Eat yogurt to cut diabetes risk

Eating low-fat yogurt and cottage-cheese could reduce the risk of developing diabetes mellitus by one-third, a study has suggested in Diabetologia.                                                                          

The study has assessed 4000 UK people between 45 and 74 years of age, including 753 type-2 diabetics. When compared to non-eaters, people who consumed large amounts of low-fat yogurt, fromage frais and cottage cheese were less likely to develop type-2 diabetes by 28%.

Although the study could not prove the causal link, the association between the factors was strong.

Blue light improves mental alertness

A recent study published in the journal Sleep has suggested that blue light exposure could improve mental alertness and performance.

Researchers at Brigham’s Women Hospital have developed specialized light equipment with short wavelength (blue light). The effects of blue light were compared with the effects of green light. The researchers have observed that exposure to blue light during the daytime may increase the alertness and mental performance. The study involved 16 participants who were exposed to both lights over 6.5 days, every day. The mental alertness rate, reaction time and brain activity patterns were assessed. 

When compared to green light exposed participants, quicker reaction time, fewer attention lapses, fatigue, increased alertness and optimal brain activity patterns were observed in the blue light exposed individuals.

Natural light is ideal for human health; however, controlled lighting settings including schools and work place may affect the daylight access and natural exposure to sunlight. 

Too much salt intake increase obesity and inflammation risks

Too much salt intake increase obesity and inflammatory diseases risks in the adolescents, a study published in the journal Pediatrics has suggested. Consumption of sodium (salt) more than the recommended daily allowance may increase body fat deposition and inflammation. Chronic inflammation contributes to several diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus and other autoimmune disorders by release of immuno-modulatory factors.                                                                   

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables over processed foods and reducing diet salt could prevent these problems. Weight loss could be achieved by reducing the salt intake which control calorie intake and burning mechanisms.

Increased food consumption, particularly processed foods is associated with more sodium intake that increases obesity risk, the researchers concluded.