Tangerines’ Tangible Gifts T
angerines are sweet, affordable and in season, and now there’s another reason to stock up on this juicy fruit. Researchers from the University of Western On- tario have discovered that a tangerine flavonoid, nobiletin, appears to help prevent obesity and protect against Type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis, the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes.
When the researchers fed mice a “Western” diet high in fats and simple sugars, they became obese, showing all the signs associated with metabolic syndrome: elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, high blood levels of insulin and glucose, and fatty livers. A second group of mice—fed the same unhealthy diet, but with nobiletin added—experienced no symptoms of metabolic syndrome and gained weight normally. Ingesting nobi- letin also prevented the buildup of fat in the liver by stimulating genes that help burn excess body fat, while inhibiting genes responsible for manufacturing it.
ood containing synthetic fats—which taste like natural fats, but with fewer calories—may sound enticing to dieters. However, fat substitutes used in low-calorie potato chips and other processed foods could instead backfire and contribute to weight gain and obesity. Findings by Purdue University scientists published online in the American Psychological Association’s journal, Behavioral Neurosci- ence, challenges marketing claims that foods made with fat substitutes help with weight loss. Apparently, the hitch is that synthetic fats can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate food intake, leading to inefficient use of calories and weight gain.
F
The Power of Good Posture M
other’s warnings against slouching were correct. Recent re- search proves that poor posture not only makes a bad impres- sion, it can make us feel physically weaker. The study, published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, explored the re- lationship of posture and pain tolerance and found that by simply adopting more dominant poses, individuals can feel more power- ful, in control and better able to tolerate distress. More, those studied using the most dominant posture were able to comfort- ably tolerate more pain than others assigned a more neutral or submissive stance.
People tend to curl up into a ball when in pain, but the Uni- versity of Southern California researchers recommend doing the opposite—try sitting or standing up straight, lifting the chin, push- ing out the chest and generally expanding the body shape. They suggest that these small, yet empowering, changes in behavior can decrease sensitivity to pain. Adopting a powerful posture may even affect the body’s hormone levels, boosting testosterone, which is associated with increased pain tolerance, and decreasing cortisol, typically released in response to stress.
natural awakenings January 2012 21
THE HEAVY SECRET OF FAKE FATS
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