Artificial sweeteners have gone from diet darlings — touted for allowing people to get a hit of sweetness without the calories of sugar — to a more maligned ingredient, as evidence mounts suggesting a complicated net effect on calorie consumption. Now, a new study done in fruit flies and mice offers insights into how zero-calorie sweeteners may actually increase appetite. Previous studies in both humans and animals have suggested that artificial sweeteners might promote weight gain, but that research is controversial, said Greg Neely, an associate professor of genomics at the University of … [Read more...] about Souring on Artificial Sweeteners: Substances May Boost Appetite

Anyone who still needs motivation to move more may find it in a new study showing that, in addition to its other health benefits, exercise appears to substantially reduce the risk of developing 13 different varieties of cancer. That is far more types than scientists previously thought might be impacted by exercise. The comprehensive study also suggests that the potential cancer-fighting benefits of exercise seem to hold true even if someone is overweight. The idea that exercise might change someone’s susceptibility to cancer is, of course, not new. Many studies have found that people who are … [Read more...] about Exercise Tied to Lower Risk for 13 Types of Cancer

Sufficient dietary levels of the mineral nutrient magnesium might be a boon to good blood pressure, new research suggests. "Magnesium dilates arteries, and in doing so lowers the blood pressure," explained Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, a cardiologist who reviewed the new findings. "Foods high in magnesium include whole grains, beans, nuts and green leafy vegetables," she added. The new study was led by Dr. Yiqing Song, associate professor of epidemiology at Indiana University's School of Public Health. According to the researchers, past studies that focused on the role of magnesium in … [Read more...] about Dietary Mineral Could Be One Key to Blood Pressure Control