Nutrition Corner

Proteins and fats can drive insulin production for some, paving way for tailored nutrition: Recent research suggests that managing blood sugar levels might require paying attention to proteins and fats in addition to carbohydrates. The study, which is the first large-scale comparison of insulin production in response to carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, highlights that insulin response is more individualized than previously understood, identifying a group of people who are especially sensitive to fatty foods.

What are the best low-carb fruits? Fruits are a crucial part of a healthy diet due to their high content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Despite their higher carbohydrate content compared to vegetables, it's generally more beneficial to include them in your diet, though those on low-carb diets like keto may need to limit fruit intake, such as bananas, due to their high carb content.

Recipe for The Day

Clean Eating Zucchini Noodles Recipe: This clean eating zucchini noodles recipe features a light, healthy dish with flavors of tomato, garlic, and basil, ready in just 20 minutes. It involves sautéing garlic in olive oil, cooking spiralized zucchini noodles until tender, and mixing in cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, with optional Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Lifestyle & Fitness Focus

Evening Activity for Better Sleep

Researchers from the University of Otago have found that short bursts of light activity can improve sleep, challenging the long-held belief that rigorous exercise before bed is detrimental.

In a study published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, participants who engaged in three-minute activity breaks every half hour during prolonged sitting slept 30 minutes longer compared to those who sat continuously.

Lead author Jennifer Gale notes that prolonged sitting is linked to health risks like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The study explored how light, repeated activities—such as chair squats and calf raises—could affect sleep, and Dr. Meredith Peddie suggests that similar results could be achieved through other light activities like walking or dancing.

This research may lead to a reevaluation of sleep guidelines, as it shows that interrupting long periods of sitting with light exercise can enhance sleep quality.

Why do some people lose more weight through exercise than others?

Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight, but weight loss results can vary among individuals.

Researchers from Kobe University have found that some people who lose weight more slowly through exercise may be missing certain variants of a protein called PGC-1α, which is essential for regulating metabolism and exercise response.

This discovery could lead to new weight loss medications designed to enhance the benefits of exercise for those struggling with slower weight loss.

The study, published in Molecular Metabolism, used both mouse and human models to examine how different versions of the PGC-1α protein affect exercise and metabolism.

The researchers found that the “b” and “c” variants of PGC-1α are produced in much higher amounts during exercise compared to the standard “a” version.

Without these variants, individuals and mice showed reduced fat burning and lower energy expenditure, leading to less effective weight management and even weight gain despite normal food intake.

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