Scientists say 11am is perfect time for coffee break

If you are among those who desperately need a midmorning coffee break, then go for it at 11 a.m., as scientists claim a formula they have devised proves that 'elevenses' is the best time to drink your brew.

The Oxford University research also shows that a tasty Americano is not the only requirement -- lights, music, aroma and good company need to be added to the mix. The experts developed the formula (M = 0.5 x F + (0.5 x E + 0.3 x P + 0.15 x C + 0.05 x T) by combining various factors such as great flavour (F) with the perfect environment (E), the container it comes in (P), who you drink coffee with (C) and the time of day you enjoy your coffee break (T) to create the most enjoyable coffee moment (M).

After applying this formula, the scientists found 11 a.m. is the best time to have a coffee bream, in a well-lit room with friends and nice music in the background, the 'Daily Mail' reported.
Prof Charles Spence, from the Department of Experimental Psychology at Oxford University, who led the research, said: "The formula describes how to create the perfect coffee moment at home or at work. We have known for some time that our taste buds are a vital part of the taste experience.

"However, we can now pinpoint the exact sensory conditions required to enjoy coffee, or any other food and drink." According to the researchers, 11 a.m. is the best time to have a coffee break as this is the time when the average person's palate is at the height of its powers.
They also suggested for soothing background music at the venue which should be a well-lit room or outside in the sun. About the aroma, they said it should be strong as 80 per cent of the flavour of food or drink comes from the nose and not the tongue.

So far as the company is concerned, they reasoned that the anticipation of meeting up with friends increases your enjoyment and the sensation of a warm drink makes your brain see the people around you in a more favourable light.
Spence's formula, published in a report called 'Changing Tastes', highlighted how external, environmental influences also affect our brain's interpretation of taste and enjoyment of food and drink.

Kevin Gould, a British food futurologist said: "Prof Spence's research report proves the importance of all the senses in the enjoyment of food and drink."Aroma is a vital ingredient to make the most of your coffee break." 

Source: Indian Express

One egg a day can help you lose weight: Study

We all know that egg is one of the most nutrient-dense foods, but now a new study claims eating one egg daily can help fight obesity.

The British study, which analysed 71 research papers on the nutritional composition of eggs and their role in diet, found that eggs are packed with vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium and choline that could also play a significant role in dieting and weight loss.
According to the researchers, a medium-sized egg has fewer than 80 calories and provides more than 20 per cent of the recommended daily allowance.
Dr Carrie Ruxton, an independent dietitian and lead author of the report, said: "There are clear nutritional benefits to eating eggs on a regular basis. Emerging evidence suggests that eggs may be beneficial for satiety, weight control and eye health.
"With previous limits on egg consumption lifted, most people would benefit from a return to the days of going to work on an egg."

The study confirmed that eggs contain the richest mix of essential amino acids -- crucial for children, adolescents and young adults since a balance of them is required for proper growth and repair, the Daily Mail reported.
It also claimed that the high levels of antioxidants found in eggs could even help prevent age-related muscular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness.
The research team highlighted data from studies in the US which found that people who ate eggs had higher intakes of nearly all nutrients compared with non-egg eaters.
Low levels of vitamin D have been linked with a host of medical conditions including poor bone health, cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, immune disorders and mental health problems.

The study, which will appear in the June issue of journal Nutrition and Food Science, identified specific groups which could benefit from eating more eggs, including the young, heavy meat-eaters and those who shun milk.
Dr Ruxton added: "The health benefits of eggs would appear to be so great that it's perhaps no exaggeration to call them a superfood -- they are one of the most nutrient-dense foods available.
"Eggs are not only low in calories but are packed with nutrients that are essential to healthy living. They are an ideal food at every stage of life, as well as being easy to cook and enjoyable to eat."
Source: Indian Express

An apple a day boosts the immune system

Soluble fiber—found in oats, apples, and nuts— reduces the inflammation associated with obesity-related diseases and strengthens the immune system, a new University of Illinois study suggests.

"Soluble fiber changes the personality of immune cells -- they go from being pro-inflammatory, angry cells to anti-inflammatory, healing cells that help us recover faster from infection," said Gregory Freund, a professor in the U of I's College of Medicine and a faculty member in the College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences'' Division of Nutritional Sciences.
This happens because soluble fiber causes increased production of an anti-inflammatory protein called interleukin-4, he said.
The study will appear in the May 2010 issue of Brain, Behavior, and Immunity.
In the experiment, laboratory mice consumed low-fat diets that were identical except that they contained either soluble or insoluble fiber. After six weeks on the diet, the animals had distinctly different responses when the scientists induced illness by introducing a substance (lipopolysaccharide) that causes the body to mimic a bacterial infection.
"Two hours after lipopolysaccharide injection, the mice fed soluble fiber were only half as sick as the other group, and they recovered 50 percent sooner. And the differences between the groups continued to be pronounced all the way out to 24 hours," said Christina Sherry, who also worked on the study.
"In only six weeks, these animals had profound, positive changes in their immune systems," she said.
Source: Indian Express

Apple: Stock up on the super fruit

Can an apple a day keep the doctor away? Well, the apple is indeed a storehouse of vitamins and minerals. Its consumption has been associated with the reduced risk of cancer particularly lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, asthma and type 2 diabetes. There are 7,000 varieties of apple and all have varying contents of vitamin C and vitamin E—powerful antioxidants that boost immunity and slow ageing.

