Spinach can curb your food cravings
A compound extracted from spinach can reduce food cravings by encouraging the release of satiety hormones and slowing down fat digestion, especially in men, a new study has claimed. The study examined how consuming the concentrated extract of thylakoids found in spinach can reduce hunger and cravings. Thylakoids encourage the release of satiety hormones, which is very beneficial in slowing down fat digestion. The study examined the effect of consuming a single dose of concentrated extract of thylakoids from spinach on satiety, food intake, lipids, and glucose compared to a placebo. Sixty people classified as overweight or obese were made to consume either the spinach extract or a placebo at least a week apart. Using blood samples, their lipid and glucose levels were measured before a normal breakfast, followed by a dose of the extract and standard lunch four hours later. After another four hours, pizza was served, and throughout the interval, various blood tests and responses were gathered.
New therapy against cancer
An innovative immunological therapy that attacks carcinogenic cells in humans by increasing the body’s anti-tumour response was presented in Santiago city in Chile. The therapy is in the pre-clinical stage and its creator, Claudio Acuna, a researcher at the University of Santiago, has said the therapy will soon be patented in the US, Xinhua news agency reported. Acuna said the aim “is to generate a vaccine for people who already are showing signs of cancer which will allow them to improve their immunological response against tumours. We do not expect to reverse the cancer but offer an alternative”. “We need to wait for patents approval before progressing to the other stages.”
A pill that can suppress appetite
Australian researchers have revealed an obesity pill which could reduce a person’s calorie intake by 18 per cent. According to the Researchers at the University of Adelaide, concentrated amounts of lauric acid reduces people’s appetite to the point where they consume 10-18 per cent fewer calories in a day, the news.com.au reported. lauric acid is a fatty acid found in coconut oil, beef and breast milk and the researchers found certain strengths of the substance containing 12 carbon atoms affect food consumption. In the study, patients were fed small amounts of lauric acid via a tube from their nose that went straight to their small intestine. later, the patients’ energy intake was compared to a control group who were given a salt infusion. There was a 10 to 15 per cent reduction in calories without any side effects, said lead researcher Prof Christine Feinle-Bisset.