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However you look at it, the gamer diet really does have its fair share of problems. And while some of the stereotypes are often true, it doesnt always have to be this way.

Gamer Diet: A Closer Look

For years, gamers and video game fans have been stereotyped as lazy, uneducated and, of course, unhealthy. And while there is research that says otherwise (and the fact that there are video games nowadays that focus on giving physical exercise to players), the reality is that it can be hard to defend ourselves when its past midnight, weve been playing for five hours straight and beside us lay an empty pizza box and cans of energy drink. Its even harder to escape the stereotype given that Americas obesity rate is tipping on over 42 percent.

Truth is, the gamer diet really does have a lot of problems, but it shouldnt be like this. Gaming is a wonderful thing, and combined with keeping a healthy routine and constant exercise, it can help us alleviate stress and even allow us to be smarter.

But first, what is the gamer diet? What do you have to steer clear of?

Usually, the so-called gamer diet is filled with snacks that while they are low in calories, actually have no nutritional value whatsoever, with some of them even containing sugar, preservatives and artificial flavorings. This then, can lead to other health issues aside from obesity.

Then there are overly-processed foods such as convenience food and fast food options that often lead to a more sedentary lifestyle. The average fast food meal also clocks in at about 800 calories and when you do nothing but game all day, those calories can easily add up and contribute to weight gain as well as high blood pressure and eventually, heart conditions.

Thankfully, theres an easy way to fix this. Its by simply eating a more balanced diet and putting in the time to take gaming breaks in order to physically exercise. Trust us, gaming wont be as fun when you have a health condition that you have to take care of as well.

Expert action video gamers showed improved connectivity in certain subregions of the brain, the study found. Photo courtesy of Stefano Tinti / Shutterstock.com

Excerpt from:
Gamer Diet And Its Effects On Our Bodies - Medical Daily

Starting a new plant-based diet can be intimidating. Where do you begin? Now there is a three-hour course, taught online by The Beet's regular contributor, Elysabeth Alfano, to help answer all your pressing questions, like where do I get my protein? And what can I eat for dinner? Alfano has interviewed major vegans like Chef AJ who lost 100 pounds on a plant-based diet, and now she is ready to help you get started on your healthy eating journey.

The course,Jumpstart Your Plant-based Life, helps Zoom attendees get started on a plant-based diet.As a Food For Life Instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and with a Certificate in Plant-based Nutrition from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies at Cornell,Elysabeth helps students understand the relationship between diet and chronic disease and ultimately gives them the tools to take back their health. From figuring out fiber to developing a personalized meal plan and strategy, Elysabeths 3-hour, June 20th on-line class ($46) is for beginners and flexitarians alike.

Since we have an in with this vegan thought-leader, The Beet asked Elysabeth to share her Top Ten Tips for Jumpstarting Your Plant-based Life.

Ultimately, finding your path to plant-based eating is about taking back your health and your power: your power to feel good and to be your best self. An unhealthy you is a weakened you. A healthy you can take on the worldor just go jogging. Either way, it is your right to feel good and to live a life without unneeded medication. So, we raise our glasses of sparkling Kombucha to you for having the courage to fight for your health.

For more information on Elysabeths June 20th Jumpstart Your Plant-based Life class, click here.

Excerpt from:
How to Start Eating a Plant-Based Diet, in Just Three Hours - The Beet

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Pumpkin seeds, which can be enjoyed with or without their white shell, are a tasty and nutrient-rich food.

Research shows that they offer a number of health benefits, such as lowering blood sugar levels, improving heart health, and even reducing your risk of certain cancers (1, 2, 3).

Many people wonder whether pumpkin seeds can also help you lose weight.

This article examines whether pumpkin seeds are beneficial for weight loss, plus tips for incorporating them into your diet.

Pumpkin seeds are rich in nutrients known to support weight loss, such as fiber, protein, and unsaturated fatty acids.

One 6-month study in 345 adults on a low calorie diet examined the effects of dietary composition on weight loss. It found that fiber intake promoted dietary adherence and weight loss, independently of calories or any other nutrient (4).

Fiber helps increase feelings of fullness, preventing overeating between meals that may otherwise lead to weight gain or prevent weight loss (5).

