.

5. The MIND diet: It aims to reduce the chances of dementia and the decline in brain health that often occurs as people get older. This diet combines aspects of two very popular diets, the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. Many experts consider the Mediterranean and DASH diets as some of the healthiest you can follow. Research has shown that they can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and several other diseases as well.

However, researchers wanted to create a diet that specifically helps improve brain function and prevent dementia. Thus, they combined foods from the Mediterranean and DASH diets that had been shown to benefit brain health. For example, both the Mediterranean and DASH diets recommend eating a lot of fruit. Fruit intake has not been correlated with improved brain function, but eating berries has been. Hence, the MIND diet encourages you to eat berries but does not emphasize consuming fruit. It is worth noting that currently, there are no set guidelines for following the MIND diet.

The conclusion

To sum up, nearly all the diets that health experts keep encouraging to have a variety of food groups and moderations. Whereas, diets that restrict what you eat or when you eat it could inhibit keeping weight off in the long run. Remember, anything that seems questionable, probably is. Try to look for any scientific credentials within the question, and see if the diet's name has been attached to any scientific research published in journals. There are no one cap suits all when it comes to diets. So, make an educated decision and stick to it. Happy dieting!

Views expressed above are the author's own.

END OF ARTICLE

See the rest here:
The top 5 diet & nutrition trends of 2020 - The Times of India Blog

The health benefits of the Mediterranean diet are already widely known. By eating vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fruits, and beans with only a moderate amount of animal protein incorporated, followers can not only lower their cholesterol but also their chances of developing chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and certain types of cancer. Last but not least, the popular diet has also been touted for its weight loss benefits.

A new study published in the medical journal Heart showcased the weight-loss potential of the popular diet. It also found that followers can shed even more pounds by following a "green" Mediterranean diet which further reduces meat intake. (Related: 15 Underrated Weight Loss Tips That Actually Work.)

Researchers assigned moderately obese participantsmostly men in their 50sto three different diet regiments. The first group adhered to basic guidelines for a healthy diet, while the second group was put on a calorie-restricted traditional Mediterranean diet. The third group followed the green Mediterranean diet and were guided to avoid red and processed meats altogether. The green Mediterranean diet was richer in plants and polyphenols, which are plant-based micronutrients.

The results showed that minimizing consumption of animal protein and maximizing intake of plant-based foods supercharged weight loss. The green Mediterranean diet group lost more weight than the other two groupsan average of 13.7 pounds. Those following the regular Mediterranean diet still lost a good amount of weightan average of 11.9 poundswhile those following the general healthy diet only shed an average of 3.3 pounds.

Additionally, the green Mediterranean diet group lost more inches from their waist. The group shed 3.4 inches in comparison to the 2.7 inches lost by the traditional Mediterranean dieters and the 1.7 inches shed by the general dieters.

This is another piece of evidence that plant-based and vegan diets have tremendous weight-loss benefits for both men and women. Check out 7 Major Weight Loss Findings You Should Know to learn about new science-backed tips on weight loss.

Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to get the latest weight loss news delivered straight to your inbox.

Read this article:
How to Supercharge the Mediterranean Diet to Lose More Weight - Yahoo Lifestyle

Typhoid fever is a serious issue in many parts of the world.

It can cause a range of side effects, including headache, fatigue, stomach pain, and diarrhea (1, 2).

While dietary changes cannot cure the disease and treatment typically involves the use of antibiotics, some dietary modifications may help relieve its symptoms.

This article takes a closer look at the typhoid diet and how to follow it.

Typhoid fever is a type of bacterial infection thats usually transmitted via the consumption of food and water contaminated with Salmonella typhi (2).

Although its rare in developed countries, its a serious problem worldwide, accounting for over 215,000 deaths globally each year (3).

Symptoms of typhoid can include fever, headache, fatigue, weight loss, diarrhea, stomach pain, and loss of appetite (1, 2).

Although making changes to your diet cannot treat typhoid fever, it may help alleviate certain symptoms.

In particular, choosing nutrient-dense foods that are easy to digest can help provide long-lasting energy and relieve gastrointestinal issues.

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that can cause a range of side effects. Making modifications to your diet may help provide relief of certain symptoms.

The typhoid diet is focused on alleviating digestive distress caused by typhoid fever while ensuring that your body is getting enough energy.

High fiber foods, which may be difficult to digest and thus may worsen digestive issues caused by typhoid fever, should be limited. This includes foods like raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes.

Instead, you should cook foods thoroughly, select canned or seedless fruits, and choose refined grains over fiber-rich whole grains.

