The Fattening Secret of Fructose R
eading labels reveals that many foods and beverages—even so-called healthy ones—contain fructose, often in the form of high-fructose corn syrup, as a sweetener. Health experts have long suspected that fructose is a factor in the nationwide obesity and diabetes epidemic, and new research from the Oregon Health & Science University supports the connection. Researchers gave nine normal-weight study participants separate infusions of fructose and glucose (simple sugars) and then used magnetic resonance imaging to observe brain reactions. Glucose activat- ed areas of the brain associated with regulating food intake and satiety—its “reward circuitry”—while fructose inhibited brain response in those areas. The study concludes that this important difference may explain why fructose consumption, which deactivates the brain’s normal satiation response, appears to increase obesity and diabetes.
Outdoor Workouts Trump the Gym W
hen deciding whether to run on a treadmill in the gym of jog in a nearby park, opt for the park, sug-
gests a recent study published in the research journal, Environmental Science & Technology. The study authors—a team at the Peninsula Col- lege of Medicine and Dentistry—say exercising out- doors not only appears to promote physical health, but boosts mental well-being, as well. The team analyzed data from a number of sources, including 11 randomized and non-randomized control trials incorporating information from 833 adults. The study found that exercising in natural environments decreased feelings of tension, confusion, anger and depression, while increasing feelings of revitaliza- tion, increased energy and positive engagement. Study participants that exercised outdoors also reported greater enjoyment and satisfaction and stated that they were more likely to repeat their exercise activity.
CRUCIFEROUS CANCER FIGHTERS A
ccording to a new report in the American Chemical Society’s Jour- nal of Medicinal Chemistry, scientists have discovered how broccoli, cauli- flower, watercress and other cruciferous vegetables help stunt cancer growth. The vegetables contain substances called iso- thiocyanates (ITCs) that appear to target and block a defective p53 gene associat- ed with cancer. Healthy p53 genes act as tumor suppressors and prevent cells from starting the abnormal growth that is a hallmark of cancer. The mutated genes—
which occur in half of all human cancers—do not offer that protection. ITCs appear to work by removing defective p53 genes while preserving normal, protective ones. Researchers believe the substances support the advice of moms throughout the ages: Eat your vegetables.
natural awakenings August 2011 9
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