The minimum fiber recommendations for adults to support overall health and weight maintenance are 1938 grams per day (6).

A 1/2-cup (72-gram) serving of pumpkin seeds with their shells removed provides 5 grams of fiber, while a 1/2-cup (23-gram) serving with shells provides 1.5 grams (7).

Protein is also known to play a supportive role in weight loss, helping improve appetite, prevent overeating, and promote feelings of fullness (8, 9).

A 1/2-cup (72-gram) serving of pumpkin seeds without their shell provides 21 grams of protein, and a 1/2-cup (23-gram) serving of seeds with their shells on provides 7 grams (7).

While pumpkin seeds are a nutritious, high fiber snack that can help support weight loss, its important to remember that moderation is key when it comes to your intake of any food.

Like other nuts and seeds, pumpkin seeds are energy-dense, meaning that they contain a substantial number of calories and fat in a small serving size.

For example, 1/2 cup (72 grams) of pumpkin seeds with their shells removed contains approximately 415 calories and 35 grams of fat (7).

If you were to eat 1/2 cup (23 grams) of pumpkin seeds with their shells intact, you would still be getting approximately 130 calories and 11 grams of fat (7).

When it comes down to it, just be sure that the quantity of pumpkin seeds youre eating fits into your overall calorie goals for weight loss.

While some people may be able to fit 1/2 cup (72 grams) of shelled pumpkin seeds into their diet, others may need to restrict themselves to a smaller serving size.

To minimize added calories and sodium, choose raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds, with or without their shell, to best complement a healthy weight loss diet.

Pumpkin seeds are rich in fiber, protein, and unsaturated fatty acids, which can all play a supportive role in healthy weight loss and maintenance. Choose raw, unsalted seeds to minimize your intake of added fat, calories, and sodium.

Pumpkin seeds can be enjoyed both with and without their shell. Pumpkin seeds without their shell are often called pepitas and can be identified by their smaller, green appearance.

Pumpkin seeds can be enjoyed in a number of ways, such as:

Note that pumpkin seeds contain phytic acid, which may inhibit the absorption of other vitamins and minerals.

If you regularly eat pumpkin seeds, consider roasting them or soaking and sprouting them to reduce their phytic acid content (10, 11).

Pumpkin seeds can be enjoyed raw with or without their shell and added to pasta dishes, smoothies, yogurt, and baked goods. If youre concerned about their phytic acid, roast or soak and then sprout them before eating.

Pumpkin seeds are a healthy food rich in nutrients that may support weight loss and maintenance goals, such as protein, fiber, and unsaturated fatty acids.

As with other nuts and seeds, pumpkin seeds contain a substantial amount of fat and number of calories in a small serving, making moderation important if youre on a calorie-restricted diet.

To best complement a weight loss diet, choose raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds either with or without their shells. These seeds can be added to a number of dishes or eaten on their own as a healthy snack.

Shop for raw, unsalted pepitas or in-shell pumpkin seeds online.

Read more:
Pumpkin Seeds for Weight Loss: Are They Beneficial? - Healthline

Community members were invited to attend a virtual meeting with Corvallis Public Works staff to speak out about slimming down part of Circle Blvd. on Monday, June 8. A so-called road diet will reduce the number of vehicle lanes and add buffered bike lanes through pavement re-striping.

Though the primary project goal is resurfacing the road, a study found it is feasible to cut Circle from five lanes to three between 29th and Highland to improve safety while promoting walking and bicycling. The intersections of Highland, Kings, and 29th will remain unchanged. Traffic flow and emergency vehicle access, particularly for the fire station on Circle, were among the concerns raised in the meeting.

City Engineer Greg Gescher said the road diet study revealed higher than posted average speeds averaging 5-8 mph above the posted speed limit occurring in the corridor, along with elevated traffic volume. He said crashes were below state averages for similar roadways in the past decade. After the project is complete, public works will measure the effectiveness of the changes and how traffic reacts, including fire department response times. There is no plan to change the posted speed of 35 mph.

Well be looking at any increase in crashes, severity, and our response times, Corvallis Fire Chief Ken McCarthy said. He added that there is some uncertainty concerning how the limited travel conditions under the coronavirus pandemic will affect the post-project study.