Other foods that may be difficult to digest should also be limited, including fatty or spicy foods.

Drinking plenty of water is also important. However, since typhoid fever is caused by bacterial contamination, if youre in an area in which typhoid fever is common, choose bottled water and avoid drinks with ice unless the ice is made from bottled or boiled water (4).

Practicing food safety is another key component of the typhoid diet.

Be sure to wash your hands regularly, wash all produce thoroughly, and steer clear of raw meat, raw fish, and unpasteurized dairy products.

You should also avoid consuming foods or drinks from unknown sources, such as street vendors, and prepare foods at home instead.

On the typhoid diet, you should eat foods that are easy to digest, drink plenty of water, and practice proper food safety.

The typhoid diet encourages eating nutrient-dense foods that are easy to digest.

On the typhoid diet, you should opt for foods lower in fiber, such as cooked vegetables, ripe fruits, and refined grains.

Its also important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.

Here are some foods to enjoy on the typhoid diet:

Foods that are high in fiber should be limited on the typhoid diet to help ease digestion.

This includes raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes.

Spicy foods and foods that are high in fat may also be difficult to digest and should be limited on the typhoid diet.

Here are some foods that you should limit or avoid:

The typhoid diet encourages cooked fruits and vegetables, refined grains, and proteins. It also limits high fiber ingredients and foods that may be difficult to digest.

Although theres limited research on the typhoid diet specifically, studies show that low fiber diets could be beneficial for certain gastrointestinal conditions.

In fact, low fiber diets are sometimes used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition characterized by symptoms like gas, bloating, and diarrhea (5).

Studies also show that following a bland diet with low fiber, easily digestible foods like bananas, white rice, applesauce, and toast could help improve diarrhea (6, 7).

Whats more, research suggests that limiting spicy foods may be beneficial.

For instance, some studies indicate that acute chili consumption could worsen stomach pain and burning in people with gastrointestinal disorders (8, 9).

Although theres little research on the typhoid diet specifically, studies show that following a low fiber diet and limiting spicy foods could help relieve several gastrointestinal issues.

The typhoid diet is a short-term eating pattern designed to provide relief from digestive symptoms caused by typhoid fever.

Note that the diet eliminates many nutritious foods and should not be followed for long periods of time unless your healthcare provider advises you to do so.

Additionally, you should transition back to a regular diet slowly.

This is because increasing your fiber intake too quickly can cause adverse side effects, such as gas and bloating (10).

Keep in mind that the typhoid diet is also not intended to treat or prevent typhoid fever.

In fact, one of the most effective ways to protect against typhoid fever and other foodborne illnesses is to practice proper food safety to prevent contamination (4).

Additionally, if youre traveling to an area in which typhoid fever is common, you may want to consider getting vaccinated a few weeks prior to your trip (4).

Finally, if you suspect you have typhoid fever, its important to talk with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.

The typhoid diet is not intended to treat or prevent typhoid fever and should be followed short term to help reduce symptoms.

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that causes a range of serious side effects.

The typhoid diet is a short-term eating plan that encourages low fiber, nutrient-dense foods that are easy to digest.

Although the typhoid diet is not intended to treat or prevent typhoid fever, it may help relieve certain symptoms when paired with medical intervention.

Read the original:
Typhoid Diet: Overview, Foods, and Benefits - Healthline

Many chemical compounds found in certain foods, like persimmon and berries, have been known to have antiviral properties. A recent study conducted at North Carolina State University, Raleigh, has identified ones in common items that could potentially help fight the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

"One of our lab's focuses is to find nutraceuticals in food or medicinal plants that inhibit either how a virus attaches to human cells or the propagation of a virus in human cells," De-Yu Xie, a lead author on the study said.

The researchers identified five Crude extracts from green tea, cacao, chocolate, and two muscadine grapes, that are abundant in flavan-3-ols and proanthocyanidins (PAs), which showed inhibitory effects on SARS-CoV-2s main protease (Mpro)activity. Proteases are enzymes that break down peptides and proteins which are vital to a viruss health. When a main Mpro is inhibited, cells are not able to execute important functions like replication.

The team utilized lab studies and computer simulations to examine how COVID-19s Mpro reacted when one of the chemical compounds was introduced to it. The simulations provided by the computer, along with in vitro lab experiments, revealed that the compounds being used in the study were able to bind to different portions of the COVID-19s Mpro. The data also showed that the extracts inhibited the Mproactivity with an IC50value, 2.84 0.25, 29.54 0.41, 29.93 0.83, 153.3 47.3, and 256.39 66.3 g/ml. This demonstrates that the structural features of flavan-3-ols are critical in creating the inhibitory impact against the Mproactivity.