A crucial element in apples is pectin, a soluble fibre that helps lower cholesterol, bind toxic metals such as mercury and lead, and excrete them out of the body. Cooked apples help relieve diarrhoea, dysentery and colitis. One large apple a day has been shown to reduce serum cholesterol levels by eight to 11 per cent. Pectin in apples supplies galacturonic acid to the body which lowers the body's need for insulin and helps manage diabetes. Pectin's gelling property helps in making apple jams and jellies.

Apples and apple juice are rich in phytochemicals (plant chemicals) including flavanoids and polyphenols. Polyphenols such as tannins (tannic acid) are potent enemies of viruses like the herpes simplex virus that causes blisters on the skin and sores around the mouth or genitals. Tannins have anti-oxidant properties, which help in cancer prevention. A recent study reported that the risk of colorectal cancer was reduced by about 50 per cent on intake of more than one apple a day. Tannins are also astringent, which may be why cooked apples help in diarrheoa management.
Quercetin, a flavanoid present in high concentration in apples, has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, cholesterol-lowering and anti-cancer properties. A recent study reported that combined apple pectins and polyphenols lowered cholesterol and triglycerides by a much greater extent than either apple pectin or polyphenols.

Two polyphenols -- phloridzin and phloretin xyloglucoside -- in apples have, till date, not been found in any other fruit. Not only are apples exceptionally rich in phenols, they also have the highest concentration of "free phenols", which means they are more available for absorption into the blood stream. The antioxidant capacity of one apple is equivalent to about 1,500 mg of vitamin C (although one apple has only about five mg of vitamin C).
Apple peels have more antioxidant compounds, especially polyphenols and vitamin C, than the flesh. A peel provides two to six times (depending on the variety) more phenolic compounds than the flesh, and about two to three times more flavanoids.
It has also been reported that people with the highest consumption of apples had a lower risk of thrombotic stoke compared to the ones with the lowest consumption. Apple consumption has been inversely linked with asthma and has also been positively associated with pulmonary health.

Apart from being rich in nutrients, they are also a great bonus for weight watchers and diabetics. With a low glycemic index (which means the carbohydrates break down slowly and release glucose gradually into the blood), apples dampen appetite, keep you going for longer, are low in calories and help maintain blood sugar levels.
Apple cider vinegar, made by fermenting apple juice, has been used by naturopaths for curing hyper acidity, asthma, arthritis, sinustis and improving absorption of nutrients like calcium.
Malic and tartaric acid present in the apple regulate stomach acidity and help in digestion of protein and fat. Concentration of malic acid in apples is especially high, which accounts for it often being called "apple acid." Because of its role in cellular energy production, malic acid may help individuals suffering from chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia (muscle and connective tissue pain).
No doubt, apples with their high antioxidant properties, fibre content, low glycemic index and hytochemicals, have been recognised as superfoods.
Source: Ishi Khosla/Indian Express

Antioxidant effects of almonds

A daily intake of almonds could significantly decrease levels of two biomarkers for oxidative stress in people with high cholesterol, according to a study by scientists at Tufts University in Boston, Mass.

Coauthor Jeffrey Blumberg and colleagues found that almonds successfully lowered plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and urinary isoprostanes levels in a group of 27 male and female volunteers with elevated cholesterol.
Blumberg is the director of the Antioxidants Research Laboratory at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts
The researchers analysed blood and urine samples from the subjects who had consumed three different dietary treatments, consisting of the same amount of calories each, for one month.
The study was a crossover, randomised clinical trial, so each subject received each treatment in random order.
Treatments consisted of a "full dose" of almonds, defined as 73 grams daily (about 2.5 ounces), a "half-dose" of almonds plus a half-dose of muffins, and a full-dose of muffins as a control.

The subjects consumed a low-fat background diet and were counseled on strategies to maintain weight and to consistently follow their usual exercise routines throughout each test phase.
The researchers wanted to investigate possible antioxidant effects from eating almonds.
The team found that when the volunteers ate the full dose of almonds, their concentration of two biomarkers of oxidative stress--plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and urinary isoprostanes--were significantly lowered.
MDA decreased by nearly 19 percent compared to the start of the study in the full-dose almond group.
Isoprostane decreased by 27 percent in both the almond groups when compared to the control period, suggesting a possible threshold effect for that biomarker.
While the study helps to show the antioxidant benefit of eating almonds, further research is needed to shed light on the individual contributions of vitamin E and polyphenolic constituents, such as flavonoids, found in almonds and other tree nuts.
Source: Indian Express

Papaya power

Papaya, a fruit native to tropical America, is unrivaled by any other fruit except the mango for its beta-carotene content. This is the plant form of vitamin A. Beta-carotene is a special vitamin which gives papaya its orange colour and has powerful antioxidant properties.

