SINGlE KISS TRANSFERS 80 M BUGS
A new study has shown that a single intimate kiss can transfer 80 million bacteria between partners. The research on 21 couples studied responses on the kissing behaviour and then investigated the composition of their oral microbiota on the tongue and in their saliva. The results showed on an average, lingering kiss at least nine times a day led to couples having shared salivary microbiota. The first kiss acted as a “mate-assessment function” and the ones which followed maintain feelings of attachment in long-term relationships. lead author Remco Kort said current explanations for the function of intimate kissing, involving full tongue contact and saliva exchange, include an important role for the microbiota present in the oral cavity.
HEAlTHY DIET PROTECTS YOUR KIDNEY
Two new studies have claimed that keeping a healthy diet may help protect the kidneys. Andrew Smyth, MD at National University of Ireland Galway and his colleagues analyzed questionnaires completed by 544,635 participants of the National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study that assessed diet quality, as well as sodium and potassium intake. A higher-quality diet, as measured using 3 different scoring systems for dietary qualities known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, was associated with a 16 percent to 23 percent reduced risk of needing dialysis or dying from kidney problems. Higher-quality diets included those high in fruits, vegetables, and unsaturated fats.
COFFEE COUlD HAlT YOUR WEIGHT GAIN
Drinking coffee can help prevent obesity, scientists claim. A new study has identified a chemical compound in coffee which helps prevent some of the damaging effects of being overweight. Cholorgenic acid, or CGA, significantly reduced insulin resistance and the accumulation of fat in the livers of mice. The rodents were put on a high-fat diet for 15 weeks, during which scientists at the University of Georgia injected them with a CGA solution twice a week.They discovered CGA was not only effective in preventing weight gain, it also helped maintain normal blood sugar levels and a healthy liver. Dr Yongjie Ma from the university’s College of Pharmacy, said: ‘Studies have shown that coffee consumption may lower the risk for chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.