"Green tea has five tested chemical compounds that bind to different sites in the pocket on Mpro, essentially overwhelming it to inhibit its function," Xie said. "Muscadine grapes contain these inhibitory chemicals in their skins and seeds. Plants use these compounds to protect themselves, so it is not surprising that plant leaves and skins contain these beneficial compounds."

Since there has not been an effective medication for the treatment of COVID-19 yet, the data found demonstrates that these nutraceutical compounds and extracts of green tea, grape, and cacao could potentially be able to be utilized to aid other therapies to help with pandemic.

See the rest here:
Blocking a Key COVID-19 Enzyme with Diet - Contagionlive.com

Nutrition is one of the most overlooked and underutilized treatment options for stress. Fortunately, many foods and beverages have stress-relieving qualities. As a board-certified OBGYN and Culinary Medicine specialist, Dr. Haver recognizes that pharmaceuticals are important, but some should try nutritional changes first before considering other options.

"The holiday season can be a stressful time," said Dr. Haver. "Making small nutritional changes by adding specific foods into your diet and staying away from the obvious highly processed foods can help your body alleviate some of the stress."

Dr. Haver's top three stress battling foods include:

Additional foods that can help curb stress are parsley, sunflower seeds, kimchi, artichokes, shellfish, cruciferous vegetables, chickpeas, tahini, chamomile tea and blueberries,you can read her full post with recipes on her website hereor check out a her video All About Cortisol, the Body's Stress Hormone.

The Galveston Diet is the first and only nutrition program created by a Female OBGYN, designed for women in menopause. The Galveston Diet is dedicated to helping women reach their health and wellness goals through an anti-inflammatory approach to nutrition. For more information visit http://www.galvestondiet.com, follow on Facebook @thegalvestondiet, Instagram @thegalvestondietand Tik Tok @galvestondiet.

MEDIA CONTACT:Meghan Bailey[emailprotected]

SOURCE The Galveston Diet

http://www.galvestondiet.com

More here:
Top Foods To Battle Stress From Founder Of The Galveston Diet - PRNewswire

Journey to a Japanese archipelago in the South Pacific and you'll find a community of island dwellers who consistently live for over 100 years. The astounding longevity of the Okinawans has prompted extensive scientific study into the particular habits that may lead to such long, healthy lives. Instead of finding a proverbial fountain of youth, researchers realized that the unique Okinawa diet and strong social networks have helped these centenarians slow the aging process.

Even if you live on other side of the globe, following a similar eating style may help promote good health. Here's what you should know about the Okinawa diet:

"The traditional Okinawan diet is very produce-rich, making it abundant in phytonutrients and antioxidants, which is the likely reason for its associated health benefits and anti-aging properties," says Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN., Registered Dietitian for the Good Housekeeping Institute. "The Okinawan diet limits meat, refined grains, saturated fat, sugar, salt and full-fat dairy products, which tend to have more inflammatory properties."

The National Institute of Aging and National Geographic have identified the Okinawa diet as a Blue Zone diet, meaning it's specifically associated with longevity. "Though they arent exclusively vegan, a focus on plant-based eating is a common theme among the Blue Zone diets," Sassos says.

The vast majority of the Okinawa diet primarily consists of green and yellow vegetables, root vegetables, soy-based foods, and mushrooms. Okinawans eat fish, meat, dairy, and grains like rice in much smaller amounts. Some examples of foods common to Okinawa diet include:

The diet typically does not include beef, processed meat, eggs, cheese, milk, and processed carbohydrates like sugary sweets and snacks.

"While the Okinawan diet is low in refined carbohydrates, that doesnt mean the diet itself is low-carb," Sassos says. "In fact, Okinawans are known for their high intake of unrefined carbohydrates like root vegetables and green-yellow vegetables, a staple of their diet being sweet potatoes."

Because some Okinawan foods like salted fish and miso can contain high levels of sodium, talk to your doctor before adopting this eating plan especially if you've been instructed to follow a low-sodium diet.

Okinawans eat regular meals, but the philosophy they follow at each meal makes a key difference. "The Okinawan phrase hara hachi bu is said before meals to remind Okinawans to stop eating when they are 80% full," Sassos says. "This plays a role in weight management and fighting off obesity."

One reason that Okinawans maintain good health is due to their diet. Like the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet, this particular eating style is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases. Researchers theorize that the low levels of saturated fat, high antioxidant intake, and low glycemic load affect multiple biological mechanisms, like reducing oxidative stress.

