Poor Food Choices Linked To Sleep Deprivation

A U.S. study that used functional magnetic resonance imaging to look at the brain regions that control food choices found unusual activity patterns in the brains of sleep-deprived individuals. Activity in the frontal lobe of sleep-deprived individuals – the area involved in complex decision making – was impaired, while activity in areas deeper in the brain that respond to rewards increased. The researchers said that high-calorie foods become significantly more desirable when participants are sleep-deprived, “which may help explain why people who sleep less also tend to be overweight or obese”.

"The impact of sleep deprivation on food desire in the human brain", Nature Communications, August 06, 2013

Scientists Report On A Simple Way To Revive Frozen Broccoli’s Anti-Cancer Benefits

U.S. scientists who earlier reported that frozen broccoli lacks the anti-cancer properties of fresh broccoli have now reported that there’s a simple, inexpensive way to fix the problem. In one study, the researchers showed how the process of freezing broccoli – heating to high temperatures to inactivate damaging enzymes – removes the ability of the vegetable to form a cancer-fighting phytochemical known as sulforaphane. But in a new study, the same researchers demonstrated that food processing companies can still blanch and freeze broccoli, but they can then sprinkle it with a minute amount of a cruciferous vegetable – radish, cabbage, etc. That process joins two chemicals that create sulforaphane, reviving broccoli’s cancer-fighting benefits.

"Modifying the processing and handling of frozen broccoli for increased sulforaphane formation ", Journal of Food Science, August 06, 2013

Eating A Large Breakfast Is Much Better For Weight Loss And Waist Reduction

Israeli researchers report that women who eat the largest meal of the day at breakfast are much more likely to lose weight and reduced their waist lines than those who eat large dinners. The study was conducted with 93 obese women who consumed 1,400 calories a day, eating either 700 calories at breakfast and 200 calories at dinner, or 200 calories at breakfast and 700 calories at dinner. Those who consumed the large breakfast and light dinner had lower insulin, glucose and triglyceride levels during the day, which translates to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

"High Caloric intake at breakfast vs. dinner differentially influences weight loss of overweight and obese women", Obesity, August 05, 2013

Study Identifies Enzyme Critical To Peanut Allergy

U.S. researchers have identified an enzyme, Cyp11a1, that is essential to the allergic reaction to peanuts. The study in mice found that blocking the enzyme in mice sensitized to peanuts prevented diarrhea and inflammation while reducing levels of several proteins associated with allergies. The researchers believe that identifying the critical enzyme will make it easier to develop a preventative therapy for the increasingly common and potentially deadly peanut allergy, and perhaps for other food allergies. Food allergies have become more common in recent decades, affecting about eight percent of the U.S. population.

"The steroidogenic enzyme Cyp11a1 is essential for development of peanut-induced intestinal anaphylaxis", Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, August 01, 2013

Will Fitness Fans Flock To Dr. Zak’s High-Protein Bread?

MuscleFood.com has launched a high-protein, lower-carb bread targeted at bread loving fitness fanatics. Made in the U.K. from wholemeal (whole grain) flour, Dr. Zak’s Protein Bread contains 15 grams of wheat and pea protein and 13.9 grams of carbohydrates per slice, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. A loaf is denser than sliced white bread, weighing in at 850 grams, triple the weight of a normal loaf. Food writer Bianca London says the bread has a pleasant aroma, more depth of flavor than regular bread, and left her feeling full and satisfied. But at £5 ($7.64) a loaf, it would probably appeal only to a specialty market.

"The bread that can help you get fitter, not fatter: Loaf contains SEVEN TIMES as much protein as regular bread - and it's full of Omega 3 too", Daily Mail Online, July 29, 2013

Skinnygirl Introduces Liquid Sweeteners

The start-up company known mainly for its low-calorie alcoholic beverages targeted at women has launched a line of zero-calorie liquid sweeteners made with monk fruit, agave, and stevia. The concentrated sweeteners from Skinnygirl, founded by former Real Housewives of New York cast member Bethenny Frankel, are zero-calorie, gluten-free and carb-free. They come in 1.68 ounce bottles that contain 80-160 servings. The sweeteners are available nationwide in Walmart and other stores.

"Skinnygirl™ Makes Life a Little Sweeter by Launching Zero Calorie Stevia, Agave, and Monk Fruit Liquid Sweeteners", PRNewswire , July 24, 2013