It helps in preventing damage by free radicals which might other wise lead to some forms of cancer, heart disease, cataract and premature ageing. Eating papaya can also help prevent blindness caused by a deficiency in vitamin A. (This is the most common cause of blindness in India.) However, if eaten in excess, it can cause the yellowing of palms and skin known as carotenemia. Raw papaya contains no beta- carotene. Half a medium-sized fruit will provide an adult's daily requirement of vitamin C as well as supply small amounts of calcium and iron. Raw papaya contains large amounts of vitamin C.
The fruit is also known to have laxative properties because of its mucilageneous fibre. Contrary to popular belief, pregnant women need not avoid papaya for the fear of miscarriages. Rather it is a unique, wholesome and easily digestible fruit. What's more is that papaya is an excellent choice for those suffering from digestive ailments, dyspeptic patients and convalescing individuals. Being low on calories, high on fibre and water content, as well as high on nutrition, it makes for wholesome eating with high satiety for weight watchers.

Raw papaya is a rich source of papain which is plant pepsin (an enzyme produced in animals to digest protein). Papain is capable of digesting protein in acid, alkaline or neutral mediums while animal pepsin requires an acidic medium. Because of this property, raw papaya is used to tenderise meats and is widely used by the food industry as a tenderiser. In some preliminary research, patients with coeliac disease, who could not digest wheat protein (gluten), have had benefits when treated with papain. However, many more clinical trials would be needed to justify its use in coeliac disease.
Papain also exhibits pain relieving properties, and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its medical use in spinal injections in order to ease the discomfort of slipped discs. Juice of green, raw papaya is also used externally to improve complexion and treat skin blemishes. Some studies also suggest anti-candida effects (fungal infection) and anti-bacterial effects. These may aid the treatment of a candida infection and in wound healing and ulcer treatment. A recent study published in Journal of Medicinal Food found that papain has anti-ulcer properties too. The papain extracts significantly reduced the ulcer index in the experimental model.

Scientists have found that the black seeds of papaya contain, in traces, a toxic substance called carpine. Carpine in large quantities is said to lower the pulse rate and depress the nervous system. The substance is found only in papaya seeds and that too in very small quantities. Fortunately though, the fleshy part of the fruit is completely free from this toxic substance.
Some varieties remain green when ripe, but most turn deep yellow or orange. When buying, choose uniformly yellow fruit with a delicate scent. Papaya is excellent when fresh, in fruit salads, smoothies or served with ice cream. Papaya is also enjoyable when finely chopped and served with chopped fresh chilies in a salsa dip.
Source: Ishi Khosla/Indian Express

Healthy foods for a beautiful you

Every one of us wants to look beautiful. On our quest to look beautiful we try out whatever lotions and creams we can lay our hands on at the supermarket. And when it comes to weight loss we diet, exercise or sometimes go for cellulite creams. Along with these techniques, there are also a lot of foods that can make you healthier, beautiful and confident.

Avocado (L) and Almonds (R)

Almonds
The wonders of almonds are many. The plus factor being the high amount of Vitamin B complex which plays a significant role in skin cell restoration. If eaten in small handfuls every afternoon, almonds in the long run will help lessen premature wrinkling. Almonds are also known to be good for the hair.
Avocado
The fruit is packed with mono-unsaturated fats and eating the fruit once or twice a week will help improve your skin tone.

Brocolli (L) and Asparagus (R)

Broccoli and spinach
Both the vegetables have high Vitamin C content. It has been found that Vitamin C prevents age spots caused by clumping of pigments and red lines caused by damaged capillaries.
Asparagus
The wonder vegetable has very high levels of Vitamin E which plays a major role in skin cell restoration. Consumption of asparagus helps make your skin more firm and clears blemishes on it.

(L-R) Tuna, Eggs and Salmon

Salmon and tuna
Both the fish are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which bring about a reduction in the level of triglycerides and thereby increase the amount of good (or HDL) cholesterol in the body. These fish are also rich in Vitamin D which is a great tonic for the skin.
Eggs
Eggs are good for the eye because the carotenoid content in them lessen chances of cataract and macular degeneration that leads to blindness. The sulphur, mineral and vitamin content in eggs makes play a significant role in improving the health of hair as well as well as nails.

Papaya (L) and Carrots (R)

Carrots
Carrots have constituents like carbohydrates, protein, fat, calcium, iron, fibre, vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, K, biotin, potassium and thiamine which together provide the body important enzymes, vitamins and minerals. Carrots also contain beta carotene that slows down the process of ageing.
Papaya
The papain in papaya is known to promote skin cell restoration and skin renewal which is why papaya is often used as a skin softener. Papain also plays a big role in skin whitening. Papaya is also a good moisturizer, it has vitamins A, C and E and also amounts of anti-oxidants that provide moisture to the skin. Like in carrots, the beta-carotene helps in thwarting early ageing.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera
The most popular among all beauty foods, this magic herb contains adequate amounts of amino acids (20 of them), calcium, sodium, magnesium, enzymes, vitamins, nitrogen and more. Capsules of aloe vera help among other things in blood circulation which in turn boost s the appearance of the skin.
While most of the above information has been collated from authentic sources, we recommend you take a second opinion from a dietician.
Source: India Syndicate