Okinawans also form unique social networks at age 5 called moai. One studied moai had met every day for 97 years. If one member did not show up, the other four would walk across the village to check on their friend. In addition to forming these strong friendships, Okinawans prize their families and faith communities. They also move naturally throughout the day, getting active by simply cooking, doing housework, and walking.

"You could certainly lose weight on this type of eating plan, especially with eliminating a slew of higher caloric items like sweets and processed foods and following the hara hachi bu concept," Sassos says. However, the Okinawa diet is not particularly designed for weight loss, unlike other eating plans out there.

"This type of diet can be difficult to follow if you arent living in Okinawa and dont have ready access to special foods from the region," Sassos says. "That being said, we can learn a lot from certain principles of the diet. Emphasizing more whole foods, produce, and plant-forward plates can have a slew of health benefits. Limiting refined processed foods and highly sugary items, as well as eating in moderation, are all important strategies to incorporate into your lifestyle."

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

See the rest here:
What Is the Okinawa Diet? - Okinawa Diet Plan, Benefits, and More - GoodHousekeeping.com

People who regularly include dried fruits in their diet are healthier than those who don't, according to a new study from Penn State.

Researchers found that on the days they ate dried fruits such as raisins, dates and figs, study participants consumed more key nutrients than they did on other days.

While this is good news, Valerie Sullivan, a postdoctoral researcher at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a Penn State grad student at the time of the study, saidthat this doesn't mean you should consume them in large quantities.

Dried fruit has 3.5 times the fiber, vitamins and minerals than fresh fruit. It is also higher in calories. In the study, people consumed more total calories on the days they ate dried fruit.

Another concern is sugar intake. Some dried fruits are higher in sugar than others, which is why nutritionists recommend reading labels carefully before consumption.

Dried fruit can be a great choice for a nutritious snack, but consumers might want to be sure theyre choosing unsweetened versions without added sugar, Sullivan said.

Portion sizes can also be tricky, because a serving of dried fruit is smaller than a serving of fresh since the water has been taken out. But the positive is that dried fruit can help people potentially consume more fruit because it's portable, its shelf-stable, and can even be cheaper.

Lack of fruit in the diet is a major contributor to certain health conditionslike cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, price, availability and a shorter shelf life can be obstacles for many people.

Only about 24% of females and 14% of males in the U.S. eat the recommended daily amount of fruit, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Minimally processed forms of fruit, including frozen, canned, and dried, have some advantages over fresh fruits, said Kristina Petersen, an assistant professor of nutritional sciences at Texas Tech University and assistant research professor of nutritional sciences at Penn State at the time this work was done.

They are available year round, are relatively consistent in quality, and can be stored for far longer than fresh. Many are also less expensive per serving than their fresh counterparts.

The study findings, published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, are based on data from 25,590 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Participants were asked to report on all the foods they had consumed in the previous 24 hours, including dried fruit. Data was also collected on participants cardiometabolic health including body mass index, waist circumference and blood pressure and their overall diet quality.

Study participants who included dried fruit in their diet were also more likely to have lower body mass index, waist circumference, and systolic blood pressure than those who didn't, the researchers said.

Researchers also found that on days they ate dried fruit, participants consumed more total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, potassium, polyunsaturated fat, and overall total calories.

In our study, people who consumed dried fruits had a higher calorie intake but a lower BMI and waist circumference which suggests they were more physically active, said Penny Kris-Etherton, Evan Pugh University Professor of Nutritional Sciences.

So, when incorporating dried fruits, pay attention to calories and be sure to substitute out calories from low-nutrient foods for dried fruits to get the greatest benefit of eating dried fruits.

Sullivan said that she found it interesting that the participants tended to eat more total fruit on the days they ate dried fruit than on other days, suggesting that eating dried fruit could boost overall fruit consumption to recommended amounts.

Not sure how to incorporate dried fruits into your diet? Here are some tips from nutrition experts:

Simply add a variety of dried fruits to your cereal or oatmeal in the morning. While raisins and dried cranberries are popular choices, dates and apricots can also give a boost to your morning fuel.

For lunch, sprinkle some dried fruits on top of your salad or just pack a bag of assorted dried fruits to snack on along with your sandwich. A popular salad choice is a mixed green salad with walnuts and cranberries with a slight drizzle of balsamic or raspberry vinaigrette.

If dinner is a stir fry, add some golden raisins or dried cranberries in with your meat and veggies. Add plum or teriyaki sauce for extra flavor.

