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 This week scientists published papers on a wide range of topics including the benefits of exercise and the effects of diet during pregnancy, how sodium could be reduced by the food sector or that genes may have a say in food tolerance based on a fruit fly study. The Highlights:
Exercise during pregnancy reduces the risk of Type-2 Diabetes in offspring Exercising during pregnancy bestows a wealth of benefits upon a child. New research suggests that exercise may also help reduce the offspring's chances of getting type 2 diabetes. Researchers uncovered how SOD3, a key protein released by the placenta after exercise, improves the metabolic health of offspring and negates the impacts of maternal obesity and poor diets. Source: Tohoku University Exercise may protect brain volume by keeping insulin and BMI levels low Studies have shown that exercise helps protect brain cells. A new study looking at the mechanisms involved in this relationship suggests that the role exercise plays in maintaining insulin and body mass index levels may help protect brain volume and thus help stave off dementia. Source: American Academy of Neurology What food sector needs to know about how to reduce sodium Sodium is an essential micronutrient, but the amount we need is small. Three slices of bread or one teaspoon of table salt will do it, and chances are your daily sodium intake is far greater. More than 90% of Americans consume too much sodium, which can lead to hypertension, high blood pressure, and increased risk of heart disease and stroke. A new article provides a comprehensive review of scientific literature on sodium reduction strategies in food production. Source: University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Genes can affect our nutrient tolerance A new study finds that minor genetic differences can affect the ability to utilize the energy of various nutrients. This work shows how nutritional planning based on genetic data could promote the development of personalized nutrition for health. Source: University of Helsinki Multiple treatments to slow age-related muscle wasting Everyone wants to stay fit and healthy as they grow old. But as we age, our body degrades, our muscles shrink and strength declines. Some older people suffer from excessive muscle loss, a condition known as sarcopenia. Researchers show that a combination therapy could delay the onset of sarcopenia. Source: University of Basel Got food cravings? What's living in your gut may be responsible New research on mice shows for the first time that the microbes in animals' guts influence what they choose to eat, making substances that prompt cravings for different kinds of foods. Source: University of Pittsburgh Arm movement and running speed: Is the partnership overrated? New research into human speed suggests that athletes who performed short sprints with their arms closed across their chests were nearly as fast as when they sprinted with their normal arm swing. Source: Southern Methodist University Following a Mediterranean-style diet during pregnancy may reduce the risk of preeclampsia An analysis of health and dietary data for more than 8,500 pregnant women found that greater adherence to a Mediterranean-style eating plan was associated with a lower risk of preeclampsia, which is a pregnancy complication characterized by severe high blood pressure that can be serious or even fatal for both mother and child. The reduction in risk of preeclampsia was greatest among Black women -- a population at high risk for preeclampsia.
Source: American Heart Association |