Following staff presentations, around 30 people spoke for more than an hour on the road diet plan. Some were concerned that the plan would cause traffic congestion without improving safety for what they see as a relatively safe stretch of road, fearing a possible increase in crashes. Most of the commenters supported the plan, calling the road too wide and unsafe for pedestrians and bicyclists to cross even at intersections.

The plan for repeated changing from three lanes back to four at intersections, as one person called it a yo-yo road diet was questioned a number of times as being inconsistent and potentially hazardous. There were calls to uniformly reduce the lanes at the intersections as well. Several people said speeding on Circle is a growing danger and that a combination of confusing lane schemes and speeding drivers could be troublesome.

Daniel Lowery, owner of Corvallis Martial Arts on Circle Blvd., said hes happy with the resurfacing aspect of the project, which he feels is overdue given the condition of the road. Noting the college towns reputation for bicycle friendliness, Lowery said the lane reductions in the road diet are understandable. He is, however, concerned about the continuously tight parking on the street. He already sees issues with parking overflow.

Theyre a very bike-friendly city, so making that accommodation will probably increase the number of people on bikes, and then obviously less people on the road, Lowery said.

Also on Circle Blvd., Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis CEO Helen Higgins said the clubs busy campus already gets its share of cut-through traffic, and on any given day, close to 1,000 people could be there. Higgins believes the road diet will cause bottlenecks, tempting motorists to find shortcuts off the main road, spilling onto neighborhood streets and other areas that arent designed for heavy traffic.

I think without an alternative east-west route that can handle high volumes of traffic, the 12,400 cars a day that travel up and down Circle are going to go somewhere, Higgins said. I actually think thats going to create a more dangerous situation, because the amount of traffic probably wont reduce by much, but youre going to have frustrated drivers, and a frustrated driver is a dangerous driver.

Time and data will tell whether the road diet is helpful or not. Higgins emphasized the need for community-defined metrics and publicly available reporting to document the success or failure of the project, adding that data shows Circle is already among the safest arterial corridors in the state. She worries that if the desired outcome is not achieved, undoing the unintended consequences could be difficult or impossible.

We are highly concerned about an increased safety risk on this campus, Higgins said. And we have experience of it happening during the gas line work.

Higgins said the Corvallis City Council should weigh-in on the road diets possible effects on the community, and also suggested increased police presence and deterrents such as speed-monitoring equipment could be more effective than a lane reduction. The road diet is a city staff project that did not require a vote of the council, but has been discussed in previous meetings.

There will be an unintended consequence of pushing traffic onto any road that has a cut-through the neighborhoods are going to see those cars, Higgins said.

A start date for the resurfacing project was expected to be set in a pre-construction meeting Wednesday, June 10. Work is expected to begin in the next couple of weeks and continue during the summer with striping to follow the resurfacing.

By Cody Mann

Continued here:
Not Everyone Pleased About Circle Boulevard Road Diet - The Corvallis Advocate

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Incontinence can refer to the involuntary leaking of urine (urinary incontinence, which signifies a problem with the bladder) or faeces (faecal incontinence, which points to an underlying problem in the bowels).

Both can be equally debilitating and embarrassing, but there is no reason why both urinary and faecal incontinence cant be managed. Your diet as one of many lifestyle factors is often overlooked when it comes to managing incontinence. And there is one component of your diet that may help manage both urinary and faecal incontinence.

Why your body needs fibre

Fibre, an important yet underrated part of any healthy diet, plays a key role in the way your body functions. This is the indigestible part of fruits, vegetables, grains, beans and legumes and is key in keeping your digestive system healthy.

As fibre absorbs water, it helps to keep us fuller for longer, and helps to lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels, which can help prevent conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, cardiovascular problems and diabetes.

Fibre and the bowels

But if fibre is meant to make your bowel movements more regular, isnt this defeating the purpose of helping to manage faecal incontinence?

Actually, quite the opposite.

When dietary fibre is not digested, it adds more bulk to the stools, which helps you stay more regular and avoid constipation, which can lead to faecal incontinence. Chronic constipation may lead to faecal incontinence, as the constant strain on the rectum can damage the surrounding nerves.