Dried fruit along with nuts can also be added to side dishes like rice or green beans.

Dried fruits and nuts also make great on-the-go snacks so always bring along a small serving to nibble on throughout your day

Elise Compston, a registered dietitian told Verywellthat darker-skinned dried fruits like prunes, figs and raisins are better choices when looking to cut sugar intake. Portion size is also critical, she said.

Read the original here:
Eating dried fruit can improve the quality of your overall diet, new study finds - PhillyVoice.com

Development & Aid, Editors' Choice, Featured, Food & Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, Food Sustainability, Global, Headlines, Poverty & SDGs, Regional Categories, TerraViva United Nations

Food Security and Nutrition

A young boy cooks food at his home in Masunduza, Mbabane, Eswatini. Experts say the current food system does not promote or produce healthy diets. Credit: Mantoe Phakathi/IPS

MBABANE, Dec 3 2020 (IPS) - As the world accelerates towards achieving the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, it is time to replace the current broken food system. With only a decade left to reach the deadline, evidence shows that the way food is produced, processed and transported is not only destructive to the environment but it is also leaving millions behind.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) The State of Food and Nutrition in the World 2019 report, over 820 million people across the world are hungry. In the meantime, the World Health Organisation states that in 2016, 1.9 billion adults were overweight and, of these, 650 million were obese.

Moreover, in 2005 the agriculture sector accounted for more than half of the global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic showed that an already fragile system was not resilient as more people were left hungry as lockdowns imposed by governments across the globe exposed a system that relies on transporting food for several miles across the world.

Farmers in African countries grow what they do not eat and eat what they do not grow. Eswatini, for instance, does not grow enough maize to feed its 1.1 million people but it exports tonnes of sugarcane to Europe each year. It does not help that more than a billion tonnes of food are wasted globally each year.

As experts observed during the one-day Resetting the Food System from Farm to Fork summit hosted by the Barilla Center for Food and Nutrition Foundation (BCFN), on Dec. 1, the food system is incapable of taking the world to the promised land Zero Hunger by 2030.

This is because despite the lack of access for many people and the negative impact agriculture has on the environment, most of the available food is not healthy.

According to Jeffrey Sachs,professor and director of the Center for Sustainable Development, Columbia University and director of the U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the world needs a new food economy.

Food is overly processed with too much sugar added to it, leading to unhealthy diets, said Sachs. He blamed this on companies who are obsessed with profit to the point of feeding people with highly addictive processed foods and poor regulation by governments to ensure a change of behaviour.

Sachs said while diets will differ based on cultural context but, generally, healthy diets have more fruits and vegetables and are based more on plant protein rather than animal protein.

Changing the food system is a complex challenge, but the first step is to knowwhere we want to go, and thats toward a healthy diet produced with sustainableagriculture, said Sachs.

While many of the speakers during the event lamented a broken system, Chris Barrett, professor and co-editor-in-chief of Food Policy at Cornell University, said it is not all gloom and doom. He said the system has been phenomenally successful in 2020 such that the world is seeing a record high cereal harvesting despite the pandemic and climate change. He also said about 5 billion people will have access to affordable healthy diets this year.

How do we combat the challenges while acknowledging the successes? he asked.

As other speakers noted, it is a system that was designed many years ago and it has served its purpose. The current cracks to the system are a sign that it needs to be replaced with one that is compatible with the new normal.

While technological advancement and innovations are part of the proposed solutions to change the system, policy formulation and education for behavioural change are equally important. Protecting the rights of the marginalised such as indigenous people and ensuring that they have access to land are part of the game-changers.

Elly Schlein, the Vice President Emilia-Romagna, Italy, observed that political will and resources are needed to create the right incentives to change the system.

A timely discussion as the world gears for the U.N 2021 Food Systems Summit which the U.N Secretary-General, Antnio Guterres, will host on November 30 to December 04. The objectives of the U.N. Summit are:

The Resetting the Food System from Farm to Fork summit produced five recommendations for the U.N. meeting, which Dr Agnes Kalibata, the Special Envoy for the 2021 Food Systems Summit, gladly accepted. She said the summit presents an opportunity to evaluate progress towards 2030 and shift things around to ensure that the SDGs are met.

A decade is enough to shift things around as suggested by Guido Barilla, the Barilla Group and BCFN Foundation chair. He said only doubters would want to languish in their comfort zone claiming a decade is too short to change the status quo.

While bringing issues to the table and discussing them during a summit it important, the real test is in the implementation of strategies that such meetings produce.

Link:
Fixing the Food System to Produce Healthy Diets - Inter Press Service