NUTRITION BITES

DIABETIC DEBUNK

New findings contradict previous ideas on sugar’s role in the development of diabetic cataracts. The current hypothesis suggests that high blood sugar precedes cataract development – the clouding of the lens of the eye. However, using an animal model that more closely recapitulates type 2 diabetes in humans, the research team at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston found early signs of damage in the eye before the onset of type 2 diabetes, suggesting that diabetic complications may start during the pre-diabetic state.

TOO HARD TO STOP

Hyperpalatable foods can influence calorie intake within your meal, according to University of Kansas and US National Institutes of Health researchers. Hyperpalatable foods, such as potato chips, often have combinations of fat, sugar, sodium and carbohydrates that make them tasty to eat but more difficult to stop munching. Along with energy density (calories per gram of food) and how quickly meals were eaten, the study found hyperpalatability influenced the amount of energy consumed across four diet patterns: low-carb, low-fat, a diet based on unprocessed foods and one based on ultra-processed foods.

MILKING THE BENEFITS

Having milk in your coffee can boost its anti-inflammatory effect, say University of Copenhagen scientists. Coffee beans contain polyphenols that reduce oxidative stress in the body. This anti-inflammatory effect is boosted when polyphenols react with amino acids. Previous studies found polyphenols bind to proteins in meat, milk and beer. The Danish study found a positive reaction occurs when milk is added to polyphenol-rich coffee beans.

– Listener staff