As the rectum and intestinal muscles stretch from too much straining to pass stool, they can eventually become weak, which allows the watery stool deeper in your intestines to seep through.

As fibre absorbs water, it can also bulk up faecal matter, which causes less watery stool.

Fibre and the bladder

Although we dont associate what we eat with bladder health, diet can have an effect on the severity of urinary incontinence, which is usually the symptom of an underlying cause such as nerve damage.

Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of urinary incontinence. Fibre is an important aspect of weight management and a healthy balanced diet, as it keeps us fuller for longer. Therefore, including fibre in your diet can indirectly increase your overall health and improve your weight, which is important in the management of urinary incontinence.

But the bowels and constipation can also cause urinary incontinence when bowel movements are strained, extra pressure is placed on the pelvic floor muscles, which can weaken them and affect bladder control. This is referred to as stress incontinence.

A full bladder can also cause pressure, leading to urge incontinence, which makes you feel the need to urinate frequently, or cause your bladder to leak. This is referred to as overflow incontinence.

If you are experiencing urinary incontinence, its important to discuss with your doctor whether you are also experiencing chronic constipation, as these two conditions can be linked.

How to include more fibre in your diet

If you suspect that you are not eating enough fibre, its important not to overdo it in the beginning, as too much fibre can cause unwanted side-effects such as bloating and gas. If you suffer from any food allergies or conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, you should also discuss this with your doctor or a registered dietitian to help you determine a way to eat more fibre.

Here are ways to gradually add more fibre to your diet:

According to the Simon Foundation for Continence, fibre therapy is a great way to alleviate incontinence and increase your overall health. This should, however, not be seen as a complete cure, and other treatment options and management methods under the guidance of a healthcare provider should also be considered.

READ | 5 reasons why you need to pee all the time

READ | Caregiving in the time of Covid-19: Can coronavirus spread through urine?

READ | What your bladder is trying to tell you about your health

Image credit: Nathan Cowley from Pexels

Marelize Wilke

Read more:
Why adding more fibre to your diet is a good idea - your body will thank you - Health24

Role of exercise and diet in weight loss - Can one work without the other?  |  Photo Credit: iStock Images

New Delhi: We all know that exercise and diet play an important role in helping us lose weight and getting in shape. While a balanced diet and regular physical activity are both equally important to live a healthy, long life, when it comes to weight loss, one may have more effect on our weight, than the other. While some people rely on vigorous exercise to lose weight, others follow a strict diet. However, people who follow an exercise routine may also supplement it with a healthy diet, and for those who follow a strict diet, may also some form of physical activity in your routine.

But what happens when you do not? What happens to your body and the weight loss process, if you rely only on one of these key measures to lose weight? Let's find out.

If you are trying to lose weight, the diet maybe even more important than exercise. While exercise ensures that your muscles and body are able to use up the food you eat, it is a diet that ensures weight loss in an actual way. How many calories you consume, and the nutrients in your food determine the spare calories left unutilised at the end of the day, and the efficiency of your body functions. If you eat very high-calorie food or food that contains a lot of sugar, you are not likely to lose weight. At the same time, you also have to watch the intake of the various nutrients including fibre and protein for a healthy weight loss.

Exercise also plays an important role in weight loss. It is, in fact, extremely important to exercise if you are not on a strict diet, as exercise can help you burn the extra calories you consume. More than for weight loss, exercise is important to build strength in your body, and make your muscles and bones strong. Exercise also helps to tone your body and distribute fat equally at all places on your body.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.

See the original post here:
Role of exercise and diet in weight loss - Can one work without the other? - Times Now

If you fancy the body of a supermodel, weve got you covered.

Some of the worlds hottest pin-ups have lifted the lid on their lockdown workouts and diet secrets.

Swapping runway frocks for leggings, these stunning celebrities have opened up their home gyms and kitchens to fans across the globe.

From gruelling home workouts to wholesome smoothies and balanced breathing, we look at how the worlds A-list beauties are staying in sparkling shape for when the catwalks reopen without getting a hair out of place.

Kate shot to fame after appearing on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue in 2011 and was the cover model for the magazine in 2012, 2013 and 2017.

The mum from Michigan, US, keeps her fabulous figure using her own 12-week workout, Strong4Me.

