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Welcome to our Thursday’s Science Catch-up: curated links by The Health Sciences Academy. Get our email updates every other Thursday here (it’s free).
Let’s catch you up with studies and news that recently made the headlines!
Click on your favourite topics to read our summary:
1. Keto for fat loss debunked?
2. Sugar focus undermining the fat threat?
3. Eating pasta makes you slimmer?
4. Too much red meat harms your kidneys?
5. Do food allergies run in the family?
6. 8 portions of fruit and vegs to feel happier
7. Meet me at Food Matters Live!
Keto for fat loss debunked?
Low-carb ketogenic dieting involves a high-fat consumption (80%), some protein (15%) and very little carbs (5%). Many have tried this approach to lose body fat. However, this human study using metabolic chambers showed the opposite effect. That fat loss was slowed down during the low-carb ketogenic diet.
Because it was a small study and it didn’t involve a control group, it can’t be taken as the final word. But it certainly defies the low-carb model.
Note: The weight loss mechanisms of low-carb dieting could be in part due to reduced hunger. To understand these hunger-hormone mechanisms, see ‘Do Low-Carb Diets Suppress Appetite?’ here.
Sugar focus undermining the fat threat?
This study from the University of Glasgow looked at data from 132,479 subjects. The researchers suggested that concentrating health advice on sugar is likely to misinform consumers and downscale the urgent need to also reduce fat calories. Too much sugar is still bad.
Eating pasta makes you slimmer?
Not so fast!
Only when eating it as part of a Mediterranean diet… full of vegetables and some olive oil, pasta has been linked to slimmer waistlines.
These were the findings from an Italian study following 7,216 women and 7,186 men.
Pasta is known to have a low glycaemic index given the protein in it (from the eggs used to make it). Whole-grain pasta would cause an even slower glycaemic response given the higher fibre content.
Too much red meat harms your kidneys?
Researchers from Duke University and the National University of Singapore found that the risk of developing chronic kidney conditions (in those with healthy kidneys) is strongly associated with high red meat consumption.
Do food allergies run in the family?
This new study involving 1,834 children concluded that the chances of a food allergy in the brother or sister of an affected child are only marginally higher than in the general population.
Note: Learning about food allergies can help save lives. For more, see our course on Food Allergies and Intolerances.
8 portions of fruit and vegs to feel happier
Challenging current recommendations, increasing fruit and vegs intake to 8-a-day can make people feel happier. This is based on data from 12,385 adults. By the way, did you know that countries like France recommend 10 portions of fruit and vegs a day?
Meet me at Food Matters Live!
I’m chairing the Personalised Nutrition seminar at Food Matters Live in London, UK, one of the largest events for food science and nutrition professionals. Mark in your calendar Thursday 24th November, 10.30 am. If you can make it, I’d love to meet you. Register here for free entry.
Available upon individual purchase. Learn more here! Can Plate Colour Help You Eat Healthier?Science Reports:
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What has inspired you this week? What are your thoughts on some of these topics? Leave a comment and let us know!