Health Capsules

Protein bars can make you fat

A new study has found that some protein bars may contain similar levels of fat as a hamburger. Protein bars can be good for a quick fix, if eaten in moderation, otherwise these can end up doing more harm than good, reports the Daily Star Online. Experts from the London Doctors Clinic said that the protein bars are filled with preservatives, artificial colours and sweeteners, thickeners and even oils and fats which can contribute to high cholesterol, despite the muscle benefits a person may gain. If a person is just consuming protein bars as main source of food then he/she will inevitably gain weight. Experts checked the fat, protein, carbohydrate and sugar content in around 50 popular bars. The findings indicated that the worst offender had the same fat content as a hamburger. An expert said that though these bars can provide the level of protein needed for building and repairing muscles, these often lack a lot of the essential amino acids needed for muscle building. According to nutritionists, daily intake of protein is 0.8 gm per kg of body weight — which amounts to 56 gm per day for average man or 46 gm for the average woman. 

Red meat may raise cancer risk 

Before buying red meat, you may want to take a complete look at the entire animal. A study has recently warned that consuming processed meat may increase the risk of developing cancer. Cancer Research UK has acknowledged a correlation between processed and red meats and cancer. According to experts, the only way to be certain that it hasn't been affected by tumours is by taking a look at the entire animal before it's cut up because consuming diseased product may increase your risk of developing cancer, reports Daily star online. An expert from the University of Oxford spoke "about the probable link between red and processed meat and bowel cancer, backed by substantial evidence." They warned that even if you are buying it from a supermarket, then also there is no certainty that cancer has been chopped out by butchers. Cancer Research UK and the International Agency for Research on Cancer classify processed meats, including bacon and sausages, as "causes of cancer". The team’s advice — reduce excessive intake.

Exercise slows Parkinson's  

It is known that vigorous exercise on a treadmill slows down the progression of Parkinson's disease. Now experts explain the molecular reason behind it. In a progressive, age-related mouse model of Parkinson's, researchers showed that exercise on a running wheel could stop the accumulation of the neuronal protein alpha-synuclein in brain cells. The researchers said clumps of alpha-synuclein are believed to play a central role in the brain cell death associated with Parkinson's disease. The research team found that in the running mice, exercise increased brain and muscle expression of a key protective gene called DJ-1. Those rare humans born with a mutation in their DJ-1 gene are guaranteed to get severe Parkinson's at a young age. The results indicate that exercise may slow the progression of Parkinson's disease by turning on the protective gene DJ-1 and thereby preventing abnormal protein accumulation in brain. The research has been published in the journal PLOS ONE.  

Sugary drinks linked to obesity 

An analysis of new studies including 250,000 people has confirmed that sugar-sweetened drinks are linked to overweight and obesity in children and adults. A new review of the latest evidence on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), which includes 30 new studies, published between 2013 and 2015 (and none of these industry sponsored), has brought in such conclusion. "The evidence base linking SSBs with obesity and overweight in children and adults has grown substantially in the past three years," said an expert. He said, "Associations between SSBs and body weight measures might be affected by other diet and lifestyle factors, but most studies adjusted for the possible factors including several nutrition and lifestyle factors, and a positive association between SSB consumption and overweight/obesity was found. This suggests an independent effect of SSBs." The review has been published in the journal Obesity Facts. — Agencies