Created with personal trainer Ben Bruno, it focuses on low-impact exercises in 30-minute sessions, using minimal equipment. Kate, 28, is turning this time into an opportunity to better myself mentally and physically.

She easily tops the cuteness stakes exercising with daughter Genevieve, one. Lunging with her in her arms, she says: My baby girl is my favourite addition to my workout."

Vogue favourite Cindy is known for her dazzling presence on magazines the world over, as well as her runway work and fashion campaigns for the likes of Chanel, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and Christian Dior.

Since lockdown, she has been reliving her supermodel heyday of the 1980s and 90s by posting her old workout videos on social media.

Cindy, 54, says: While were all home and trying to keep up with Facetime workouts, I figured this might be a good time to bring all of my videos out of the archives.

I still love Radus philosophy of working with what you have and pushing yourself. She is also a huge advocate of healthy eating, helping her stay a slim size eight.

In one post, the US model treats us to a glimpse of her favourite home smoothie recipe which includes almond milk, frozen bananas, spinach, mint and protein.

Naomi, 50, has been in the game since being scouted while window shopping in Covent Garden at 15.

So its no surprise the London-born model has a few tricks for staying in shape during lockdown.

She tells her YouTube followers about her supplements regime, and posts 45-minute workouts on Instagram with personal trainer Joe Holder. The daily sessions include bodyweight exercises, vibration plates and resistance bands.

Her chef Sean John recently revealed the model eats no dairy, gluten or chicken.

If you want to eat like a world-famous model, look no further than Chrissy Teigens Instagram.

The mum of two has a 25in waist and graced the cover of Sports Illustrateds famed swimsuit issue.

She has an Instagram dedicated to her food cravings. She admits exercise can suffer if youre a mum.

One post said: Worked out for 5 mins today! Proud as, according to math, 5 is more than 0."

Cara, who has spoken openly about struggles with her mental health, has turned to yoga to help her through lockdown.

London-born Cara, 27, says: Ive been using yoga to keep my body moving and my head clear during this crazy time.

Speaking to yoga expert Colin Dunsmuir, who runs the classes Cara shares online, she told him how the sessions left her calm and thoughtful but not overthinking. Cara, 5ft 8in with a 24in waist, has been working with sports brand Puma to treat her fans to the live online workouts.

And the gentle moves arent too strenuous she is seen in a cross-legged easy pose, stretching to her toes and deep breathing.

Australian Miranda rose to prominence in 2007 as one of the Victorias Secret Angels renowned across the world for their jaw-dropping bodies.

And she has been using her time in isolation to prove that self-care is key to true beauty.

Every week Miranda has engaged fans with a Wellness Wednesday making her own face masks, posting workout videos and showing off some of her favourite recipes.

She constantly encourages her viewers to get involved and reap the benefits for themselves.

Luckily, all youll need is a yoga mat and motivation, as most of the 35-minute sessions focus on body weight exercises.

For those with a sweet tooth she has also posted healthy recipes such as vegan banana oatmeal cookies, using gluten-free flour, cinnamon, bananas and chocolate chips.

Showing off her body in a sexy bikini is all in a days work for a Victorias Secret model like Brazilian Izabel.

So its no wonder she makes her workout regime as rigorous as she possibly can.

From pull-ups in doorways to handstands on walls and solo-boxing, Izabel has been making the most of the opportunities around her home.

And it seems all the hard work continues to pay off the stunning 35-year-old is 5ft 10in with an astounding 23in waist.

And Izabel is not about to let her followers off the hook either, telling them there are no excuses for not pushing yourself to train as best as you can even during a pandemic.

The supermodel has previously revealed that she works out for an hour every day, using a mixture of Pilates, kickboxing, yoga, running and full-body resistance training.

She makes it all so appealing, even her friends young daughter wants a slice of the action.

While Izabel carries her on the treadmill, they share ab exercises and hip raises. Her adorable mini-me makes this workout seem like childs play.

Read more:
Seven models lift the lid on their lockdown workouts and diet secrets - Mirror Online

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Technavio has been monitoring the global keto diet market and it is poised to grow by USD 1.18 billion during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of almost 5% during the forecast period. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic continues to transform the growth of various industries, the immediate impact of the outbreak is varied. While a few industries will register a drop in demand, numerous others will continue to remain unscathed and show promising growth opportunities. Technavios in-depth research has all your needs covered as our research reports include all foreseeable market scenarios, including pre- & post-COVID-19 analysis. Download a Free Sample Report

The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. Ample Foods, Ancient Nutrition, Bulletproof 360 Inc., Dang Foods Co., Essentially Keto, Fat Snax, Glanbia Plc, Perfect Keto LLC, Prvit Ventures Inc., and The Good Fat Co. Ltd. are some of the major market participants. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments.

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The increasing availability of keto products has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market.

Technavio's custom research reports offer detailed insights on the impact of COVID-19 at an industry level, a regional level, and subsequent supply chain operations. This customized report will also help clients keep up with new product launches in direct & indirect COVID-19 related markets, upcoming vaccines and pipeline analysis, and significant developments in vendor operations and government regulations. https://www.technavio.com/report/keto-diet-market-industry-analysis

Keto Diet Market 2020-2024: Segmentation

Keto Diet Market is segmented as below:

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Keto Diet Market 2020-2024: Scope

Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. The keto diet market report covers the following areas:

This study identifies the growing obese population as one of the prime reasons driving the keto diet market growth during the next few years.

Technavio suggests three forecast scenarios (optimistic, probable, and pessimistic) considering the impact of COVID-19. Technavios in-depth research has direct and indirect COVID-19 impacted market research reports.

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Keto Diet Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights

Table of Contents:

Executive Summary

Market Landscape

Market Sizing

Five Forces Analysis

Market Segmentation by Product

Customer Landscape

Geographic Landscape

Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

Vendor Landscape

Vendor Analysis

Appendix

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Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavios report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavios comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

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Burden of COVID-19 on the Market & Rehabilitation Plan | Global Keto Diet Market 2020-2024 | Increasing Availability of Keto Products to Boost...

Our relationship to Neanderthals has been a point of contention for over a century. It all began with an inaccurate reconstruction of the first Neanderthal ever found, which portrayed them as brutish, stooped-over cavemen (turns out, that Neanderthal was an injured old man with arthritis).

But within the last half century, scientists have noticed the many biological and behavioral similarities that show just how close our species are. While these similarities are clear from hard objects like bones and tools, perishable objects, which comprise the majority of material culture items in humans, have been lacking.

Now, scientists have discovered a Neanderthal feat that hammers another nail in the coffin of supposed Neanderthal inferiority. Last month, an international team of researchers found a small section of a twisted cord attached to a stone flake in Neanderthal site in southeastern France, dated to over 40,000 years old. This constitutes the oldest direct evidence of fiber technology ever found.

A stone flake with three distinct twisted fibers preserved (indicated by the box).

M.-H. Moncel

When artifacts are recovered from archaeological sites, they are generally imaged using high powered microscopes to zoom in on tiny marks and details on the stones. Previously, plant fibers had been found on stones at this site, but they were too poorly preserved to be interpreted. When the team examined this particular flake, they were surprised to find three distinct twisted fibers, which were then twisted together in the opposite direction to form a 3-ply cord.

While it may not sound like much, this piece of string hints at something much more significant. For one, extracting and manipulating plant fibers requires working memory, as well as understanding plant seasonality and the concept of numbers. Also, such cords are the building blocks for creating other textiles, such as baskets, fabrics, and nets. Once adopted, these objects would have been indispensable in daily life.

This little piece of string provides unprecedented insight into the lives of our extinct relatives, which, despite an abundance of genetic, archaeological, and skeletal data, have been extremely difficult to interpret. It seems as though we humans arent as unique as we like to think.

Go here to see the original:
Fat cells remember their diets early in life - Massive Science

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Cashews are a kidney-shaped seed sourced from the cashew tree a tropical tree native to Brazil but now cultivated in various warm climates across the world.

Although commonly referred to as tree nuts, and nutritionally comparable to them, cashews are really seeds. Theyre rich in nutrients and beneficial plant compounds and make for an easy addition to many dishes.

Like most nuts, cashews may also help improve your overall health. Theyve been linked to benefits like weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and a healthier heart.

This article reviews the nutrition, benefits, and downsides of cashews to determine whether theyre good for you.

Cashews are rich in a range of nutrients. One ounce (28 grams) of unroasted, unsalted cashews provides you with around (1):

Cashews are especially rich in unsaturated fats a category of fats linked to a lower risk of premature death and heart disease (2, 3, 4).

Theyre also low in sugar, a source of fiber, and contain almost the same amount of protein as an equivalent quantity of cooked meat (5, 6, 7).

In addition, cashews contain a significant amount of copper, a mineral essential for energy production, healthy brain development, and a strong immune system. Theyre also a great source of magnesium and manganese, nutrients important for bone health (8, 9, 10).

Cashews are low in sugar and rich in fiber, heart-healthy fats, and plant protein. Theyre also a good source of copper, magnesium, and manganese nutrients important for energy production, brain health, immunity, and bone health.

Nuts and seeds are considered antioxidant powerhouses, and cashews are no exception (11).

Antioxidants are beneficial plant compounds that keep your body healthy by neutralizing damage-causing molecules known as free radicals. In turn, this helps reduce inflammation and increases your bodys ability to stay healthy and free from disease (12).

Cashews are a rich source of polyphenols and carotenoids two classes of antioxidants also found in other tree nuts (13).

Studies link antioxidants in nuts like walnuts, pecans, and almonds to lower levels of oxidative cell damage (14, 15, 16).

Due to their similar antioxidant profile, cashews may be expected to offer similar oxidation-fighting benefits. This may be particularly true of roasted cashews, which appear to have an increased antioxidant activity compared with their raw counterparts (17).

That said, the number of cashew-specific studies are limited and more research is needed before strong conclusions can be made (17).

Cashews are rich in carotenoids and polyphenols, two categories of antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and offer protection from disease. However, more cashew-specific research is needed.

Nuts are rich in calories and fat. Hence, people wishing to lose weight have traditionally been advised to limit the amount of nuts in their diet.

However, research is starting to link nut-rich diets to greater weight loss and overall lower body weights than nut-free diets (18, 19).

This may in part be explained by the fact that cashews appear to provide the body with fewer calories than once thought.

According to the FoodData Central database of the Unites States Department of Agriculture (USDA), cashews provide 157 calories per 1-ounce (28-gram) serving (1).

However, recent research suggests that the human body may only digest and absorb around 84% of these calories. This is likely because a portion of the fat they contain remains trapped within the cashews fibrous wall rather than being absorbed during digestion (20).

On the other hand, roasting or grinding nuts may increase your bodys ability to fully digest them, thereby increasing the number of calories absorbed (20, 21).

As a result, weight loss benefits may be strongest for whole, raw cashews, although more research is needed to confirm this. And you may be sacrificing the antioxidant benefit that comes with roasting cashews.

In addition to providing fewer calories than expected, nuts are also rich in protein and fiber, which are known to reduce hunger and promote feelings of fullness, both of which can further promote weight loss (22, 23, 24).

Cashews appear to provide fewer calories than once thought. Their rich fiber and protein content can help reduce hunger and increase feeling full. Put together, all of these factors may help you lose excess weight.

Diets rich in nuts, including cashews, have been consistently linked to a lower risk of disease, such as stroke and heart disease (25, 26, 27).

A few studies have focused on the specific heart health benefits of cashews.

One found that people with type 2 diabetes who consumed 10% of their daily calories from cashews had lower LDL (bad) cholesterol to HDL (good) cholesterol ratios than those who ate no cashews at all (28).

A low LDL to HDL ratio is typically viewed as a marker of good heart health (29).

Two other studies link cashew nut consumption to higher HDL cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure, as well as lowering total and LDL cholesterol levels (30, 31).

However, a recent review shows conflicting results. One of the included studies suggests that regular intake of cashews may lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels. However, it finds no effect on total, LDL, or HDL cholesterol levels (32).

Similarly, another review failed to find any significant changes in cholesterol or triglyceride levels following the consumption of 13.8 ounces (28108 grams) of cashews per day for 412 weeks (33).

Researchers suggest that these inconsistent results may be due to the limited number of studies and their small participant sizes. They conclude that although cashews are just as likely to benefit heart health as other nuts, more research is needed to confirm this.

There also may be differences based on whether participants in these studies replaced more unhealthy snacks with cashews or just added cashews to their current eating patterns.

Nut-rich diets are consistently shown to be beneficial to heart health. Cashews appear to offer some benefits to lower blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol. However, more studies are needed before strong conclusions can be made.

People with type 2 diabetes may benefit from adding cashews to their diet.

Thats in part because cashews are a good source of fiber, a nutrient that helps prevent blood sugar spikes and which is believed to offer protection against type 2 diabetes (34, 35).

Studies looking at the effects of cashews on blood sugar levels are limited.

However, in one study, people with type 2 diabetes who ate 10% of their daily calories from cashews had overall lower insulin levels a marker of blood sugar control than those who ate no cashews at all (28).

Moreover, cashews only contain 8 grams of net carbs per portion, of which less than 2 grams come from sugars.

Net carbs refer to the total amount of carbs in a food, minus the amount of fiber it contains providing a value for the net amount of carbs that your body can actually absorb.

Substituting foods higher in net carbs and sugar with cashews is likely to help reduce blood sugar levels (11).

That said, more research is needed to examine the effects of cashew-rich diets in people with type 2 diabetes.

Cashews are low in sugar and rich in fiber two factors which, when combined, may help reduce blood sugar levels and protect against the development of type 2 diabetes. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.

Cashews are very easy to add to your diet.

They can be eaten raw or roasted, and make for an easy portable snack.

Whole or ground cashews can also be incorporated into a variety of dishes, ranging from scrambled tofu and stir fries, to soup, salads, and stews.

Cashew butter is another way to add cashews to your diet. Spread it on toast or stir it into yogurt or oatmeal. You can also process cashew butter together with oats and your favorite dried fruit to make homemade, bake-free energy balls.

Cashews can also be soaked and blended together with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to make your own dairy-free sour cream or cream cheese. Use these to add flavor to meals or make dairy-free versions of your favorite desserts.

Just keep in mind that some roasted and salted cashews can contain significant amounts of added oils and salt. If your goal is to limit excess salt or added fats, consider choosing dry roasted or raw unsalted cashew varieties whenever possible (36).

Cashews are a versatile addition to any diet. Eat them on their own, add them to your favorite dishes, or use them to make cashew-based sauces and desserts. Choose dry roasted or raw unsalted varieties whenever possible.

Cashews are generally a safe addition to most peoples diets.

Keep in mind that roasted or salted cashews can contain high levels of added oils or salt. For this reason, it may be best to opt for unsalted dry roasted or raw varieties instead.

Some research suggests that roasted cashews may contain higher levels of health-promoting antioxidants than raw cashews. Consider roasting raw cashews yourself at home without extra oils (17).

To do so, simply spread your raw cashews in one layer on a baking tray. Then, dry roast them at 350F (188C) on the middle rack of your oven for 815 minutes. Remember to stir the cashews in 35-minute intervals to avoid burning.

Alternatively, toss your cashews in a skillet over medium heat for 35 minutes, or until the cashews become slightly brown.

Moreover, cashews contain phytates which can make it more difficult for your body to absorb the vitamins and minerals they contain. Soaking your nuts overnight before adding them to dishes will help reduce their phytate content and improve their digestibility (37).

Finally, cashews are classified as tree nuts. Therefore, people allergic to tree nuts, such as almonds, Brazil nuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, or hazelnuts, may have a higher risk of also being allergic to cashews.

Cashews are generally considered safe. For most benefits, consider purchasing raw, unsalted cashews and soaking them before eating, whenever possible. Dry roasting cashews improves the antioxidant activity.

Cashews are rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. They also contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, and health-protective beneficial plant compounds.

Similarly to nuts, cashews may promote weight loss, blood sugar control, and heart health. However, theres less research on cashews than on other nuts. Therefore, more cashew-specific studies are needed to confirm these benefits.

That said, there are little downsides to adding more cashews to your diet. Just remember to pick unsalted dry roasted or raw varieties whenever possible.

Shop for raw, unsalted cashews online.

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Are Cashews Good for You? Nutrition, Benefits, and Downsides - Healthline

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